The Library’s Researcher profiles highlight the work of outstanding Griffith researchers. Associate Professor Johanna Nalau is from the School of Environment and Science. Johanna is an adaptation scientist, and her current research focuses on decision-making processes in climate change adaptation. We asked Johanna about her research journey, current projects and her advice for new researchers.
What path led you to becoming a researcher?
My journey into research came from a deep curiosity about how different societies perceive and respond to challenges. Growing up in Finland and later moving to Australia to do my PhD in climate change adaptation has exposed me to diverse perspectives on environmental issues and increased my interest in understanding the role of science in decision-making processes. I was always curious about different cultures, read a lot and wondered about the ‘why’. At Griffith, my PhD focused on how adaptation decisions are made and the factors influencing them. These include cognitive shortcuts called ‘heuristics’, which are rules of thumb that influence what we think climate adaptation means and how we should deal with it.
Through my Australian Research Council Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA), I explored the evolution of climate change adaptation science and mapped its development from 1970 to 2020. This work resulted in the first comprehensive, long-term analysis of how the field has shifted over time—highlighting changes in thematic focus and the broadening scope of adaptation research. During my DECRA, I was also nominated as a Lead Author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 6th Assessment Report for Working Group II where I contributed to global assessments of adaptation trends and the complex challenges of synthesising scientific knowledge into policy-relevant insights. I am now Associate Professor in Climate Adaptation and Program Director for the Master of Climate Change Adaptation and teach undergraduate courses on how we conceptualise and anticipate environmental and societal futures.
Johanna (2nd from right) at COP29 with panel members on at official UNFCCC event on Scaling Up Climate Adaptation (Baku, Azerbaijan). Image courtesy of Johanna Nalau.
Can you tell us a bit about the projects you are currently working on?
Currently, my work revolves around understanding decision-making processes in climate change adaptation. I’m involved in projects that examine how adaptation decisions are made, the role of values and beliefs in these processes, and how to effectively integrate scientific knowledge into policy and practice. Additionally, I contribute to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessments, focusing on adaptation science and its application in various contexts. I am a technical expert in the Global Goal on Adaptation expert group on climate adaptation indicators where I work with colleagues from all over the world in developing indicators for cultural heritage sector adaptation. I also attend the global climate change negotiations where I chair and speak at climate adaptation science events.
We are also developing project ideas around managed retreat—how should we plan for futures where we face increasing climate impacts and might not be able to live in the areas where we live now? I am also interested in how tourism destinations adapt to climate change, especially in terms of how to select climate adaptation strategies and how futures thinking can enable more robust planning and actions today. Futures thinking is something I am very passionate about and hope to develop more projects around this in the future. I am also interested in the science-policy linkages—how does science ‘enter’ policy and decision-making processes and what type of information and evidence can help in making better decisions under uncertainty.
Johanna and UNFCCC technical experts at Global Goal on Adaptation indicator meeting in Bonn, Germany. Image courtesy of Johanna Nalau
Who has inspired you?
I’ve been inspired by many individuals throughout my career, but particularly by those who challenge conventional thinking and push the boundaries of adaptation science.
I am lucky to have close mentors who all in their different ways challenge my thinking and engage me in rethinking some of my assumptions.
These are not all academics, but good friends who work in other creative fields as well.
Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and engaging with communities has shown me the power of diverse perspectives in driving innovative solutions to climate challenges. Some of my collaborations include University College London, RAND Corporation, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and World Adaptation Science Program at United Nations Environment Programme. I thrive working on big, complex challenges and am inspired also to help others to find their journeys, whether that’s research or practice.
Johanna and Steve Noakes at Binna Burra after the fires discussing climate adaptation. Image courtesy of Johanna Nalau.
Do you have any advice for researchers just starting out?
For early-career researchers, it is essential to cultivate curiosity and remain open to interdisciplinary thinking. Read widely, also beyond your own discipline, and see how different ideas from different fields can create something new.
Building strong professional networks, actively seeking mentorship, and communicating your research effectively are all critical skills that, while often underemphasised in academic training, are fundamental to a successful research career.
At Griffith, we have a range of key resources and support in these areas, so it’s definitely worth seeking opportunities in skill development.
It’s also important to recognise the unique value that early-career researchers bring to a field—fresh perspectives often reveal insights that more established scholars may overlook. Don’t hesitate to share your ideas; meaningful contributions can come from anyone, regardless of career stage.
Griffith is proud to produce world-class research contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Find out more about the Sustainable Development Goals.
Are you thinking of pursuing a research degree?
If you would like to find out more, check out the research study web page.
