Josie D’Urban Jackson
I work in the Integrated Evidence Group of Natural Resources Wales (NRW), where my role supports the use, conduct, and commissioning of evidence syntheses. Evidence synthesis is the gathering of evidence from different sources together to support decision making. I work with international experts through the Collaboration for Environmental Evidence and provide user focused feedback on their Database of Evidence Reviews (CEEDER). I also advise staff on the effective communication of evidence to our wide range of audiences, from the public to policy makers.
My role acts as a bridge between research and policy by supporting staff to identify the evidence they need to make decisions and liaising with evidence providers (e.g. academics) to meet these needs. Being a part of the Welsh Policy Group provides an excellent opportunity to improve the connections between evidence providers and evidence users, ensuring that both sides are asking the right questions and we communicating in the right way to those who can lever positive change.
I love the diversity of my role, and the way I can retain my connection to academia by working on the application of research findings. NRW is Wales’ (UK) government sponsored body for the environment so our work covers a vast remit, including forestry, fisheries, water efficiency, biodiversity, and waste regulation. It is also really motivating to support our world leading legislation such as the Well-being of Future Generations Act which places Wales at the forefront of sustainable development and has been an inspiration for other countries such as New Zealand and Iceland.
I am an honorary associate at Cardiff University and I have a PhD in evolutionary biology/conservation genetics from University of Bath/Cardiff University.
Twitter @josiedjackson