Elizabeth Fairall

Elizabeth Fairall is a conservationist and physicist from South Africa, currently pursuing an MSc in Biodiversity, Conservation and Nature Recovery at the School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford. She is an Oppenheimer Fund Scholar at the University of Oxford and a member of Linacre College. Elizabeth is focused on combining her scientific expertise with field experience to develop data-driven, holistic approaches to biodiversity protection across Africa.

She graduated cum laude with a BSc in Astrophysics and Physics from the University of Cape Town (UCT), where she also completed a BSc Honours and an MSc in Physics. Her academic achievements include multiple UCT Science Faculty scholarships, placement on the Dean’s Merit List, and four class medals. Her MSc, supported by the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), specialised in applied nuclear physics and investigated the carcinogenic effects of high-energy neutrons in space travel and proton therapy. Her research involved collaboration with UCT, SANSA, iThemba LABS and the GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research.

Elizabeth is also a qualified Nature Field and Trails Guide with the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa. Her work in ecotourism in the Greater Kruger and Waterberg regions of South Africa inspired her transition from physics to wildlife conservation. At Oxford, she aims to build on her strong quantitative background and practical conservation training to contribute to evidence-based strategies for preserving African ecosystems.