Emily Wilkinson
About Emily Wilkinson
Emily Wilkinson is a Senior Research Fellow at the Overseas Development Institute in London, specializing in climate change policies and disaster risk management. She has extensive experience in leading research projects aimed at enhancing resilience for small-island developing states and serves as Chief Scientific Adviser to the Climate Resilience Agency for Dominica.
Current Role at ODI
Emily Wilkinson serves as a Senior Research Fellow at the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) in London, United Kingdom. She has held this position since 2011, contributing over a decade of expertise in research focused on climate change and disaster risk management. Her work at ODI involves leading a team that advances ambition and action on adaptation and resilience, particularly for small-island developing states. Wilkinson's role encompasses overseeing multi-year, multi-country projects aimed at incentivizing investment in risk management and enhancing the effectiveness and accountability of disaster and climate change policies.
Previous Experience and Consulting Roles
Prior to her current position, Emily Wilkinson accumulated extensive experience in various consulting roles. She worked as a Consultant for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) from 2007 to 2010. Additionally, she served as a Consultant for DARA, an international organization, from 2009 to 2011. Her experience also includes a two-year tenure as a Researcher at El Colegio de México from 2004 to 2006 and a Visiting Lecturer at the UCL-Geography Department from 2007 to 2011. These roles have equipped her with a strong foundation in research and policy development related to climate resilience.
Education and Academic Background
Emily Wilkinson holds a PhD in Geography from University College London (UCL), which she completed from 2006 to 2011. She also earned a Master’s degree in Local and Regional Development from the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) of Erasmus University Rotterdam, studying there from 2002 to 2003. Earlier, she obtained a degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from the University of York, where she studied from 1993 to 1997. Her academic background supports her research focus on climate change, disaster risk management, and resilience building.
Research Focus and Initiatives
Emily Wilkinson's research primarily focuses on building resilience in small islands and advancing climate change adaptation strategies. She leads the Global Risks and Resilience programme and participates in the SPARC programme, which supports pastoralism and agriculture in crises. Additionally, she serves as the Director of the Resilient and Sustainable Islands Initiative. Wilkinson is also the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Climate Resilience Agency for Dominica, where she aids the country's ambition to become the first climate-resilient nation globally. Her work emphasizes risk-informed development and the intersection of climate change and security.
Fellowships and Professional Affiliations
Emily Wilkinson holds a Fellowship with the Natural Environment Research Council, reflecting her commitment to advancing research in environmental science and policy. This fellowship enhances her ability to contribute to significant projects related to climate resilience and risk management. Her professional affiliations and roles in various initiatives underscore her expertise and influence in the field of climate change and disaster risk reduction.