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Professor Kristen Lyons
Professor

Kristen Lyons

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 52020

Overview

Background

Professor Kristen Lyons is a public intellectual with over twenty years experience in research, teaching and service that delivers national and international impacts on issues that sit at the intersection of sustainability and development, as well as the future of higher education. Trained as a sociologist, Kristen is comfortable working in transdisciplinary teams to deliver socially just outcomes, including for some of the world's most vulnerable communities. Kristen works regularly in Uganda, Solomon Islands and Australia, and her work is grounded in a rights-based approach. In practice, this means centring the rights and interests of local communities, including Indigenous peoples, in her approach to research design, collaboration, and impacts and outcomes. Kristen is also a Senior Research Fellow with the Oakland Institute.

Availability

Professor Kristen Lyons is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science, Griffith University
  • Bachelor (Honours) of Science (Advanced), Griffith University
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Central Queensland University

Research interests

  • Climate Change and Human Rights

    Responses to climate change deliver significant impacts at the local level. I lead cross country research that examines the impacts of carbon trading initiatives - one response to climate change - for local communities.

  • Transdisciplinary and Indigenous Rights

    I am engaged in research that examines the social, legal and policy frameworks to support Australia to meet its Indigenous rights obligations, especially in the context of a climate changing world.

  • Transforming Universities for the Public Good

    Today’s university system is increasingly market driven, with institutional requirements that constrain options for public good research and learning. This system stands at odds with the primary and historical role of universities. Higher education movements – including free universities, progressive colleges and civic forums – offer important critical alternatives to this current system. I am engaged in research to analyse a selection of movements, delivering outcomes that will increase knowledge of how alliances and campaigns organise, what their change agenda entails, and how they are transforming universities for the public good.

Research impacts

My recognised role as public intellectual enhances my national and international academic, policy and industry impacts on issues related to the environment, development and human rights. Over the last five years I have led research teams to deliver socially just outcomes for some of the world's most vulnerable communities. For example, I have led research to identify human rights abuses that underpin international carbon offset projects in Uganda. The outcome of this has changed practices of one of the worlds largest plantation forestry and carbon offset companies, and shaped public debates related to global carbon trade projects. Collaborative research with Traditional Owners in Australia has also also delivered outcomes that have impacted public and policy understandings of Australia's indigenous rights obligations in the context of resource development.

To maximise research impact, I regularly work with funding bodies that support collaborative engagement with key partners, and build enduring relations between academic, industry and community groups.

In my role as advisor on a number of government advisory bodies, I have played a part in changing guidelines and policies related to emerging technologies. I was part of a team that provided recommendations to the Department of Industry Science and Resources to ensure Australia's compliance with international organic agriculture and food standards, with outcomes that ensure Australia maintains international market access.

I am committed to publishing broadly in non academic outlets, including in The Conversation (over 126,000 readers, and ranked #3 at UQ in 2018), ABC, New Matilda), and my research regularly features in international and national media.

Works

Search Professor Kristen Lyons’s works on UQ eSpace

174 works between 1995 and 2024

121 - 140 of 174 works

2011

Conference Publication

Food security: emerging challenges for Australia

Lawrence, G., Richards, C., Burch, D. and Lyons, K. (2011). Food security: emerging challenges for Australia. XXIV European Congress of Rural Sociology, Chania, Crete, 22-25 August 2011.

Food security: emerging challenges for Australia

2010

Journal Article

Community engagement to facilitate, legitimize and accelerate the advancement of nanotechnologies in Australia

Lyons, K and Whelan, J. (2010). Community engagement to facilitate, legitimize and accelerate the advancement of nanotechnologies in Australia. NanoEthics, 4 (1), 53-66. doi: 10.1007/s11569-009-0070-2

Community engagement to facilitate, legitimize and accelerate the advancement of nanotechnologies in Australia

2010

Book

Food Security, Nutrition and Sustainability

Lawrence, Geoffrey, Lyons, Kristen and Wallington, Tabatha (2010). Food Security, Nutrition and Sustainability. London, United Kingdom: Earthscan. doi: 10.4324/9781849774499

Food Security, Nutrition and Sustainability

2010

Book Chapter

Introduction: Food security, nutrition and sustainability in a globalised world

Lawrence, Geoffrey, Lyons, Kristen and Wallington, Tabatha (2010). Introduction: Food security, nutrition and sustainability in a globalised world. Food security, nutrition and sustainability. (pp. 1-23) edited by Geoffrey Lawrence, Kristen Lyons and Tabatha Wallington. London, U.K. ; Sterling, VA, U.S.A.: Earthscan. doi: 10.4324/9781849774499

Introduction: Food security, nutrition and sustainability in a globalised world

2009

Book Chapter

Under the regulatory radar? nanotechnologies and their impacts for rural Australia

Lyons, Kristen and Scrinis, Gyorgy (2009). Under the regulatory radar? nanotechnologies and their impacts for rural Australia. Tracking rural change : community, policy and technology in Australia, New Zealand and Europe. (pp. 151-172) edited by Francesca Merlan and David Raferty. Canberra: ANU Press.

