Dr Ben Hoffmann

Principal Research Scientist

https://people.csiro.au/H/B/Ben-Hoffmann

PRIVATE BAG NO 44
WINNELLIE NT 0821 AUSTRALIA

Biography

Dr Ben Hoffmann is a Principle Research Scientist with CSIRO Health & Biosecurity in Darwin, Northern Territory. His main research interests are invasion ecology, managing invasive species, and general community ecology especially for sustainable land management (bioindication), with a particular research focus on ants. His current work involves using the latest drone technology to conduct biosecurity operations, developing an ant identification App, developing species-specific genetic solutions (RNAi) for use against invasive ant species, and using metagenomics of coconut rhinoceros beetle Oryctes rhinoceros and the red palm weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus to determine issues and solutions associated with their control. He collaborates with many local and regional organisations to effectively manage invasive ant incursions, especially on Indigenous lands. His current work includes overseeing eradication efforts on Norfolk Island, NE Arnhem Land and numerous locations throughout eastern Australia. Dr Hoffmann has published over 90 scientific papers, 4 book chapters, and written more than 40 reports. His work has been cited more than 3800 times. Dr Hoffmann is an invited member of the IUCN Invasive Species Specialist Group, represents CSIRO on the National Biosecurity Management Consultative Committee, and is on the scientific advisory committees for multiple invasive ant eradication programs. He is an Australian contacts for the Australian-USA Joint Committee Meetings initiatives, and a member of the Pacific Invasives Partnership helping to drive biosecurity initiatives throughout the Pacific.

Professional Areas

Fields of Research

Current

Current Roles

Project Leader
Research underpinning multiple ant eradication programs, technological advancement of biosecurity technologies, metagenomics addressing biosecurity issues.
Team Leader
Leads the biosecurity research team in Darwin
Associate Editor
Associate Editor of Austral Ecology, Ecological Management and Restoration, Bioinvasions Records, Bulletin of Entomological Research and the Northern Territory Naturalist
Representative
Represent CSIRO on numerous Australian biosecurity committees and international initiatives (JCM, PIP, ISSG)

Academic Qualifications

1996

BSc (Hons)
Northern Territory University
2000

PhD
Northern Territory University

Achievements and Awards

2016

Outstanding Collaboration Award
CSIRO
2015

Biodiversity Award
United Nations Association of Australia
2013

Outstanding Team Award
CSIRO
2009

John Phillip Award for the Promotion of Excellence in Young Scientists
CSIRO
2002

Fresh Science Award
National Science Forum
2001

Australian Academy of Science Award
Australian Academy of Science

Community and Corporate Citizenship

2007-ongoing

Christmas Island Scientific Advisory Panel
2007-2011

Scientific Advisory Panel to Brisbane fire ant eradication program
2010-ongoing

invited member, IUCN Invasive Species Specialist Group
2011-ongoing

Associate Editor, Biodiversity and Conservation
2012-ongoing

Associate Editor, Ecological Management and Restoration
2013-ongoing

Associate Editor, Austral Ecology
2013 -ongoing

Associate Editor, Bulletin of Entomological Research
2013-2016

Associate Editor, Journal of Insects
2014-2018

member, Tramp Ant Consultative Committee
2014-ongoing

member, National Biosecurity Management Consultative Committee
2016-ongoing

Dhimurru Advisory Board
2017-ongoing

Associate Editor, Bioinvasion Records
2018-ongoing

member, Scientific Advisory Group to the RIFA program