Fatima Parker-Allie, PhD

Biodiversity Scientist, Strategist, Knowledge Broker
Biodiversity Informatics, Science, Technology and Innovation (STI)
& Climate Change

I am a biodiversity scientist, strategist, and global driver of change, with extensive experience in operationalizing the data-science-policy interface to inform real-world decision-making. My work spans strategy development, international liaison, stakeholder engagement, and building networks that advance biodiversity information management both in theory and in practice.

As South Africa’s focal point to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), I play a key role in shaping national and regional agendas, with deep insight into the needs and priorities of African countries in the biodiversity informatics space.

My areas of expertise include:

Biodiversity Informatics & Data Mobilization
Climate Change & Invasive Alien Species
Science-Policy Integration
Human Capital Development
International Collaboration & Strategic Partnerships

Areas of Interest

Expertise and Contributions in Biodiversity Informatics

Over the past two decades, my work has spanned multiple strategic domains, including thought leadership, scientific research, human capital development, and the establishment of robust networks and partnerships — all within the evolving field of biodiversity informatics.

As a recognized thought leader, I currently serve as a strategic advisor to the G20 Research and Innovation Working Group. I also contribute to the G20 Science Committee, led by the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI), where I support the integration of biodiversity priorities into the planning agenda for the G20 Summit in 2025. I am also contributing to the strategic discussions seeking alignments between the RIWG and the Climate and Environment Working Group of the G20. Further engagements and alignments have also included the G20 Culture Working Group.

A key innovation I have led is the development and deployment of a Conveyor Belt System for Industrial-Scale Digitization — a pioneering initiative on the African continent. This system dramatically increases the rate at which Natural History Collections are digitized, enabling unprecedented progress in data mobilization for biodiversity science.

My research has consistently focused on positioning biodiversity informatics as a distinct and strategic scientific discipline, including facilitated sessions with both global and national communities and with peer review publications as a clear outcome. This work has helped strengthen South Africa’s contribution and influence in the global science, technology, and innovation (STI) landscape.

At the international level, I have served as a member of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) Task Force on Data and Knowledge. In this role, I contributed to the development of the IPBES’ Data Management Policy and helped catalyze the use of data in support of science-policy interface efforts globally.

In the realm of human capital development, I have designed and implemented national strategies, eLearning platforms, and specialized training programs aimed at building capacity in biodiversity informatics. These initiatives have played a critical role in nurturing the next generation of scientists and data practitioners in the field.

Equally central to my work has been the development of collaborative partnerships at national, regional, and global levels. These efforts have fostered coordinated research, advanced data publication and mobilization, and supported the growth of communities of practice. Through these collaborations, I continue to drive strategic alignment and capacity building in biodiversity informatics, enabling more effective responses to environmental and ecological challenges worldwide.

Thought Leadership

Catalyzing Change at the Data-Science-Policy Nexus: Bringing extensive experience in launching high-impact initiatives that connect biodiversity data, science, and policy. These efforts help shape national and international agendas for more informed decision-making
Pioneering High-Throughput Digitization in South Africa: Spearheaded the implementation of cutting-edge Conveyor Belt Technology to fast-track the digitization of natural history specimens—an African first—dramatically improving data availability and research capacity
Strategic Vision for Africa: Authored the SANBI Engagement Strategy for Africa (2016–2021)—a guiding framework that positioned the organization to play a leading role across the continent, in response to growing collaboration and investment from emerging African economies.

Human Capital Development

Leading Capacity Development Efforts in Biodiversity Informatics (BDI) including a Centre for BDI, which will be a national hub for research, innovation, and training to support South Africa’s growing leadership in the field.
Designed and implemented numerous BDI training events to strengthen capacity across institutions, empower young scientists, and build the technical and analytical skills needed to manage and use biodiversity data effectively.

Research

Establishing a New Scientific Frontier: Driving the development of Biodiversity Informatics as a formal field of science in South Africa—building the systems, capacity, and strategy to support research, innovation, and policy.
Data that drives decisions: Championing the use and impact of biodiversity data to inform science and policy at national and international levels. This includes work that highlights the value of data for conservation, planning, and sustainable development.
Elevating the Role of Science, Technology & Innovation Strengthening the role of STI in biodiversity decision-making, ensuring data is not only collected—but also valued, shared, and acted upon.
Revolutionizing Natural History Digitization: Leading innovation in the digitization of natural history collections using high-throughput conveyor belt technology, accelerating access to critical biodiversity data at unprecedented scales
Scientific Foundations: Grounded in a strong scientific background, with research spanning invasive species and climate change, providing a robust foundation for driving data-policy integration and environmental action.

Partnership Development

Over the past decade, I’ve played a pivotal role in building and nurturing strategic partnerships that strengthen the data-science-policy interface for biodiversity. This includes:
Formalizing relationships through MOUs, Data Sharing Agreements, and Collaboration Agreements
Establishing and supporting Communities of Practice to foster knowledge exchange, innovation, and collective impact
Creating frameworks that promote open data, shared goals, and long-term collaboration across institutions and borders