Meet Rodrigo Minici de Oliveira, PhD candidate, whose research is paving the way for more effective, real-world conservation strategies. Rodrigo's contributions to conservation research during his time at UniSC's Forest Research Institute are inspirational.

Rodrigo is passionate about bridging the gap between science and practice, through his research focussing on the selection and monitoring of indicators of conservation success at a landscape scale. “My research aims to develop work that has real-world impact, benefiting both nature and people,” Rodrigo says.

Initially, Rodrigo's project focused on forest conservation in the Noosa Biosphere Reserve, as a case study, but he realised expanding his research beyond forests to include freshwater and marine ecosystems would strengthen its real-world applicability for conservation planning on a global scale.

Why does it matter? Rodrigo’s work is incredibly valuable for conservation teams worldwide, helping them to strategically plan and monitor their projects efficiently, ensuring the best use of limited conservation resources.

His work is helping the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation with its 10-year periodic review, ensuring it maintains its UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status. Noosa Council is also applying his research outcomes in conservation management, planning, and monitoring.

“My research has broad applications in conservation projects worldwide, extending across 758 Biosphere Reserves across 136 countries,” he says.

Rodrigo has always “loved nature,” and growing up in his native Brazil, he spent his leisure time on beaches, trails and waterfalls in the Brazilian rainforest.

“This inspired my passion for conservation and I knew that working to protect the environment would bring me both professional fulfilment and personal happiness – which is why I chose to become a Forest Engineer,” he says.

After completing his studies in São Paulo, Rodrigo moved to Australia to learn English and start a PhD. But after presenting his master's research at a conference, he accepted a job as a Forest Engineer in Northern Rivers, NSW. Over the next seven years, including two as a sole trader, he gained extensive industry experience in native forestry, agroforestry, and bush regeneration.

“It took seven years before I returned to begin my PhD at UniSC, but I feel incredibly fortunate to have had this combined research and industry experience, as it has made me a more well-rounded professional,” he says.

After 10 years in Australia, Rodrigo is now back in Brazil where he’s completing his PhD, and welcoming a new baby girl to his family (he has a son too).

“I am exploring job opportunities in Australia and look forward to connecting with professionals in academia, industry, and NGOs to explore new research partnerships and conservation initiatives,” he says.

We look forward to following Rodrigo's next career steps and seeing what impacts his research has on conservation projects worldwide.