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Professor Jill Edmondson serves as a Professor of Ecosystem Sustainability and NERC Knowledge Exchange Fellow at the School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, where she has been a Senior Lecturer since 2021. Her research focuses on enhancing ecosystem sustainability and resilience in urban and agricultural contexts through interdisciplinary approaches bridging soil science, plant ecology, and social dimensions. Her core research pillars include: Urban Horticulture , where she leads the national MYHarvest citizen science project quantifying home-grown food production while assessing ecosystem co-benefits and soil pollutant risks; Soil Carbon Dynamics , specializing in black carbon's role in urban soil carbon sequestration; and Urban Forest Ecology , investigating how pollution and infrastructure encasement impact tree health and ecosystem services like heat mitigation. Her work consistently integrates field studies with policy-relevant applications for city planning. Analysis of her 2020-2025 publications reveals intensifying focus on climate adaptation, with dominant themes including urban food security quantification, soil contaminant bioavailability, green infrastructure performance, and urban tree resilience. Methodologically, she pioneers citizen science integration and interdisciplinary field measurements, yielding actionable insights for urban sustainability policy. Her major recognitions include: NERC Knowledge Exchange Fellow (2022-present) EPSRC Living with Environmental Change Fellow (2016-2021) Professor Edmondson supervises undergraduate literature reviews and research projects across multiple programs (MBiolSci, MEnvSci, MSc, MRes), mentoring the next generation of sustainability scientists. Her grant portfolio features competitive fellowships supporting urban ecosystem research with direct policy applications through partnerships with local governments and environmental NGOs. She directs the MYHarvest citizen science initiative and collaborates extensively with the University of Sheffield's Institute for Sustainable Food, leading a multidisciplinary team spanning soil science, ecology, and engineering to develop evidence-based strategies for resilient urban ecosystems.

• Urban Horticulture
• Ecosystem Services
• Urban Forestry
• +6 more

Dr Jan Woudstra is an Honorary Professor at the University of Sheffield's School of Architecture and Landscape. With a PhD in Landscape Architecture from University College London and a background in landscape design, horticulture, and conservation, he has taught landscape architecture and history since 1995 and part-time at the Architectural Association School of Architecture from 1988-2005. Education: PhD, MA (Conservation), Dip Hort (Kew) Research Focus: History and theory of modern movement landscape architecture, planting design, hard landscape detailing, and international design trends Supervision: Claudia Leticia Martínez Velarde, Lei Gao, Kairan Li, Sang Jung Yoon, Vivienne Rose Parrott, Jijun Zhao, Manoochehr Salahi Moghadam, Hossein Donyavi, Sally O’Halloran Contact: j.woudstra@sheffield.ac.uk | Arts Tower, Floor 12, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN His research emphasizes landscape conservation, sustainability, and social equitability, with case studies on designers like Christopher Tunnard, Peter Shepheard, and Robert Marnock. He explores the tension between memory and innovation in historic landscapes. Recent publications address Buddhist pilgrimage sites, Scandinavian design, and historical planting techniques. Collaborations with Peter Blundell Jones and others analyze the interplay between architecture and landscape.

• History and theory of the modern movement in landscape architecture
• Landscape conservation
• Planting design
• +7 more

Dr. Caroline Howe is an Associate Professor in Environmental Social Science at Imperial College London , affiliated with the Centre for Environmental Policy under the Faculty of Natural Sciences . She serves as Vice President of the British Ecological Society and Deputy Programme Director for Imperial’s MSc in Environmental Technology. Dr. Howe co-founded Imperial College’s Network of Excellence in Women’s Health and contributes to the Global Development Hub as an Advisory Board Member. Research Focus: Interdisciplinary exploration of people-nature relationships, equity and justice in biodiversity and ecosystem services, urban health, and sustainable development. Labs: Leads the Transdisciplinary Centre for Nature and People (TCNP) , a global team advancing nature-based solutions. Scientific Contributions: Key author on IPBES assessments and ESPA textbook. Her work spans climate mitigation, sustainable food systems, and postcolonial narratives in conservation. Scientific Awards: Athena SWAN Bronze (departmental leadership). Education and Advocacy: Champions gender/diversity through EDI initiatives and co-leads the MSc in Environmental Technology program.

