Ray Maher
Source: https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/23481 Parent: https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/44989
Dr
Ray Maher
Email: : r.maher@uq.edu.au
Phone: : 0478780287
Positions
Affiliate of Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science : Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science : Faculty of Science
Senior Lecturer in Design (Built Environment) : School of Architecture, Design and Planning : Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Overview
Background
Dr Ray Maher is Director of Research at the School of Architecture Design and Planning at The University of Queensland. Ray collaborates broadly across institutions while leading research and capacity-building projects with government and industry. His work focuses on sustainable development strategy, urban development and design, Sustainable Development Goals, decision-support tools, circular economy, and addressing ‘wicked’ problems using systems, design, and futures thinking. Ray’s research is engagement-focused, interdisciplinary, and applied, which builds the capacity of stakeholders.
Ray is Lead Chief Investigator on research funding totalling over $1m, and a Chief Investigator on research funding totalling over $5m. He has 32 traditional and non-traditional research outputs with state, national, and regional impact.
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Availability
Dr Ray Maher is: : Available for supervision : Media expert
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Design Studies, The University of Queensland
- Masters (Coursework) of Architecture, The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
Research impacts
Ray’s interdisciplinary research applies systems and design approaches to support high-impact outcomes through partnerships with Government, Industry, and Non-government Organisations. Research impacts and partnerships include leadership, authorship, or substantial contributions to:
• Leading a 15-person interdisciplinary team to develop the Sustainability Framework for a ~$3 Billion, 360HA development in Manila, Philippines for 350,000 people.
• Research informing The University of Queensland’s Pacific Engagement Strategy.
• Facilitating the Queensland Health Prevention Thinktank to inform the organisation’s 10-year reform strategy.
• Research lead on Making Prevention a Health System Priority project to embed preventative health throughout Queensland Health and its 100,000 workforce.
• Leading the Systems and Design thinking module for the Internet Society’s mid-career fellowship.
• Lead CI of Circular Economy for Disaster Reconstruction, Development Minerals Program, in collaboration with the Pacific Community, The United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and two Fiji Government Ministries.
• Working with the Pacific Community (SPC) to co-develop their Transition Plan 2021, a COVID response strategic Plan.
• Contributing to the Pacific Community's (SPC)10-year Strategic Plan 2021+.
• Foresight research which informed the 2050 Regional Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, a long-term regional strategy by the Pacific Island Forum’s 18 Member nations.
• Lead authoring An Adaptation Plan for the Energy, Mining, and Manufacturing Sectors – part of the Queensland Government’s Queensland Climate Adaptation Strategy (Q‐CAS).
• Co-leading the foundational project on climate change to inform the strategy and research priorities of the $130M CRC for Transformations in Mining Economies (TiME).
• Designing the Circular Economy 4 Business pilot program for the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland’s ecoBiz program.
• The Integrated Bioeconomy Project and the Controlled Biosphere ARC Linkage project to inform policy and regulatory settings for sustainable food production.
• Contributing to the policy and regulation component of the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Programme (RRAP).
• Authoring the Australian National Rail Station Design Guidelines, endorsed by all State Rail operators.
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Works
Search Professor Ray Maher’s works on UQ eSpace
All (34) Book (1) Journal Article (6) Other Outputs (19) Conference Publication (7) Book Chapter (1)
2023
Other Outputs
Building disaster and climate resilience through Development Minerals
Rogers, Paul, Maher, Ray, Lee, Gary, Naidelage, Chamari, Flomenhoft, Gary, Junior, Patrick and Franks, Daniel M (2023). Building disaster and climate resilience through Development Minerals. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: The University of Queensland. doi: 10.14264/9052c85
Building disaster and climate resilience through Development Minerals
2023
Journal Article
Circular economy 4 business: a program and framework for small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) with three case studies
Maher, Ray, Yarnold, Jennifer and Pushpamali, N. N. C. (2023). Circular economy 4 business: a program and framework for small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) with three case studies. Journal of Cleaner Production, 412 137114, 137114. doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.137114
2023
Book
SM Bay City - Sustainability Framework: pathways for achieving sustainability outcomes in Manila Bay
Maher, Ray, Ahmad, Mubeen, Fidelman, Pedro, Franks, Daniel, Fuller, Richard, Hyland, Peter, Junior, Patrick, Kenway, Steven, Ly, Leo, Molyneaux, Lynette, Sharma, Rahul, Sipe, Neil, Sochacka, Beata, Sockhill, Nicola and Webster-Mannison, Marci (2023). SM Bay City - Sustainability Framework: pathways for achieving sustainability outcomes in Manila Bay. Manila, The Phillipines: SM Prime.
