Gillian Ainsworth

I am a social scientist working on the Cephs & Chefs project at the University of Santiago de Compostela (Spain), exploring the dynamics of behavior regarding sustainable cephalopod fishing through an analysis of the non-monetary value chain.  My research interests include understanding the non-monetary factors that shape human interactions with the natural environment, such as shared and cultural values ​​regarding threatened species and ecosystem services, as well as the co-production of knowledge, conflict transformation and transformative travel. This type of research has a significant impact because it explores the interface between science and politics, for example, when scientific evidence affects stakeholders' livelihoods. I am also interested in developing ways to improve the integration of science in policy-making decisions. As a social scientist, my role is to design, manage and interpret sociological research, often within interdisciplinary projects, using a range of methodologies to improve biodiversity outcomes. My area of specialisation involves understanding the social factors that shape human interactions with the natural environment, specifically non-monetary (social, shared and cultural) values of threatened species and marine ecosystem services, value chain analyses and supporting better environmental decision-making. This research has significant impact because it often explores the interface between science and policy, for example when scientific evidence affects stakeholder livelihoods. My PhD (CDU) investigated the relationship between social values ​​and the conservation of threatened Australian birds. I have been working in environmental conservation within the ENGO and academic sectors since 2000.