Natasha Mølgaard has always been driven by a natural curiosity and a desire to understand and improve the world. With a bachelor's degree in anthropology and a master's in human security, she has navigated the field between climate and interdisciplinary research. "I wanted to combine the natural sciences with the humanities and social sciences," she explains. This approach has given her a unique platform to illuminate complex issues, especially in biodiversity and agricultural policy.

After her master's degree, Natasha Mølgaard got a position as a research assistant in biodiversity in organic farming. This became her entry into the world of agriculture, where she delved into policies around pesticide risk assessment at the EU level. "It was here that I saw the need to unite the political and natural sciences," she says.

A guide to better decision-making processes

Today, Natasha Mølgaard is a Ph.D. student at the Department of Agroecology, where she works to create a better understanding of the decision-making processes behind risk assessments at the EU level. "My project is about integrating processes and creating more coherence in decision-making," she says, explaining that her research focuses on how to optimise complex procedures and bridge the gap between different stakeholders, from pesticide producers to NGOs.

The most exciting – and challenging – part of her work is finding common ground between actors with very different goals. "It's exciting to see where the common denominators lie, but also difficult to navigate the different agendas," she admits.

A vision for the future

Natasha Mølgaard dreams that her research can lead to more coherent systems and better cooperation between politicians and researchers. "My hope is that we can develop risk assessments that better reflect real-world consequences," she says. She already sees significant movements within EU projects and among decision-makers, which gives her confidence that such changes are possible.

Research and life

Being a Ph.D. student can be demanding, but Natasha Mølgaard has learned the importance of prioritising and saying no. "You have to dare to stand firm on what you can realistically achieve," she explains. She has also realised that guilt often plays a role for many researchers, to whom she offers the following advice: "If the resources and time are not there, it is not your responsibility to make it work," she points out.

In her free time, Natasha Mølgaard enjoys immersing herself in creative projects such as drawing and oil painting. She also appreciates hiking in nature and switches between different hobbies depending on her mood.

An inspiration to others

For Natasha Mølgaard, research is not just a job but an opportunity to make a real difference. Her ability to combine scientific and social science perspectives makes her a strong voice in a complex world. "I can see that my work is already making a difference – both in small and large projects," she says proudly.

As a bridge-builder between science and policy, she hopes to inspire others to think interdisciplinarily and seize the opportunities it brings. As she says: "You shouldn't be afraid to take on something new. That's how we create development."

Contact

PhD student Natasha Mølgaard, Department of Agroecology, Aarhus University. Mail: nnm@agro.au.dk