Professor David Parry has over 40 years research and consultancy experience in inorganic and environmental analytical chemistry and ecotoxicology.  For the past 30 years he has been providing expert advice in environmental management and impact assessment and conducted environmental evaluations in mining and minerals processing. He provides advice to Rio Tinto business units to identify, share and implement leading environmental practice.   He has led a range of studies for closure planning at the Rio Tinto Gove alumina refinery and ERA Ranger Uranium Mine

David was a foundation member of staff at Charles Darwin University (CDU) and established the undergraduate programs in analytical, environmental and inorganic chemistry, and research programs in the fields of environmental and analytical chemistry. He was appointed Professor of Chemistry at CDU in 2006.

Before joining Rio Tinto, David was the Science Leader and Officer-in-Charge of the Australian Institute of Marine Science’s Arafura Timor Research Facility in Darwin. He focused on the establishment of research programs on estuarine and coastal marine processes in northern Australia; and the development of collaborative partnerships with government, university and industry.

David was awarded Companion of the University in 2012 for his long term contribution to the development of Charles Darwin University and the advancement of environmental research.  He is a Charles Darwin University Professorial Fellow and Honorary Professor of The University of Queensland (Sustainable Minerals Institute).

He has 115 scientific publications in international referred journals, over 65 national and international conference presentations and over 100 scientific reports to industry and government. He has supervised 22 PhD students and four Masters by Research.

David’s academic qualifications include a science degree from Queensland University of Technology, a Diploma of Education from The University of Queensland and PhD in chemistry from The University of Queensland.  He is also a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.