Polly I Hannaford Australian Marine Sciences Association 2026 Conference

Polly I Hannaford

Polly has worked for the Australian Public Service since 2019 in the agriculture and environment portfolios and is completing her PhD at the Australian National University (ANU) Research School of Biology. Her career goal is to help the Australian Public Service get the most out of science on behalf of the Australian public. Working at the intersection between science and public policy, she has led the development of biosecurity policies and international trade negotiations to reduce aquatic animal disease risk to Australia. Her involvement in the development of strategic plans for the management of Australian Marine Parks has helped shape how science is used to maintain Australian marine park values. Her PhD research aims to reduce disease risks associated with aquaculture - one of the fastest growing primary industries worldwide. By improving detection methods and informing aquatic animal biosecurity policy, Polly’s PhD seeks to limit the spread of significant pathogens which have severe economic impacts on a global scale. Polly’s research aims to deliver practical tools to reduce disease risk. She recently released a computation tool which identifies suitable gene targets for diagnostic tests and is currently developing an environmental DNA test method to detect viruses in water. Polly completed honours at The University of Sydney in 2018 in marine biology. She joined the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry as a graduate in 2019 whilst continuing her education at ANU studying Science, Technology and Public policy. In 2024, she was awarded the prestigious ANU Sir Roland Wilson Scholarship to complete her PhD which is sponsored by the Australian Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry.