Megan Orgill

I am a doctoral researcher in York Business School, supported by a studentship from the Institute for Social Justice. My PhD investigates how communities across York and North Yorkshire are addressing social, environmental, and economic challenges through locally driven collaboration and resource sharing. Using transformative action research, I work with communities to co-create and co-produce knowledge, exploring how social capital, resource flows, and local expertise can be mobilised to build more resilient, equitable, and sustainable futures across the region.

Prior to beginning my PhD, I completed a BA in Tourism and Destination Management at York St John University and an MA in Cities at Liverpool John Moores University. My master’s research explored culture-led regeneration, placemaking, branding, and urban identity in the Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture programme, investigating the tensions between top-down cultural policy ambitions and community-driven visions for local development.

My research interests include circular economies, community wealth building, civic wealth creation, social infrastructure, and participatory methods.