Science & action

for a rapidly changing world in crisis

Abi's    story

This year I'll be saying a fond goodbye to looking down the microscope to fully embrace looking at the big picture and taking action to address the climate and nature emergencies.  Here's a little bit about how I got here:

A  'Traditional'  start ...

I've loved science for as long as I can remember. I'd do maths for fun (before I realised that made you look seriously 'uncool'). An experiment or project that made a mess was pretty enticing. And anything where I might see an animal was a priority.  Not a whole lot has changed in that respect now I think about it!

I was encouraged and supported to pursue that passion for learning and discovery, and it was during my degree in Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge that I found a particular fascination with microbial life. This led me to a career in microbiology research, with a PhD investigating how malaria parasites interact with the immune system then a postdoctoral position exploring that more deeply at a prestigious new medical research institute in London. I published research papers in celebrated journals, won various prizes/accolades and presented my work to other scientists around the world. I took advantage of many of the opportunities sent my way to get involved in university teaching, science outreach and engaging with policy-makers.

... my  tipping  point...

But in 2018 something put the brakes on my progress up the ladder of academia. I'd been aware of climate change but had thought it to be a problem that was being addressed by governments and corporations around the world. Something that was tricky and deeply unfair, but would soon be mostly under control. Listening as a summary of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's Special Report of Global Warming of 1.5 °C was laid bare by an invited speaker at my workplace, I realised I'd been very, very wrong. I felt like I’d been plunged into cold water. And the weirdest part was that of the hundred or so scientists there, most didn’t seem to be having any reaction at all.

I would love to say that this moment caused me to pivot into action. Instead it felt paralysing and isolating. On reflection those months I then spent feeling that pain, that fear and distress were important and needed.  They put me in a place where I was ready to embrace action by the time the environmental movement exploded onto the streets of London in 2019.

...realigning  priorities  &  Actions...

Since then I’ve learned a lot, and made so many connections that have allowed me to realign the priorities that occupy me, the work I do and how I live my life to make sense in light of everything I now know. Now I don’t feel frozen - far from it - there’s so much to do and so many ways to use the skills I have to at least try to make a difference. Taking action hasn’t always been easy but it has been empowering and it’s brought me to people and ideas that support and inspire me every day.

In those years those changes and actions have included:

• Learning: Research, trainings, workshops, conversations and more have helped me understand the drivers and mechanisms of the climate & nature emergencies, the injustices inherent in them, and what we can do to change the course we are on.
• Work transitions: I moved to York in 2021 to change research field to study the incredible photosynthetic microbes that capture carbon and support life in our oceans and beyond.  Since 2022 I've been doing that part time as I increasingly engage with work to communicate about - and act more directly upon - the emergencies we face. Now in 2024, I'm fondly bidding farewell to the lab and those amazing microbes I've had the huge privilege of studying. 
• Lifestyle shifts: It's no substitute for systems change, but modifying how I eat, travel and spend has helped me align the way I live more closely with where I feel it needs to be based on what I've learned. 
• Communication & Education: I've been talking to whoever I can about climate, nature and where we have power to change things. I've learned to facilitate workshops such as the Climate Fresk, spoken with journalists, written articles, given interviews and more.
• Embracing advocacy & activism: Getting involved in environmental & social justice movements has been a huge part of my personal learning and journey.  I'm particularly interested in exploring the role scientists can play in accelerating the changes that all of our research tells us are necessary to protect people and more-than-human life. 
• Building networks for change: History and social science tells us we are capable of driving rapid and positive systemic transformations when we work together. With this in mind I've been trying to build connections and grow the community involved in accelerating such transitions in my home city of York (see york.earth).

... What's   Next?

New challenges await in community renewable energy, where I've recently started some part-time work, and in developing myself as a 'freelance' scientist for hire on projects that raise our understanding of the climate and nature emergencies and empower us to act. I will continue to participate in collective action to push for change and contribute to local, national and international networks that make that change possible.

Selected  Interviews  &  media

Coming soon

A film by Louisa Jones & Vlad Morozov about scientists who have turned to activism to confront the Climate & Nature Emergencies. You can find out more here  and support their crowdfunder here.

Interviews

• "Bridging Science & Activism":  A 2023 profile for With Many Roots' 'Inspiring Activists' Series.
• In 2021 I was interviewed as part of Pete Knapp & The Grantham Institute's 'Tipping Points' Podcast.  I think a little differently few years on, but if you're interested the episode is available here and on podcast streaming services.  The wider series of interviews is well worth a listen too!