Phillip James Wadds

Associate Professor Phillip James Wadds is a distinguished criminologist at UNSW Sydney's Faculty of Law & Justice, specializing in research at the intersection of criminology, urban studies, alcohol and drug studies, and public health. His award-winning work focuses on crime prevention, community safety, policing, nightlife, and harm reduction, with particular expertise in nightlife and festival safety.

Wadds' research examines issues related to leisure, drinking and drug consumption, and violence with an overarching concern for harm reduction. His work has made significant contributions to policy and practice in nightlife safety and festival management, establishing him as a leader in transformative and interdisciplinary research.

His research portfolio demonstrates strong trends in understanding the night-time economy, alcohol-related harm, violence prevention, and innovative approaches to public safety in entertainment settings. Wadds has built a robust research program focused on translating academic findings into practical applications for community safety.

• 2024 UNSW Teaching Award - Programs that enhance learning
• 2019 Australian and New Zealand Society of Criminology Adam Sutton Crime Prevention Award
• 2015 Dean's Award for Innovative Blended Learning (Western Sydney University)
• 2013 Drug and Alcohol Awards 'Excellence in Research Award' - POINTED project

Wadds has successfully secured multiple research grants totaling over $300,000 from various government bodies and councils. He has supervised numerous graduate students working on critical issues related to nightlife safety, gender discrimination in the music industry, harm reduction strategies, and public space safety. His leadership extends to directing major research projects that directly impact policy development in Australia's night-time economy.

Through his extensive advisory roles with government bodies including the City of Sydney, Randwick City Council, and NSW Government committees, Wadds has established himself as a key bridge between academic research and practical policy implementation in community safety.