Dr Rebecca Pirzl

Dr Rebecca Pirzl leads the Decisions and Strategic Planning Research Group in CSIRO's Environment Business Unit. The Group develops collaborative interdisciplinary opportunities for future-focused decision making in the contexts of climate change and disaster resilience, regional infrastructure and community transitions, Indigenous science partnerships, and foresighting and decisions for nature and people. Delivering CSIRO science capability into national and global contexts, the Group works with more than 25 partners and customers and many more collaborators to advance the integration of disciplinary approaches and create innovative approaches to complex sustainability challenges.

Rebecca has a background in ecology and currently co-leads research to operationalise the concept of nature positive for business. She has a background in digital systems and biodiversity information supply chains and has previously coordinated development of virtual laboratories for biodiversity research and open data platforms, including an eFlora for Australia in collaboration with Australian herbaria. She was instrumental in the establishment of CSIRO's new Indigenous Science and Engagement Program, and led the Predictable Futures initiative which conceptualised a national capability to enhance cooperation across research, policy and operational agencies for foresighting for sustainability.

With experience in research, business and government, Rebecca is an experienced company director, not-for-profit board member and chair of public sector committees. Before joining CSIRO Rebecca ran a niche company delivering research for environmental decisions, green technology R&D and commercialisation, and open data and knowledge translation initiatives for large public and private sector clients. She previously worked in several roles for the Australian Government environment portfolio, including oceans policy, wildlife policy, and joint management at Booderee National Park. Her research outputs have been applied extensively in policy, management and industry decisions.