Derek Gliddon is a highly experienced R&D and knowledge systems leader, holding an MSc in Remote Sensing from University College London and a BSc in Physics, Astronomy, and Mathematics. He has over 35 years international experience at the science–policy–sustainability interface. As Director of Environmental Science Development at EAD, he defines the environmental research agenda and develops research partnerships, while pioneering and architecting a globally distinctive cause-effect environmental knowledge management platform to support AI-enabled governance. His impactful contributions include leading the EAD-UNEP Indicator Reporting platform, also producing and hosting global webinars on SDG data for the Eye on Earth Alliance. At the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre (Cambridge, UK), he led the Informatics Programme for biodiversity policy. In the 1990s, he championed environmental data infrastructures in Abu Dhabi through roles at the National Avian Research Centre and the Environmental Research & Wildlife Development Agency. At Masdar City, he led geospatial and information management for sustainable urban development. A certified software developer, Chartered GIS Professional, and ESRI Special Achievement Award recipient, his expertise spans Remote Sensing, Geographic Data Science, Information Systems, Knowledge Graphs, Knowledge Management, Biodiversity Conservation, Clean Energy, and Sustainable Cities.
