Biological and Chemical Sciences

Dr  Easkey Britton is a professional marine social scientist whose work explores the relationship between people and nature, especially water environments. She has a PhD in Environment and Society from the University of Ulster. Currently a post-doctoral research fellow at the Whitaker Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, where she co-leads the interdisciplinary NEARHealth work-package on nature-based solutions, exploring the use of blue and green space to restore health and wellbeing. Most recently Britton joined the EU-funded Horizon2020 project, Seas and Oceans for Public Health in Europe (SOPHIE). Her work on SOPHIE will focus on ensuring everyone has a voice in setting the direction of oceans and human health research, identifying key people who should be involved in the stakeholder discussions. A life-long surfer, Easkey’s parents taught her to surf when she was four years old and she channels her passion for surfing and the sea into social change. Her work is deeply influenced by the ocean and the lessons learned pioneering women’s big-wave surfing in Ireland and introducing the sport of surfing with women in Iran. Passionate about facilitating creative & collaborative processes, Easkey founded Like Water, a platform to explore innovative ways to reconnect with who we are, our environment and each other, through water. A recognised international speaker, she was invited by the Science Gallery, Dublin to give an inspiring TEDx talk in 2013: Just Add Surf. Most recently she features in an award-wnning short film, which she also wrote, A Lunar Cycle, about her connection to the sea and its cycles.