EcoCitizen is proud to announce that our Board Member and Senior Advisor, Salvatore Coppola-Finegan, has been confirmed as the first Research Affiliate of the Integral Ecology Research Network (IERN), based at the Laudato Si’ Research Institute (LSRI), Campion Hall, University of Oxford.
A Strategic Milestone for Integral Ecology
This appointment marks a strategic milestone for IERN, strengthening its mission to advance the research paradigm of Integral Ecology. Salvatore’s affiliation reinforces the network’s global reach across policy, ecology, and justice, with a particular focus on enhancing Global Environmental and Climate Governance. His work bridges science, policy, and practice, with attention to integrating the perspectives of Indigenous peoples, faith-based communities, and environmental stewards into international frameworks such as the UN Climate Change, UN Biodiversity, and UN Convention to Combat Desertification.
Multidisciplinary Expertise
Salvatore brings a wealth of experience as a researcher, advisor, and published author with a multidisciplinary academic background in planetary health, geography, sustainability, and governance. His career spans over 15 years across Latin America, Europe, and Southeast Asia, including service in public policy, conservation, and environmental governance. He has previously served on the governing Board of the Costa Rican National Conservation System, and as Chief Special Adviser to the Head of the Government Bench in the Costa Rican Parliament, where he contributed to pioneering legislation on environment, natural resources, and energy.
Strengthening Global Collaboration
In his new role, Salvatore will conduct research to bridge science, policy, and practice, tackling urgent questions on how to make global frameworks more effective and equitable. His affiliation also aligns with IERN’s collaboration with partners such as EcoCitizen, Jesuits in Britain, the International Association of Jesuit Universities (IAJU), AUSJAL, the Social Justice and Ecology Secretariat (SJES – Rome), and the Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, among others.
Shared Vision
Fr. Peter Rožič, SJ, Director of IERN, highlighted: “Salvatore Coppola-Finegan’s confirmation as our first Research Affiliate is an important moment for IERN. His expertise and passion for Integral Ecology will inspire significant research and strengthen our global network, especially his sensitivity to the social facets of the intertwined ecological and climate crises and the challenges in the Global South.”
Salvatore expressed his enthusiasm: “I am humbled to have been proposed and confirmed as IERN’s first Research Affiliate. This is an opportunity to contribute to world-class research dedicated to genuine sustainability and social justice. I look forward to collaborating globally to link science, policy, and the voices of those most affected by climate and environmental collapse.”
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