Michael Johnson

Dr. Michael Johnson is a Creative Engagement Leadership Fellow at The Glasgow School of Art, with a PhD in Design Innovation (2016). He specializes in participatory design, ethnographic research, and visual mapping to drive sustainable development and collaborative innovation. His work spans creative economy leadership, community engagement, and interdisciplinary projects in health and environment.

Research interests focus on making design innovation processes explicit in complex contexts, particularly through visual methodologies. Key projects include AHRC-funded initiatives on transformative academic institutions and chronic pain advocacy. He has authored/co-authored over 40 publications, including peer-reviewed articles, project reports, and conference papers.

• 2019 AHRC Innovation Leadership Fellowship
• Co-founded the Mitochondria Collective to bridge science and society
• Lead on projects like 'Co-Creative Climate' and 'Design Innovation for New Growth'

His work emphasizes systemic innovation in education, healthcare, and rural economies. Labs/teams include Design in Action, Leapfrog, and the Innovation School at GSA.