ESRC Postdoctoral Fellow
Dr Tess Davis
University of Glasgow
My current research focuses on the relationship between dietary preferences, food representations and sustainable consumption behaviour. Specifically, I am interested in why mainstream consumers find it so difficult to make sustainable food choices. My previous work has analysed the language that omnivores and vegans use to describe both meat and plant-based foods, as an indicator of the non-conscious processes involved in current food discourse. The aim of my research so far is to promote the importance of social identity dynamics involved in mainstream consumers’ dietary choices, in order to develop more effective behaviour change interventions that encourage long-term, sustainable eating practices. Other research interests include interdisciplinary strategies to help transform the current food system, the meat-masculinity paradigm, and how awareness of human-nature-environment interconnectedness can motivate sustainable attitudes and behaviour.
Department:
MRC/CSO Social & Public Health Science Unit
Mentor:
Professor Sharon Simpson
Cohort:
2023/2024
Project title:
Social sustainable diets: Supporting the transition to plant-based foods through close relationships
Goals for the fellowship:
During the Fellowship, I hope to further refine my research capabilities to develop as a successful and increasingly independent early-career researcher. Particularly, I want to work on my research dissemination, science communication and networking skills to increase my visibility among academics, industry professionals, policy makers, and key stakeholders. I also want to gain experience in writing grant applications for a research project about how dyadic relationships can help encourage sustainable consumption behaviours. Furthermore, I intend to carry out a short study that connects my PhD research to my proposed 5-year research project, examining how omnivores and vegans describe plant-based foods to a close social partner. Lastly, I will get involved with multiple public engagement events and connect with local food sustainability initiatives to gain perspectives on current attitudes towards plant-based consumption among mainstream consumers.
Advice for future applicants:
Make sure to contact the relevant departments and contacts at your chosen institution that will help you with your application early to give them as much time as possible to complete the documents required.
