Exeter researcher named among 2025 Women of Discovery
Divya Karnad at the awards gala. Image credit Farina Othman
A University of Exeter researcher has been named on the 2025 Women of Discovery.
Dr Divya Karnad, who works on marine conservation and social science, is part of the Centre for Ecology and Conservation on the Penryn Campus in Cornwall.
The Women of Discovery list is published by WINGS, whose mission is to “elevate and build community around visionary women pushing the boundaries of science, exploration and conservation”.
An awards gala was held in New York on 9 October to honour Dr Karnad and the four other 2025 Women of Discovery: Dr Yara Barros, Dr Ayana Elizabeth, Dr Nurzhafarina Othman and Dr Grace Young.
Dr Karnad said: “It’s so unexpected and wonderful to have my work recognised by a global award that brings together so many different types of people – from activists and researchers to explorers.
“It is a privilege to join this group of extraordinary women, and I look forward to collaborating with many of them.”
Dr Karnad’s areas of expertise include conservation of sharks and rays, fisheries management in the Global South, the geography of seafood, seafood commons, Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing, Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) and participatory action research.
Professor Ben Raymond, Head of Department at the Centre for Ecology and Conservation, said: “This is one of those times when I am reminded that I have the privilege to lead an outstanding group of researchers and educators, I congratulate Divya wholeheartedly on her award.”
