Rate Professor Simon Batterbury

Professional Summary: Professor Simon Batterbury

Professor Simon Batterbury is a distinguished academic at the University of Melbourne, Australia, with a robust career in geography, environmental studies, and political ecology. His interdisciplinary work focuses on the intersection of environmental governance, sustainable development, and social justice, contributing significantly to global academic discourse in these fields.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Batterbury holds advanced degrees in geography and related disciplines, equipping him with a strong foundation for his research and teaching career. Specific details of his educational background include:

• PhD in Geography, Clark University, USA (1997)
• MA in Geography, University of Colorado, Boulder, USA
• BA (Hons) in Geography, University of Reading, UK

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Simon Batterbury’s research centers on political ecology, environmental governance, and sustainable livelihoods, with a particular focus on rural development in the Global South. His work explores:

• Land use and agrarian change in West Africa
• Community-based natural resource management
• Climate change adaptation and resilience
• Critical perspectives on development and environmental policy

Career History and Appointments

Professor Batterbury has held numerous academic positions across prestigious institutions worldwide, reflecting his global influence and expertise:

• Professor of Political Ecology, School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Melbourne, Australia (2017–present)
• Chair of Political Ecology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, UK (2011–2017)
• Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor, School of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Melbourne, Australia (2004–2011)
• Lecturer, Department of Geography and Environment, London School of Economics, UK (2000–2004)
• Postdoctoral and research roles at institutions including the University of Arizona and Brunel University

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

Simon Batterbury has been recognized for his contributions to geography and environmental studies through various accolades:

• Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, UK
• Recipient of research grants from bodies such as the Australian Research Council (ARC) and the UK Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)

Key Publications

Professor Batterbury has an extensive publication record, including books, peer-reviewed articles, and edited volumes. Notable works include:

• Political Ecology: A Critical Introduction (Co-editor, 2003)
• “Sustainable Livelihoods and Rural Development in West Africa” (Multiple papers, 1990s–2000s)
• “Community-Based Adaptation to Climate Change: Scaling it up” (Co-editor, 2014)
• Numerous articles in journals such as Global Environmental Change, Journal of Political Ecology, and Development and Change

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Simon Batterbury is a leading voice in political ecology, shaping debates on environmental justice and sustainable development. His research on West African agrarian systems and climate adaptation has informed policy and practice, particularly in community-driven resource management. He is also the founding editor of the open-access Journal of Political Ecology (established 1994), a pioneering platform for critical environmental scholarship that has significantly democratized access to academic research.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

Professor Batterbury actively engages with the academic community through various roles and contributions:

• Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Political Ecology (1994–present)
• Regular speaker at international conferences on geography, environmental governance, and development studies
• Member of editorial boards for several academic journals in geography and environmental studies
• Contributor to policy discussions on climate adaptation and sustainable development through workshops and public seminars