Bhargavi S. Rao works at the intersections of community action with law, policy, planning and governance. She has about 30 years of experience across research, advocacy, campaign and teaching in a variety of human rights, governance and people-centred initiatives, and in advancing environmental and social justice. She is an Independent Researcher/Educator, Experiential Learning Designer, Facilitator, Outdoor pedagogue and a Visiting Senior Fellow (Honorary) at the Impact and Policy Research Institute.

She is passionate about driving climate action and raising awareness about the pressing challenges of our time. Her efforts focus on amplifying solutions to the climate crisis while advocating for the needs of the most vulnerable communities. Committed to fostering resilience, equity, and sustainable development through collaboration, innovation, and grassroots engagement.

She has been a member of the India team of the international Comparative Covid Response (CompCoRe) project, from an STS perspective led by S. Hilgartner, Cornell Univ, S.Jasanoff, Harvard Kennedy School, & the Governance of Sociotechnical Transformations (GoST) research project.

She has extensive experience in coordinating & teaching a variety of educational programmes. She coordinates the Knowledge2Action Academy, Swissnex India, she was Co-Director of Minnesota Studies in International Development,(India Prog), Univ of Minnesota and Cities in the 21st Century and Health & Community programmes of International Honours Programme (Boston University & SIT). She teaches on faculty-led Study Abroad programmes such as the GCIL, UW, Seattle, is guest faculty at Azim Premji University, Bhoomi College, Baduku college and at other universities in India & abroad.  She has worked with Centre for Financial Accountability, Public Health Foundation of India, Azim Premji Philanthropic Initiatives, United Way, Environment Support Group  & Indian Institute of Science.