DrJustin Lawson

Dr Justin Lawson is a senior lecturer in health ecology and planetary health with the People, Planet and Place for Health Research Group, and an Associate Member of the Institute of Health Transformation at Deakin University. With a background in natural resource management, environmental science and environmental health, and employing mixed-methods (qualitative and quantitative) research methods, his research has focussed on the relationships between individuals, communities and society, and natural environments, with a specific interest in nature-based interventions. These interventions have ranged from pet therapy, equine assisted learning, citizen science, and horticultural therapy based in community garden settings among others. He is a founding committee member of Deakin University's inaugural community garden based in Burwood. With more than 20 peer-reviewed publications and reports across a variety of research fields addressing natural resource management, environmental sustainability, religion and nature, food systems, pet therapy, culture and place, planetary health metrics, and disabilities, he has a track record of multidisciplinary collaboration within the university sector and with industry and local government. He is a review editor of the Frontiers in Public Health journal, 'Environmental Health and Exposome' edition, and has also been the guest editor of the Sustainability journal with a special issue on ‘Health, Wellbeing and Environmental Benefits of Contact with Nature’. Dr Lawson has co-supervised three PhD students to completion, as well as co-supervised numerous Masters and Honours students.