1. Environment
  2. School of Earth, Environment and Sustainability
  3. Research and innovation
  4. Sustainability Research Institute
  5. Social and Political Dimensions of Sustainability
  6. People
  7. Profile

Jenni Brooks

Profile

I am a PhD Researcher based at the Sustainability Research Institute in the Faculty of Environment and Social Sciences. My research focuses on place-based democratic innovation for a just transformation, exploring the role of public deliberation in climate governance in West Yorkshire. Drawing on participatory action research and practice-based methods, my work examines how participatory systems and processes can support more equitable and effective sustainability transitions.

I am a member of the Centre for Joined-up Sustainability Transformations (JUST), a UK research centre investigating how sustainability transformations can be people-centred, joined-up and socially just. JUST brings together 5 Universities across the North of England and a range of partners in the policy, innovation, business, local government, community and voluntary sectors. My research feeds into JUST's workstreams on policy, governance and change and on democratic innovation.

Before joining the University of Leeds, I was Doughnut Economics and Engagement Lead at Climate Action Leeds, where I worked with communities, groups and institutions to co-produce climate action initiatives. Outputs included 2 short illustrated films – about doughnut economics and about the clothes we wear – and the Leeds Doughnut City Portrait report and conference. I am a member of the Leeds Climate Commission and previously worked as a policy adviser on civic participation for the Scottish Government. Alongside professional roles, I draw from experience in community leadership, youth work, education and the voluntary sector.

Research interests

  • Democratic innovation and deliberative democracy
  • Climate governance and just transitions
  • Public participation and civic engagement
  • Participatory action research and creative approaches to research
  • Community-led climate action
  • Sustainability transformations and environmental justice

Qualifications

  • MA Hons (SociSci) Philosophy and Politics
  • MLitt Creative Writing

Research groups and institutes

  • Social and Political Dimensions of Sustainability