Carsten Jahn Hansen

Carsten Jahn Hansen is an Associate Professor in sustainable place development and planning at Aalborg University's Department of Sustainability and Planning, part of The Technical Faculty of IT and Design. His research focuses on innovations in planning for sustainable place-making, addressing climate change, socio-economic balance, and environmental sustainability. He leads the Planning for Urban Sustainability (PLUS) research group and participates in projects like the PLANNORD research network and EU-funded initiatives such as PlanCoast. Hansen holds a PhD in Spatial Planning and a Master's in Surveying, Planning, and Land Management from Aalborg University.

Key affiliations include roles with the Danish Town Planning Institute (Dansk Byplanlaboratorium), ESPON (European Spatial Planning Observatory Network), and OECD/EU policy advisory work. His expertise spans coastal governance, participatory planning, and the integration of cultural heritage into spatial development. He has contributed to over 111 publications, including works on non-mandatory planning frameworks and climate adaptation strategies.

Hansen has advised on regional and municipal planning policies, emphasizing trust-based governance and community engagement. His research explores the interplay between strategic planning and grassroots participation, with a focus on urban and rural resilience. Notable contributions include analyses of Denmark's development planning systems and the role of soft planning instruments in addressing complex spatial challenges.