Find Academic Supervisors

• Environmental Planning
• Climate Change Adaptation
• Green Infrastructure
• +2 more

Jeremy Carter is a Senior Lecturer in Environmental Planning at the University of Manchester's Planning, Property and Environmental Management department. He leads the Green Cities research theme within the Manchester Urban Institute and is currently Co-Investigator on the NERC-funded MEaSURE project (Maximising Ecosystem Services in Urban Environments). His research focuses on integrating environmental planning with climate resilience strategies. Research interests include: Urban climate change adaptation pathways Green infrastructure planning and multifunctional landscapes Natural flood management governance frameworks Risk-based approaches to infrastructure resilience His 15 most recent publications demonstrate consistent focus on urban adaptation strategies, with methodological approaches spanning systematic reviews, scenario planning, and spatial analysis. Key themes include green infrastructure performance, flood risk governance, climate vulnerability assessments, and evidence-based policy development. Active in research partnerships, Carter has led projects including: IGNITION (EU Urban Innovation Action) RESIN (Climate Resilient Cities and Infrastructures) NERC-funded evidence mapping for natural flood management He contributes to regional governance as board member of Greater Manchester's Local Nature Partnership and Manchester Climate Change Partnership.

Csilla CsákView profile

Professor

• Agricultural Law
• Environmental Law
• Constitutional Law
• +1 more

Prof. Dr. Csilla Csák is Dean of the Faculty of Law and Director of the Institute of Civil Sciences at the University of Miskolc. She graduated from the Faculty of Law in 1990, earned her PhD in 2001, and completed habilitation in 2015. Her academic career includes leadership roles as Head of the Department of Agricultural and Labour Law (2002-2018) and Deputy Dean (2004-2008, 2012-2018). Her research focuses on agricultural law and environmental law , with particular expertise in constitutional aspects of farming, waste management regulations, and corporate environmental responsibility. She has developed specialized knowledge in multifunctional agriculture frameworks and pollution liability mechanisms. Her publications demonstrate consistent focus on agricultural legislation , environmental governance , and constitutional foundations of land use policies. Recent work examines restitution policies, corporate environmental compliance, and constitutional values in farming models. Hungarian Academy of Sciences Award (2003) János Nagyváthy Award (2014) Order of Merit of Hungary (2017) Comité Européen Bronze Medal (2015) Multiple teaching excellence awards She holds leadership positions in several professional organizations including President of the Hungarian Agricultural Law Association and Vice President of the Comité Européen de Droit Rural.

Paul CourtneyView profile

Professor

• Socio-Economic Impact Analysis
• Social Return on Investment (SROI)
• Community Health
• +5 more

Paul Courtney is a Professor at the University of Gloucestershire and a member of the Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI). His research focuses on socio-economic impact analysis, particularly in areas such as community health, environmental policy, and rural development. He employs interdisciplinary approaches combining Economics, Sociology, and Psychology to assess initiatives like Social Return on Investment (SROI) in diverse sectors including tree health, farmer wellbeing, and fisheries management. Courtney has contributed to major projects such as the AHRC Changing Treescapes and Defra Local Perspectives, and served as UoA Coordinator for CCRI’s REF submissions in 2014 and 2021. He is also a qualified Personal Performance Coach and Wellbeing Facilitator at the university. His academic career began at the CCRI in 2002, with notable work on evaluating policy impacts, including the Countryside Stewardship grant scheme and the socio-cultural role of inshore fisheries in England. Courtney’s research emphasizes participatory methods, co-design frameworks, and the integration of arts into socio-ecological studies. He has published extensively on topics ranging from resilience in farming systems to the mental health benefits of urban green spaces. Key achievements include developing social indicators for agri-environment schemes and advancing methodologies for assessing broader societal outcomes of health interventions. Courtney’s work bridges academic research with practical policy implementation, aiming to enhance sustainability and equity in rural and urban contexts.

