How We Started
The Network of Environmental Social Scientists (NESS) was founded in 2013. It encompasses social scientists with an interest in the environment, particularly the interrelations between humans and the natural environment. Members of NESS also include industry and government professionals who have an interest in this topic.
What We Do
The network seeks to create linkages among environmental social scientists and between social scientists and natural scientists and policy makers. It aims to showcase the ways in which social science can contribute to solving environmental challenges and ultimately contribute to fostering strong, interdisciplinary research teams who can conduct research to address significant environmental issues.
Our Members
The network currently has a membership of 145 researchers from UQ, other universities and industry.
Members of NESS span the fields of anthropology, communication, conservation biology, economics,
environmental science, geography, history, law, management, political science, psychology, public policy,
sociology, and urban and regional planning to name a few.
Our Mission
The following questions have been the guiding force behind NESS:
- How can social scientists contribute to solving environmental issues?
- How can we build collaborations amongst social scientists and between social scientists and other disciplines?
- How do we develop and build environmental social sciences in Australia?
Our Aims
To work towards answering these questions NESS has the following specific aims:
- Raise awareness of the range of environmental social science that is conducted at UQ
- Connect UQ environmental social scientists with other leading environmental scientists and policy makers
- Facilitate a regular seminar series (approx bi-monthly) which will showcase the research of UQ social scientists and eminent visiting social scientists who work in this area
- Organize periodic symposia which will bring social scientists together with policy makers and bio-physical scientists to discuss potential synergies and build collaborative research partnerships