SM Bay City - Sustainability Framework: pathways for achieving sustainability outcomes in Manila Bay
2022
Other Outputs
Systems & design thinking: online module as part of the Internet Society’s Mid-Career Fellowship
Maher, Ray, Fish, Allison and Yarnold, Jennifer (2022). Systems & design thinking: online module as part of the Internet Society’s Mid-Career Fellowship. Geneva, Switzerland: The Internet Society.
Systems & design thinking: online module as part of the Internet Society’s Mid-Career Fellowship
2022
Journal Article
MetaMAP: a graphical tool for designing initiatives to support multiple sustainability goals
Maher, Ray, Mann, Samuel and McAlpine, Clive A. (2022). MetaMAP: a graphical tool for designing initiatives to support multiple sustainability goals. Sustainability Science, 17 (4), 1511-1536. doi: 10.1007/s11625-022-01157-4
MetaMAP: a graphical tool for designing initiatives to support multiple sustainability goals
2022
Other Outputs
Prevention as a health system priority: Actions for Change
Mitchell, Jo, Anna Chevalier, Ray Maher, Elly Howse, Penny Hawe, Melanie Pescud, Andrew Wilson and Lucie Rychetnik (2022). Prevention as a health system priority: Actions for Change. Queensland: The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre and Queensland Health.
Prevention as a health system priority: Actions for Change
2022
Other Outputs
Prevention as a health system priority - Engagement and system analysis with Queensland Health (Interim report)
Mitchell J, Anna Chevalier, Ray Maher, Elly Howse, Penny Hawe, Melanie Pescud, Andrew Wilson and Lucie Rychetnik (2022). Prevention as a health system priority - Engagement and system analysis with Queensland Health (Interim report) . Queensland: The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre and Queensland Health.
2022
Other Outputs
Circular Economy 4 Business (CE4B) pilot program: Final Report
Ray Maher, Jennifer Yarnold and Chamari Pushpamali Narayana Naidelage (2022). Circular Economy 4 Business (CE4B) pilot program: Final Report. Brisbane: Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland.
Circular Economy 4 Business (CE4B) pilot program: Final Report
2022
Book Chapter
Uncertainty: risk, technology and the future
Yarnold, Jennifer, Maher, Ray, Hussey, Karen and Dovers, Stephen (2022). Uncertainty: risk, technology and the future. Routledge handbook of global environmental politics. (pp. 253-268) edited by Paul G. Harris. London, United Kingdom: Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9781003008873-23
Uncertainty: risk, technology and the future
2021
Other Outputs
CCIQ ecoBiz Circular Economy Program: Building Skills Tools and Knowledge for Circular Leadership. Phase 2 – Program Design
Ray Maher and Jennifer Yarnold (2021). CCIQ ecoBiz Circular Economy Program: Building Skills Tools and Knowledge for Circular Leadership. Phase 2 – Program Design. Brisbane: Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland.
2021
Other Outputs
Mining transitions and climate change: a research synthesis to inform CRC TiME strategy
Maher, R., Buchan, R., Littleboy, A., MacLean, K., Molyneaux, L., Stringer, M. and Valenta, R. (2021). Mining transitions and climate change: a research synthesis to inform CRC TiME strategy. Perth, WA, Australia: CRC TiME.