Under the regulatory radar? nanotechnologies and their impacts for rural Australia

2009

Book

Food security, nutrition and sustainability

Geoffrey Lawrence, Kristen Lyons and Tabatha Wallington eds. (2009). Food security, nutrition and sustainability. London, United Kingdom: Earthscan.

Food security, nutrition and sustainability

2008

Journal Article

Nanotechnology: the next challenge for organics

Paull, John and Lyons, Kristen (2008). Nanotechnology: the next challenge for organics. Journal of Organic Systems, 3 (1), 3-22.

Nanotechnology: the next challenge for organics

2007

Conference Publication

Governing Organic: the Changing Industry Regimes in Australia

Neal, S., Lyons, K. and Lawrence, G. (2007). Governing Organic: the Changing Industry Regimes in Australia. XIV Conference of the Australasian Agri-food Research Network, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 25-29 November 2007.

Governing Organic: the Changing Industry Regimes in Australia

2007

Journal Article

The emerging nano-corporate paradigm: nanotechnology and the transformation of nature, food and agri-food systems

Scrinis, Gyoegy and Lyons, Kristen (2007). The emerging nano-corporate paradigm: nanotechnology and the transformation of nature, food and agri-food systems. International Journal of Sociology of Agriculture and Food, 15 (2), 22-44.

The emerging nano-corporate paradigm: nanotechnology and the transformation of nature, food and agri-food systems

2007

Book Chapter

Supermarkets as organic retailers and impacts for the Australian organic sector

Lyons, Kristen (2007). Supermarkets as organic retailers and impacts for the Australian organic sector. Supermarkets and agri-food supply chains: transformations in the production and consumption of foods. (pp. 154-172) edited by David Burch and Geoffrey Lawrence. Cheltenham, UK: Edgar Elgar.

Supermarkets as organic retailers and impacts for the Australian organic sector

2006

Book

Going organic: Mobilizing networks for environmentally responsible food production

Lockie, Stewart, Lyons, Kristen and Lawrence, Geoffrey (2006). Going organic: Mobilizing networks for environmentally responsible food production. 1 ed. Oxfordshire, United Kingdom: CAB International Publishing.

Going organic: Mobilizing networks for environmentally responsible food production

2006

Book Chapter

What do we mean by green? Consumers, agriculture and the food industry

Burch, D., Lyons, K. and Lawrence, G. (2006). What do we mean by green? Consumers, agriculture and the food industry. Rikka rokassa vai sattumia sopassa? Johdatus yhteiskuntatieteelliseen maatalous-ja elintarviketutkimukseen. (pp. 69-87) Helsinki, Finland: University of Joensuu, Karelian Institute.

What do we mean by green? Consumers, agriculture and the food industry

2006

Journal Article

Environmental values and food choices: views from Australian organic food consumers

Lyons, Kristen (2006). Environmental values and food choices: views from Australian organic food consumers. Journal of Australian Studies, 30 (87), 155-166. doi: 10.1080/14443050609388058

Environmental values and food choices: views from Australian organic food consumers

2006

Conference Publication

Conventionalisation, radicalisation or both? The structural and ideological transformation of organic agriculture

Lockie, S., Lyons, K., Lawrence, G. and Halpin, D. (2006). Conventionalisation, radicalisation or both? The structural and ideological transformation of organic agriculture. XVI World Congress of Sociology, Durban, South Africa, 23-29 July 2006.

