​Future Leaders Working Group

Chair

Introduction

The field of conservation today is challenged by an aging workforce but with a younger generation of potential talent waiting to be mentored, supported, and encouraged to participate in shark research. The SSG would like to create a space for early and mid-career scientists to have an opportunity to bring their passion and skills to effect positive change. A space where individuals can connect with SSG members, mentors, and colleagues who are doing outstanding work and become the next generation of prominent researchers in shark conservation. Ensuring the identification of future leaders and developing a broad base of enthusiastic and capable shark researchers and conservationists is critical to ensure strong succession planning. We hope to build a more robust, diverse, and inclusive shark community that can support our work on the most pressing conservation challenges.

The tasks of this Working Group will include

  • Identify a cohort of keen and diverse supporters to support with coordinating the Working Group;
  • Create a robust and welcoming global network of young and talented elasmobranch research and conservation practitioners;
  • Establish a process for identifying and supporting new members and matching them with mentors, work opportunities and funding;
  • Build the capacities to lead, manage and evaluate projects and identify and nurture new talent through training and mentoring; and
  • Track the trajectory and impact of the members over the quadrennium and beyond.
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Dr. Rachel Graham
‘I am thrilled to lead the new SSG group «Future Leaders Working Group» dedicated to the identification and nurturing of the future leaders in shark and ray research and conservation. These passionate and committed individuals represent a key cornerstone in the SSG’s succession planning, who will carry forward the work of the SSG to inspire and implement critical elasmobranch research, management and conservation in the coming decades.’
Dr. Rachel Graham
Explore the other IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group Working Groups: