Gareth James

Dr. Gareth James is a Research Fellow at the University of Glasgow's School of Social and Political Sciences, specializing in Urban Studies & Social Policy. He coordinates knowledge exchange activities for the UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence (CaCHE) in Scotland. Previously, he taught at the University of Edinburgh and Newcastle University, and is an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Education:

• Ph.D. African Studies, University of Edinburgh
• M.Sc. (by research) African Studies, University of Edinburgh
• B.A. Hons, Social Science (Politics & Economics), Glasgow Caledonian University

Research Interests: Focuses on UK and international housing policy, land reform, urban/rural livelihoods in Global Majority contexts, and evidence-based policymaking. His work bridges theory and practice through collaborative projects like housing systems analysis in Govan (Glasgow) and policy reviews on student housing in Scotland.

Teaching & Committees: Contributes to Housing Studies programs, including courses on housing markets and policy comparisons. Serves on the College of Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee and represents research staff on the School's Research and Knowledge Exchange Committee. Active in professional networks including the Housing Studies Association and Scottish Parliament Cross Party Group on Housing.

Recent Work Trends: Recent publications address housing affordability in the private rented sector, student accommodation challenges, and cross-sectoral governance in urban development. His research methodologies emphasize participatory approaches and policy implementation analysis.

Grants & Collaborations: Collaborates with organizations like the Chartered Institute of Housing Scotland and Scottish Government on projects addressing housing market dynamics, design quality, and policy evaluation. Engages in public-facing initiatives like the Housing and Place Delivery Forum.

Key Projects: Leads initiatives such as the Contested Politics of Residential Space study and co-authored reports on rent control evidence and housing systems analysis in Govan. Maintains a focus on linking academic research to practical policy outcomes.