Bhavani is an applied economist working on research areas at the intersection of food systems, nutrition, health and environmental sustainability. Much of his research is of an interdisciplinary nature and has a strong policy focus. His current research interests include sustainable diets, the role of markets in delivering nutrition, equity in food systems and health, and food and nutrition policy evaluation.
Before joining the Institute for Sustainable Food at The University of Sheffield in April 2020, Bhavani was Professor of Agriculture, Food and Health at SOAS, University of London. He has also held past appointments at the University of Reading and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Bhavani’s recent work has been funded by The Wellcome Trust, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, GCRF, The Leverhulme Trust, UK Aid and the European Commission. Areas of investigation have ranged from economic, health and environmental dimensions of palm oil to market innovation for equitable distribution of fruit and vegetables. He has been Managing Editor of Food Policy, is currently an academic editor for PLOS One and Frontiers in Sustainable Food and serves on the editorial advisory boards of Global Food Security and Food Policy. Bhavani is also Honorary Professor at the Royal Veterinary College, University of London.
Contact Information
Email: b.shankar@sheffield.ac.uk