Zoe M Harris

Dr Zoe M Harris is a Senior Lecturer and Director of the Centre for Environment and Sustainability at the University of Surrey. She specializes in sustainable land use, bioenergy systems, and vertical farming technologies. Her research focuses on minimizing environmental impacts while enhancing food and energy provision, particularly through projects like the Taeda Tech Project (aeroponic biomass cultivation) and VF-UKFSR (vertical farming resilience). She leads the Bioenergy, Land Use and Agri-Innovation Group and holds roles in international committees like the IEA Bioenergy Executive (Head of Communications). Her work spans interdisciplinary collaborations, policy advising, and science communication, including training scientists in theatre-based communication. She also champions diversity in energy research through the IVUGER network.

• Education: BSc Biology and PhD from the University of Southampton.
• Previous Roles: Research Fellow at Imperial College London, Science Officer at DEFRA, Policy Adviser at BEIS/DfT.
• Key Projects: Taeda Tech (£4m), Social Enterprise Food Systems, Serious Games for Energy Solutions.
• Teaching: Director of Practitioner Doctorate in Sustainability; Fellow of HEA; course leader for Global Sustainability, Earth System Science, and Low Carbon Transitions.
• Labs/Teams: Leads the Bioenergy, Land Use and Agri-Innovation Group; collaborates with industry and academia on aeroponics, biomass, and circular economy.
• Awards: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA); grants from UKERC, DecarboN8, and BEIS.

Her research bridges climate science, ecology, and socio-economic factors, addressing global challenges like BECCS deployment, biodiversity loss, and gender equity in STEM.