“My mission is to use science to inform environmental management and policy development.”

An international research career led to public service in the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW), and subsequently Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and the UK Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC). My unique career track was based on securing evidence and providing advice, and leading technical specialists spanning terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments. I have an in-depth understanding of working on the science-policy interface in Wales and beyond.

Now I am using this experience and knowledge to help organisations needing technical support and environmental advice. I recognise that environmental management works best when we work together, and I enjoy using my extensive network to bring people together to review specific issues. I actively maintain my knowledge of current environmental issues, including biodiversity loss and climate change. I have a particular interest in habitat classification, protected areas, environmental monitoring and reporting, nature-based solutions, habitat restoration and nature networks.

My scientific publications include the current GB Lake Classification, a series of papers on important freshwater conservation sites and a major book on the Rivers of Wales.

“My passion is to use words and images to communicate our natural and social heritage.”

I love words, Celtic culture, heritage and nature. I am a STEM Ambassador and I have brought scientific overviews to local communities. I am researching the life of Dr. Kathleen Carpenter, a pioneering freshwater ecologist in Wales, who I have developed as a role model for future generations. Check out my growing portfolio of writing on this website.

Catherine Duigan

Education & Research Positions

• Ph.D. (Freshwater Ecology), National University of Ireland; B.Sc., University College Dublin.
• Two post-doctoral research appointments, including University of Wales Fellowship.

In 2021, Catherine was awarded an honorary Professorship in Environmental Science, associated with the Department of Geology and Earth Sciences at Aberystwyth University. She is also an elected fellow of the Freshwater Biological Association, The Linnean Society and the Royal Society of Biology. 

Further information is available on LinkedIn profile here.