Over 30 years of applied research, scientific communication, international development, strategic planning, policy and program development and senior management experience in public, private and NGO sectors.
1966-1986: Following a B.Sc. in Geology and Zoology, a Diploma in Education and a Ph.D in Ecology at the University of Durham, England, conducted applied marine fisheries research with the Fisheries Research Board of Canada then became Director of Scientific Information for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Editor‑in‑Chief of the Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences and editor and publisher of numerous books and reports on marine and freshwater science and technology.
A sabbatical year at Drexel University, Philadelphia, USA in 1978 focusing on communication of science and information management at the Graduate School of Library and Information Science was supplemented with visiting scientist positions at two information vendors:
1) the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI); 2) Biosciences Information Services (BIOSIS).
In 1986, created the Information Division of a new Canadian Crown Corporation, the International Centre for Ocean Development (ICOD). Developed and managed a capacity building information program based on Canadian know‑how and the needs of developing country clients. As a member of the Senior Management team, developed corporate policy and plans for all ICOD's development assistance programs in technical assistance, training, and information, and developed networks and cooperative programs with other international agencies and developing countries.
Created Jeffrey Watson Associates in 1989. Evaluated programs, conducted feasibility and research studies, prepared strategic plans and developed policy frameworks in the environmental and natural resources sectors both in Canada and internationally. Projects included:
· strategic plan for the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) in Colombia
· project design and program assessments for the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
· developing a National Forum on Marine Conservation in Canada for the Canadian Nature Federation
· research on Canadian and international environmental issues for the Department of Foreign Affairs
· finalizing the Canadian International Development Agency’s (CIDA) strategic plan for the Americas
· strategic issues paper for CIDA’s Fisheries and Oceans Sector
· co-investigator on feasibility study and strategic plan for the Environmental Choice Program
In 1994, became the Executive Director of the Royal Society of Canada's Canadian Global Change Program (CGCP). The CGCP linked the scientific research and policy making communities through its mission to promote informed action through sound advice on global change. There were four business lines: Global Atmospheric Issues (with a major focus on climate change); Biodiversity; Global Change and Human Health; and Emerging Global Change Issues. Numerous projects, expert groups, workshops and networks were managed under these business lines, resulting in many reports, briefings, and informed advice being delivered to the decision making level.
The CGCP also acted as the Canadian National Committee for the International Geosphere Biosphere Programme (IGBP), the International Human Dimensions of Global Change Programme(IHDP) and the Scientific Committee on Problems in the Environment (SCOPE). It was also linked to the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) through the Canadian Climate Program Board.
In 1998, returned to consulting business with a focus on:
Ø Demystifying complex issues through sound thinking and clear writing
Ø Program design, evaluation and feasibility;
Ø Strategic planning, policy development and organizational change;
Ø International Science, Global Environmental Issues and Scientific Communication
Tasks are accomplished by listening to the client to understand the needs, thinking strategically, and working efficiently to deliver quality products. Reports are normally targeted to the executive level reader and are brief but comprehensive, clear and focused. They are never regurgitations of work done for others.
· Principal author of a foundation paper “Climate Change Responses and the Impacts on the Health and Well Being of Canadians”. Client: Health Canada
· Principal author of the final report of the “Working Group on a Recruitment Strategy for the Federal Science and Technology Community”. Client: Fisheries and Oceans Canada
· Project leader, Strategy for a Renewed Federal Great Lakes Program. Client: Environment Canada
· Co-investigator, Strategic Environmental Assessments of policy options for Natural Resources Canada (Oceans Mining) and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (Aquaculture Development)
· Project leader, Planning and Organizing a Science Forum in conjunction with the Conference of Parties meeting of the Inter American Institute for Global Change Research. Also Principal author of Background Paper for the Forum. Clients: Foreign Affairs and Environment Canada
· Project leader, Development of Strategic Plans. Clients: Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Science Sector; and Environmental Sciences Program
· Principal Author, Report and Backgrounder for the 5NR ADM Workshop to develop a conceptual framework for greater cooperation and integration for science programs. Client: Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Science Sector
· Co-investigator, Environmental Management and Protection components of the legal and regulatory review of aquaculture in Canada. Client: Commissioner for Aquaculture Development
· Project leader, Analysis of International Agreements, International Organizations and Research Programs Involving DFO Science. Client: Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Science Sector
· Principal Author. A Mineral and Metals Strategy for Canada. Client: Natural Resources Canada,
· Project leader. Assessment of DFO Strategic Science Funds. Client: DFO Science Sector
· Principal Author. Science ADM workshop report: “Integrating S&T across Science Based Departments and Agencies. Client: Canada Centre for Management Development
· Principal author, evaluation of DFO’s Toxic Chemicals and Oceans Science Research Programs and assessment of the strategic value of Environmental R&D Networks for Environment Canada.
· Canadian leader, IJC Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Study Board’s Environmental research program
Other activites have included:
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council National Task Force on Research Communication;
Chair, United Nations Inter Agency Group of Experts on Marine Information Management;
Executive Board member, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission’s Working Committee for International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange;
Scientific Secretary, NSERC Grants Selection Committee on Evolution and Ecology;
President of two International NGO's: The Council of Biology Editors (CBE); and International Federation of Scientific Editors (IFSE).
Dr. Watson is fluent in English and French.
He has lectured extensively, facilitated workshops, and is widely published.
Leisure time interests are outdoor recreation, sculpture 