• Environmental Science and Management
• Ecology
• Zoology
• +3 more

Professor Ross Cameron is a faculty member at the School of Architecture and Landscape, University of Sheffield, specializing in Environmental Horticulture . His research focuses on the intersection of urban green infrastructure, climate change adaptation, and human well-being through plant selection. PhD in Horticulture BSc in Biological Sciences Research interests include: Green infrastructure for climate mitigation (city cooling, flood tolerance) Plant-ecosystem interactions (thermal insulation, biodiversity enhancement) Sustainable resource use (water, soil amendments, energy) Human-plant relationships (well-being, therapeutic landscapes) Recent publications highlight trends in: Phylogenetic approaches to urban tree survival Thermal regulation via green walls and roofs Floral color psychology and mental health Mediterranean species adaptation to urban stress Microbial implications in green infrastructure Scientific awards include: National Horticultural Fellowship (2011) DEFRA LINK project with top rating (9/10) Teaching excellence awards He leads research on plant-people dynamics, advises UK policymakers, and supervises PhD projects in urban ecosystem services. His work bridges applied horticulture with interdisciplinary collaborations across ecology, architecture, and public health.

• Urban Green Infrastructure
• Climate Change Mitigation
• Plant-Environment Interactions
• +6 more

Dr Natalia Falagan Sama is a Senior Lecturer in Food Science and Technology at Cranfield University, affiliated with the Plant Science Laboratory within the Centre for Soil, Agrifood and Biosciences. Her work focuses on reducing food waste and improving food security through innovative postharvest strategies for fruits and vegetables. University: Cranfield University School: Centre for Soil, Agrifood and Biosciences Department: Plant Science Laboratory Academic Rank: Senior Lecturer Dr Falagan Sama's research centers on understanding the biological mechanisms of ripening and senescence in fresh produce and developing sustainable technologies to extend shelf life. Her expertise spans food quality, food safety, controlled and modified atmosphere storage, and urban agriculture. She investigates how stress responses in crops can be harnessed to maintain nutritional quality and reduce losses across the supply chain. Her work integrates plant physiology, food engineering, and sustainable systems thinking. Her recent publications highlight a strong focus on postharvest biology, sustainable packaging, cold chain optimization, and the role of urban agriculture in food security. Trends in her research show increasing emphasis on climate resilience, net-zero food systems, and the societal impacts of food production, particularly during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. She frequently publishes in high-impact journals such as Postharvest Biology and Technology , Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture , and Frontiers in Plant Science . Top 50 Women in Engineering: Engineering Heroes award (2021) Medal from the Royal Academy of Engineering (Spain) (2022) Best Research Supervisor at Cranfield University (2023) Dr Falagan Sama advises on major research projects funded by BBSRC, GCRF, ESRC, and NERC, including initiatives on avocado waste reduction in Mexico and the Rurban Revolution for resilient UK food systems. She collaborates with clients such as the World Bank, Johnson Matthey, and the Department of International Trade. As a STEM ambassador, she leads the Postharvest Technology module for MSc students and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. She contributes to policy through advisory roles in the Food Standards Agency, the Cool Coalition, and the African Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold Chain. She is actively involved in research teams focusing on sustainable food systems, cold chain innovation, and urban agriculture resilience. Her labs and projects emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating plant science, engineering, and social science to address global food challenges.

• Food Science and Technology
• Postharvest Biology
• Food Quality
• +12 more

Professor Nigel Dunnett is a distinguished academic at the University of Sheffield, serving as Professor of Planting Design and Vegetation Technology within the School of Architecture and Landscape. His work bridges horticulture and ecology with a focus on creating sustainable, nature-rich urban environments. He directs The Green Roof Centre at the University of Sheffield and has held various academic positions since 1994, progressing from Lecturer to Senior Lecturer, and then to Reader in Urban Horticulture before becoming a Professor. His educational background includes: B.Sc in Botany from the University of Bristol (1981-1984) M.Sc in Landscape Ecology, Design and Maintenance from Wye College, University of London (1985-1986) Garden Club of America Interchange Fellowship in Horticulture at North Carolina State University (1989-1990) PhD in long-term dynamics of herbaceous vegetation in roadside verges from the University of Sheffield (1991-1996) Nigel Dunnett's research is strongly interdisciplinary, focusing on the intersection of ecology, design, and horticulture in urban green spaces. He has pioneered the "Sheffield School" of planting design, which applies ecological principles to urban landscapes to create low-input, dynamic, and visually appealing vegetation. His work emphasizes sustainable planting techniques that thrive in challenging urban conditions while supporting biodiversity and public enjoyment. He has developed innovative concepts like "Pictorial Meadows" and mixed shrub-herbaceous plantings that require minimal maintenance but provide year-round visual interest. His publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on urban ecology, green infrastructure, and sustainable landscape design. The research shows a clear progression from foundational ecological studies toward practical applications in urban settings, particularly in green roofs, rain gardens, and urban meadows. His work increasingly addresses climate change adaptation through vegetation solutions, with a strong emphasis on balancing ecological function with aesthetic appeal to ensure public acceptance of sustainable landscape approaches. His notable professional recognition includes: Garden Club of America Interchange Fellowship in Horticulture Professor Dunnett has secured significant research funding, including a £1.2 million EU Marie-Curie Industry Academia project on "Green Roof Systems" (2009-2013), an £820,000 EU Objective 1 "Green Roof Infrastructure Development Programme" (2006-2009), and an EPSRC Proof of Concept Fund grant of £825,000 (2010). He has supervised numerous PhD and early-career researchers, particularly in green roof research, and has collaborated extensively with industry partners like ZinCo GmbH. His practical work extends beyond academia through high-profile design projects including the London 2012 Olympic Park, The Barbican Roof Garden in London, and various Chelsea Flower Show displays. As Director of The Green Roof Centre at the University of Sheffield, Dunnett leads what has become the UK's main center for multi-disciplinary green roof research. His team conducts extensive plant screening programs and investigates long-term vegetation dynamics on green roofs. The Centre works closely with industry partners to develop new vegetation systems that address climate change challenges, combining academic research with practical application to advance sustainable urban design worldwide.