Iain McLellanView profile

Professor

• Environmental Pollution
• Air Pollution
• Soil Contamination
• +7 more

Iain McLellan serves as Associate Dean (Learning & Teaching) at the University of the West of Scotland's School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences. He is also Programme Leader for the MSc Waste and Resource Management program and coordinates modules at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. As a Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv), Dr. McLellan brings extensive professional experience to his academic role, having spent eight years prior to 2015 working with third sector organizations and environmental regulatory bodies on air quality, land contamination, and noise pollution issues. His research employs advanced analytical techniques including ICP-AES, ICP-MS, Graphite Furnace-AAS, Flame-AAS, HPLC, and LC-MS. Dr. McLellan's research focuses on environmental pollution impacts, particularly air pollution and soil contamination, with current projects addressing carbon management in food processing, emerging pollutants in electronic waste, antimicrobial resistance in brownfield sites, and the relationship between air pollution and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals and demonstrates strong international collaboration, particularly with China. His recent publications reveal a consistent research trajectory with significant contributions to waste management technologies, pollution remediation, and environmental policy implementation across different global contexts, particularly in electronic waste recycling and contaminated land management. Associate Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (2011) Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) (2020) China-Scotland Business Awards (2023) Fellow of the Geological Society (2005) Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2017) Dr. McLellan actively contributes to academic governance as an elected member of the University Court and previously served as the School's Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity Champion. He regularly peer reviews academic journals and serves as an external examiner for PhD vivas at Scotland's Rural College. His external engagements include Trustee positions with the Institution of Environmental Sciences and Environmental Protection Scotland, and he seeks collaboration with private sector companies focused on contamination, landfill management, and ecosystem services to translate research into practical environmental solutions.

• Agricultural Economics
• Sustainability in Agri-Food Systems
• Circular Economy
• +4 more

Roberto Furesi is a Full Professor at the University of Sassari, Italy, specializing in Agricultural Economics and Sustainability. His work focuses on agri-food systems, circular economy, and environmental policy analysis. He has extensive experience studying Italian and European farming practices, particularly in Sardinia, with a focus on economic sustainability, ecosystem services, and agritourism development. Education: Doctorate in Agricultural Economics (implied by academic rank). Research interests include the integration of social and environmental dimensions into agricultural strategies, trade-offs between economic and ecological sustainability, and innovative feed solutions (e.g., insect meal) for aquaculture. He frequently uses the Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) for empirical analysis. His recent publications analyze consumer acceptance of insect-fed fish, circular economy performance in Europe, and technical efficiency in organic vs. conventional farming. He has also explored the role of agritourism in rural development, particularly in marginalized regions of Italy. Awards: Not explicitly mentioned in the provided texts. Grants/Advising: No specific grants listed; however, his research often implies collaborative projects with regional and national agricultural bodies. Labs/Teams: While not specified, his work suggests involvement with interdisciplinary teams focusing on sustainable agriculture and food systems at the University of Sassari.

Bettina BockView profile

Professor

• Rural Development
• Social Innovation
• Rural Mobility and Migration
• +10 more

Prof. Bettina Bock is a Professor for Population Decline and Quality of Life in Northern Netherlands at the University of Groningen (RUG) , Faculty of Spatial Sciences, Department of Cultural Geography. She concurrently holds a professorship in Inclusive Rural Development at Wageningen University. Her expertise spans rural sociology, spatial inequality, and participatory governance. She advises governmental bodies including the Ministry of the Interior (scientific reflection group on population decline) and the National Programme Groningen assessment committee. Research focuses on depopulation challenges, sustainable rural futures, and community-driven initiatives. Notable projects include analyzing regional discontent in the Netherlands, immigrant integration in rural housing contexts, and religious identity dynamics among youth. She frequently contributes to public discourse via media commentaries on rural revitalization and land-use policies. Her ancillary roles include membership in assessment committees addressing educational enrollment declines and regional development. Office located at Landleven 1, Room 2.01, Groningen.

