Donald Houston

Professor Donald Houston is a leading academic in regional economic development at the University of Birmingham, affiliated with the Birmingham Business School and the Department of Strategy and International Business. He is based at the City-REDI institute and holds a prestigious ESRC Senior Fellowship on 'Levelling Up Labour Supply'. His work bridges urban studies, economic geography, and public policy, with extensive experience across UK institutions including the University of Portsmouth, University of Glasgow, and the Office for National Statistics.

Education:

• PhD in Urban Studies, University of Glasgow (2002)
• MSc in Transportation Planning & Policy, University of Newcastle upon Tyne (1995)
• BSc (Hons) in Geography, University of Aberdeen (1993)

His research focuses on local labour markets, unemployment, economic inactivity, migration, health, housing, transport, and flooding. He investigates the spatial dimensions of employment, urban resilience, and the socio-economic impacts of policy changes such as Brexit and the pandemic. His work emphasizes inclusive growth, spatial mismatch, and the interplay between environment and economy in urban areas.

The recent publications highlight a strong trend in interdisciplinary research combining economics, geography, and public health. Key themes include pandemic impacts on labour supply, flood resilience, urban microbusinesses, housing transitions, and gendered mobility patterns. His work often employs spatial analysis and policy evaluation to inform regional development strategies.

Scientific Awards and Service:

• ESRC UK In a Changing Europe Senior Fellowship (2022–2025)
• Member, ESRC Grant Assessment Panel (2015–2017)
• Member, ESRC UK In a Changing Europe Advisory Board (2019–2022)
• Reviewer, Research Council of Norway (2019–2020)
• Editorial Board, Work, Employment & Society (2010–2013)
• Advisory Board, Work Foundation (2012–2015)
• National Research Committee, Royal Scottish Geographical Society (2006–2010)

Professor Houston has held leadership roles including Head of Geography at the University of Portsmouth and Director of the Scottish Cities Knowledge Centre. He was seconded to the Office for National Statistics in 2023, underscoring his national policy influence. He has secured grants from ESRC, charities, and government bodies, and has advised on regional development, welfare reform, and urban regeneration. His collaborative research spans multiple institutions and disciplines.

He is actively involved in research dissemination through platforms like The Conversation and policy reports for organizations such as Shelter and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. His academic service includes editorial and advisory roles, contributing to the broader scholarly and policy communities.