Improving science ninja-style
Andrea Downing reflects on the joys and frustrations of science, dream teams and a good glass of whiskey
ANYONE WHO HAS BEEN AROUND ANDREA knows that there is much more than meets the eye. Beneath her kind, calm exterior lies sharp wit and dedication.
She has been part of the SRC since 2014, working on issues ranging from planetary boundaries to manufactured fishponds. Her ability to work across such diverse topics is one of her greatest assets and she takes pride in being able to survive – and thrive – as a generalist.
“Both methodologically and subjectmatter wise, I’ve covered a fair bit of ground,” she says.
“I’ve collected data in the field, created data through modelling and used qualitative and quantitative analyses from the social and natural sciences, bridging theory and practice in systems ranging from coral reefs and lakes to global-scale sustainability concepts, agricultural systems, forests, drylands and financial systems, looking at micro-organisms, fish, social-ecological systems, value chains and inequitable distributions of power and representation, among other things.”
How the world works
Describing herself as a generalist is also a reflection of her own personal background. It has given her the opportunity to see many worlds – meeting, working with and being linked to a diverse range of people across many different contexts.
The stories she can tell as a result reveal a rich and slightly random repository of experiences that show how life can be lived and perceived.
Her wide-ranging experience has influenced her life as a researcher, too. It has taken her to universities in Geneva, Reunion Island, Townsville, Wageningen and now, Stockholm.
“I love figuring things out and have always marvelled at how the world works, from the microscopic level – where apparently basic mechanisms allow simpler organisms to exist, shape their environment and wreak havoc for other organisms – to the patterns formed by complex behaviours of diverse organisms on a larger scale.”
No place for ivory towers
However, her journey has also revealed the flaws of science. Just like the world we live in, academia itself is unjust and unsustainable.
Diversity and representation of a range of perspectives are sorely lacking.
“Ultimately, we don’t want a glass ceiling or ivory tower for sustainability research that limits inclusion to those who fit the rules, world views and boxes established by a small group of white males.”
There are other parts of it she could do without, too.
“I cringe every time I hear long-established facts being expressed as novel ideas,” she says.
“I understand that it’s necessary to repeat messages and findings in order for them to potentially make their way into political circles and become common knowledge, but I fear that by repeating ourselves too much, we are creating an excuse for the late adoption of sustainable practices, thus failing to support sustainable transformation.”
This is something that hits a nerve for Andrea:
“Why are we still repeating things we already know, such as limits to growth or the fact that people depend on the environment? How can we still claim that such statements are groundbreaking? How can it be considered acceptable to ignore this?”
A hike, swim or some whiskey
To be clear, her frustration is born from the desire to improve a discipline that she loves, where she has met many interesting people.
Which brings us to her scientific role models:
Although she has many, they all have one thing in common: the ability to “break silos ninja-style” and the confidence to challenge assumptions.
“These people dare to challenge and critique, but do so with integrity and care.”
Andrea has had the opportunity to spend time with many of the people she looks up to in science, drawing inspiration from them as she herself tries to push for change. Most of them share her love of the outdoors too – and some even share her love of whiskey!
So, there you have it.
If you would like to arrange a meeting with Andrea – or even suggest a hike or a swim – add a hip flask of whiskey and you’ll have her undivided attention!
Read more about Downing’s work here