David Higgins

Professor David Higgins is a leading scholar in Environmental Humanities and Romantic Literature at the University of Leeds, where he holds the position of Professor of Environmental Humanities. He previously served as Deputy Director of the Leeds Arts and Humanities Research Institute (2018–2021) and contributes to the Priestley International Centre for Climate’s Executive Committee. His academic journey includes roles at the University of Cambridge, University of Chester, and University of York, alongside degrees from the University of Sussex (BA) and University of York (MA, DPhil).

His research focuses on the historical roots of ecological crises, blending literary analysis with contemporary environmental challenges. Key projects include The Butterbump—a multidisciplinary exploration of the Eurasian bittern—and Climate Change and the Humanities, examining interdisciplinary approaches to anthropogenic climate change. He has led AHRC-funded initiatives like the Landlines Project (culminating in Modern British Nature Writing, 1789–2020) and secured collaborative grants with German and Austrian institutions.

Higgins’ earlier work centered on Romantic literature, including monographs like Romantic Englishness and Romantic Genius and the Literary Magazine. He actively promotes public engagement, contributing to REF2021 Impact Case Studies through outreach initiatives. As an educator, he emphasizes student independence and has developed programs like the Writing Mentors scheme. His teaching roles include Director of Taught Postgraduate Programmes and Director of Personal Tutoring and Employability.

Awarded the AHRC Leadership Fellowship and University Student Education Fellowship, Higgins bridges academia and public discourse through his writing, co-editing works like Teaching Romanticism and engaging in blended learning strategies. His current projects aim to model climate change through cultural frameworks and foster broader societal dialogue on environmental challenges.