Mining transitions and climate change: a research synthesis to inform CRC TiME strategy
2021
Other Outputs
The future of sustainability solutions
Franco, Isabel B., Fidelman, Pedro, Maher, Ray, Ritchie, Brent, Yarnold, Jennifer, Derbyshire, Ellen, Foster, Rose and Ulhmann, Kora (2021). The future of sustainability solutions. Conversation Series Brisbane, Australia: The University of Queensland.
The future of sustainability solutions
2021
Other Outputs
MetaMAP: A graphical tool for designing sustainability initiatives integrating design, systems, and sustainability science
Maher, Ray (2021). MetaMAP: A graphical tool for designing sustainability initiatives integrating design, systems, and sustainability science. PhD Thesis, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland. doi: 10.14264/a2a5999
2021
Other Outputs
Pacific Community Transition Plan 2021 - foundations for a resilient future: response to recovery
Sharp, Emily, Mecartney, Sarah and Maher, Ray (2021). Pacific Community Transition Plan 2021 - foundations for a resilient future: response to recovery. Noumea, New Caledonia: Pacific Community.
Pacific Community Transition Plan 2021 - foundations for a resilient future: response to recovery
2020
Other Outputs
Submission to Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Cyber and Critical Technology Engagement Strategy
Nabbs-Keller, Greta, Ko, Ryan, Axelsen, Michael, Bongiovanni, Ivano, Dowsett, Dallas, Liivoja, Rain, Maher, Ray, Massingham, Eve, McEwan, Chris, McKenzie, Simon, O’Quinn, Richard, Radke, Amelia and Williams, John (2020). Submission to Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Cyber and Critical Technology Engagement Strategy. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: The University of Queensland.
2019
Other Outputs
CCIQ EcoBiz Circular Economy Program: Phase 1 – Review of Existing Programs
Jennifer Yarnold and Ray Maher (2019). CCIQ EcoBiz Circular Economy Program: Phase 1 – Review of Existing Programs. Brisbane: Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland.
CCIQ EcoBiz Circular Economy Program: Phase 1 – Review of Existing Programs
2019
Other Outputs
An Adaptation Plan for the Energy, Mining and Manufacturing sectors and supporting entities
Maher, Ray and Hussey, Karen (2019). An Adaptation Plan for the Energy, Mining and Manufacturing sectors and supporting entities. Brisbane,Australia: The University of Queensland. doi: 10.14264/9e95ac7
An Adaptation Plan for the Energy, Mining and Manufacturing sectors and supporting entities
2019
Other Outputs
Policy futures: regulating the new economy
Hussey, Karen, Yarnold, Jennifer, McEwan, Christopher, Maher, Ray, Henman, Paul, Radke, Amelia, Curtis, Caitlin, Fidelman, Pedro, Vickers, Claudia and Brolan, Claire (2019). Policy futures: regulating the new economy. Policy Futures Brisbane, Australia: The University of Queensland.
