Sarah Papworth

Sarah Papworth is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Royal Holloway, University of London. She leads the Conservation and Behaviour Lab, which focuses on interdisciplinary conservation science integrating ecology, anthropology, and psychology. Her work emphasizes human-animal interactions, tropical conservation, and applying local ecological knowledge to policy. She holds a PhD in Conservation Science from Imperial College London (2013), an MSc in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation (Imperial College London, 2007), and a BA in Anthropology (Durham University, 2005).

Research themes include human impacts on wildlife behavior, conservation decision-making, and biodiversity monitoring. Notable projects include studying pygmy marmoset responses to human activity and collaborating with NGOs like Surrey Wildlife Trust. She has secured funding from the Leverhulme Trust, British Academy, and National Geographic Society. Her award-winning research contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to conservation and sustainability.

Awards include the Robert May Young Investigator Prize (2012). She mentors students and leads projects on behavior change, such as the 'Paws on Paths' initiative addressing dog-walking impacts. The Conservation and Behaviour Lab maintains an active presence via @CABLabRHUL and www.conservationbehaviour.com.