The science is clear: we have the knowledge and tools to tackle the nature and climate crisis – what we need now is momentum. The next decade holds extraordinary potential for regeneration, innovation, and systems change.
The Nature & Climate Impact Team at the University of Exeter Business School, led by Professor Gail Whiteman, exists to accelerate that change. With philanthropic support from André and Rosalie Hoffmann, we’re helping turn cutting-edge research into practical, positive action – faster.
Professor Gail Whiteman - University of Exeter Business School
We work across disciplines and sectors to connect research with real-world impact. We collaborate with businesses, creatives, NGOs, and policymakers to co-create nature-positive, climate-smart, and collaborative paths to accelerating change.
Our approach is rooted in action. To drive meaningful change, we focus on engaging companies positioned at key leverage points in their sectors – those with the potential to unlock broader systems transformation. We’re taking a strategic, sector-by-sector approach, backed by dedicated experts and tailored resources.
We identify sectors with real potential for transformation and support the people working to make it happen.
Our Fellows lead practical research and co-design solutions with partners across business, policy and culture.
Our communications experts turn insights into hopeful, human-centred narratives that build momentum and spark engagement.
Everything we produce – from toolkits to campaign assets – is designed to scale, adapt and inspire others to act. We also aim for our work to be open source where possible.
Gail Whiteman is the Hoffmann Impact Professor for Accelerating Action on Nature & Climate at the University of Exeter Business School. A social science expert, she focuses on how decision-makers interpret and respond to systemic global risks, including those posed by climate change and environmental threats. She is a member of the World Economic Forum’s Earth Decides community and the Professor-in-Residence of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. An award-winning science communicator, she is founder/co-founder of Arctic Basecamp and Climate Basecamp.
Katie Cooke is an experienced Higher Education research programme manager, specialising in multi-million-pound UKRI research projects including the CE Hub and NICER programme at the University of Exeter. She excels in managing complex, large-scale research initiatives and fostering partnerships with academia, industry, policymakers, and society.
Frances combines an academic background and a focus on food systems with extensive experience in storytelling, strategy, and foresight. After years directing and producing BBC documentaries, Frances moved to Scandinavia where she became interested in the food space whilst working at Oatly. She has since built up both practical and theoretical experience in sustainable food systems, including working with government actors, local authorities, producers, and brands.
Josh Ayers brings nearly 20 years of international experience as a climate professional rooted in systems thinking and nature-positive approaches. He has directed large programmes at the intersection of environmental, economic, and social development. Josh’s experience with interdisciplinary research and multidisciplinary partnerships facilitates innovative, sustainable solutions.
Cora has a background in chemistry and environmental science and policy. She has spent almost four years working with the Swedish start-up Volta Greentech, tackling climate change by reducing methane emissions from cows. As part of a small, driven team, she’s managed a factory, spoken at international events, secured funding, and worked closely with European policymakers.
Marcos holds BSc (2013), MSc (2016), and PhD in Computer Science (2024) focused on AI and meteorological data, applying Machine Learning to digital agriculture and agrometeorology. In addition to a 10-year career as an IT analyst, he has experience in innovation, entrepreneurship and startups, with his main interest being data science applied to climate change.
Vanessa is an award-winning film and television producer with over 25 years’ experience in science and natural history programming. She has delivered acclaimed projects for global broadcasters and streaming platforms including the BBC, Netflix, Sky, and Disney, earning a reputation for creating compelling, visually striking content. Her work focuses on connecting audiences with environmental and nature-positive stories, using innovative storytelling to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and public understanding.
Anna brings over 15 years of experience in live sports broadcasting, where she delivered high-profile projects and built a reputation for operational excellence. Her career highlights include leading the rebranding of BT Sport to TNT Sports, overseeing the launch of pay-per-view Box Office channels, and managing the promotion of large-scale events including the UEFA Champions League and Premier League.
Michelle is a strategic communications specialist with a decade of experience shaping public interest campaigns across the Caribbean. With a background in writing and creative production, she specialises in navigating stakeholder engagement, digital strategy and narrative development. Michelle has worked with government bodies and enterprise organisations to lead multi-platform campaigns on digital inclusion, disaster preparedness, economic development and more, working to make complex reforms clear, compelling, and actionable.
Affectionately known as “Superfriends”, our work is supported by a vibrant network of Executive Volunteers – researchers, creatives, strategists and changemakers who bring energy, expertise and inspiration to the team.
David is a Senior Clean Tech Advisor at MaRS Discovery District, mentoring entrepreneurs and teaching business and entrepreneurship across Ontario. With executive experience at Sprint Canada, Direct Energy, Bata, Canada Post and Labatt, he has led global operations and consulted in strategic growth and business transformation for over a decade. A former Board Chair of Habitat for Humanity Canada and Governor of the University of Toronto, David is also an avid motorcyclist, traveller, and long-time forest steward in Oro-Medonte.
Chuck Tatham is a Canadian comedy writer and producer (Modern Family, How I Met Your Mother, Arrested Development). He is also a founding director of Climate Basecamp, a science-culture platform co-launched to “speak science to culture” and engage new audiences on climate change through food, entertainment, sports, music and fashion.
Paul is a purpose-driven entrepreneur, founder of Rewriting Extinction, Emmy-nominated writer and producer, bestselling author of The Most Important Comic Book on Earth and animal lover fighting to protect species from extinction.
He’s led collaborations with international stars and organisations including Taika Waititi, Jane Goodall, Cara Delevingne, BBC, Cartoon Network, CNN, Peter Gabriel, Andy Serkis and many more.
Jonas Lembke is Founder and Creative Director of Upside Down, a creative studio exploring the intersection of innovation, design, and storytelling. He is also Co-Founder and Creative Director at The Innovation Chapel, where he helps organisations reimagine brand and experience through design thinking. With past leadership roles at BBDO Nordics, Proximity London, Ogilvy Interactive, and Otto Stockholm, Jonas brings a global perspective to building ideas that connect creativity, technology, and human impact.
If you’re working in business, media, or advocacy, we’d love to connect.