معرفی
Dr. Rebecca Smith serves as a Senior Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Conservation Science Group and Conservation Evidence Manager at the University of Cambridge's Department of Zoology. Based at the David Attenborough Building, she leads initiatives bridging scientific research with practical conservation decision-making.
Her research centers on evidence-based conservation methodologies, specializing in subject-wide evidence synthesis to evaluate conservation interventions. Key focus areas include European agricultural landscapes, mangrove and saltmarsh protection, and biodiversity management across protected and productive ecosystems. She develops accessible tools translating complex ecological data into actionable strategies for practitioners.
Smith directs the Conservation Evidence project, which produces comprehensive evidence synopses and the annual 'What Works in Conservation' assessments. Her work includes the Evidence Toolkit and Evidence Champion Programme, fostering collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and conservation practitioners to overcome implementation barriers. She collaborates closely with Prof. William Sutherland and Dr. Silviu Petrovan on conservation strategy development.
Her background combines academic research with field application, including Darwin Initiative projects for mammal management in Western Cape nature reserves and prior experience as a Senior Ecological Consultant in the UK. Smith holds advanced degrees from the University of Bristol and University of East Anglia, grounding her work in both theoretical ecology and applied conservation practice.
