ISLANDS FOR THE FUTURE OF HUMANITY is a non-partisan collaborative think tank. We develop resilience options to help ensure island nations can weather the impact of global catastrophes.
Our work includes evidence-based research reports, empirical studies, and events promoting approaches to mitigate risks such as nuclear war or extreme pandemics.
We curate evidence, coordinate catastrophe research, and create engaging online and in-person gatherings. We act to inform and assist communities, central government, and essential services, in achieving societal resilience to global catastrophes.
We are starting in New Zealand but hope all islands can learn from our work.
Matt is medically trained and completed his PhD in philosophy. He founded independent research consultancy Adapt Research in 2015. Matt initiated and led the philanthropically funded 2023 Aotearoa NZ catastrophic resilience project. He has published numerous articles on global catastrophe and loves to blog on health, technology and global catastrophic risk.
Nick is a professor of public health at the University of Otago, Wellington.
He has a long term research interest in catastrophic risks - particularly nuclear war and pandemics.
Pia has been the production and management lead for large international events as diverse as the Telluride Film Festival and Shanghai Art Expo. She is involved in collaborative NZ working groups with DOC, MPI, iwi, NGOs and local boards in response to marine biodiversity collapse, invasive species response, and food security and sovereignty.
Sam wields his data-driven expertise in environmental policy project management and advocates for sustainable agricultural practices. He has a proven track record in guiding policy frameworks from development to execution, ensuring alignment with both environmental goals and industry needs. He has partnered with the MfE, MPI, and others to influence policy and guide best practices in environmental sustainability.