Rana Dadpour Joins The Cairns Institute: Blending Research with Real-Life Experience

In August 2024, The Cairns Institute welcomes Rana Dadpour as its newest Research Fellow in Social and Economic Risk.  Rana's PhD research at James Cook University focused on exploring the intricate connections between migration, liveability, and regional development in tropical urban environments like Cairns. A mother of two, Rana brings a unique blend of academic expertise and personal insight to her role.

Given the Great Barrier Reef’s profound influence on the daily lives of the surrounding communities, Rana's work naturally extended into an in-depth exploration of this World Heritage-listed marine ecosystem. She is actively involved in marine conservation efforts. Since 2021, she's served on the Local Marine Advisory Committee with the Reef Authority and participated in the Cairns-Port Douglas Community Panel for the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program. She has been working with a range of stakeholders, including traditional owners, and scientists to integrate diverse community perspectives and aspirations into reef management strategies.

Rana's international experience in developing sustainable tourist destinations in Iran and Mexico adds a global perspective to her approach to local challenges and community engagement. In her new post-doctoral role, and deeply connected to the reef communities, Rana joins a multi-institutional research team led by TCI's Director, Distinguished Professor Stewart Lockie. She'll focus on assessing the social and economic aspects of reef restoration and adaptation efforts, ensuring these initiatives benefit both the environment and local communities.

Rana’s unique background—combining social science and urban studies with a passion for marine conservation—positions her to make significant contributions to both The Cairns Institute and the broader field of social-ecological research in tropical environments.