Raoni Rajão is a professor of environmental management and social studies of science and coordinator of the Laboratory for the Study of Environmental Services Management (LAGESA) at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG).

Rajão’s research focuses on the relation between science, technology, and policy, with a particular emphasis on environmental policy evaluation and the study of the role of GIS (geographic information systems) in deforestation control policies and payment for environmental services. He has collaborated with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the World Bank. At the moment, he is working at the Brazilian Ministry of Environment as head of the Department for Deforestation and Fire Control Policies.