David McCollum

David McCollum is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Geography and Sustainable Development, University of St Andrews. His research focuses on population dynamics, spatial inequalities, and sustainability transitions, with particular expertise in migration patterns, labor mobility, and regional development. He leads projects funded by the Economic & Social Research Council and British Academy examining post-pandemic work practices and migration pathways.

Research interests span:

• Population geographies: Demographic change, aging societies, and migration governance
• Spatial justice: Regional disparities, work-from-home impacts, and urban-rural divides
• Sustainability transitions: Environmental impacts of mobility, community resilience, and place-based development
• Labor mobility: Migrant experiences, high-skilled migration, and Brexit consequences

Recent publications demonstrate strong focus on post-pandemic spatial reorganization of work and housing, with recurring themes of regional inequality, telecommuting consequences, and migration-environment tensions. Methodologically, work employs longitudinal analysis, case studies, and policy evaluation across UK and European contexts.

Active research projects include:

• Post-pandemic working practices and residential preferences (British Academy)
• Post-migration pathways for EU youth in the UK (ESRC)
• Connecting Generations population sustainability center (ESRC)

Supervisory roles include PhD mentorship on migration and sustainability topics. Professional activities include editorial board membership and grant review panels for national research councils.