Avril Keating

Avril Keating is a Professor of Youth Studies at the UCL-Institute of Education, affiliated with the Department of Education, Practice and Society. She serves as Director of the Centre for Global Youth, which she established in 2017.

• Current research focuses on coastal towns in England (ESRC-funded Coastal Youth Life Chances Project, 2023-2025)
• Teaching modules: Youth in a Globalising World; Youth Cultures and Youth Movements

Research Interests: Using mixed methods and interdisciplinary approaches, Keating investigates youth attitudes, identities, and life chances. Current work examines:

• Impact of place/resources on youth aspirations in coastal towns
• Youth mobility aspirations
• Place-based inequalities

Scientific Trends: Her recent publications emphasize coastal communities, youth mobility, health outcomes, and policy implications. Topics span sociology, education policy, and social determinants of health.

Professional Activities: Includes editorial board roles for Sociology, Journal of Youth Studies, and Journal of Applied Youth Studies, alongside consultancy for the European Commission and policy contributions to the UK House of Lords.