Associate ProfessorThomas Newsome

I am an Associate Professor at The University of Sydney. I was a Fulbright Scholar in 2013 and currently hold a courtesy faculty position within the Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society at Oregon State University, and an Affiliate Assistant Professorship within the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences at The University of Washington.

In 2018 I established the Global Ecology Lab at The University of Sydney.

The Global Ecology Lab investigates how human activities shape patterns of animal ecology and biodiversity, aiming to develop solutions that foster better ecological outcomes.

Exploring pathways and opportunities to strengthen Earth’s ecological integrity.

Our research address two key human-animal dimensions: how humans alter terrestrial food web dynamics, and how environmental change-including climate change-affects species persistence. We translate science into impact through species reintroductions, habitat restoration, invasive species management, and strategies to reduce human-wildlife conflict.

Our work also connects people with nature through education, outreach, and active community engagement. We partner closely with Indigenous communities, recognising the importance of co-developing projects grounded in respect, knowledge-sharing, and long-term collaboration.

I am always keen to collaborate with researchers and students who have similar interests and goals.

Current Projects

• Rewilding: multiple projects in forest and urban areas exploring the options, benefits and ecosystem impacts of rewilding initiatives (current projects with Invasive Species Council, NSW National Parks, Northern Sydney Councils, Taronga Zoo, and Greater Sydney Local Land Services)
• ProjectOzScav: evaluating the ecosystem effects of carrion and scavengers in Australia (current projects with with NSW National Parks, ACT Government)
• Washington Predator Prey Project (with the Predator Ecology Lab at The University of Washington, USA)
• Trophic cascades and global extinction risk (with the Global Trophic Cascades Program at Oregon State University, USA)
• Long term ecological monitoring in the Simpson Desert (with the Desert Ecology Research Group at The University of Sydney, Australia)
• Long term ecological monitoring in the Tanami Desert (with the Central Land Council and Newmont Pty Ltd)