Ruth Lane

 

Research Overview

 

In broad terms, my research focuses on the intersections between social change, environmental degradation and environmental governance. I have examined this through studies of the consumption of goods and materials, and associated issues of waste, reuse and materials recycling (Lane and Gorman-Murray 2011), and of the social and cultural aspects of land use change in rural and regional Australia and its biodiversity consequences. From 2013-16 I led a Monash University team on the Wealth from Waste CSIRO Flagship research collaboration which explored the potential for more advanced metals recycling in Australia. Through this work, I developed an interest in the interface between social science research on consumption and socio-technical transitions and industrial ecology assessments of material flows and environmental footprints.

 

Supervision areas

 

I am interested in research students with a strong background in social sciences with demonstrated experience with social science theory and methods. I particularly welcome applicants in the following areas:

• Environmental governance at local, national and international scales particularly around biodiversity, waste and recycling, storm water, and air quality
  
• Sustainable consumption – especially the links between housing and sustainable consumption
  
• Environmental justice – especially the interface of expert knowledge and citizen science for improving environmental quality