Jim Harris

Professor Jim Harris is a leading academic in Environmental Technology at Cranfield Environment Centre, Cranfield University. He holds the Chair in Environmental Technology, a position he has held since 2002. His work spans microbial ecology, ecological restoration, soil health, and sustainable land systems, with significant contributions to policy, industry, and international standards.

• First degree in Applied Biology, North East London Polytechnic
• Doctoral work on microbiology of stored topsoil on opencast mine sites

His research interests are centered on microbial ecology and its role in ecosystem processes, particularly in disturbed landscapes. He investigates soil formation, organic matter dynamics, waste treatment (e.g., landfill leachate), and the quantitative assessment of ecosystem services. He applies systems ecology to urban planning, water treatment, and land restoration. His work bridges science and practice, influencing government policy and industrial applications.

The recent publications reflect a strong focus on soil health quantification, microbial community dynamics, nutrient cycling in waste-amended soils, and urban ecosystem services. There is a clear trend toward integrating Bayesian modelling, resilience metrics, and decision-support tools for environmental management. His team frequently collaborates on interdisciplinary studies involving carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycling in agricultural and urban systems.

Jim Harris has secured funding from major UK research councils including BBSRC, NERC, and EPSRC, as well as from government agencies (Defra, Environment Agency, Natural England), industry (Syngenta, AECOM, SITA), and international bodies (European Union, Royal Society). His research has informed national and international guidance on ecological restoration and land use.

He is actively involved in professional societies such as the Society for Ecological Restoration, British Society of Soil Science, British Ecological Society, and Institution of Agricultural Engineers. He has contributed to major book publications and editorial roles in high-impact journals.

His laboratory and research group focus on soil microbial communities, ecosystem resilience, and bioremediation. Projects like RestREco (Restoring Resilient Ecosystems) and Urban BESS (Biodiversity and Ecosystem Service Sustainability) highlight his team’s focus on reconnecting green-blue infrastructure and enhancing urban sustainability. He also leads work on food and nutrition security in the context of global disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic.