Our interdisciplinary group investigates the interplay of policy, planning, and professional practice in rural systems.
Acknowledging the multi-faceted drivers of change, and the implications for land-use management and related decision-making processes is key to investigating and informing sustainable practice. Our work is focused on building resilient and innovative approaches to rural practice that enables land managers, businesses and communities to engage with, support, and work towards sustainable land use management and related enterprise outcomes.
An intensifying climate-land-energy-water nexus, alongside a reconfiguration of the rural economy and widening spatial inequalities, is driving competing demands for land, from climate mitigation to biodiversity enhancement, food production, infrastructure provision, and housing development. Sustainability imperatives and evolving narratives frequently overlook the complexity, unique challenges and opportunities of the rural context. We seek to address this, by maintaining strong local relevance within a global focus. In this context, our research explores the structures, systems, processes, and professional practices that underpin discourse and policy related to land use and the decision-making of those living in rural areas and working in land-based sectors.
Research contact 01952 81 5113
Monday to Friday: 9am - 5pm
Securing the Future of Our Food: Attracting young people to UK agriculture
Exploring calling to farming careers in the United Kingdom: a scoping review
Towards Equity? Advancing Rural Consideration in Flood Risk Management
How property asset valuations fail to consider the impact of climate change and how this ultimately translates into a financial risk
Informing sustainable land use issues through an applied lens, requires a broad range of expertise in the social sciences. Our group draws upon expertise in rural geography, behavioural science, production science, environmental policy, economics, finance, marketing, and management theory to establish interdisciplinarity rooted in practice. Established links with professional bodies and those in industry underpin thematic areas of enquiry that integrate policy, resource management (planning) and professional practice applications.
As a group we have skills, experience and interests in:
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Staff in IS4P carry out research in the applied social sciences and aim to synergise theory and practice. Examples of current and past projects can be found in our project and publications listings. Our strength is our emphasis on professional practice and our links with industry, ensuring that our research is both robust, relevant and impactful. The team have experience supporting research, knowledge exchange, and knowledge transfer. If you would like to discuss how we can support your project, enterprise, or practice please contact us.
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