Affiliation: Missouri State University [USA]

Profile

I currently serve as Associate Professor of geography and sustainable tourism at Missouri State University. As sustainability programs director, I oversee the undergraduate certificate, minor, major, and graduate certificate. I have led the creation of the sustainability major, graduate certificate, and university-wide ‘sustainability fellows’ program focused on implementing the SDGs in curriculum and activity.

I first learned of ISDRS from my participation as moderator and panellist within the 2021 EU Association’s webinar considering sustainability and education. We hosted Peter Dobers and Pauline Deutz to discuss topics regarding circular economy and how the global pandemic impacted sustainability.  My first formal involvement with ISDRS was in 2022 where I presented virtually at the annual meeting (held in Stockholm) regarding a recent publication connecting geography, climate, and sustainable tourism within Egypt. For ISDRS 2023, I proposed a session regarding sustainable tourism where I served as session chair and published in the conference proceedings: “Utilizing synoptic scale climate data within sustainable tourism development”. For ISDRS 2024, I proposed the same tourism-focused session and successfully recruited approximately double the number of submissions and have a paper currently in review within the conference proceedings system.  I hope to host this session topic again for ISDRS 2025.

Motivation:

Profile:

Motivation:

(Up for re-election)

Affiliation: Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Poland

Profile:

As a researcher affiliated with Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Poland, and an experienced NGO activist—serving as a Board Member of Stowarzyszenie Euro-Atlantyckie (Euro- Atlantic Association) and collaborating with various local organizations, as well as a former City Council member—I have dedicated approximately fifteen years to studying and engaging with international law, security, and the legal aspects of sustainable development. My work focuses on the practical application of these concepts at local, regional, academic, and central government levels.

Holding a Doctorate in Law, my primary academic and professional interests center on fostering good governance and strengthening institutions, with a particular emphasis on methodologies that enhance governance frameworks for the effective implementation of sustainable development solutions. I have authored approximately fifteen publications on international law and maintain active collaborations with numerous foreign institutions and universities.

Motivation:

Over the past two years as a Board Member, I have gained a deeper understanding of ISDRS, its opportunities, and its challenges. Building on this experience, I am eager to contribute further over the next two years by focusing on the following priorities:

• Development of Governance Structures: Actively contributing to the refinement of the Rules of Procedure and proposed amendments to the ISDRS Charter.
• Membership Expansion and Support: If elected as Director of Membership, or in a supportive capacity to anyone elected to this role, I would like to focus on:
  • Expanding Representation: Promoting increased participation from underrepresented regions such as Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Africa, and South America.
  • Improving Partnerships: Enhancing collaboration between ISDRS and international organizations, as well as institutional members, to strengthen the network’s impact and global reach.
• Hosting the first ISDRS Conference in Poland: Leveraging my local and regional connections, I will dedicate my efforts to organizing the first ISDRS conference in Poland within the next two to three years.

I hope I to have the opportunity to continue to cooperate with the Board and ISDRS community to advance these goals and support the organization’s mission.

Affiliation: School of Social Sciences, Södertörn University, Stockholm, Sweden

Profile:

My name is Malin Gawell and I am Associate Professor in School of Social Sciences, Södertörn University, in Stockholm, Sweden. I have vast experience from research, teaching and collaboration across sectors. My primary research interest has a point of departure in challenge driven (social) entrepreneurship and (societal) innovations, that is initiatives based on perceived necessities and for a ‘better world’. My research has more specifically addressed activism, social enterprises, civil society, collaboration between partners in different sectors, urban reinvention, and innovation for sustainable development etc.

I attended ISDRS conference the first time in Messina, Italy in 2018 thanks to a colleague who served on the board. Since then, I have been engaged as co-track chair (two tracks since 2022), and as co-chair of the ISDRS conference in Stockholm 2022. I have also been engaged in the PhD day since 2021, and in 2024 I was co-organizer of a special session with a focus on the role of academia for sustainable development.

ISDRS has for me become a pivotal community for transdisciplinary approaches to sustainable development and is, in that sense, a unique gathering of inclusive discussions on and urgent questions.

Motivation:

ISDRS is a unique arena with inclusive intellectual atmosphere where different perspectives on sustainable development are elaborated on. Themes, disciplines, participants from different parts of the world enrich vivid and highly relevant discussions. This is inspiring, and necessary with regards current challenges!

I would now like to contribute to the ISDRS governance based on my experiences from ISDRS and other international research communities, primarily in the field(s) of social economy/civil society. Apart from current engagement in tracks, I would want to engage especially in the following:

I’m eager to continue to develop the understanding of, and legitimacy of, transdisciplinary approaches for sustainable development and problematization of what that means.

I am also eager to continue to work with the inclusion of diverse perspectives in academia, e.g. to work will supportive ways to facilitate publications also of progressive ‘non main stream’ research in established and alternative publication formats. This includes e.g. support to the journal Sustainability & Beyond.

I am also aware that a community like ISDRS needs a realistic rhythm in which visions, challenges, different levels of engagement, as well as every-day realities can manage fruitful steps forward. A considerate, but strong rhythm - for the sake of sustainable development.

