Blog icon

Dr Danie Nilsson

/(Danielle)/

Pronouns: she,her,hers

Research Scientist

https://people.csiro.au/n/d/danie-nilsson

Contact

Please enter a valid first name

Please enter a valid last name

Please enter a valid email address

Please enter your message to send to the contact

Contact details:

GPO BOX 2583
BRISBANE QLD 4001 AUSTRALIA

Biography

Dr Danie Nilsson is a behavioural scientist specialising in applying social psychology to sustainability challenges. With a PhD in Conservation Psychology, her career has focused on bridging science and practice to deliver measurable environmental impact.

During her postdoctoral research at CSIRO, Danie worked to mainstream sustainable housing across Australia, applying behavioural science to accelerate the uptake of energy-efficient homes. Building on this foundation, she went on to establish and now leads a pioneering research stream at the intersection of behavioural science, mass-media, and impact production. Her work harnesses entertainment and storytelling as tools to shift social norms, motivate action, and accelerate Australia’s transition to a sustainable future.

Her research spans energy efficiency, home retrofits, biodiversity protection, and sustainable lifestyles, connecting behavioural insights with large-scale communication formats, campaigns, and cross-sector collaborations. She has shaped award-winning national television programs, secured major partnerships across government, industry, and the creative sector, and delivered high-profile research that drives practical responses to sustainability challenges

By combining behavioural science with innovative communication, Danie is advancing CSIRO’s mission to drive the energy transition, accelerate sustainable housing uptake, encourage a biodiverse and a nature-positive future, and support sustainable communities at scale.

Achievements and Awards

  • 2022-2022

    Communication for Impact Award – Renovate or Rebuild TV show.
    Banksia Foundation

  • 2022-2022

    Effective Communication of Science Award – Building Simulation, Assessment and Communications Team Energy Business Unit Awards
    Energy Business Unit Awards, CSIRO

  • 2011-2011

    Three Minute Thesis Award - First place and People's Choice
    School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management, University of Queensland

  • 2011-2014

    Research Scholarship
    University of Queensland

  • 2011-2014

    Integrated Natural Resource Management Scholarship
    CSIRO

  • 2010-2010

    Deans Commendation for High Achievement - Masters Research
    University of Queensland

Professional Areas

Fields of Research

Current

Former

Current Roles

  • Research Scientist
    Danie currently leads applied behavioural science projects to accelerate the adoption of sustainable housing, low-emission lifestyles, and broader environmental behaviours. She is the project lead for the Powerhouse Project and the Environmental Media Impact Symposium, overseeing design, delivery, and evaluation. Her activities span the full research-to-impact cycle, including: • Mapping behaviour change pathways and designing interventions using social science theory. • Designing and evaluating television and media programs that influence energy efficiency, sustainability, and climate-conscious behaviours. • Conducting literature reviews, audience segmentation analyses, and data collection through surveys, interviews, and focus groups. • Collaborating across CSIRO Research Units, as well as with industry, creative, and government partners. • Providing applied social science expertise to inform programs, campaigns, and national initiatives.

Academic Qualifications

  • 2016

    PhD Conservation Psychology
    UQ

  • 2008

    Bachelor Behavioural Sciences (Psychology)
    QUT

  • 2011

    Masters Animal Studies (Wildlife Science and Conservation)
    UQ

Grants

  • 2012-2015

    Intergrated Natural Resource Management Scholarship CSIRO

  • 2012-2016

    University of Queensland Research Scholarship.

Related links