Q and A

Research for Impact is one of the core strategic themes in SU`s Vision 2020. How does your research relate to that?

My work feeds into assessments of environmental risk due to pressures that human societies place on species and ecosystems, and models that can project trajectories of change in ecosystems and the services they provide. This is of quite direct relevance to policy making on sustainable development pathways.

Please give us your impression of the role that research and innovation can play in the betterment of society?

In my field, there is an urgent need for a “operating manual” for managing ecosystems and the planet as a whole. In other words, the human species has become a dominant force on the planet, but we do not have a well-founded idea of how our manipulation of the global system is changing its behaviour, with potentially adverse consequences for society.

What would you regard as the most important aspects to consider to effectively support researchers?

Security and encouragement to pursue creative ideas – creativity being defined as the development of novel ideas that have societal value.

What do you enjoy most about your job and what are the aspects that you find challenging?

Asking big questions and devising ways of answering them, and enthusing students to do the same. Most challenging is coping with multiple stresses.

What is the biggest piece of advice that you would give early-career researchers?

Don’t over-plan your trajectory – use an adaptive management approach to take advantage of opportunities that come your way.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on the way we work. What, from your point of view, is the most pertinent change and how will this affect your work in the future?

The dematerialization of work – ie remote work is opening up new efficient ways to collaborate with less infrastructure

What do you do for fun (apart from research!)

Listen to podcasts about fields like economics, politics, history, technology, music, and watch youtube videos about building and making things