Understanding GALLANT
GALLANT stands for Glasgow as a Living Lab Accelerating Novel Transformation. It is a five-year project running from 2022 to 2027. The project is led by the University of Glasgow and funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).
The project aims to design and test new, experimental ways for the city to adapt to climate change. It involves working closely with local communities. The goal is to shape a just and sustainable future.
The work is structured around five focus areas:
- Flood Risk
- Biodiversity Loss
- Vacant and Derelict Land
- Active Travel and Inclusive Mobility
- Sustainable Energy
We see these as key challenges Glasgow must tackle to build a more resilient, just, and sustainable future.
At the heart of it all is Community Collaboration Research — and that’s where we come in.
What Does the Community Collaboration Research Team Do?
We are one part of GALLANT, leading on the Community Collaboration Research workstream.
Using a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach, we work with diverse communities across Glasgow. We co-develop knowledge and build relationships. We make sure local priorities shape wider environmental decisions.
Our work is grounded in the belief that community members are co-researchers, not just participants. We value local knowledge, experience, and skills. We aim to centre community voices in how GALLANT’s environmental initiatives are designed, delivered, and evaluated.
Our work spans over five years and is organised into phases. Our approach stays the same across all of them. It is collaborative, creative, and committed to justice.
Why is this happening in my community?
Because environmental change affects everyone — but not equally.
We want to better understand the needs, priorities, and perspectives of communities across Glasgow. That means building lasting partnerships, not just collecting data.
Our role is to create space for local people to shape research. They can influence decision-making. They can also imagine new ways of living well with the climate.
Like what you hear? We’d love to connect — whether you’re curious about what we do or want to get involved. Click here or email: ws2gallantpublic@ws2communitycollaboration
Professor Ria Dunkley
Ria Dunkley is a Professor of Environmental Pedagogy at the University of Glasgow’s School of Education. Her research focuses on finding ways to help people engage with their environment and climate crises. She is particularly interested in how communities can make a difference by taking sustainable actions.
Prof. Dunkley is leading the Community Collaboration work in GALLANT.
Dr Florence Halstead
Florence has extensive experience in many research projects. She works directly with children, youth, families, communities, and schools. Her work covers a broad spectrum of topics. Most prominently, these include Children’s Rights, Social Justice, Sustainability, and Climate Change.
She primarily works at the interface between these. She takes a reflexive approach to her research.
Dr Sarah Gambell
Dr Sarah Gambell is a post-doctoral researcher with the GALLANT project. She has a background in antiquities trafficking. She also has experience in managing cultural heritage assets in conflict.
She completed her PhD investigating the long-term digital sustainability of digitised cultural heritage. Afterward, she shifted her focus to data visualisations. Her new work involves spatial mapping techniques.
GALLANT Community Collaboration Research 