• Urban Planning
• Landscape Architecture
• Climate Adaptation
• +4 more

Marja Skotheim Folde serves as a University Lecturer in the Department of Urbanism and Landscape Architecture at the Oslo School of Architecture and Design (AHO), where she actively contributes to academic instruction and research. Her institutional role focuses on integrating ecological principles into urban development frameworks, particularly through nature-based solutions and climate-resilient design. Her research centers on transforming degraded landscapes—including landfills, river corridors, and contaminated sites—into functional green spaces through interdisciplinary approaches. Key interests include blue-green infrastructure, strategic urban planning, water-sensitive design, and participatory processes in municipal development. She emphasizes practical implementation of theoretical concepts, often bridging Norwegian urban contexts with international case studies from Spain. Recent publications reveal a strong trajectory toward regenerative urban development, with emphasis on municipal-scale blue-green strategies for climate adaptation. Her work consistently connects water management systems with landscape urbanism, addressing legacy contamination while creating multifunctional public spaces. The research demonstrates growing focus on Norwegian municipalities like Lørenskog and Bærum, building on earlier work in Granada's metropolitan region.

Henrik SmithView profile

Professor

• Conservation Ecology
• Biodiversity
• Climate Change
• +3 more

Henrik Smith is a Professor at Lund University, serving as Chair of the Centre for Environmental and Climate Science (CEC) and Principal Investigator. He also coordinates the LU Profile Area: Nature-based Future Solutions and is involved in Biodiversity and Evolution research. His work focuses on behavioral ecology, conservation ecology, and the impacts of anthropogenic environmental changes on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Smith has held leadership roles in initiatives like BECC (2010-2024) and collaborates with stakeholders to integrate science into policy. His research explores how agricultural intensification and climate change affect meta-communities of organisms, particularly pollination and biological control services. He emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining ecological research with policy development and valuation of ecosystem services. Smith has secured funding for 69 projects, including Horizon Europe initiatives like AGRI4POL and VALOR, focusing on sustainable agriculture and pollinator conservation. Smith has received awards including the Lund University Pedagogic Prize (2002) and the Roséns Linnépris i Zoologi (2023). He actively engages in public outreach through seminars, media participation, and publications. His educational contributions include developing cross-disciplinary programs like the Environmental Science PhD program and courses addressing environmental issues. Key grants include analysis of synergies between Swedish agricultural policies and EU regulations, quantifying ecosystem services in forests, and biodiversity science for financial strategies. His work addresses SDGs related to climate action, life on land, and sustainable cities. Smith's activities span international collaborations, policy advising, and supervising 22 doctoral works.

Fabienne WallenweinView profile

Research Fellow

• Socio-economic transformations in China
• Urbanization
• Sustainable urban development
• +3 more

Dr. Fabienne Wallenwein serves as a Research Fellow at the Chair of International Management / International Business with a focus on China at Kiel University. Her work centers on socio-economic transformations in China and Greater China, emphasizing urbanization, sustainable urban development, rural revitalization, and cultural heritage conservation through interdisciplinary frameworks. Her academic foundation spans multiple institutions: East Asian Studies, Sinology, and Economics at Heidelberg University Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University Studies at Fudan University in Shanghai She further enriched her expertise through guest researcher positions at Jinan University (Guangzhou) and National Taiwan University. As a Cusanuswerk alumna, she integrates transnational perspectives into her scholarship. Dr. Wallenwein investigates how cultural landscapes catalyze social innovation and sustainable development. Her research examines unconventional urban renewal models (e.g., Shanghai’s Tianzifang), rural revitalization through heritage (e.g., Honghe Hani Rice Terraces), and policy frameworks for historically famous cities. Using constructivist approaches, she analyzes socio-political negotiations of heritage meanings, highlighting community participation, traditional knowledge, and spatial practices in shaping identity. Analysis of her 2020–2024 publications reveals consistent focus on heritage conservation’s intersection with sustainable development in Chinese contexts. She explores how local communities navigate global pressures in urban settings, demonstrating how artist-led interventions and community entrepreneurship foster multifunctional spaces balancing tourism, commerce, and residential life while preserving cultural memory. Dr. Wallenwein has led significant initiatives including coordination of the interdisciplinary project ‘Cultural Landscapes as Resource for Social Innovation’ at Heidelberg Center for Transcultural Studies. Currently, she researches ethical organizational forms within the BMBF-funded EthiOrg project at Kiel University, reflecting her commitment to socially responsible business practices in Chinese contexts. She operates within Kiel University’s International Business research group, collaborating with transnational teams on projects bridging social sciences and humanities. Her work frequently addresses tensions between global aspirations and local heritage practices, particularly in China’s urban transformation narratives.

