Dr Saffron O'Neill

About me:

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Saffron O’Neill is Professor in Geography. Her research explores the social science dimensions of climate variability and change, particularly focusing on communication and public engagement. Her research specialism is the visual communication of climate change. She held a Leverhulme Research Fellowship on this topic titled ‘The Visual Life of Climate Change’ (2021-2023) and an ESRC Future Leaders Fellowship (2012-2017). 

In 2025, Saffron published her book 'The Visual Life of Climate Change' (Bristol University Press; £24.99 paperback/Open Access online). David Shukman, London School of Economics and former BBC News Science Editor, comments: 'This is essential reading for journalists, activists, scientists, communications people – in fact everyone involved in trying to raise awareness of climate change and drive progress towards solutions. All too often the potential power of imagery is forgotten or taken for granted. This book explains why that needs to change and what a difference it would make to have pictures at the heart of all we do.' 

Saffron is Co-Director of the Centre for Climate Communication and Data Science (C3DS) (2023-2025) funded via philanthropy and University of Exeter. Saffron is also a Co-Director (Communications and Outreach) of the ESRC-funded ACCESS network (Advancing Capacity for Climate and Environment Social Science) (2021-2026).

Saffron is Director of EDI within the Geography department, a role shared with Prof Karen Bickerstaff. She is also a University Autism Champion.

Saffron no longer tweets, but is active on LinkedIn talking about climate change, communication, media, visuals, imagery and working towards a more inclusive research culture. Find her via: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saffronjoneill/.

Qualifications:

BSc Geography (University of Southampton: First Class Honours)
PhD in Environmental Science (University of East Anglia)