Professor James Esson

PhD (University College London)

Pronouns: He/him
  • Visiting Professor of Geography

James Esson is Professor of Geography at Queen Mary University of London. His research cuts across development, political and population geography. These interests complement Geography and Environment’s research strengths in cities, migration and nation, and children, youth and families. James is currently collaborating with colleagues at Loughborough University on three research projects. The first is investigating the efficacy of sport, art, and cultural programmes in promoting environmental sustainability and social justice. The second seeks to generate decolonial philanthropic praxis through collaboration with higher education institutions in Africa. Resources from this project can be found here. The third is exploring relationships between ageing, transport, and urban dynamics in West Africa. James also co-leads Loughborough University’s CITHEI Centre for Doctoral Training and continues to supervise several doctoral researchers across the University. He serves as a member of Council for the Royal Geographical Society with IBG, and is a trustee for The Geographical Association.