DrPatrick Bonney

Patrick is a Research Fellow in Anthropology at the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation. A human geographer and science and technology studies scholar, he specialises in public participation and socio-technical change across water governance, climate change, and circular economy domains. Primiarily a qualitative researcher, his research has illuminated emerging forms of public engagement in water policy, documented outcomes of participatory practice, and co-developed an environmental stewardship program with direct policy impact. His research has contributed to the development of key government frameworks for integrating community knowledge into natural resource management decisions.

Patrick's current research encompasses two primary streams of inquiry. The first examines tensions between circular economy ideals and persistent chemical contamination in waste management systems. The second investigates how community perspectives on risk influence engagement with vegetation management for bushfire mitigation in Victoria, addressing the fundamental challenge of creating democratic approaches to environmental risk governance amid increasing climate-related hazards. He currently serves as Chair of the Australian Citizen Science Association Victoria Chapter, advancing citizen science and participatory research practices across the state.