Simon West

Dr. Simon West is a Lecturer at the Resources, Environment and Development Department within the ANU Crawford School of Public Policy. His academic background includes a PhD in Sustainability Science from Stockholm University (2017), complemented by advanced qualifications in Indigenous Policy Development (Chancellor's Medal, Charles Darwin University, 2025) and Yolngu Studies (2020). He holds MA and BA degrees in Environmental Law and Literature, respectively.

His research focuses on the social and political dimensions of environmental management, emphasizing collaborative and community-centered approaches. Key areas include Indigenous land and sea management in Australia, contested knowledges in conservation, and gender dynamics in biodiversity governance. Current projects include a Swedish Formas-funded study on gender and conservation practices in Australia and South Africa, and an investigation into Xylella plant pathogen controversies in southern Europe.

Teaching responsibilities include convening courses on Australian environmental policy, impact assessment, and sustainability transformations. He actively contributes to scholarly discourse through editorial roles at PLOS Sustainability and Transformation and as a former IPBES author. His work bridges disciplines like Sustainability Science, Conservation Social Science, and Human Geography, advocating for relational philosophies and transdisciplinary knowledge co-production.

• Education:
  • PhD Sustainability Science, Stockholm University (2017)
  • Grad Dip Indigenous Policy Development (Chancellor's Medal), Charles Darwin University (2025)
  • Grad Cert Yolngu Studies, Charles Darwin University (2020)
  • MA Environmental Law & Sustainable Development, SOAS (2011)
  • BA American & English Literature, UEA (2009)
• Awards: Chancellor's Medal (2025)

Simon's research projects emphasize global South contexts, integrating Indigenous knowledge systems and feminist critiques into conservation frameworks. His recent work highlights methodological innovations like 'Balpara' for ontological difference navigation and reflexive critical systems approaches in sustainability science.