Niki Rust

I'm an environmental social scientist with expertise in sustainable food systems, environmental geography and environmental conservation. My research is collaborative and stakeholder-informed to create real-world change for people and the planet.

I'm interested in the barriers and enablers that affect people deciding to be more or less sustainable, such as farmers to try more sustainable agricultural practices and for consumers to eat more sustainable food. I also research into what makes natural resource users and managers decide to be more environmentally friendly. I work with industry (such as Quorn and Northumbrian Water), the public sector (such as the Environment Agency and Natural England) and the third sector (such as the Rivers Trusts) to help inform their strategies and co-create knowledge and impact. My research has fed into EU and UN policy work on sustainable resource management and is providing the evidence base for wildlife conservation NGOs to become more effective.

Having spent a decade working in wildlife conservation and sustainable agriculture at policy, practice and research levels, and now as an environmental expert and highly experienced media spokesperson, I am regularly interviewed on national and international TV, such as for the BBC, ITV, CNN and Sky News, as well as radio stations from around the world. I give keynote speeches at high-profile environmental events and have provided evidence at the House of Commons, US Embassy and the FAO. I frequently contribute to books, blogs, podcasts and other communication outlets. In my previous roles, I have represented my organisation at the United Nations, UK Government, European Commission, IUCN and Prince William's 'United for Wildlife' on topics related to environmental sustainability.

I have been an expert advisor for Population Matters and the Chair of the Board of the wildlife conservation NGO, Tulsi Foundation.