Alumni Reconnect: Nature-positive pathways toward a sustainable future

Saturday 15 August 2026, 10.15am - 3pm

Michael Egan Hall, 1 Central Courtyard, Macquarie University

or Livestreaming available 11am - 12.30pm

This Open Day, we invite you to reconnect with Macquarie University, and join us in our work to open up nature-positive pathways toward a sustainable future. Catch up with old friends, rediscover the campus, and learn about how the Australian Harmony Centre for Ecosystem Futures is transforming the relationship between humanity and nature.  

Become a part of our journey on Saturday 15 August by engaging with our exciting program designed to enlighten, inspire, and challenge all of us to put nature at the centre of everything we do.* 

Speakers

Dr Nathan Ross MVO

Dr Nathan Ross is recognised internationally for his work in building a climate-negative, nature-positive future: he worked as Assistant Private Secretary (Sustainability) to HM King Charles III from 2023-2025, and he now works as the Director of the Sustainable Markets Initiative, Asia-Pacific and Commonwealth, a program launched by the King (as the Prince of Wales) in 2020. Prior to his work with the King, Dr Ross worked for the Aotearoa/New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade as Lead Advisor, Climate Change, and Deputy High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea. His PhD from the Victoria University of Wellington was awarded in 2019 for his thesis examining the human rights implications of climate change relocation on small island states.

Dr Vanessa Pirotta (Panelist)

Dr Vanessa Pirotta is one of Australia’s most renowned wildlife scientists, pioneering innovative technologies to transform wildlife conservation across marine and terrestrial environments. Vanessa leads impactful, cross-generational research that empowers communities through wildlife, including the Tongan Whale Tourism Project in the Kingdom of Tonga and the creation of the Wild Sydney Harbour citizen science program collaborating with First Nations Gamay Rangers to unite Indigenous Knowledge with cutting-edge science. A celebrated author of acclaimed wildlife books for children and adults, a trusted media voice, and an invited MC for the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science, Vanessa stands at the forefront of conservation, communication, and leadership—shaping how science is understood, valued, and used to protect our natural world.

Associate Professor Peter Davies (Moderator)

Peter Davies is a professor of sustainability at Macquarie University. Prior to commencing an academic career in 2012, Peter worked for a number of state government agencies and utilities (Sydney Catchment Authority, NSW EPA, Pacific Power), local councils (Ku-ring-gai Council, Waverley Council, and Gosford City Council), and as an environmental consultant where he held various management and senior management roles for over 20 years. Peter is a member of various government environmental and sustainability advisory committees including the NSW Government’s Independent Water Advisory Panel and is an executive member of the Macquarie University Smart Green Cities Centre, the Centre for Environmental Law, and the Australian Harmony Centre for Ecosystem Futures.

*By choosing to attend the Alumni Reunion Day, you’ll also be registered for and have full access to Macquarie University’s Open Day (10am - 4pm).