DE (Daniel) Mason-D'Croz, MA

Daniel Mason-D’Croz is a Senior Research Associate at Cornell University’s Department of Global Development, and a PhD candidate in Agricultural Economics and Rural Policy in Wageningen University. He is returned U.S. Peace Corps volunteer, and a development economist and economic modeler by background, specializing in the use of anticipatory and foresight methods to systematically engage with future uncertainty to inform and improve decisionmaking processes. Prior to joining Cornell University, he was a Senior Research Scientist for Australia’s National Science Agency (CSIRO), leading work on foresight modelling of the Australian and Global food systems, and before that he was one of the lead modellers on the IMPACT modelling team at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).

He applies mixed qualitative and quantitative approaches to better understand the complexity of global and regional food systems. His research focuses on identifying key challenges and opportunities to promoting healthier and more environmentally sustainable food systems. His work is characterized by its transdisciplinary nature, leveraging participatory and collaborative research to deliver high impact research. Most recently, he coordinated the modelling supporting the 2025 EAT-Lancet Commission and for a modelling special issue in The Lancet Planetary Health. Other recent work includes assessing the consequences of dietary change for agriculture, labour, and the environment; the effects of climate change and climate mitigation on food security, nutrition, and health, including ongoing work in Mexico; disruptions such as the outbreak of African swine fever in China; and the anticipatory governance of food system innovation.

He has co-authored more than 90 peer-reviewed publications and has contributed to global assessments including IPCC special reports (1.5°C and Climate Change and Land), the IPBES Nexus Assessment, AgMIP (the Agricultural Model Intercomparison and Improvement Project), the FABLE (Food, Agriculture, Biodiversity, Land-use and Energy) consortium, and both EAT-Lancet Commissions. He has also informed priority setting for CGIAR, CSIRO, and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and regional policymaking in Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa, and South and Southeast Asia. He is an Editor of Global Food Security.