Will is Professor of Urban and Regional Studies in CRESR. His research centres on two programmes of work:  economic geographies of zero carbon transitions; governance of urban and regional sustainability transitions. Will has published widely on these topics and has led research projects for research funding bodies, national governments, charities, city-regions and local authorities.

He is particularly interested in the differential spatial impacts of zero carbon transitions, for instance in a series of research projects understanding local economic development and employment implications of energy transition, and potential policy responses. In recent years this work has had particular focus on two themes (1) industrial futures and (2) place-based retrofit 

External to CRESR Will is chair of the Regional Studies Association Yorkshire and Humber branch; and associate editor of Regional Studies Regional Science journal.

Will is SHU REF Coordinator for Unit of Assessment 13 (Architecture, Built Environment and Planning)

Research interests

Will’s current research interests include

• Economic geographies of zero carbon transitions
• Employment and skills implications of zero carbon transition
• Engaging and supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in zero carbon transitions
• Governance of urban and regional sustainability transitions