Rate My Professor Scott Heron

Professor Scott Heron is Professor of Physics at James Cook University, where he also serves as Head of Physics. In 2024 he was appointed UNESCO Chair on Climate Change Vulnerability of Natural and Cultural Heritage. His research synthesises physical processes with biological and chemical characteristics of the environment, with two primary focus areas: assessing climate vulnerability of heritage through the co-development of the Climate Vulnerability Index, a tool used with the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and advisory bodies in partnership with international agencies and First Nations groups; and investigating impacts on marine ecosystems, including coral bleaching, disease, reef resilience and conservation management in the context of climate change. This work builds on his prior association with the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Coral Reef Watch program.

Professor Heron previously held faculty positions as Assistant Professor at Penn State University and Georgetown University. He was named among Clarivate’s Highly Cited Researchers in 2020 and ranked number 197 on the Reuters Hot List 2021 of the world’s top climate scientists. He maintains an interest in science communication through creative arts. Professor Heron has authored or co-authored more than 100 publications, including works on the Climate Vulnerability Index applications, coral bleaching responses, and marine ecosystem resilience. He supervises research students in topics related to climate change and coral reef systems.