• Planting design
• Urban ecology
• Landscape ecology
• +7 more

Professor Anthony J. Ryan, OBE, is the Professor of Physical Chemistry at the University of Sheffield and Founding Director of the Grantham Centre for Sustainable Futures. His research focuses on sustainable polymers, renewable energy, and the food-water-energy nexus. He leads sustainability initiatives integrating science, engineering, and social sciences. Ryan has held roles including Pro Vice Chancellor of the Faculty of Science (2008–2016) and Head of Chemistry. Educated at the University of Manchester (BSc, PhD) and UMIST (DSc), he has over 300 publications and co-authored influential books like The Solar Revolution . Education: BSc from University of Manchester PhD from University of Manchester DSc from UMIST Research Interests: Sustainable synthesis of polymers, flow-induced crystallization, organic photovoltaics, urban agriculture, and translational science communication. His work bridges fundamental research and real-world applications, emphasizing environmental and societal impact. Articles: Recent publications span polymer science, sustainable materials, and interdisciplinary sustainability challenges. Key themes include renewable materials, nanocomposites, and energy-efficient systems. Awards: OBE for Services to Science (2006) Beilby Medal & Prize (1999) Gold Medal, Society of Dyers and Colourists (2008) Advising & Grants: Leads major sustainability programs and collaborates with international bodies like the UNFCCC. His work includes public engagement via media and institutions like Chatham House. Labs/Teams: Directs the Grantham Centre, fostering cross-disciplinary sustainability research. Active in initiatives like Project Sunshine and urban horticulture projects.

• Physical Chemistry
• Sustainable Chemistry
• Polymer Science
• +4 more

Professor Viren Swami is a social psychologist at Anglia Ruskin University, leading the Centre for Societies and Groups and directing the Centre for Psychological Medicine (collaborating with Perdana University, Malaysia). His research focuses on body image, mental health, and nature’s psychological benefits, emphasizing cross-cultural perspectives and interventionist methods. He is an internationally recognized author and science communicator, notably for his book Attraction Explained , and holds accolades like being ranked in the top 2% of global cited scientists. Education: PhD in Psychology (University College London, 2005), BSc (Hons) Psychology (University College London, 2002). Affiliations: Chartered Psychologist, Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society, Fellow of Advance HE. Public Engagement: Collaborates with organizations like One Tenth Human and founded Plug In Your Brain to promote psychology awareness. Research interests include cross-cultural body image ideals, mental health literacy (e.g., paternal postnatal depression), and the role of nature in well-being. His work bridges academic research with public outreach, emphasizing evidence-based approaches to societal issues. Key achievements include developing psychometric tools (e.g., Breast Appreciation Scale) and pioneering studies on nature exposure’s mental health benefits. His publications span high-impact journals like Body Image , Ecopsychology , and PLOS ONE . Awards: Top 2% Most-Cited Scientists, Fellowships from the British Psychological Society and Advance HE. He actively supervises research in body image, nature’s psychological impact, and postnatal depression, contributing to both academic and applied fields.

