Dr Julia Garritt, Honorary Research Fellow
- PhD in Science Studies, University of Lancaster, 2001
- PGCert in Development Management, Open University, completion due April 2007
- MSc in European Environmental Policy & Regulation, University of Lancaster, 1993
- BSc (Hons) in Combined Environmental Sciences (Class 2:1), Anglia Polytechnic University, 1992. Major: Geology; Minor: Biology.
Research Activities
Evolving since 1995, Julia’s research interests take an interdisciplinary approach to the role of science in society, with a particular interest in environmental and development issues. This lets her take an analytical and evaluative perspective on topics that include:
- Sustainable development and environmental policy: reconciling ideology and practice.
- Development Management: overcoming conflicts, recognising constraints and opportunities.
- Knowledge and democracy: community participation, public consultation, stakeholder dialogue, analysing expertise.
- Global-local relationships: from the 'universal' to the specific.
- Science communication and outreach: scientific governance, science communication, Public Understanding of Science, ‘Citizen Science’.
Recent research interests focus on the role of knowledge in ensuring policy ‘connectivity’ in sustainable development, exemplified by forestry and other land uses in the Scottish uplands.
Academic Posts
Julia teaches primarily for the Open University, on Honours and Masters modules including ‘Science and the Public’ and the MSc in Science thesis, and formerly ‘Environmental Negotiation and Conflict Resolution’ and ‘Environmental Policy in an International Context’. Other teaching includes sessions and modules at various other Universities, recently St Andrews and University of Abertay-Dundee.
Other Professional and Advisory Posts
Julia currently works for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency as a Senior Land Use Planner. This post works towards achieving the principles of sustainable development through planning legislation and advice, by addressing issues such as flood risk, sustainable urban drainage, pollution prevention, ecological interests and the EU Water Framework Directive.
As well as her SEPA and teaching posts, Julia has undertaken freelance consultancy work in evaluating land, resource and science policy. Work here has included formulating a regional Indicative Forest Strategy, verifying a local authority’s Strategic Environmental Assessment process, assessing stakeholder interest in a community-led environmental enterprise, and advising a local housing action group using indicators for sustainable housing.
Her other advisory responsibilities include:
- Member of the UK Sustainable Development Panel.
- Judge for Forestry Commission Scotland ‘Woodlands In & Around Towns’ Challenge Fund.
- Member of the Forestry Commission Scotland Perth & Argyll Regional Forestry Forum.