René Artist has a MSc. degree in Mineral and Energy Resource Economics and has worked in various staff positions for major mining and oil companies like Suralco, BHPBilliton and Esso Standard Oil.  After serving for more than 20 years in the industry he opted to continue his career as a lecturer in the Geosciences department of the Anton de Kom University. Besides his professional career he has always been active in social NGOs and is particularly active in indigenous organizations. He is representative of the Association of Indigenous Village Leaders in Suriname (VIDS) in the CS constituency of EITI Suriname.