Student research spotlight: Harry Bennett's research on change management in sustainable agriculture
Posted on 24 April 2025
Following the Student Sustainability Research Conference (SSRC25) at the University of Leeds in March, we are showcasing the incredible research presented by our students.
In the second feature of our Student Research Spotlight series, we spoke with Harry Bennett, an MSc Environmental Science & Management student from the Department of Environment and Geography. Harry’s research investigates change management in sustainable agriculture with a focus on the Three Horizons Framework.
Tell us about your research.
"Within my master’s degree, I undertake a research project for which I am investigating change management in sustainable agriculture with a focus on the Three Horizons Framework."
What inspired you to pursue this area of sustainability research?
"Coming from a Biology undergraduate degree, I garnered an interest in human ecology. Coming from an agricultural background, I combined the two fields and found sustainable agriculture as the best of both worlds. I understood the need for attention towards agriculture, with the climate and policies eating away at the viability of farming in the UK, so I sought advice from my supervisor, Dr Truzaar Dordi, on how best to take a stance that considers where agriculture stands as well as where it’s going.
He introduced me to the Three Horizons Framework which explores why current systems may be unsustainable, what an ideal future looks like, and how we get there. This calls for focus groups of those in the field, which I knew with existing contacts would be a way to get the community I grew up with involved in their own future."
What was your experience presenting at the Student Sustainability Research Conference 2025?
"SSRC25 was an excellent opportunity to see where sustainability research is heading from energy to health and fashion. Furthermore, being able to present my own research and have people actively engaging with the topic was an experience I’m extremely grateful for. I’d encourage anyone interested in this area to attend, as a guest or presenter, given the diversity of research topics and networking potential to be had at such conferences."
Where do you hope your research will lead?
"As a minimum, I hope my research project inspires action within the local agricultural community and what can be done despite present challenges. Drawing attention to this topic may help those outside of these communities to see how much work still needs to be done to bring about sustainable change. Transitions are not sudden, but there is ongoing progress.
A deeper understanding of how policies really affect the economic viability of farming is necessary. How to invest into the decarbonisation of food systems via technology and policy would make for an excellent future research opportunity, which if given, I’d love to continue further."
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A huge thanks to Harry for sharing more about his research and experience presenting at the conference. Stay tuned for more stories showcasing the incredible work being done across our student community.