About
Professor Judith Bessant is a leading academic at RMIT University’s School of GUSS, specializing in youth studies, sociology, politics, and public health. She holds a prestigious Order of Australia (AM) and was inducted as a Fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia. Her work bridges academic research with policy impact, including roles as a UN advisor and commissioner for The Lancet’s Adolescent Health Commission. She has authored/co-authored 15 books and numerous articles, focusing on youth participation, climate activism, and digital technology’s societal impacts. Notable awards include the APSA Mayer Journal Prize for her 2023 article on young female climate leaders. Her research addresses global challenges like planetary health and youth marginalization, advocating for systemic policy reforms.
Education and Career: Bessant’s career spans academia, policy advising, and governance roles. She began as a secondary school teacher and held a post-doctoral research fellowship. Her academic positions include founding RMIT’s Sociology and Youth Studies program. She has advised governments, NGOs, and international bodies like UNESCO. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates sociology, history, and technology studies to address contemporary issues.
Research Interests: Her work examines youth agency in political systems, digital media’s role in activism, and the intersection of climate change with public health. Recent projects include analyzing young climate leaders’ influence and policy responses to youth participation. She critiques neoliberal developmentalism’s impact on youth globally and advocates for inclusive policies.
Awards and Recognition: Beyond her Order of Australia and Academy fellowship, her 2024 APSA award highlights her contribution to political science. Her Lancet Commission report emphasizes adolescent health equity globally. She has secured multiple Australian Research Council grants for projects addressing youth and societal challenges.
Supervision and Grants: She supervises research on de-radicalization, migrant integration, and child protection ethics. Her grants fund studies on youth digital activism and climate policy. She collaborates internationally, co-editing major works like the Research Handbook on the Sociology of Youth.
Labs and Collaborations: Her work is part of RMIT’s interdisciplinary research networks and global partnerships. She contributes to initiatives like the Lancet Commission and co-leads projects on youth climate leadership and digital ethics.
