A New Paradigm of ‘High Impact’ Research: Why Conservation Science Needs to Prioritize Racial and Social Justice

The North America Congress for Conservation Biology is hosting this plenary discussion on: A New Paradigm of ‘High Impact’ Research: Why Conservation Science Needs to Prioritize Racial and Social Justice


The science and practice of conservation have largely failed to address systemic racism and social inequality. Rather than being unrelated to the mission of biological conservation, as historically viewed, these issues directly shape conservation efforts and their outcomes. In this plenary, we bring together diverse perspectives to create a new definition of ‘high impact’ research. Through a series of short talks followed by an interactive panel discussion, we will start an honest dialogue – one that we envision will stimulate powerful action to address racism and inequity in conservation. If we want our discipline to be relevant and impactful, institutions and individuals must recognize racial and social justice as core values in conservation and work to achieve a functionally inclusive, diverse field of researchers and practitioners.
SE CASC Faculty Affiliate, Dr. Madhusudan Katti and 2018-2019 Global Change Fellow, Deja Perkins are featured panelists for this discussion.
Learn more.