Leo Nyein Zaw Ko, an alumnus of the University of Cambridge Masters in Conservation Leadership (2022-23), has been awarded the Best Poster Prize at the recent Student Conference on Conservation Science (SCCS) for research demonstrating how strategic communication can significantly improve engagement on controversial environmental topics.
The award-winning research, conducted during Leo's MPhil professional placement with the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), addressed the growing challenge of effectively communicating nuanced conservation issues in today's polarised information landscape.
Using a methodical framework, Leo created and tested message prototypes on challenging topics including bird feeder hygiene and avian influenza. By framing these issues from different perspectives and testing various approaches through an online survey with over 600 respondents, his research identified communication strategies that doubled engagement rates on social media compared to control posts.
"This work demonstrates how applying evidence-based communication principles can help conservation organisations cut through the noise of misinformation," said Dr Melissa Leach, Executive Director of the Cambridge Conservation Initiative, who attended the conference presentation.
The project exemplifies how the Masters in Conservation Leadership professional placements offer valuable opportunities for students to address real-world conservation challenges while working alongside CCI partner organisations.
Leo is now applying these communication insights at the National University of Singapore's Sustainability Academy, developing executive education courses on sustainability, carbon markets, and nature-related financial disclosures.
The Student Conference on Conservation Science, held annually at the University of Cambridge, is one of the premier international events for early-career conservation scientists. The conference provides a platform for researchers from around the world to share innovative work, build valuable networks, and connect with leading experts in the field. Each year, SCCS welcomes hundreds of delegates representing diverse conservation perspectives from more than 60 countries.