• Body Image
• Mental Health
• Psychology of Nature Exposure
• +3 more

Dr. Laura Vickers is a Senior Lecturer in Plant Biology and Associate Head of the Sustainable Systems Section at Harper Adams University. She coordinates the Agricultural Sciences and Production Systems MSc program and manages the BASIS partnership. Her research focuses on plant adaptability to environmental stress, particularly drought and water stress, with a specialization in antitranspirants. She also explores entomology (aphids), urban farming, and postharvest quality of fresh produce. Education: BSc Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) PhD Research Interests: Plant adaptation to drought stress and antitranspirant mitigation Urban agriculture and its ecosystem services Insect plasticity in indoor production systems Maximizing yield and marketability in fresh produce Green infrastructure and health/wellbeing benefits Recent Research Trends: Recent work emphasizes antitranspirant efficacy in crops like rapeseed and wheat, urban agriculture benefits, and vertical farming technologies. Collaborations with industry partners (e.g., Black Soldier Fly composting) highlight applied agricultural solutions. Advising & Grants: Supervises/co-supervises 8 PhD students across topics like urban agri-tech, vertical farming, and antitranspirant applications Funding sources include Commonwealth scholarships, Digital Farm, and the UK Urban AgriTech Labs/Teams: Active in the Crop Science Group and Agroecology for Sustainable Food Systems at Harper Adams. Engages with policy advocacy groups and industry through webinars on future farming trends.

• Drought Stress Adaptation
• Urban Agriculture
• Entomology
• +4 more

Francis Rayns is an Associate Professor (Research) at the Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience, Coventry University. His research focuses on sustainable soil management, particularly the use of green manures, waste materials (compost, digestate, biochar), and alternatives to plastics in agriculture. He actively promotes citizen science to improve agricultural practices and has collaborated on projects addressing agroforestry, urban soil remediation, and plastic reduction in farming. Education: PhD in Biotechnology (Somatic embryogenesis) from De Montfort University and BSc in Applied Biology from University College North Wales. Notable projects include UNDERTREES (agroforestry ecosystem services), REPAS (citizen science for plastic reduction), and SOIL NEXUS (urban soil care). He leads research on peat-free growing media, crop rotation impacts, and biodegradable alternatives to plastics. Publications span topics like soil microbial health, biostimulant efficacy, and historical trends in crop mineral content. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to solve agricultural challenges, blending environmental science with practical farming solutions.

• Sustainable Soil Management
• Agroecology
• Green Manures
• +7 more

Ros Gray is a Reader in Fine Art, Critical Studies at Goldsmiths, University of London, and Programme Director of the MA Art & Ecology. Her work bridges art, ecology, and climate justice through interdisciplinary collaborations with scientists and activists. Based in the Department of Art, she explores decolonial, eco-feminist, and queer approaches to ecological stewardship. PhD in Visual Cultures, Goldsmiths (2007) MA in Cultural Studies, Goldsmiths (2001) MA in English, University of Oxford (1994) Her research focuses on artistic responses to ecological crises , particularly soil care, cultivation, and rewilding. She leads the Art Research Garden and Laboratory and has coordinated the Goldsmiths Allotment since 2016. Her work examines colonial legacies in botany and develops Arts of Planetary Rewilding through eco-feminist and crip theory lenses. Recent publications explore decolonial botany, socialist cinema, and the cultural history of the commons. She was Principal Investigator on the NERC-funded Sensing Soil project (2021-2022) and co-edits the Goldsmiths Press series Planetarities . Notable awards include the COP 26 Environmental Science Public Engagement Grant. Supervises doctoral students: Morag Colquhoun, Gerard Ortin, Borbala Soos, Marie-Alix Isdahl, Sophie Williamson Co-developer of the Art Research Garden and Laboratory Organizer of international conferences/film screenings on soil care and climate change

• Art and Ecology
• Climate Justice
• Decolonial Studies
• +4 more

Dr Nicola Dempsey is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Sheffield's School of Architecture and Landscape, specializing in sustainable landscape planning and management. Her research centers on the concept of 'place-keeping'—the long-term management of green and open spaces through innovative design, funding, and policy frameworks that secure their future viability. Her work spans urban-rural continuums across diverse global contexts including Sheffield, India, Spain, and the UK. Key research interests include urban wellbeing, biodiversity impacts on mental health, cultural heritage in landscapes, and equity in green space provision. She examines how policies translate into lived experiences within urban green spaces, with particular focus on post-pandemic adaptation and climate resilience. Recent publications (2019-2024) reveal a strategic shift toward therapeutic landscape design, floral aesthetics for wellbeing, and critical analysis of urban park management crises. Her work increasingly integrates biodiversity studies with human emotional responses, while maintaining strong connections to Indian urbanization contexts and riverfront cultural heritage. As Principal Investigator for multiple funded projects including AHRC/ICHR's 'Reflecting on the River' and ESRC's 'Place-Keeping in Sheffield', she bridges academic research with municipal practice through Sheffield's Green Space Forum. Her teaching emphasizes holistic landscape understanding across physical and socio-political scales, with focus on research methodology demystification through live projects.

