About John

John is an interdisciplinary social scientist with a background in sociology, human geography and management. Before moving to Manchester Metropolitan University, he worked at the University of Huddersfield, Cardiff University, and UWE: Bristol. Throughout this period, John's research interests have revolved around 'sustainable communities' and 'sustainable food systems'. 

John's current research interests revolve around sustainable food systems, religious food markets, and refugee entrepreneurs. He has been commissioned by NGOs, local authorities, and food certification bodies in the UK and beyond, and has completed work funded by the EU and BA/Leverhulme, among others. The question driving much of his research is: What can food tell us about people, place and politics? 

John holds an ESRC funded PhD in Public Policy, and his work continues to have an underlying policy focus. This was reflected in a REF 2021 Impact Case Study: Lever, J. McElwee, G. and Downing G. (2021) Enhanced Understanding and Reduced Controversy within Expanding Religious Food Markets.

Before he became an academic, John worked for Oxfam in fair trade for a number of years. His teaching has a specific focus on food system sustainability, circular economy, and climate change. John is a Fellow of the Norbert Elias Foundation and the Higher Education Academy (HEA).