Conventionalisation, radicalisation or both? The structural and ideological transformation of organic agriculture

2005

Journal Article

Factors underlying support or opposition to biotechnology among Australian food consumers and implications for retailer-led food regulation

Lockie, Stewart, Lawrence, Geoffrey, Lyons, Kristen and Grice, Janet (2005). Factors underlying support or opposition to biotechnology among Australian food consumers and implications for retailer-led food regulation. Food Policy, 30 (4), 399-418. doi: 10.1016/j.foodpol.2005.06.001

Factors underlying support or opposition to biotechnology among Australian food consumers and implications for retailer-led food regulation

2005

Journal Article

Community engagement or community action: choosing not to play the game

Whelan, James and Lyons, Kristen (2005). Community engagement or community action: choosing not to play the game. Environmental Politics, 14 (5), 596-610. doi: 10.1080/09644010500257888

Community engagement or community action: choosing not to play the game

2005

Conference Publication

Globalisation, Sustaining Rural Livelihoods and Organics

Lyons, K., Burch, D., Lawrence, G. and Rickson, R. (2005). Globalisation, Sustaining Rural Livelihoods and Organics. Shaping Sustainable Systems, 15th IFOAM Organic World Congress, Adelaide, 20 - 23 September, 2005.

Globalisation, Sustaining Rural Livelihoods and Organics

2004

Book Chapter

Consumer views of organic and GM food

Lyons, K., Lockie, S. and Lawrence, G. A. (2004). Consumer views of organic and GM food. Recoding Nature: Critical Perspectives on Genetic Engineering. (pp. 94-107) edited by R. HIndmarsh and G. Lawrence. Sydney: UNSW Press.

Consumer views of organic and GM food

2004

Journal Article

Choosing organics: A path analysis of factors underlying the selection of organic food among Australian consumers

Lockie, S., Lyons, K., Lawrence, G. A. and Grice, J. C. (2004). Choosing organics: A path analysis of factors underlying the selection of organic food among Australian consumers. Appetite, 43 (2), 135-146. doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2004.02.004

Choosing organics: A path analysis of factors underlying the selection of organic food among Australian consumers

2004

Book Chapter

Organics, Biotechnology and Food: Views from Australian Consumers

Lyons, Kristen, Lockie, Stewart and Lawrence, Geoffrey (2004). Organics, Biotechnology and Food: Views from Australian Consumers. Recoding Nature: Critical Perspectives in Genetic Engineering. (pp. 87-104) Sydney, NSW Australia: University of NSW Press.

Organics, Biotechnology and Food: Views from Australian Consumers

Funding

Past funding

  • 2023 - 2024
    Building Climate-Resilient Agri-Food Futures: Reducing Emissions and Improving FoodSecurity Through Agroecology (Monash administered Australia Awards Fellowship)
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2023
    Centring Community-based planning and participation alongside low carbon transition: a global south-north comparative study
    UQ-FAPESP Strategic Research Fund SPRINT
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2020
    ''We are the people from that land'': Beyond big coal by centering Indigenous peoples' rights in the transition to a sustainable low carbon future (GCI Flagships)
    Research Donation Generic
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2017
    Enhancing Economic Opportunities offered by Community and Smallholder Forestry in Solomon Islands (ACIAR Project Administered by Griffith University)
    Griffith University
    Open grant
  • 2012
    UQ Category 2 Travel Award - Kristen Lyons
    UQ Travel Awards for International Collaborative Research (Category 2)
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2012
    Urban food security, urban resilience and climate change (administered by Griffith University)
    Griffith University
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2015
    The New Farm Owners: Finance Companies and the Restructuring of Australian and Global Agriculture
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2012
    The politics of food security in a global age: Community impacts and responses to biofuel production in Ghana, West Africa
    UQ New Staff Research Start-Up Fund
    Open grant

Supervision

Availability

Professor Kristen Lyons is:
Available for supervision

Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.

Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Digital and Agricultural Innovation, and Alternative Agriculture Practices in Australia

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Kiah Smith

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Digital and Agricultural Innovation, and Alternative Agriculture Practices in Australia

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Kiah Smith

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Breaking the bias: delivering gender equality in conservation

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Hugh Possingham

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Political and Environmental Contributions of Agro-Forestry and Permaculture to Build Resilience to Climate Change

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Sonia Roitman

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Postapocalyptic environmental practices: the narratives and political possibilities of the Dark Mountain Project

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Heloise Weber

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Gender, Conservation and Natural Resource Management in Solomon Islands

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Hugh Possingham

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Postapocalyptic environmental practices: the narratives and political possibilities of the Dark Mountain Project

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Heloise Weber

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Green extractivism, environmental justice and Indigenous Rights: The case of lithium mining in Chile

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Sally Babidge

Completed supervision

Media

Enquiries

Contact Professor Kristen Lyons directly for media enquiries about:

  • carbon markets and human rights
  • development and environment
  • East Africa
  • nanotechnology in food and agriculture
  • privatised university
  • Solomon Islands and logging

Need help?

For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team:

communications@uq.edu.au