Gavin Maclean

Dr. Gavin Maclean is a Lecturer in Sociology within the School of Applied Sciences at Edinburgh Napier University, where he focuses on the interconnections between culture, economy and nature. His work bridges sociological theory with practical research on contemporary social issues, particularly examining how plants, bureaucracy, and sustainability intersect with everyday life and work practices.

Dr. Maclean received his academic training at Heriot-Watt University, where he earned a degree in Management, a Masters by Research in Social Research, and a PhD that examined the conflict between artistic freedom and commercial pressures within the recorded music industry.

His research spans several interconnected areas:

• Environmental sociology with a focus on plants, crofting, gardening, and kitchen practices
• Bureaucracy and its role in contemporary society
• Digital labor and its implications for work organization
• Cultural studies and conjunctural analysis
• Social justice issues related to migration, asylum, and temporary accommodation
• Sustainability practices in professional settings

Analysis of Dr. Maclean's recent publications reveals a strong focus on the intersection of environmental concerns, labor practices, and social justice. His work on "photosynethics" examines how energy crises impact professional kitchen work and sustainability practices. Simultaneously, his research on asylum seekers explores the commodification of temporary housing and the stigmatization processes that affect vulnerable populations. These seemingly disparate research streams are connected through his interest in how bureaucratic systems mediate human-nature relationships and social inequalities.

Dr. Maclean has successfully secured research funding from prestigious sources including:

• British Academy/Leverhulme Small Research Grant (£1,869) for "Photosynethics: Responsibility, Sustainability and Plant Work in Professional Kitchens" (2022-2023)
• Economic and Social Research Council (£53,468) for "Investigating the use of temporary accommodation to house asylum seekers and refugees during the COVID-19 outbreak" (2020-2022)
• NHS Fife (£9,989) for "Ageing Workforce and Employers in Fife" (2016)
• Additional funding from EPSRC, Carnegie Trust, and other bodies

As an academic supervisor, Dr. Maclean currently guides multiple doctoral students across diverse research topics including songwriting creativity, natural area volunteering in Scotland, and whisky production microbiology. His supervision approach reflects his interdisciplinary interests, supporting research that bridges sociology with environmental studies, cultural analysis, and organizational theory. His current projects indicate a continued focus on the relationship between human labor, environmental constraints, and social justice issues.