Gert de Roo

Gert de Roo is a Professor of Spatial Planning at the Faculty of Spatial Sciences, University of Groningen. His work bridges complexity theory, environmental planning, and urban governance, with a focus on decentralization and decision-making in dynamic systems. He has held leadership roles, including Former President of the Association of European Schools of Planning (AESOP) and Editor in Chief of InPlanning.

• Current Position: Professor, Department of Spatial Planning and Environment, University of Groningen.
• Key Leadership Roles: Former President of AESOP (2011–2015), co-founder of UPE-Global, and founder of the AESOP thematic group on 'complexity and planning'.

De Roo’s research explores the application of complexity theory to spatial planning, emphasizing non-linear dynamics and adaptive governance. His projects address urban sustainability, energy transitions, and community-based flood risk management, often involving cross-border collaborations.

His recent publications highlight challenges in integrating climate policy with local governance, leveraging behavioral insights in public space design, and reconciling epistemic uncertainties with value-based planning. These works reflect his commitment to interdisciplinary approaches and institutional innovation.

• Editorial Roles: Editor of the Ashgate Publishing Series on Planning Theory, former editorial board member of Planning Theory & Practice.
• Projects: Led EU-funded SUSPLAN and Plurel, Dutch Ministry of Environment initiatives, and multidisciplinary efforts with institutions like TU Delft and Wageningen University.
• Conferences: Organized international symposia on urban planning and environment, including events in Perth, Pretoria, and the Netherlands.