How the Wildlife Forensic Academy is training the next generation of crime scene investigators for nature, with Dr Greg Simpson.

Hi, Nick here from Conservation Careers and welcome to the podcast.

Today we're exploring a lesser-known but vitally important side of conservation: wildlife forensics.

My guest is Dr Greg Simpson — a vet, public health specialist, conservationist, and Managing Director of the Wildlife Forensic Academy in South Africa.

Greg brings a fascinating blend of experiences — from veterinary clinics and public health to conservation education and wildlife crime scene investigations.

In this conversation, we unpack what wildlife forensics actually is — and why it’s becoming such a crucial tool in fighting wildlife crime and protecting biodiversity.

We also explore the work of the Wildlife Forensic Academy — the world’s first institution of its kind — which delivers hands-on, field-based training for students, rangers, researchers and professionals.

You’ll hear about the Academy’s unique approach, its growing global partnerships, and how you can get involved.

Finally, Greg shares personal insights into his role, career journey, advice for aspiring wildlife vets or forensic scientists — and his vision for scaling the Academy's impact across the world.

Before we get started, I wanted to give you a quick heads up that whether you’re just beginning your journey in conservation or looking to progress further, we’ve built three membership levels designed to support you at every stage.

CC Free gives you full access to our library of career guides and templates, along with bespoke job alerts from the world’s biggest conservation job board here at Conservation Careers.

For deeper support, CC Pro unlocks access to all listings our website and adds our private members’ community — a friendly, career-boosting space with training, events, expert guidance, and even the chance to join these podcast interviews live and put your own questions to our guests.

And coming soon, CC Pass will give you full access to all our premium training courses. That includes programmes such as the Certificate in Rewilding, Project Management & Design, Fundraising, Communications, Community-Based Conservation, Marine Conservation, and our career development courses — with more added over time.

If you’d like to explore any of these options, everything is available at conservation-careers.com, and we’ll pop a link below for you.

Righty, let’s jump into today’s podchat with Greg.

Enjoy.

Links

• Our memberships
• Wildlife Forensic Academy

Hi there, Nick here from Conservation Careers and welcome to the podcast.

If you’ve ever wondered how conservation can be truly inclusive, collaborative and community-led — this episode is for you.

Today I’m joined by Helen Gibbons, an expert in community-based conservation and our current Expert in Residence at Conservation Careers. With over 25 years of experience working for leading organisations like the Gorilla Fund, WWF, Greenpeace and the Maasai Mara Conservancies, Helen brings a wealth of insight into how conservation can and should work with people at its heart.

Together, we explore what community-based conservation really means — not just in theory, but in practice. We talk about trust, respect, and partnerships — and why supporting communities to lead their own conservation efforts is often the key to lasting impact.

Helen also shares stories from her incredible career, along with advice for people looking to work in this space — including the skills, experiences and mindset that really matter.

It’s a conservation, community, and career episode.

Enjoy.

Links

• Certificate in Community-Based Conservation
• Helen Gibbons on LinkedIn

When was the last time a piece of art changed how you thought or felt about the natural world? Today’s guest is Rory McCann — a conservation artist and muralist who uses large-scale, community-driven art to inspire awareness, connection, and action for nature.

In this conversation, Rory shares what it’s like to create wildlife-inspired murals, and how involving schools and communities in the creative process can help people fall in love with wildlife.

We explore the power of art in conservation, education and behaviour change — and how Rory’s own journey, shaped by childhood arthritis and a deep love of nature, led him to forge a creative career outside the traditional path.

Whether you’re a career switcher, student, artist or conservationist, this is a beautiful reminder that there’s no one way to make a difference.

It’s a bold, personal, and inspiring episode.

Enjoy.

Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rory-mccann-artist/

https://www.instagram.com/rorymccannart/

https://www.facebook.com/RoryMcCannMurals

https://rorymccannmurals.com/about/