I am an interdisciplinary sustainability scientist with research interests in sense of place; the social valuation of ecosystem services; and the conservation of biodiversity. I lead the Human-Nature Transformations Research Group.

In 2019, I was recognized as a Highly Cited Researcher. Fewer than 6,300, or 0.1%, of the world's researchers, across 21 research fields, have earned this exclusive distinction.

BACKGROUND

I am a Professor of Sustainability Science (Sustainability Transformations and Ecosystem Services) at the Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS). I am jointly based at the Ecosystems and Environment Research Programme in the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, and the Department of Economics and Management in the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry. I am a Guest Professor at the Department of Landscape Architecture, Planning and Management at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Coordinating Lead Author of the IPBES Values Assessment (Chapter 2, Concepts) and leader of the Human-Nature Transformations Research Group.

I have played a leadership role in research worth over 3 million Euros, and played a significant role in teams that secured a further two million Euros since 2012. I am an author/co-author of >100 publications with >100 co-authors from 15 countries, including >75 peer-reviewed international journal articles. My H index is >34 according to Google Scholar and my papers have been cited >6,500 times. 

I coordinate the ENVISION and VIVA-PLAN projects.  ENVISION aims to develop an inclusive approach to conservation involving identifying, assessing and balancing the consequences of diverse stakeholder visions for protected area management in Europe and the United States.  VIVA-PLAN aims to develop a sustainable spatial planning framework for promoting biodiversity conservation, social inclusion and well-being in vulnerable residential housing areas in Sweden and Denmark.

I am Handling Editor for Ecology & Society (impact factor 3.26). I act as scientific advisor to over five nature-based solutions projects across Europe with a combined budget of over 30 million Euros. I regularly am invited to evaluate project proposals submitted to Biodiversa and Horizon 2020 funding mechanisms.

In 2017, I led the development of a nature-based solutions impact assessment framework for the European Commission which is now being used by over 50 million Euros worth of Horizon 2020 projects across Europe, and a suite of other NBS projects globally.

CURRENT PRINCIPAL POSITIONS

• Professor of Sustainability Science, University of Helsinki (Tenured)
• Guest Professor of Sustainability Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (2019-2021)
• Coordinating Lead Author (Chapter 2), Methodological Assessment Regarding the Diverse Conceptualization of Multiple Values of Nature and Its Benefits, Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) (2018-2021)

PRINCIPAL POSITIONS DURING THE PAST 10 YEARS

• Associate Professor, Department of Landscape Architecture, Planning and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (2016-2018)
• Director of Enviroconnect Pty Ltd (2009-2016)
• Assistant Professor, Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen (2014-2015)
• Research Fellow, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Tasmania (2012-2013)
• Research Fellow, Australian Centre for Social Research, University of Adelaide (2011-2012)
• PhD Candidate, University of South Australia (2009-2011)
• Policy Officer, Natural Resource Management Social Applications, Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation, South Australian Government (2005-2008)

EDUCATION

• Ph.D. (Philosophy), Centre for Regional Engagement, University of South Australia (2012)
• B.App.Sc (with Honours) in Environmental Management, School of Natural and Built Environments, University of South Australia (2005)
• B.App.Sc in in Environmental Management, School of Natural and Built Environments, University of South Australia (2004)

AWARDS

• 2019: Web of Science Group Highly Cited Researcher
• 2012: South Australian Research Excellence Award in the Life and Environmental Sciences stream in recognition of outstanding scholastic achievement
• 2009:Jean Pearce Environmental Scholarship to undertake PhD research in the environmental and social sciences at the University of South Australia. 
• 2009: South Australian Young Entrepreneur of the Year in recognition of my environmental consultancy achievements.  
• Between 2000 and 2005: I helped establish a wetland system for treating effluent water in the Adelaide Hills which in 2011 won a United Nations Association of Australia World Environment Day Award for best practice community involvement in natural resource management.