YESI Appoints Dr. Katherine Brookfield as Co-Lead for Environment and Health Research Theme

In a strategic move to bolster its research endeavours, the York Environmental Sustainability Institute (YESI) has appointed Dr. Katherine Brookfield as the new co-lead for the Environment and Health Research Theme. Katherine is a Senior Lecturer in the Environment and Geography Department at the University of York and brings a wealth of experience and a diverse research background to her new leadership role.

Katherine is a distinguished academic and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. She was recently honoured with the Best Published Paper Award 2023 from the Association of European Schools of Planning. She has held positions at prestigious institutions, including the Universities of Southampton, Sheffield, and Edinburgh, and research and consultancy roles outside of academia. 

At the core of Katherine's research is an exploration of the relationships between people and their environment. Her work spans various contexts, delving into the intricate dynamics of urban design, housing market influences, and the production and impacts of systems of spatial regulation. 

Katherine’s research often addresses issues of quality of life, examining the multitude of factors that can either enhance or impede a 'good' quality of life. Her portfolio encompasses studies on aids and barriers to social and political participation, age-friendly housing and built environments, supportive settings for stroke survivors, and the social, economic, and environmental outcomes of planning policy and economic development strategies. 

In her role as the co-lead for the Environment and Health Research Theme at YESI, Katherine’s interdisciplinary approach and diverse research background position her as a key figure in advancing YESI's mission to address pressing global challenges.

Katherine’s appointment signals YESI's commitment to fostering groundbreaking research and further solidifies its position as a hub for innovative environmental and health studies. As Katherine takes on this pivotal role, YESI anticipates new insights, collaborative projects, and impactful contributions to the field under her guidance.