Professor Paul Kench is Pro Vice-Chancellor, STEM at the University of Waikato, bringing extensive international leadership experience across research, teaching and academic governance. Prior to this role, he served as a Full Professor at the National University of Singapore, Dean of Science at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, and Professor and Head of the School of Environment at the University of Auckland. An internationally recognised coastal scientist, Professor Kench’s research focuses on understanding the environmental and human drivers of change in coastal systems, with particular emphasis on the resilience of communities facing climate change. Working at the intersection of geomorphology, oceanography and ecology, his scholarship spans fundamental science through to applied solutions that inform policy and practice. His work has significantly influenced global debates on the stability of small island nations and contributed to national coastal resilience programmes in New Zealand. Professor Kench has led major multidisciplinary initiatives, secured more than $16 million in external research funding, supervised over 70 graduate students, and advised organisations including the World Bank, UNEP and Asian Development Bank. His leadership reflects a strong commitment to advancing impactful research and fostering collaborative solutions to complex global challenges.