Paul Behrens, the British Academy Global Professor at the Oxford Martin School (pictured, right), joins the Centre as Reapra senior research fellow, while Annegeke Jansen, a PhD candidate at Leiden University (pictured, left), takes up the role of Reapra research associate.

Their appointments are supported by Asia-based venture builder and investment group Reapra.

Behrens’ research focuses on the environmental and social impacts of large-scale food system transformation. He is also the author of The Best of Times, The Worst of Times: Futures from the Frontiers of Climate Science.

Jansen’s research focuses on the measurement of sustainable and inclusive wellbeing as part of the WISE Horizons project. Additionally, she investigates determinants and historical developments related to wellbeing.

The pair, who have previously worked together on contributions to the Beyond GDP movement, join the Centre’s team of interdisciplinary researchers to examine questions around human wellbeing and environmental sustainability.

Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, professor of economics and behavioural science at Saïd Business School, Oxford, and director of the Wellbeing Research Centre, said: “With the appointment of Paul and Annegeke we gain the expertise of two leading scholars who are building bridges between the academic fields focussed on sustainability and subjective wellbeing.

“If our aim is to advance the wellbeing of current and future generations then it is critical to turn our attention to the notion of sustainable wellbeing.”

The Wellbeing Research Centre focuses on the empirical study of wellbeing. It is the publishing hub of the World Happiness Report, and a founding member and academic partner of the World Wellbeing Movement.

Paul Behrens, Reapra senior research fellow, said: “It is essential that we work towards improving wellbeing while both reducing our environmental impacts and dealing with environmental damage.”

Annegeke Jansen, Reapra research associate, said: “In a world facing ecological breakdown and growing inequalities, it’s crucial to rethink what truly supports flourishing lives – now and in the future.”