Dr Will James

Profile

William is a Lecturer in Geographic Data Science based within the Institute for Spatial Data Science in the School of Geography. William completed a PhD in Glaciology (2016) at the University of Leeds. He also has an MSc in GIS for Catchment Dynamics and Management (2011) and a BSc (Hons.) in Physical Geography (2010), both from the Univesrity of Leeds. William is passionate about interdisciplinary research between the physical and social sciences.

Responsibilities

• Programme Leader for MSc Geographical Information Systems (2024/25)

Research interests

PigSustain

PIGSustain is a £3.6 million BBSRC funded research project. We use a systems approach in order to understand how sustainable intensification and predicted climate changes are expected to impact on the pig industry as a whole. We are producing models to predict the impacts of intensification on the health, disease and welfare of the animals: how consumption patterns and retail prices are likely to be affected, how these changes will impact farmers, and how these in turn will impact on the health and welfare of the animals.

My role in the PigSustain project is to produce consumer demand estimates for pork and other products which will inform the research being undertaken across the PigSustain network. Consumer preference will be modelled in response to changing prices, attitudes to the consumption of meat, environmental considerations and changing demographics. The project draws on large scale consumer surveys to inform trends and projection scenarios.

Qualifications

• PhD Glaciology
• MSc GIS for Catchment Dynamics and Management
• BSc (Hons.) Physical Geography

Student education

William is the programme leader for the MSc GIS (2024/25 academic year)

Research groups and institutes

• River Basin Processes and Management
• Institute for Spatial Data Science
• water@leeds