Russell Richards

Dr Russell Richards is a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law at the University of Queensland, where he holds a Doctor of Philosophy from the same institution. His research centers on social-ecological systems, leveraging advanced numerical modelling techniques including system dynamics, agent-based modelling, Bayesian networks, and participatory modelling. He develops decision support tools for addressing complex challenges in coastal management, ecosystem services, sustainability, health, energy, and environmental systems. Notably, Richards pioneers gamification by converting these tools into serious games that promote learning objectives, pedagogical design, motivation, and engagement in classroom settings.

Richards has secured competitive funding from organizations such as the Wellcome Trust, NHMRC, Queensland Government Department of Environment and Science, and the Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand for projects including dengue prediction tools, mental health support modelling for climate-impacted communities, Clostridioides difficile infection reduction via One Health approaches, and net-zero emissions transitions. He has supervised multiple Doctor of Philosophy candidates to completion on topics ranging from resilience in pro-sport systems and fisheries management to food packaging reduction and child stunting dynamics. With 94 works listed on UQ eSpace, his highly cited publications include "Developing a preliminary causal loop diagram for understanding the wicked complexity of the COVID-19 pandemic" (Systems, 2020; 163 citations), "Using microalgae for combined lipid production and heavy metal removal from leachate" (Ecological Modelling, 2013; 158 citations), "Bayesian belief modeling of climate change impacts for informing regional adaptation options" (Environmental Modelling & Software, 2013; 107 citations), and "Pathways to reduce Indonesia’s dependence on oil and achieve longer-term decarbonization" (Renewable Energy, 2023; 73 citations). Additionally, he has contributed editorially, such as for the "Whales and climate" issue in Frontiers in Marine Science (2023).

Professional Email: r.richards@business.uq.edu.au