Jessica Davies is a Professor of Sustainability at Lancaster University in the UK. Her work encompasses diverse ecosystems, including natural forests and peatlands, as well as agricultural and urban landscapes.
Jessica Davies is a Professor of Sustainability at Lancaster University in the UK. Originally trained as a control systems engineer at Loughborough University, Jess has developed an Interdisciplinary research profile focused on sustainable land and soil systems. Her work encompasses diverse ecosystems, including natural forests and peatlands, as well as agricultural and urban landscapes. Her research employs a wide range of methodologies such as quantitative process-based modelling, geospatial analysis, AI and machine learning, qualitative expert elicitation, and citizens' juries, with specialist expertise in modeling soil biogeochemical cycles.
She has partnered with businesses from micro-enterprises to global corporations, engaged with public sector entities at all levels, and worked alongside grassroots communities and international charities. Notably, in collaboration with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, she initiated a global cross-sector dialogue on soil sustainability, culminating in the white paper The Business Case for Investing in Soil Health and the establishment of a soil investment hub. She has also advised on the development of a global soil carbon standard with Verra and supported the UK government in shaping agricultural and nutrient policy.
A major focus of her current research is the role of urban soils in sustainable development. She co-founded a cross-sector task force on sustainable soils in planning and construction, bringing together stakeholders from government, planning, engineering, and development. The initiative is working to embed sustainable soil management into local planning policies while building decision-support tools to enhance best practices in urban development.
Jessica Davies joined the Panel in May 2025 for a 1-year engagement period, before being considered for full membership by May 2026 (as per IRP standard policies).