Janet Stephenson

Janet Stephenson serves as Research Professor and Postgraduate Co-ordinator at the Centre for Sustainability, University of Otago. With an academic background in sociology, planning, and human geography, she has established herself as a leading researcher in interdisciplinary sustainability studies. She previously taught in the Geography Department at Otago University (2002-2008) and served as Director of the Centre for Sustainability (2011-2021).

Her research interests focus on the intersection of culture and sustainability, with particular emphasis on climate change adaptation, energy transitions, landscape values, and environmental management. Stephenson's work consistently integrates cultural perspectives, especially Māori knowledge systems, into sustainability research, reflecting her commitment to cross-cultural and community-engaged scholarship.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong trend toward community-centered climate adaptation research, with increasing focus on Indigenous perspectives and justice frameworks. Her work spans theoretical contributions (such as the Cultures Framework) and practical policy applications, demonstrating her commitment to bridging academic research with real-world sustainability challenges.

Professor Stephenson actively supervises multiple PhD students working on diverse topics including Indigenous perspectives on climate migration, carbon markets, energy cultures in Pacific nations, and climate justice frameworks. Her research is supported by significant funding from New Zealand's National Science Challenges, MBIE Endeavour Fund, and international collaborations with Norwegian research centers.

She serves on the steering committee for the Otago Energy Research Centre, the Advisory Board of INCLUDE (a Norwegian research center for socially inclusive energy transitions), and is a member of the Coastal People: Southern Skies collaboration. These affiliations reflect her standing as a respected leader in sustainability research both nationally and internationally.