PROFESOR

EMERITUS PROFESOR
KUNTALA LAHIRI-DUTT AO

KUNTALA LAHIRI-DUTT AO

Exploring the Human Dimensions of Environment and Resources


Crawford School of Public Policy, at the Australian University since 2002

Bridging gender and the environment through lived experiences, understanding how people shape and are shaped by water, land, agriculture and extractive processes and activities

ABOUT ME

Kuntala Lahiri-Dutt is one of the leading global experts in critical research on the length and breadth of gender and community livelihoods in two areas of natural resources: water and extractive industries (mining). Her life, teaching and research are informed by feminist scholar-activist methodologies.

Kuntala Lahiri-Dutt has been a Professor in the Resource, Environment & Development Program, Crawford School of Public Policy, at The Australian University since 2002.

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Research & Scholarship

Groundbreaking studies on gender, environment, and resource livelihoods

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Water, Land & People

Exploring how communities live and sustain their natural environments.

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Mining & Community

Reframing the social and gendered dimensions of extractive industries

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Fieldwork & Engagement

Collaborative research grounded in local realities and community voices.

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Writing & Publications

Writer of writings that reshape our thinking about nature and society.

A glimpse of my researches

From published articles to collaborative researches—each project reflects a piece
of my voice, my curiosity, and my love for the written word.

Kind words from collaborators

"Kuntala’s insights bridge the gap between research and real-world change. Her words don’t just describe— they transform perspectives."
— Dr. Arindam Sen, Environmental Sociologist
"She brings clarity and compassion to complex issues of nature and society, turning data into deeply human stories."
— Meera Patel, Journalist
"Working with Kuntala means seeing ideas come alive—her writing captures both nuance and urgency."
— Ravi Kumar, Development Researcher
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The quiet space where reflection begins

Before the theories and publications, there’s the quiet rhythm of observation—the landscapes, the lives, and the labor that shape our world. This is where my work begins: in listening to people, understanding places, and rethinking how society connects with the environment.

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