Policy futures: regulating the new economy
2019
Journal Article
Correction to: Integrating design thinking with sustainability science: a Research through Design approach (Sustainability Science, (2018), 13, 6, (1565-1587), 10.1007/s11625-018-0618-6)
Maher, Ray, Maher, Melanie, Mann, Samuel and McAlpine, Clive A. (2019). Correction to: Integrating design thinking with sustainability science: a Research through Design approach (Sustainability Science, (2018), 13, 6, (1565-1587), 10.1007/s11625-018-0618-6). Sustainability Science, 14 (2), 551-553. doi: 10.1007/s11625-018-0629-3
2018
Journal Article
Urban tinkering
Elmqvist, Thomas, Siri, José, Andersson, Erik, Anderson, Pippin, Bai, Xuemei, Das, Pranab Kishore, Gatere, Tatu, Gonzalez, Andrew, Goodness, Julie, Handel, Steven N., Hermansson Török, Ellika, Kavonic, Jessica, Kronenberg, Jakub, Lindgren, Elisabet, Maddox, David, Maher, Raymond, Mbow, Cheikh, McPhearson, Timon, Mulligan, Joe, Nordenson, Guy, Spires, Meggan, Stenkula, Ulrika, Takeuchi, Kazuhiko and Vogel, Coleen (2018). Urban tinkering. Sustainability Science, 13 (6), 1549-1564. doi: 10.1007/s11625-018-0611-0
Funding
Current funding
- 2025 - 2030
ARC Training Centre for Climate-Resilient Water
ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centres
Open grant - 2023 - 2026
Pre-conditions for the development of offshore wind energy in Australia (Blue Economy CRC project led by Uni Tasmania)
Blue Economy CRC-Co Ltd
Past funding
- 2022 - 2023
Pasay 360 Sustainability Framework
SM Smart City Infrastructure and Development Corporation
Open grant - 2021 - 2022
Making prevention a health system priority - systems analysis project
Sax Institute
Open grant - 2021
Transitions and Climate Change
CRC TIME Limited
Open grant - 2020 - 2024
RRAP-REG-01-V1 Regulatory and Policy Environment (Great Barrier Reef Foundation funding administered by AIMS)
Australian Institute of Marine Science
Open grant - 2020 - 2021
CCIQ EcoBiz Circular Economy Pilot Study
Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland
Open grant - 2019 - 2020
Supporting the development of the Pacific Community's Strategic Plan 2021+ through capacity building in Futures Thinking and Visioning
Secretariat of the Pacific Community
Open grant - 2019 - 2021
CCIQ EcoBiz Circular Economy Program
Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland
Open grant - 2018 - 2019
Services to support the development Queensland's Post 2020 Climate Strategy
Queensland Government Department of Environment and Science
Open grant - 2018 - 2019
Supply of Services to develop and deliver the Industry and Resource Sector Adaptation Plan
Queensland Government Department of Environment and Science
View all 9 past funded projects View less
Supervision
Availability
Dr Ray Maher is: : Available for supervision
Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on how to choose a supervisor.
Available projects
Scholarship description This scholarship provides a top up of $8,000 per annum for 3 years. To be eligible, candidates must apply for and be awarded a living allowance scholarship (for example, UQ Graduate School Scholarship), bringing the annual scholarship to approximately $44,400 tax free. The supervisory team will work with you to refine your competitive application.
Round 1 closes: 17th Feb, 2025 Round 2 closes: 17th July, 2025
Supervisor: Dr Ray Maher
Associate supervisor: Prof Steven Kenway, A/Prof Pedro Fidelman
At least two PhD projects are offered aiming to identify and scale specific initiatives and leverage points that enhance urban sustainability initiatives that deliverhealthy waterways, decarbonisation, and liveabilitybenefits. By using a systems approach to examine globalbest practices, the project will explore and document successful urban sustainability initiatives. It will provide practical, evidence-based guidance that empowers influential actors within urban governance systems to drive impactful, scalable urban sustainability practices.
Project Aims
- Primary Objective: Identify leverage points within urban systems that enable the scaling and implementation of multi-benefit sustainability initiatives, achieving outcomes such as improved ecosystem health, decarbonisation, and enhanced liveability.
- Secondary Objective: Provide insights into the broader governance system, pinpointing areas where influential stakeholders can make impactful interventions that maximise sustainability outcomes across urban systems.
Key Components
- Case Study Identification and analysis
- Stakeholder Engagement for Implementation
- Systems Mapping and Methodology
Research environment This PhD project is supported by an interdisciplinary research environment at The University of Queensland (UQ), providing access to expertise and resources across urban sustainability and water systems.
Eligibility
You're eligible if you meet the entry requirements for a higher degree by research.
You must be in receipt of or apply for and be awarded a living allowance scholarship of at least the Research Training Program rate to be eligible for this scholarship. You apply for this scholarship when you submit an application for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). You don't need to submit a separate scholarship application.
How to apply
Before submitting an application you should:
- check your eligibility for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- prepare your documentation
- contact Dr Ray Maher (r.maher@uq.edu.au) to discuss your suitability for this scholarship
You apply for this scholarship when you submit an application for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). You don't need to submit a separate scholarship application.
