About Professor Saleem Ali

Professor Saleem Ali is an internationally recognised environmental systems scientist whose research bridges critical minerals, environmental governance, conflict resolution and sustainable development. His work on mining has consistently emphasised that extractive industries are neither inherently destructive nor automatically beneficial; outcomes depend on governance, technological innovation, diplomacy, and the equitable distribution of benefits. 

Professor Ali's laurels include being a National Geographic Explorer, with field experience in more than 175 countries and all continents; being selected as a “Young Global Leader” by the World Economic Forum and serving on the boards of notable non-profit charitable organisations including Adventure Scientists, Amazon Aid Foundation and Mediators Beyond Borders International.

Beyond academia, Professor Ali has worked at General Electric Corporation as an environmental specialist and is a serving member of the United Nations International Resource Panel, and has served two terms on the Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) - the world's largest environmental trust fund for lower-income and emerging economies, held in trusteeship by the World Bank.

UNSW is a remarkably entrepreneurial university and I feel deeply honoured to join its ranks on a fellowship named after one of the great pioneers of environmental innovation.

– Professor Saleem Ali