Natasha Blaize Gardiner

Ant-ICON Synthesis Theme EMCR

Natasha is a PhD Candidate at Gateway Antarctica, School of Earth and Environment, University of Canterbury (NZ). Her research investigates the Antarctic science-policy interface at the national and international levels. Natasha studied Psychology and Sociology at University of Otago (NZ), and University of Glasgow (Scotland), and later undertook the Postgraduate Certificate in Antarctic Studies at University of Canterbury, marking the beginning of her Antarctic journey and career. Alongside her PhD, Natasha works as an Environmental Advisor for New Zealand’s National Antarctic Programme, Antarctica New Zealand. In this role she contributes to the Environmental Impact Assessment process, supports the continual improvement of the Environmental Management System, and supports New Zealand’s work towards the Committee for Environmental Protection. Natasha is a strong advocate for evidence informed decision-making and hopes to positively contribute to the strength and effectiveness of Antarctic research-policy interactions.

Current research projects / interests:

• Antarctic research-policy interactions and the science-policy interface more broadly
• Antarctic governance and geopolitics
• Antarctic environmental management and marine conservation
• The interaction between Antarctic governance and external legal instruments and regimes
• Transdisciplinary research

Keywords: Antarctic science-policy interactions; Antarctic Treaty System; Environment; Marine Conservation; Decision-making; Governance; Social Science