James Evans

Biography

James Evans is a Professor in Geography whose research explores how cities learn to become smarter and more sustainable. He has published widely on urban environmental governance, with over 30 peer-reviewed papers and two authored books in the field and has held fellowships at UCLA and the Volkwagen Institute. His current research explores the role living labs are playing in achieving smart and sustainable urban development, and he is leading the University''s involvement in Triangulum, a five-year Horizon 2020 project to establish smart districts across Europe. He is committed to developing innovative and interdisciplinary action research styles, establishing and directing the University Living Lab and the Manchester Cycling Lab, and has worked with a range of external organisations, including the United Nations, Arup and a range of national and local governments. Since 2014 he has been a Formas Guest Researcher at Lund University leading research on urban labs.    

• Professor, University of Manchester (2015)
• Senior Lecturer, University of Manchester (2007)
• Lecturer, University of Birmingham (2004)
• ESRC Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Birmingham (2003)
• ESRC-NERC PhD, University of Birmingham (1999)
• ESRC MSc, University of Birmingham (1998)
• MA Oxon, 1st Class, Geography (1995) 

Further information

Administrative experience

Smart Cities Lead for University of Manchester Urban Institute (2015-)

Deputy Head of Geography (2012-2015)

Director of Undergraduate Studies for Geography (2011- 2014)

Director MSc. Environmental Governance (2007-2011)

Postgraduate Taught Director for Geography (2009-2011)

Postgraduate Taught Admissions Tutor for Geography (2007-2009)

Member of School Teaching and Learning Committee

Wider professional service

Fellow of the Volkwagen Foundation

Fellow of the Institute for British Geographers

Fellow of the Association of American Geographers

Referee for book proposals from a range of publishers including Routledge, Taylor and Francis, Sage, Earthscan, Ashgate and Elgar

Member of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Team of Specialists on Public-Private Partnerships.