![\"\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/dice\/files\/2026\/07\/image-10.png\")
<\/p>\nI recently joined DICE as a Research Fellow in the E3 Sharing Space for Nature initiative, and it’s an exciting time to become part of the team.<\/p>\n
I’m a marine conservation scientist specialising in applied conservation research. My work uses ecological data, spatial analyses and emerging technologies to better understand the factors affecting species populations and habitats, and to develop practical solutions for their conservation. Over the past 15 years, I’ve worked across England, Scotland, France and Spain on a range of applied marine conservation projects.<\/p>\n
Today my research focuses particularly on diadromous fish \u2013 species such as Atlantic salmon that migrate between freshwater and the sea \u2013 and chondrichthyans, including sharks, skates, rays and deep-sea chimaeras. I have a strong interest in spatial conservation, climate change, fisheries bycatch and identifying where and when conservation measures can have the greatest impact. Throughout my career, whether working for the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), the French National Museum of Natural History, or environmental NGOs, I’ve always been motivated to ensure that research informs conservation policy and management.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
I’m involved in several exciting projects that aim to improve our understanding of how climate change and fisheries bycatch affect diadromous fish and chondrichthyans, and how these impacts can be reduced through effective spatial and temporal conservation measures. Much of this work combines long-term ecological datasets with analytical approaches to support evidence-based conservation.<\/p>\n
I’m also exploring how artificial intelligence and image analysis can improve monitoring by automating fish detection from underwater imagery. This builds on my PhD research, which used Stereo Baited Underwater Video Systems (stereo-BRUVS) to identify nursery habitats for commercially important gadoid species such as cod, haddock and whiting.<\/p>\n
Alongside my research, I’m an Associate Editor for the Journal of Applied Ecology and serve on the Technical Steering Group of the Missing Salmon Alliance, where I work with partners across the UK to help drive action to halt and reverse the decline of wild Atlantic salmon.<\/p>\n
I completed my A-levels in Kent, so I had always known about DICE and its excellent reputation. Before returning to Kent, I wanted to gain experience elsewhere, and over the course of my career I’ve worked in applied conservation science across government, academia and the NGO sector.<\/p>\n
Joining DICE felt like a natural next step because of its international reputation for interdisciplinary conservation science. Today’s conservation challenges require us to understand not only ecological processes but also the social, political and economic factors that influence how conservation is implemented. DICE’s strengths in combining natural and social sciences make it an inspiring place to develop research with real-world conservation impact. Being able to return to Kent while continuing my work in marine conservation and applied science made the opportunity especially appealing.<\/p>\n
One of the things I enjoy most is the variety. I genuinely love every stage of the research process \u2013 from identifying important conservation questions and analysing data to writing up research that can help inform policy and management.<\/p>\n
I find it incredibly rewarding when research contributes to protecting threatened species and their habitats, particularly when it helps guide practical conservation action. I also really enjoy supervising and teaching students. Watching them develop their confidence, skills and enthusiasm for conservation science is one of the most rewarding parts of the job, and it’s exciting to see the fresh perspectives they bring to tackling environmental challenges.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/dice\/files\/2026\/07\/Dive.jpeg\")
<\/h4>\nI’m happiest outdoors, and every year I like to challenge myself with a new little adventure. Last year I completed a 10 km open-water sea swim and cycled across France. This year I’ve taken part in an orienteering triathlon and will be climbing the Dolomites, which have been on my bucket list for a long time.<\/p>\n
Unsurprisingly for a marine ecologist, I also love scuba diving whenever I get the chance. It’s a great reminder of why protecting marine ecosystems is so important.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
_<\/p>\n
Read more about Dr Sophie Elliott on her staff profile page<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"