• Urban Landscape Planning
• Sustainable Development
• Social Sustainability
• +5 more

Dr. Camilla Allen is a Lecturer in Landscape Architecture at the University of Sheffield's School of Architecture and Landscape, specializing in environmental history and the cultural significance of trees. With a background spanning illustration, PR, and landscape architecture, she brings interdisciplinary perspectives to her research on 20th-century environmentalism and commemorative landscapes. Education: BA Illustration, University of the West of England MA Landscape Architecture, University of Sheffield PhD Landscape Architecture, University of Sheffield Her research centers on environmental history with particular focus on tree planting as cultural expression. Key projects include studies of Richard St. Barbe Baker's environmental philosophy, California's coast redwoods, Britain's tree cathedrals, and Sheffield's living memorials. Her work bridges historical inquiry with contemporary concerns about climate resilience and social justice, notably through the Sheffield Wheat Experiment which reimagines food systems. Recent publications reveal a consistent trajectory examining trees as cultural symbols across diverse contexts - from Scottish New Town welfare landscapes to street tree politics and commemorative practices. Her interdisciplinary approach spans environmental humanities, landscape history, and public health, often revealing how arboreal narratives reflect deeper societal values and conflicts. Scientific Recognition: Fellow of Advance HE Multiple research grants including University of Sheffield Doctoral Scholarship and LACF/Canada UK Foundation funding Royal Horticultural Society bursary for First World War tree avenues research As module coordinator for Landscape Research as Creative Practice (LSC407) and Final Project (LSC413), she integrates research with teaching. Her professional activities include ECR Fellowship in the Royal Historical Society and serving as Department Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. Community projects like the Sheffield Tree Week and Sheaf Community Bakery demonstrate her commitment to local engagement.

• Environmental History
• Landscape Architecture
• Environmental Humanities
• +4 more

Deepa Senapathi is a Professor at the University of Reading, specializing in pollination ecology, climate change impacts on biodiversity, and sustainable agroecosystem management. Her research integrates landscape ecology, insect behavior, and conservation biology to address pollinator declines, pest dynamics, and climate adaptation in agricultural systems. Her core research interests include: Pollinator community responses to land-use and climate change Ecological intensification of agriculture through habitat management Phenological shifts in species interactions under warming Pesticide risk assessment for beneficial insects Citizen science approaches to ecological monitoring Publication analysis reveals strong emphasis on multi-scale drivers of biodiversity in farmed landscapes, with recurring themes of: Climate-driven mismatches in plant-pollinator-pest systems Agroecological interventions for pollination enhancement Transdisciplinary methods for pollinator conservation Landscape configuration effects on beneficial insects

• Pollination Ecology
• Climate Change Impacts
• Agricultural Ecosystems
• +4 more

Professor Daanish Mustafa is a Professor in Critical Geography at King’s College London’s Department of Geography, part of the School of Social Science and Public Policy. He holds a BA from Middlebury College, an MA from the University of Hawai’i Manoa, and a PhD from the University of Colorado. Previously, he taught at George Mason University and the University of South Florida before joining King’s, where he received the School’s teaching excellence award. His research focuses on critical water geographies, environmental hazards, climate risk, and geographies of violence and terror. He emphasizes post-structuralist approaches, particularly Hannah Arendt’s performative politics, to explore topics like gender performativity in Pakistan, urban horticulture cultural politics, and hydro-social territorialization in Jordan. His work is funded by organizations including NERC, IDRC, and the Belmont Forum. Teaching includes undergraduate and postgraduate courses on hazardscapes, terrorism geographies, and development-environment linkages in the Global South. He supervises PhD students on themes like water equity, disaster risk reduction, and spatiality of violence. His policy contributions include flood response strategies for Pakistan and work with UNDP, DFID, and USIP. Research affiliations include the King’s Water Centre, the Contested Development Group, and the Political Ecology, Biodiversity & Ecosystem Services (PEBES) initiative. Current projects explore artificial ice reservoirs in high-altitude regions and interdisciplinary resilience frameworks.

• Critical Water Resources Geographies
• Environmental Hazards and Climate Risk
• Critical Geographies of Violence and Terror
• +3 more