Homecoming for Dr Nari Williams

Dr Nari Williams (pictured) has joined the Forestry Centre of Excellence at the University of South Australia to lead the Forest Health program.

Dr. Williams is a forest pathologist with expertise in forest biosecurity, disease ecology, and forest health.

Originally from Mount Gambier, she has built her career in Western Australia and New Zealand where she has spent the last 14 years within what is now the New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science.

During this time, Nari led high impact research programs focused on understanding and managing plant pathogens in forest systems.

“It is a pleasure to be back in Mount Gambier and to bring the experience, knowledge, and connections I’ve gained interstate and overseas home,” she said. “In a changing climate and environment of global trade, forest health and biosecurity are critical issues in ensuring the ongoing sustainability of the Green Triangle’s forestry assets and allied forestry industries.

“Managing our forests for optimal productivity, doing what we can to avoid the introduction of new pests and diseases, and being ready to respond to incursions when they do occur is vital for protecting our local industry.

“I’m very excited to be joining the Forestry Centre of Excellence team and see great potential for working closely with industry to create a strong foundation of research specific to the region that is well connected both nationally and internationally.”

Nari returns to Mount Gambier as the chair of the International Union of Forest Research Organisations’ (IUFRO) working party on Phytophthora in Forests and Natural ecosystems and has led large international collaborative research programs on host-pathogen interactions and integrated disease management.

In addition to her research, Nari supervises graduate students and early career scientists, guiding projects in integrated forest health management, pest and disease impacts, population ecology and disease detection.

Through her mentorship, she builds capacity in forest pathology and ensures that the next generation of researchers is well-equipped to tackle future forest health challenges.

Dr Williams is eagerly looking forward to reconnecting with forest health issues in the region and helping growers optimise management for healthy and productive forests.