Meg Shaw

Meg Shaw is a Research Fellow at BehaviourWorks Australia, based at Monash University within the Department of Marketing, Faculty of Business and Economics. Her work bridges environmental science and social science, focusing on behaviour change, public engagement, and conservation communication. She is actively involved in national research projects and policy-relevant outputs.

Education:

• Doctor of Philosophy, The Role of Imagery in Promoting Coexistence with Native Wildlife, Deakin University (2020–2024), Awarded 6 Feb 2025
• Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours), The influence of human-animal close-encounter photographs on public attitudes towards zoos and wildlife, Deakin University (2019–2020), Awarded 7 Oct 2020

Her research expertise lies in understanding how social and psychological factors influence environmental behaviour. She investigates public attitudes toward conservation, the role of imagery and media in shaping perceptions of wildlife, and strategies for promoting sustainable coexistence with native species. Her work emphasizes evidence-based interventions and policy design grounded in behavioural insights.

The 15 most recent research outputs reflect a strong trend in applied environmental social science, particularly through large-scale commissioned surveys and public engagement initiatives. These works span public opinion analysis, policy evaluation, media impact, and community-based conservation, with a geographic focus on Victoria and Tasmania. The research integrates psychology, marketing, and communication to address pressing biodiversity challenges.

Scientific Engagement and Recognition:

• Contributor to public seminars on biodiversity concerns
• Featured expert in national and international media on wildlife ethics and social media regulation
• Work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Life on Land and Responsible Consumption

Meg Shaw is accepting PhD students and has served as a Sessional Lecturer at Deakin University, indicating emerging teaching and advisory roles. She has collaborated extensively with The Biodiversity Council Australia, where she has held research assistant and contributor roles. Her projects are often interdisciplinary, involving partnerships across academia, government, and non-profit sectors.

She is currently leading and contributing to active research initiatives, including the 'Community coexistence with dingoes in Victoria' project, which explores behavioural and social dimensions of human-wildlife conflict. Her team-based work emphasizes translating scientific findings into practical tools for conservation practitioners and policymakers.