Social science for decision making
We specialise in human-nature connections where we identify areas of social enquiry to inform environmental planning, evaluation and delivery. Our social science specialists work across participatory and deliberative engagement, expert elicitation, social baseline and community profiles, and behaviour change strategies.
Understanding social values, data and insights
We work with clients and partners to collate population-level demographic and social data with local insights and qualitative narratives to build a comprehensive understanding of the social and cultural contexts in which we design and deliver policy and project work. Our social science consultants always ensure our work recognises the needs, values and aspirations of local communities and other stakeholders.
Measuring social impact and outcomes
We work across diverse sectors to identify and assess the social impacts and outcomes of environmental and natural resource initiatives. This includes identifying rigorous and appropriate ways to assess changes in social outcomes such as health, wellbeing, equity, community cohesion and resilience, socio-economic status, employability and education. Our social science consultants are involved in measuring stakeholder perceptions, sentiment and behaviour. We have considerable expertise in representative engagement, data collection and design using surveys, interviews and focus groups, and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data.
Systems-thinking and integrated governance
We apply a systems-thinking lens to the design and delivery of social science projects. Our social science consultants recognise that social challenges are rarely isolated and that they are shaped by complex relationships between people, institutions, policies, and environments. By moving beyond linear and siloed approaches, we work with decision-makers in government, business, and community organisations to create integrated governance arrangements that bring diverse perspectives into the process
This approach enables us to reveal interdependencies across sectors, anticipate ripple effects of decisions, and identify leverage points where change can have the greatest impact. In doing so, we help organisations move from short-term fixes to long-term, adaptive solutions that are resilient, equitable, and capable of responding to complexity and uncertainty.
Industry leadership
Our social science consultants are industry leaders who are known for their deep expertise and knowledge in their field. They bring a thorough understanding of industry trends, technologies and best practices.
Dr Anne Cleary
Dr. Anne Cleary is an experienced climate and health researcher skilled in researching the relationship between exposure to climate hazards and physical, social and mental health impacts. <br><br>Anne is a member of the Mental Health and Climate Change Research Network. She has extensive experience designing and implementing monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess the environmental and social outcomes of environmental initiatives. <br><br>Anne is experienced in designing robust, yet resource aware, evaluation methods that are ethical and conscience of participant burden. She is skilled in using co-design and place-based approaches with diverse stakeholders to produce fit-for-purpose nature based solutions that deliver co-benefits across environmental, health and social outcomes. Anne is also skilled in transdisciplinary, mixed methods research with experience analysing, synthesis and reporting on both quantitative and qualitative data. <br><br>Anne completed a PhD on the mental health and wellbeing benefits of urban green space at Griffith University’s School of Medicine and holds an adjunct position at the University of Queensland’s Institute for Social Science Research. Her career has spanned diverse sectors and locations with experience in academia, not-for-profit and industry: working as a research fellow at the Institute for Social Science Research at The University of Queensland, Brunel University London, World Health Organisation (European Centre for Environment and Health) in Germany, and Healthy Land and Water in southeast Queensland. Anne is passionate about shaping landscapes and systems that promote human connection with nature for the benefit of people and the planet.
Dr Matthew Selinske
Matthew joined Mosaic Insights as a Senior Social Scientist in June 2023. He is a conservation social scientist with more than 15 years’ experience across multiple organisations including government, NGO, private sector, and universities. Matthew works on a range of projects including designing and evaluating stewardship programs, measuring the social values of waterways, using a social science informed approach for open space planning, and co-designed fisheries management with First Nation groups.<br><br>Previously, Matthew was a PhD student and Senior Research Fellow at RMIT University where his research focused on behaviour change and private land conservation. Prior to his research career Matthew worked in forest and prairie restoration projects in the US, and managed a protected area in West Africa, focused on primate conservation.<br>Matthew received his undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota in Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology and MSc from Imperial College London’s Interdisciplinary Conservation Program. Driven by a commitment to give back to his field, Matthew currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Society for Conservation Biology.<br><br>Matthew is passionate about making social science and behavioural research more accessible to all and applying it to promote resilience and liveability by connecting people to nature.
Projects in Social Science
Prioritising investment in activation: Land and Waterways Activation Platform
Grazing Resilience and Sustainable Solutions (GRASS) program evaluation
Connecting people with waterways in the Yarra valley
Banyule Urban Forest Strategy
Social research informing Open Space Strategy
See more projects in Social Science
More Mosaic Insights capabilities
AI and machine learning
We work with our clients to deploy AI and machine learning to enhance decision-making through predictive analytics and improving data-driven insights.
Nature-based solutions
Our work focuses on the integration of natural processes and ecosystems to address challenges such as climate change, flooding, air quality, and biodiversity loss. Our work improves urban resilience and enhances the well-being of communities.
Open space planning
We shape cities and regional communities for decades to come. Our work creates functional, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing environments that promote community engagement, well-being, and ecological health.
Urban greening and cooling
We believe nature in cities plays a critical role in both community wellbeing and ecological health. We develop strategies and plans for open space, urban forests, greening and cooling.
Spatial and data science
We integrate and analyse big data sets, write algorithms, apply advanced GIS techniques, and develop dashboards and other visualisations to communicate complex science and ideas in beautiful, accessible ways.