Dr Daniel Cruz Lopez

Biography

Researcher, academic and practitioner with 12 years of experience in the intersections between natural resource management, rural development, sustainable agri-food systems, conservation science, and community development. Currently a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Social Ecological Systems at The Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, The Centre for the Environment, and Resilience Centre of the Queensland University of Technology, School of Biology & Environmental Science.

PhD in sustainable agri-food systems, food sovereignty movements, community development and communication for social change from The University of Queensland. Master's degree in Development Practice, Master's Degree in Eco-social Work, and BSc in Ecology. Previously involved with renowned organisations such as The Centre for International Forestry Research-CIFOR, the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research-CGIAR, The Crawford Fund/ACIAR, The University of Queensland, and CSIRO.

As a Research Associate in Social Ecological Systems, Dr Cruz focuses his interdisciplinary research and practice on understanding ecological agricultural intensification pathways that co-benefit people and nature at global levels, the influence that social networks have on adoption of sustainable agricultural practices that co-benefit producers and the Great Barrier Reef,  the governance aspects influencing citizen science, community-based natural resource management initiatives and community food networks in Australia,  as well as the governance dynamics of the Antarctic Treaty system.

Experience in the development of research for publication at several levels in the fields of sustainable agri-food systems, community-based natural resource management, food security, food sovereignty, and participatory development methods (40 publications).

Awardee of highly competitive and prestigious prizes, awards and grants such as the Crawford Fund Research Award (Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research),  The United Nations Future Earth Sustainable Pathways Grants, Brisbane City Council's Lord Mayor's Community Sustainability and Environmental Grants, Women & Change Grants, Ingrained Foundation Grants, Australian Government's Endeavour Scholarships and Fellowships (MSc), Australian Government's Research Training Scholarship (PhD), The University of Queensland's Three Minute Thesis Competition, the Dr. Melanie McKenzie Postgraduate Teaching Award (UQ), and the Science and Solidarity Awards (Environment and Sustainable Development Category) of the Alejandro Ángel Escobar Foundation, among others.