Professional Summary: Professor Tom Kompas
Professor Tom Kompas is a distinguished academic and economist at the University of Melbourne, Australia, with a prolific career spanning environmental and resource economics, agricultural policy, and biosecurity. Renowned for his contributions to economic modeling and policy analysis, he has made significant impacts on both academic research and real-world policy frameworks.
Academic Background and Degrees
Professor Kompas holds advanced degrees in economics, reflecting his deep expertise in the field:
- PhD in Economics, University of Toronto, Canada
- Master of Arts in Economics, University of Toronto, Canada
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Economics, University of Manitoba, Canada
Research Specializations and Academic Interests
Professor Kompas specializes in:
- Environmental and Resource Economics
- Agricultural Economics and Policy
- Biosecurity and Risk Analysis
- Economic Modeling and Applied Econometrics
His work often focuses on the intersection of economics and sustainability, addressing critical issues such as climate change, natural resource management, and food security.
Career History and Appointments
Professor Kompas has held numerous prestigious positions across academia and research institutions:
- Professor of Environmental Economics and Biosecurity, School of BioSciences and School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, University of Melbourne
- Foundation Director, Australian Centre for Biosecurity and Environmental Economics (ACBEE), Australian National University (ANU) (2006–2015)
- Professor, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University (until 2015)
- Chief Economist, Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARE) (early career)
Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors
Professor Kompas has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to economics and policy:
- Fellow, Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia (ASSA)
- Recipient of multiple research grants from Australian Research Council (ARC) and other bodies
Key Publications
Professor Kompas has authored and co-authored numerous influential works. Below is a selection of key publications:
- Optimal Control and the Value of Information in Biosecurity (2010), with co-authors, published in Environmental and Resource Economics
- Coping with H5N1: Addressing Avian Influenza Risks in Developing Countries (2008), with co-authors, published by ABARE
- Productivity and the Measurement of Efficiency in Agriculture (2012), with co-authors, published in Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics
- Multiple peer-reviewed articles on climate change impacts, resource management, and biosecurity in leading journals such as Journal of Environmental Economics and Management and Land Economics
Influence and Impact on Academic Field
Professor Kompas has significantly influenced environmental and agricultural economics through his innovative approaches to economic modeling and policy design. His work on biosecurity has informed national and international strategies for managing invasive species and disease outbreaks. At the University of Melbourne, he continues to shape interdisciplinary research by bridging economics with ecological and biological sciences. His contributions to policy have been instrumental in shaping sustainable agricultural practices and resource management in Australia and beyond.
Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions
Professor Kompas is actively engaged in the broader academic and policy community:
- Regular speaker at international conferences on environmental economics and biosecurity
- Member of advisory committees on agricultural and environmental policy in Australia
- Editorial board member and reviewer for leading journals in economics and resource management