Lauren Josie Thomas

Dr Lauren Josie Thomas is a Senior Lecturer at the University of South Wales, where she leads the Business Research and Innovation Group and serves as REF Lead for Business and Management.

Her research focuses on sustainable and responsible business, exploring how organisations, markets and consumers translate commitments to environmental sustainability and social equality into meaningful change.

Her work spans two principal areas: gender equality and women’s leadership, particularly workplace cultures, flexible working and career progression; and sustainable consumption and the circular economy, with a particular focus on fashion and bridalwear.

Lauren leads a long-term research programme with CBI Wales examining the barriers to women's leadership and progression. Findings from this work have contributed to UK parliamentary and European Commission policy discussions. Her research into sustainable bridalwear and second-hand wedding dresses has also attracted extensive international media attention.

A Senior Fellow of Advance HE, Lauren works closely with businesses, policymakers and industry partners to ensure research contributes to public understanding, organisational practice and evidence-informed policy.