Research output per year
Research output per year
The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Arthur Lewis Building
M13 9PL Manchester
James Rothwell is Professor of Physical Geography at The University of Manchester with expertise in environmental pollution (legacy and emerging pollutants) and environmental hydrology. James studied Geography at undergraduate level, and completed his PhD in 2006 at The University of Manchester (under the supervision of Professor Tim Allott and Professor Martin Evans). His PhD investigated the storage and release of legacy heavy metals from eroding peatlands in the Peak District National Park, UK. He then held a 6 month fixed-term lecturing position in Geography at The University of Manchester before moving to Manchester Metropolitan University to undertake postdoctoral work. During this time he worked on a number of research projects, including nitrogen leaching from European forest ecosystems (with Professor Nancy Dise), arsenic contamination of peatbogs (with Professor Kevin Taylor) and water quality dynamics in NW rivers (with Professor Colin Neal from the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology). James then moved back to The University of Manchester in 2008 to take up a lectureship in Physical Geography - continuing his environmental research work. He was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2014, Reader in 2017, and Professor in 2019. He has held a number of departmental, school and university leadership roles, and is currently the Director of the MSc in Green Infrastructure. James enjoys teaching at all levels, drawing on his research expertise and external networks.
Professional
Educational
Administrative duties
James’ areas of research include: 1) the use of green infrastructure for tackling urban challenges, including surface water flooding, 2) understanding the sources, transport and fate of microplastics in the environment, and 3) heavy metal and nutrient cycling in peatlands. James has published over 50 peer-reviewed journal articles and has secured over £15 million of research grants. James’ research has been funded by key organisations including NERC, the European Commission and the Environment Agency. Research projects have taken him to Africa, Asia, North America and across Europe.
Grants
James welcomes inquiries from well qualified graduate students from physical geography and environmental science backgrounds, particularly those with an interest / experience in environmental pollution, water quality, hydrology, and soil science.
Current PhD students
Completed PhD students
GEOG10161 - Environmental Pollution
GEOG20402 - Hydrology and Catchment Systems
GEOG64011 - Green Infrastructure: Performance, Evaluation and Monitoring
GEOG64002 - Green Infrastructure: Principles, Policies and Practice 2, Field class
GEOG60662 - Dissertation Support
GEOG74000 - Dissertation [supervision]
PLAN60852 - Green Infrastructure and Sustainable Cities
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Lindley, S. (PI), Anderson, J. (CoI), Huck, J. (CoI), Rothwell, J. (CoI) & Speak, A. (CoI)
15/02/24 → 31/07/24
Project: Research
Rothwell, J. (PI), Barker, A. (CoI), French, D. (CoI) & Lindley, S. (CoI)
1/06/17 → 31/05/22
Project: Research
Rothwell, J. (PI) & Hulme, D. (CoI)
1/12/16 → 31/03/18
Project: Research
Barker, A. (PI), Clay, G. (CoI), Gilchrist, A. (CoI) & Rothwell, J. (CoI)
1/04/16 → 30/09/17
Project: Research
Hulme, D. (PI), Agnew, C. (CoI), Azapagic, A. (CoI) & Rothwell, J. (CoI)
1/12/13 → 31/05/16
Project: Research
Woodward, J. & Rothwell, J. J.
18/03/19
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Research
Woodward, J., Hurley, R. & Rothwell, J. J.
12/03/18 → 13/03/18
9 items of Media coverage
Press/Media: Research