Anke Fischer

My research combines perspectives from psychology, sociology and governance studies. It approaches environmental communication through conceptual lenses such as social representations, discourses and values, and explores intersections with legitimacy, resistance and participation, and their implications for the governance of conflict and transformation processes.

Over the years, my research has examined social representations of climate change, nature and biological diversity as built and used by different social groups, particularly also the value judgements implied, and the implications for public support for related policies. Other work has also addressed the cultural and economic role of hunting in Tanzania and Ethiopia, and the institutional arrangements that foster (or hamper) sustainable resource management, with a focus on co-management and institutional change. My more recent research has combined these different approaches by looking at the management and governance of ecosystem services, systems such as woodlands, and climate change and sustainability transformations from the perspectives of individuals as well as social groups. 

2017-2019 Science Group Leader, Social, Economic and Geographical Sciences, James Hutton Institute, Aberdeen, Scotland

2011-2017 Senior Research Scientist, Social, Economic and Geographical Sciences, James Hutton Institute, Aberdeen, Scotland

2010-2012 Project leader, Frankfurt Zoological Society, Arusha and Addis Ababa

2005-2011 Research Scientist, Socio-Economic Research Group, Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, Aberdeen, Scotland

2004 Junior expert, German Technical Cooperation (GTZ)

Pågående

Lara Hensle: Communication, representation and disagreement: Investigating the interactions between (environmental) NGOs and their constituencies in late modernity. SLU, jointly supervised with Lars Hallgren. Started 2020.

Emily Montgomerie: The creation of trust and distrust in the governance of climate change, biodiversity and wildlife management – a symbolic interactionist perspective. SLU, jointly supervised with Lars Hallgren and Hanna Bergeå. Started 2023.

Rikard Hedling: Communicating trust and distrust, legitimacy and power in the governance of climate change, biodiversity and wildlife management – a discursive perspective. SLU, jointly supervised with Lars Hallgren and Hanna Bergeå. Started 2023.

Nora Förell: On the constitution of knowledge and truth in environmental and sustainability communication. SLU. To start 2024.

Avslutade

Alison Martin: Governance and ownership of rural Scotland – implications for the rewilding agenda. University of the Highlands and Islands, jointly supervised with Melanie Smith and Rob McMorran. 2023.

Lara Tickle: Challenges facing Swedish hunting ethics. SLU, main supervisor: Erica von Essen. 2023.

Irma Arts: Digital technologies and human-nature interactions: the users’ perspective. University of Aberdeen, jointly supervised with René van der Wal and Dominic Duckett. 2021. 

Jennifer Wardle: Resolving the conflict between demands on organic waste in rural Ethiopia – optimum solutions for food, energy and water security. University of Aberdeen, jointly supervised with Jo Smith, Lisa Avery and David Vega-Maza. 2021. 

Isla Hodgson: A conflict with wings: Understanding the narratives, relationships and hierarchies of conflicts over raptors and red grouse in Scotland. University of Aberdeen, jointly supervised with Steve Redpath and Juliette Young. 2018.

Asanterabi Lowassa: The influence of social structure and social change on illegal bushmeat hunting in western Serengeti, Tanzania. University of Dar es Salaam, jointly supervised with Abu Mvungi. 2018.  

Marie Pagès: Partnerships between professionals and amateurs in nature conservation – an examination of the motivations and discourses in the management of invasive non-native species. University of Aberdeen, jointly supervised with Xavier Lambin and René van der Wal. 2016. 

Audrey Verma: The role of digital technology in the development of human-nature relationships. University of Aberdeen, jointly supervised with René van der Wal. 2016. 

Dereje Tadesse Wakjira: Governance, institutional change and forest use in Harenna, Ethiopia. University of Aberdeen, jointly supervised with Michelle Pinard. 2013. 

Koen Arts: Wilderness restoration and animal reintroduction: Ideas, discourses and policies. University of Aberdeen, jointly supervised with René van der Wal. 2012.  

Sebastian Selge: Public and scientific discourses on biological invasions: social representations of invasive non-native species in Scotland. University of Aberdeen, jointly supervised with René van der Wal. 2011. 

Kerry A. Waylen: The implications of local views and institutions for the outcomes of community-based conservation. Imperial College London, jointly supervised with E.J. Milner-Gulland. 2010.