Dr David Santillo – Senior Scientist, Greenpeace Research Laboratories, Greenpeace International

I am a research scientist working in a team of seven at the Greenpeace Research Laboratories, based at the University of Exeter. These laboratories, with a strong focus on environmental chemistry, form the core of the Scientific Unit employed by Greenpeace international to provide scientific and analytical support to Greenpeace campaigns worldwide. Our role includes conducting research; contributing to both the academic literature and the international resources of Greenpeace; providing advice on a broad range of issues to ensure the activities of Greenpeace are scientifically grounded; and communicating scientific information in the context of policy development in the public arena. Over the 20 years of our existence, we have published the results of our work extensively, which are accessible at www.greenpeace.to

I trained initially as a marine and freshwater biologist, obtaining my degree (1989) and PhD (1993) from the University of London. After a short period of postdoctoral research on the consequences of eutrophication in the Northern Adriatic Sea, I joined the Greenpeace Research Laboratories in 1994. early projects drew substantially on my research experience, including documenting the threats to water quality in the western lakes of Ireland, though, over the years, I have gained experience and expertise in a broad range of issues of interest to the organisation. There is a steady demand, from both within and outside the NGO community, to apply this knowledge base to policy development at the national and international levels.

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