I communicate and collaborate to create conservation success.
I’m an environmental social scientist and programme manager using cutting-edge research and project management strategies to help sustainability organisations create better futures. With a PhD in social-ecological systems and 15 years’ experience as an environmental professional, I’m serious about helping to enhance sustainable development to benefit people and nature. I use research-led recommendations to support communications, policy and engagement tactics that more effectively influence key decision makers to better protect the natural world.
Skilled in strategic written, verbal and visual communications, I use science-based communication techiques to quietly engage, inspire and inform diverse audiences that help organisations achieve their desired goals. My written communication portfolio spans academic publications such as journal articles and book chapters to press articles for the general public, as well as science communication on Twitter. Having worked extensively at the science-policy interface at NGOs and in academia, I have a wide range of experience writing effective policy briefings as well as formulating and undertaking strategic communications to achieve set advocacy and policy objectives.
As an expert verbal communicator and professional spokesperson, I tailor my message to target audiences and objectives. I’m trained in delivering succinct conservation messages via TV, radio and print interviews. I’ve given oral evidence in the House of Commons and organised regular meetings with MPs and Ministers to advocate for science-based and sustainable policy change.
My research interests include sustainable agriculture and diets, coupled human and natural systems, social-ecological systems, sustainable development, natural resource management, political ecology, human-wildlife conflict/interactions, carnivore conservation, conservation policy and governance, community-based conservation, sustainable use/consumption and participatory methods. My research is collaborative so that the end results are useful, applicable and impactful.
Dr Niki Rust 