Associate ProfessorPrue Francis

As a researcher and Associate Professor of Marine Science at Deakin, my work revolves around two specialisations: ocean literacy and seaweed ecology. 

In 2023 I was named a ‘Superstar of STEM’ by Science and Technology Australia. As part of the program, I received training in advanced communication skills and an array of opportunities to present in schools and the media to encourage the uptake of STEM disciplines by women and non-binary people. The award was both a recognition of my efforts to raise awareness and knowledge of the ocean environment, and a platform for me to extend that work to larger audiences. I’m committed to inspiring a new generation of marine stewards, and this underpins my efforts to develop ocean literacy in the broader community, using creative solutions involving research, education, and engagement. As one strand of these efforts, I co-authored a children’s book – The Great Southern Reef – which takes young readers on an exciting underwater adventure to learn more about Australia’s best kept secret.

Before diving into academia, I worked as a secondary science teacher and with the federal government as an education coordinator. I take this experience with me into my work in programs like Deakin SEA.Ed, which is leading research in the ocean literacy movement by establishing baseline data on current ocean literacy in schools and investigating the barriers formal and informal education providers face when incorporating ocean education in their programs. The goal of this data collection is to enable transdisciplinary collaboration between the science, education, and government sector to evaluate and monitor innovative solutions to create an ocean literate society.

In the realm of seaweed cultivation, my research investigates techniques to improve seaweed restoration and farming. My expertise lies in optimising growth conditions, maximising biomass yields, and developing innovative approaches to restoration and farming activities, and I collaborate with stakeholders to develop restoration strategies that can contribute to biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. With a constant focus on sustainability, my research drives advancements in scalable and efficient seaweed cultivation. You can read more about some of the projects I’m involved with in the My Research tab.