Qualifications

Annette holds a PhD in Geology (palaeoceanography), MSc (Environmental Management and Sustainable Development), BSc(Hons) Environmental Science. She completed her postdoctoral research at the University of Hong Kong and Nanyang Technological University of Singapore before returning to New Zealand to apply her research at ESR.

About

Annette is a leader or active team member in several innovative projects funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, including developing a rapid diagnostic test for livestock infectious diseases and using Artificial Intelligence to analyse urban heat vulnerability and adaptation through green infrastructure. She co-leads a climate change, environment, and health group, heading the environment arm, and has held significant roles such as Senior Analyst in the Joint Evidence and Insights Unit at the Ministry for the Environment (2021–2023) and Senior Scientist specialising in Risk Assessment and Pacific/International matters (2016–present). Annette was previously involved in a Health Research Council funded collaboration with the University of Auckland, University of Waikato, University of Canterbury and the University of Otago to understand how heat exposure affects child health. Her focus was on adaptation and the science—policy interface. Her other key projects are examining how groundwater ecosystems, specifically understanding the ecology of groundwater invertebrates called stygofauna. She particularly enjoys getting out and about in the community and feels privileged to have been able to visit various Pacific, Māori, and agricultural communities to talk about their areas of interest such as environmental degradation or climate change. Annette is also engaged in various forms of scientific dissemination, producing technical reports and engaging in public discourse on climate change and health. Notable projects include assessments of groundwater ecosystems and health impacts of climate change, which are critical for informing policy and enhancing community resilience. She has contributed to literature reviews and strategic frameworks for national adaptation strategies, working closely with the Ministry of Health and as an expert for the World Health Organisation. Her publication record includes journals such as The Lancet, Paleoceanography and Paleoclimatology, and the New Zealand Medical Journal. Dr. Bolton has received various professional distinctions and has been active in numerous memberships and leadership roles. She is currently a PhD supervisor, guiding research on groundwater ecosystem services involving stygofauna. Her accolades include winning the Best Oral Presentation at the Hydrological Society Conference in 2022, being a member of the Commission on Ecosystem Management, and maintaining an active role in the Early Career Research Forum for the Royal Society of New Zealand. Additionally, she has been recognised as a Chartered Environmentalist by the Society for the Environment in the UK. Her multifaceted contributions to research, policy, and community engagement underscore her commitment to addressing pressing environmental challenges. In addition to her formal roles, Dr. Bolton is involved in public outreach, including participation in video series educating children on climate change. Through her academic, professional, and community-focused endeavours, Annette Bolton continues to play a pivotal role in advancing knowledge and informing actions concerning environmental health in a changing climate.

Publications