(Up for re-election)

Affiliation: University of Cape Town

Profile:

I have made significant contributions to health economics in South Africa and in SSA through my research, teaching, and policy engagement. As an Associate Professor at the University of Cape Town's Health Economics Unit, School of Public Health, I focus on the social determinants of health, poverty, and inequality, which are critical areas in understanding health disparities. My empirical studies have addressed the economic impacts of malaria and water supply on health outcomes, providing valuable insights into how these factors affect household dynamics and public health. I have collaborated with international organizations, including the World Health Organization, to implement community-directed interventions for tropical diseases, enhancing local health systems' effectiveness. In addition to my research contributions, I play a vital role in education by supervising postgraduate students and leading courses in health economics. I am also involved in various professional organizations, such as the International Health Economics Association (iHEA), where I co-convene special interest groups focusing on obesity and health equity. As a co-convener, I facilitate webinars and organize meet and greet sessions during iHEA conferences, an activity that promotes networking between members. My work not only advances academic knowledge but also informs policy decisions aimed at improving health outcomes and reducing inequalities in the healthcare system in a sustainable way. As a member of the board, I actively participated in the journal working group, where I collaborated with fellow members to develop and hopefully nurture our ISDRS journal, "Sustainability and Beyond."

Motivation:

My motivation for rejoining the ISDRS board is driven by a deep commitment to advancing sustainable development research and fostering inclusive dialogue, especially amplifying the voices of the Global South. As a health economist with extensive experience in addressing inequalities, I believe integrating diverse perspectives is crucial for developing effective sustainability solutions.

If reelected, I plan to actively contribute to the strategic direction of ISDRS, focusing on enhancing the representation of underrepresented regions and disciplines in our discussions and potential publications. This includes supporting the launch of the journal "Sustainability and Beyond," which aims to provide a platform for high-quality research reflecting unique global challenges and insights. Additionally, I look forward to collaborating with fellow board members to promote initiatives that facilitate knowledge exchange and capacity building among researchers in African countries. By fostering these connections, we can ensure our collective efforts lead to meaningful impacts on sustainable development policies and practices across the continent.

My goal for the next two years is to help create an environment where all voices are heard and valued, ultimately contributing to more equitable and effective society.

(Up for re-election)

Affiliation: University of Saskatchewan

Profile:

I am currently a research fellow at University of Saskatchewan and have been a ISDRS member since 2020. I have served as the New Professional Group (NPG) co-lead since 2021, helping organize the flagship PhD workshop and mentorship programs. I was elected to the board in 2022. During my tenure, the PhD day program has been updated in response to feedback from the community and to keep pace with the evolving nature of the ISDRS conference. A diversified program, hybrid participation and post conference engagement are the updated features. I have worked with fellow board members to incorporate the Master’s student workshop under the NPG fold. I am also working with fellow board members towards developing a ISDRS summer school.

Motivation:

I am seeking reelection to continue advancing the initiatives of the society. I function as a bridge between the ISDRS governance and the NPG, supporting the executive in enhancing the inclusivity and opportunity for early career members of the society.  If reelected, I will continue to strengthen the NPG by mentoring new leaders that can carry on the work of organizing and improving the PhD day and mentorship experience every year. I am also looking forward to bringing the ISDRS summer school idea to fruition in the next term, building on the preparatory work done in my first term. More broadly, I look forward to support the executive in launching the ISDRS journal.

Affiliation: Centro Universitario FAESA

Profile:

I have a diverse background in law (bachelor), a Master in Law and Economics and, a doctorate in environmental oceanography. I have held numerous professional roles, including Law Professor at FAESA Centro Universitario, in Brazil, Visiting Professor at Robert H. McKinney School of Law, and adjunct Professor at Florida International University College of Law, both in the United Stated. I have also created and have been the Director of the FAESA Law School Study Abroad Program. My expertise lies in environmental and international law, with a focus on water resources management and sustainable development.

I’ve been actively involved in various organizations and committees, such as the International Sustainable Development Research Society (ISDRS), where I have been serving as a mentor for the PhD workshop since 2022, track co-chair for 6a and 9d, and conference presenter in the Malaysia conference. My contributions to the field are extensive, with numerous publications, presentations, and roundtable discussions on topics related to environmental law, water resources, and sustainable development. I’m also a strong advocate for public participation in water resources management and I have worked on projects promoting community engagement and sustainable practices.  

Motivation:

My active involvement with ISDRS since 2022, serving as track chair, has fueled my deep commitment to the society's mission of fostering sustainable development research. Witnessing the impactful work of the Board, particularly their efforts in expanding global partnerships and launching innovative programs like the PhD Day and Master's Student Workshop, has inspired me to contribute further.

I am particularly drawn to the Board's focus on strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge dissemination. My experience in diverse fields, coupled with my passion for mentorship and conference organization, positions me to actively contribute to these efforts. I am eager to collaborate with fellow Board members in strategizing impactful initiatives, expanding membership engagement, and ensuring ISDRS remains at the forefront of sustainable development research.

Affiliation: Wuhan University

Profile:

I have a diverse background in law (bachelor), a Master in Law and Economics and, a doctorate in environmental oceanography. I have held numerous professional roles, including Law Professor at FAESA Centro Universitario, in Brazil, Visiting Professor at Robert H. McKinney School of Law, and adjunct Professor at Florida International University College of Law, both in the United Stated. I have also created and have been the Director of the FAESA Law School Study Abroad Program. My expertise lies in environmental and international law, with a focus on water resources management and sustainable development.

I’ve been actively involved in various organizations and committees, such as the International Sustainable Development Research Society (ISDRS), where I have been serving as a mentor for the PhD workshop since 2022, track co-chair for 6a and 9d, and conference presenter in the Malaysia conference. My contributions to the field are extensive, with numerous publications, presentations, and roundtable discussions on topics related to environmental law, water resources, and sustainable development. I’m also a strong advocate for public participation in water resources management and I have worked on projects promoting community engagement and sustainable practices.  

Motivation: