Saman Sobhani
Postgraduate
Contact Details
- Email: sas106@aber.ac.uk
- Office:C32 Hugh Owen Building
- Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?user=29H3RVoAAAAJ
I am a PhD candidate in Environmental Economics at Aberystwyth University, where I began my studies in 2024. My research explores how multispecies justice can be meaningfully embedded in urban green space planning and governance, with a particular focus on fostering more equitable and sustainable relationships between humans and other species.
Alongside my doctoral research, I contribute to teaching as a seminar tutor at Aberystwyth Business School. I am also an active member of the CRiSiS research team and work as a research assistant on the MUST (Enabling Multispecies Transitions) project. This international collaboration brings together partners from Finland, Wales, and Indonesia to investigate how societies can transition toward systems that support the mutual well-being of humans and non-human species, while reducing inequality and harm across communities and ecosystems. In addition, I have served as an academic representative, advocating for student engagement and contributing to the enhancement of the academic experience.
Prior to joining Aberystwyth University, I completed a master’s degree in urban planning and design and worked as an urban designer across several consultancy firms. This professional background continues to inform my interdisciplinary approach, bridging economic theory, spatial planning, and environmental governance.
Beyond academia, I enjoy doodling and sketching as ways to cultivate creative and visual thinking. I am also an enthusiastic boulderer, a practice I have pursued for the past two years, which has strengthened my resilience and persistence in the face of challenges. Whenever work becomes overwhelming, I find clarity in long hikes (something Aberystwyth offers in abundance) allowing me to reconnect with nature and regain perspective.
Research Assistant in CRiSis Centre
My research focuses on multispecies justice, a new paradigm in nature-based solutions (NbS) that aims to shift the traditional anthropocentric approach to environmental management toward a more inclusive framework recognising the rights and needs of diverse species within ecosystems.
By integrating ethical considerations for non-human entities, my work aims to explore how multispecies interactions can inform sustainable practices and policies. This involves examining the interconnectedness of human and non-human communities, understanding the implications of biodiversity loss, and advocating for equitable resource distribution that honours the intrinsic value of all living beings.
Ultimately, my research seeks to contribute to a more holistic understanding of justice that encompasses ecological integrity, social equity, and interspecies relationships, fostering resilience in the face of environmental challenges.
My research is funded by the Research Council of Finland (RCF) through MUST (Enabling Multispecies Transitions in Cities and Regions).