Chris Southcott

Dr. Chris Southcott is a Professor of Sociology at Lakehead University and the UArctic Research Chair in Resources and Sustainable Communities since 2024. With over four decades of expertise in the circumpolar North, he has led international research initiatives focused on social and economic development, including the Resources and Sustainable Development in the Arctic (ReSDA) project (2011–2019) and the Social Economy Research Network for Northern Canada.

Research Interests
His work emphasizes community-based approaches to sustainable resource management, social economy frameworks, and mitigating negative impacts of resource development in Arctic regions. He has collaborated extensively with organizations like the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), ArcticNET, and UNESCO on climate change and Arctic development.

Scientific Awards

• UArctic Research Chair in Resources and Sustainable Communities (2024)

Grants and Leadership Roles
Southcott secured significant funding through SSHRC’s Major Collaborative Research Initiatives program for ReSDA and has held leadership roles in international networks such as the University of the Arctic Research Outreach Committee and the International Arctic Social Science Association.

Education and Career

• Hon. B. Soc. Sc., University of Ottawa (1981)
• Diplôme de l’É.H.É.S.S., École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales, Paris (1983)
• Doctorat de 3ième cycle, École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales, Paris (1986)

He joined Lakehead University in 1986, advancing from Assistant to Full Professor (2003–present), and has held adjunct roles at Yukon College (2009–2020). His career includes guest professorships in France, Japan, and international committee memberships.