Craig Thomas

Craig Thomas is a Lecturer in Environmental Governance at the University of Manchester’s Department of Geography, specializing in interdisciplinary research addressing urban and outer space sustainability challenges. His work bridges geography, policy, and environmental studies, focusing on net-zero urban transitions and space governance. He coordinates the Space Sustainability Network, collaborating across disciplines like Aerospace Engineering and Astrophysics to tackle issues like space debris and satellite governance.

Thomas holds a PhD in Geography from the University of Manchester, supervised by Professors Noel Castree and John Evans. His research emphasizes sustainability frameworks, including life cycle assessment of satellite data and governance of outer space activities. He has led projects such as the 'Visions of an Environmentally Sustainable Space Future' and a Flexible Learning Programme (FLP) pilot on viva voce assessments.

In teaching, he designs innovative modules like Space and Sustainability and Governing Urban Transformations, using 360-degree videos and immersive technologies in the Human Geography Virtual Reality Laboratory. His pedagogical approach emphasizes problem-oriented learning, digital tools like Piazza, and combating AI overreliance through skill-based assessments.