Cecily Maller is a human geographer specialising in more-than-human approaches and working with relational theories, particularly theories of social practice. Mostly using qualitative methods, her research focuses on everyday human-environment relationships in urban settings. She is particularly interested in the affective, health and wellbeing dimensions of multi-species interactions in homes, workplaces and neighbourhoods, and how to make cities healthier, climate adapted, and more equitable places.
From 2018-2023 she was Lead Editor of the journal ‘People and Nature’ and she is the author of ‘Healthy urban environments: More-than-human theories’ (Routledge, 2018). Her other books include two edited collections, 'Social Practices, Intervention and Sustainability: Beyond Behaviour Change' (Routledge, 2012) and 'Social Practices and Dynamic Non-Humans: Nature, Materials and Technologies' (Palgrave, 2019).
A Professor at RMIT University’s School of Global, Urban and Social Studies in Melbourne, Australia her research is based in the Centre for Urban Research where she co-led the Beyond Behaviour Change (2012-2019) and People and Environment (2019-2023) research programs.
Cecily has an interdisciplinary background comprising a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Australian Environmental Studies and a PhD in health and social development, and she enjoys working across disciplines to address complex social and environmental challenges.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.