Associate Professor Neil Perry is the Research Theme Leader for "Engaging with Peoples and Cultures" within the Cumberland Plain Research Program. His work emphasises the integration of social, cultural, and economic perspectives into biodiversity conservation, fostering inclusive and sustainable approaches to protect the Cumberland Plain Woodland under the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan.

In addition to his role in the Cumberland Plain Research Program, Perry serves as the Chief Economist at the Centre for Western Sydney and the School of Business at Western Sydney University. He specializes in ecological, environmental, and natural resource economics, with a focus on incorporating social, cultural, and ecological values into economic thinking and policy. Perry uses tools such as cost-benefit analysis to evaluate productivity, environmental transitions, and biodiversity conservation strategies.