When you apply, please ensure that under the scholarships and collaborative study section you:
- Select ‘My higher degree is not collaborative’
- Select 'I am applying for, or have been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship'.
- Select ‘Other’, then ‘Research Project Scholarship’ and type in ‘CITIES-MAHER’ in the 'Name of scholarship' field.
Read more Read less - #### PhD top-up scholarship: Enhancing Urban Biodiversity Through Systems Analysis of Global Best Practices
Scholarship description This scholarship provides a top up of $8,000 per annum for 3 years. To be eligible, candidates must apply for and be awarded a living allowance scholarship (for example, UQ Graduate School Scholarship), bringing the annual scholarship to approximately $44,400 tax free. The supervisory team will work with you to refine your competitive application. Applications close: 17th Feb, 2025
Supervisor: Dr Ray Maher
Associate supervisor: Professor Richard Fuller, A/Prof Pedro Fidelman
Cities have a critical role in combating the global biodiversity crisis. This project aims to identify cities with higher-than-expected biodiversity, and analyse their success using a systems approach. By integrating quantitative analysis of global datasets with in-depth case studies, including stakeholder interviews and site visits, the research will reveal what governance models, infrastructure investments, and social practices drive success. The findings will inform actionable, context-specific recommendations for different stakeholder groups, including local governments, community organisations, and businesses, to enhance urban biodiversity worldwide.
Research Questions This project seeks to address the following key questions:
- Which cities globally exhibit the highest levels of biodiversity relative to what is typical given their natural (e.g. climate, local biomes) and social characteristics (e.g. levels of development, GDP)?
- Do these ‘urban biodiversity outliers’ share common characteristics, such as governance models, policy frameworks, or social norms, that enable their success?
- What specific policies, infrastructure investments, or practices have these outlier cities implemented to enhance biodiversity, either deliberately or otherwise?
- Who are the primary stakeholders driving these biodiversity successes (e.g. public entities, NGOs, private companies, community groups)?
- What lessons can be drawn for each major stakeholder group to enhance urban biodiversity in other cities, considering different contexts and capacities?
Eligibility
You're eligible if you meet the entry requirements for a higher degree by research.
You must be in receipt of or apply for and be awarded a living allowance scholarship of at least the Research Training Program rate to be eligible for this scholarship. You apply for this scholarship when you submit an application for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). You don't need to submit a separate scholarship application.
How to apply
Before submitting an application you should:
- check your eligibility for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- prepare your documentation
- contact Dr Ray Maher (r.maher@uq.edu.au) to discuss your suitability for this scholarship
You apply for this scholarship when you submit an application for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). You don't need to submit a separate scholarship application.
When you apply, please ensure that under the scholarships and collaborative study section you:
- Select ‘My higher degree is not collaborative’
- Select 'I am applying for, or have been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship'.
- Select ‘Other’, then ‘Research Project Scholarship’ and type in ‘BIODIVERSITY-MAHER’ in the 'Name of scholarship' field.
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Supervision history
Current supervision
- Doctor Philosophy
##### Valuing environmental sustainability in the built environment sector, focusing on housing in Southeast Queensland
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Paul Matthew, Dr Sara Alidoust - Doctor Philosophy
##### Developing a climate-resilient framework for healthy cities
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Paola Leardini, Dr Sara Alidoust, Professor Ali Cheshmehzangi
Media
Enquiries
Contact Dr Ray Maher directly for media enquiries about:
- Climate adaptation
- Climate impacts
- Climate resilience
- Decarbonisation in cities
- Energy-efficient buildings
- Net-zero cities
- Research partnerships
- SDGs
- Sustainability strategy
- Sustainable development
- Sustainable Development Goals
Need help?
For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team:
External profiles
Personal links
- Personal profile
- Centre for Policy Futures - University of Queensland
- School of Architecture, Design and Planning
Social media
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