Researchers in the Gibson Institute are advancing a joined-up programme of work focused on farming, land use and the wider agri-food system—consistent with the Institute’s mission to support the sustainability of agriculture in Northern Ireland, particularly the small farming sector, and to contribute to improved rural life and civic society.
Prof. Alberto Longo strengthens the Institute’s farming and land-use portfolio through applied agri-food and environmental economics, with a particular focus on robust evaluation (e.g., cost–benefit analysis and non-market valuation) and behavioural insights. Current work includes research on (a) farmers’ willingness to adopt innovations that help agriculture adapt to and mitigate climate change (Horizon Europe Re-Livestock); (b) Social Farming for Peace and Inclusion (Peaceplus SoPi project); (c) social prescribing to help reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the health and social care pathways (UKRI Sustainable Health System Hub); (d) the role of green areas to improve people’s wellbeing (UKPRP Groundswell); (d) behavioural methods to address antimicrobial resistance (UKRI FAN). Past work has used micro-econometric methods with applications to energy, health, environment, cultural heritage, food, risk, physical activity. In his research, he has advised the World Bank, UNEP, RSPB, the Utility Regulator NI among others.
Prof. George Hutchinson provides strategic leadership in rural and environmental economics, with research spanning agri-food, biodiversity, water resources and climate action. His work connects farm-level and land-use decisions to broader risks and opportunities across the food chain, including through contributions to major climate risk and sustainability assessments. Current projects explore the role of financial investments to protect biodiversity, (FRIBO, BIOFIN), healthy and sustainable food (Sus-Health. Sustainable and Healthy diets for all). Previously he led research at QUB on the value of agri-environment schemes, the value of forestry, and on risk, food choices and physical activity.
Dr Henry Adewale Adenuga focuses directly on how policies and farm decisions can deliver sustainable land use and resilient rural systems. His research evaluates agri-environment and rural programmes, farm performance, and the economics of animal health and welfare—placing particular emphasis on farmer behaviour, incentives, training, and the practical needs of policymakers and advisors. Adewale is also the director of the MSc Leadership for Sustainable (Rural) Development.
Dr Eileen Mitchell applies behavioural economics and AI to key agri-food challenges, including research on the risk factors shaping farmers’ uptake of sustainable practices and the economic and social impacts of animal disease—linking farm outcomes to public health and sustainability goals.
Dr Amanda Slevin contributes complementary expertise on climate policy, inequalities, just transition and participatory decision-making—capabilities that help ensure that pathways to more sustainable farming and land management are socially workable, policy-relevant and grounded in stakeholder engagement. Current projects include the Co-Centre for Climate + Biodiversity and Water.
