Meet our researcher: Dr Diogo Veríssimo

Could you share a bit about your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in research?  

I'm originally from Lisbon, Portugal, and my journey in research started when I came to the UK to do my master’s and PhD. Afterward, I moved to Washington, DC, where I spent three years working in a dual role with an NGO and a university. Then, seven years ago, I joined Oxford. 

Why Oxford?  

There were a few reasons for my move. Oxford’s dynamic research community was a huge draw, along with the presence of several colleagues I’d worked with before. A position opened up on a team led by one of my PhD examiners, which made the transition smoother. And, of course, returning to Europe was a strong motivator.

What is your area of research?  

My research over the last 15 years has focused on designing and evaluating behaviour change interventions to support biodiversity and wildlife conservation. I look at ways to encourage people to act in ways that are friendlier to wildlife, working in collaboration with NGOs like Birdlife, WWF, and various regional organisations. My work takes me to different parts of the world, always around the themes of wildlife and biodiversity conservation.

What are some of the key challenges you’re facing in your research, and how are you approaching them?  

A major challenge in this field is balancing the needs of biodiversity with those of the local communities we work with. Often, people's needs can put pressure on biodiversity, so it’s important to address these ethically without negatively impacting their welfare. Another challenge is recognising the different socio-economic backgrounds we come from and ensuring that conservation solutions don’t feel imposed but instead come from real partnerships with local communities.

Do you get to travel a lot with your work?  

Yes, travel is a significant part of my role. Meeting colleagues and seeing the places where our work takes place is crucial. However, balancing this with my personal life can be challenging. My family and I already split time between three countries—Portugal, France, and the UK—so professional travel adds to that. But I recognise it as part of the unique opportunity and responsibility that comes with my role.

What skills do you consider crucial for success in research, especially for those new to the field?  

I’d say networking is essential, especially in biodiversity conservation, which involves multiple stakeholders and institutions. Being known and able to work well with others can significantly impact the success of your work. But networking is challenging, too—it often means attending conferences and events that require resources, so it has to be a balancing act.

Do you have any advice for early-career researchers or students who want to follow a similar path? 

Yes, I’d advise them not to wait too long before talking about their work. Even small events are valuable opportunities to share your ideas. Sometimes people hesitate, thinking their work isn’t “significant” enough yet, but it’s important to get comfortable with sharing and promoting your work early on. With so much research being published daily, being visible and open to discussions is key.

If you could change research culture in one way, how would you change it?

I would like to see a stronger emphasis on people management as a core skill for researchers. In academia, technical skills are prioritised, but there’s often less focus on developing team-building and leadership abilities. Researchers lead diverse teams and work with many students, which makes effective management crucial. Building skills in managing teams, creating positive work environments, and supporting team members' well-being could greatly enhance the collaborative nature of research. Formal training in these areas would help foster a culture where researchers can thrive, both professionally and personally, and where positive mentorship is valued as highly as technical expertise.

Have you attended any of the Researcher Training & Development courses and if so Which ones would you recommend? 

Yes, there are two in particular I’d recommend. Innovation Leadership Programme and Leadership in Action have been invaluable for me, and I think every Principal Investigator at Oxford could benefit from them.

I also enjoyed Ideas to Impact, with the Said Business School. The course brought together people from diverse backgrounds and allowed for interdisciplinary learning, which I found enriching.

Lastly, can you share a fun fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know? 

Well, I only learned to ride a bike when I was 18! Growing up in an urban area, it wasn’t something I learned early on, but I finally learned just before a conference in the Netherlands, where biking was essential. I managed to learn in Portugal, although the bike I used in the Netherlands ended up being much larger than what I was used to!! Now that I’m in Oxford, I’ve had a “bike revival” and ride regularly—almost every other day!

Read more about Diogo here!