Governance
Committee of Management
CRI is governed by a Committee of Management representing all six Schools of the University of Cambridge, with dedicated early career researcher representation. The Committee provides strategic oversight and helps guide CRI’s interdisciplinary approach to conservation research.
Core Leadership Team
A core group of faculty members based in the David Attenborough Building provide shared leadership across CRI’s activities. The team meets regularly to collaborate on initiatives, strengthen connections across disciplines, and support CRI’s mission to advance conservation research and practice.
CRI Director, Professor Chris Sandbrook
Professor of Conservation and Society, Department of Geography
Chris Sandbrook is a conservation social scientist whose research explores the relationships between people, biodiversity, and conservation practice. His work reflects a strong commitment to transdisciplinary approaches, bringing together insights from different disciplines and working closely with practitioners and partners.
Chris trained in both the Zoology and Geography Departments at the University of Cambridge and spent seven years working with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) World Conservation Monitoring Centre, a partner organisation of the Cambridge Conservation Initiative. He is also Director of the Master’s in Conservation Leadership, CRI’s flagship training programme.
Cambridge’s ecosystem of partnerships enables conservation research that connects theory with practice and delivers real-world impact.
Professor Chris Sandbrook
Director of CRI
Research & Communications Manager, Dr Diane Lister
Department of Geography
A member of the CRI Leadership Team since 2022, Diane provides professional support that helps connect and strengthen the CRI community. She works with members to identify funding and development opportunities, supports the Early Career Researcher Programme, coordinates events and seminars, and helps shape the Institute's communications. She also supports the Institute's day-to-day operations, including financial processes and the coordination of shared resources. Diane is passionate about fostering a welcoming research community and helping early career researchers develop the skills, networks, and confidence to advance their careers.
Originally from Canberra, Australia, Diane studied Botany and Zoology at the Australian National University before moving to the UK, where she completed an MPhil and PhD at the Institute of Biotechnology, University of Cambridge. She has over 30 years of research experience in microbiology and plant sciences, including postdoctoral research roles across the University of Cambridge in the Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Biochemistry, and McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research.
CRI Coordinator, Mrs Lucy Bigam
Department of Geography
Lucy coordinates network activities that bring researchers together and foster collaboration across the Institute. She also provides executive and strategic support to the CRI Director, helping to advance CRI’s strategic objectives, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and support the Institute’s long-term growth and success.
Lucy studied Geography at the University of Birmingham and has over twenty years of experience in the sustainability sector. Passionate about conservation and environmental sustainability, she is committed to supporting initiatives that drive positive environmental change and strengthen connections between research, policy, and practice.