Simon's research explores how people create, share and use knowledge within the everyday practice of ecosystem management and governance. 

He is also interested in developing qualitative, integrative and transdisciplinary research methods in the fields of biodiversity conservation, sustainability and environmental policy.

Simon is a postdoctoral researcher at the Stockholm Resilience Centre (Stockholm University), an Honorary Lecturer at the Fenner School of Environment and Society (ANU), and a Visiting Researcher at the Northern Institute (Charles Darwin University).

He holds a PhD in Sustainability Science from the Stockholm Resilience Centre. His thesis explored the creation, use and interpretation of sustainability concepts - including biosphere reserves, biodiversity corridors and planetary boundaries - in a range of contexts in Australia and South Africa.