Stephen is a Reader in Urban Studies and Planning at the University of Sheffield. His research lies within the broad scope of urban and regional studies with a specific focus on applied spatial analysis, uneven spatial development and urban-regional policy and governance. He has recently published articles on recession and uneven spatial development, neighbourhood change, the governance and politics of spatial economic re-balancing, and city-regional agglomeration ‘boosterism’. His co-edited volume ‘Territorial Policy and Governance: Alternative Paths’ is due to be published in 2017 as part of the Regional Studies Association’s ‘Regions and Cities’ book series (Routledge).