Scott Heron

My research involves synthesising physical processes with the biological and/or chemical characteristics of the environment in the context of the people who rely upon the environment. I have two primary focus areas:

• Assessing climate vulnerability of heritage – I co-lead the development of the Climate Vulnerability Index (CVI), a tool that rapidly assesses climate vulnerability of World Heritage properties and other areas of significance (cvi-heritage.org). This involves working with the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and its advisory bodies. CVI applications have been undertaken in partnership with various international heritage agencies and with First Nations groups. In 2024, I was appointed as the UNESCO Chair on Climate Change Vulnerability of Natural and Cultural Heritage, hosted by JCU.
• Impacts on marine ecosystems – I investigate impacts on coral reefs, including coral bleaching and disease, reef resilience and conservation management, within the context of climate change. This work continues from my time with the US government's NOAA Coral Reef Watch program, with whom I remain associated.

I also have a keen interest in science communication through creative arts.

In 2020 I was named among Clarivate Plc “Highly Cited Researchers™” and was ranked as #197 on Reuters Hot List 2021 of the world’s top climate scientists, #197. I previously held faculty positions at Penn State and Georgetown Universities.