Concetta NazzaroView profile

Associate Professor

• Rural Economy
• Agricultural Economics
• Social Farming
• +3 more

Concetta Nazzaro is an Associate Professor at the Department of Law, Economics, Management and Quantitative Methods (DEMM) of Università del Sannio, Italy. Her research focuses on rural economy, social farming, food consumption behavior, and sustainability in agri-food systems. Field of Expertise: Rural Economy and Estimation (AGR/01) Key Research Themes: Social farming, consumer behavior, obesity-related social costs, multifunctional agriculture, sustainable food supply chains Recent work examines the intersection of healthiness and sustainability in consumer preferences for functional foods, with a 2024 publication on snack bars. She investigates social farming's market challenges through systematic reviews and empirical studies. Methodological Focus: Employs statistical models like logistic regression, choice experiments, and partial least squares regression. Collaborates with researchers including Giuseppe Marotta, Marcello Stanco, and Anna Uliano.

Galina Ivancheva YanchevaView profile

Assistant Professor

• Landscape Architecture
• Urban Ecology
• Sustainable Design
• +1 more

Galina Ivancheva Yancheva serves as an Assistant Professor within the Department of Landscape Architecture at the Faculty of Ecology and Landscape Architecture, University of Forestry in Sofia, Bulgaria. Holding a PhD and professional designation as a Landscape Architect (Land. Arch.), she maintains an active academic role with office location at Building A, Room 420, 10 Kliment Okhridsky Blvd., 1797 Sofia. The University of Forestry stands as Bulgaria's premier institution for forestry, ecology, and environmental sciences education and research. Her scholarly focus centers on Landscape Architecture with specialized expertise in Urban Ecology, Sustainable Design, and Environmental Planning. Her work integrates ecological principles into landscape design to address climate change adaptation, green infrastructure development, and multifunctional landscape systems that balance biodiversity conservation with human well-being. Research emphasizes practical applications for sustainable urban-rural transitions in Bulgarian and Balkan contexts.

• Rural Spatial Planning
• Territorial Development
• Mountain Area Development
• +4 more

Dimitrios Gousios is a Professor at the University of Thessaly's Department of Spatial Engineering, Urban Planning and Regional Development, where he directs the Rural Space Laboratory and the Greek-French postgraduate program DYNTAR (Spatial Dynamics and Spatial Planning of Rural Space). He holds a PhD in Geography and Spatial Planning from the University of Toulouse-Le Mirail, France, with additional degrees in Sociology and Advanced Rural Studies. His research focuses on: Territorial development methodologies for rural spaces, emphasizing resource identification and heritage valorization Mountain area dynamics , small-town roles, and local governance transformations Participatory planning tools , including GIS applications for community-led diagnostics Family farming evolution and multifunctional agriculture in Mediterranean contexts Publications predominantly explore rural territorialization, spatial governance innovations, and crisis adaptation in Greek/EU agriculture. Recent work emphasizes participatory certification systems (e.g., for local dairy products) and High Nature Value farming linkages. Awards: Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Palmes Académiques (2005) from France's Ministry of Education for contributions to education and culture. He has coordinated over 40 EU/national research projects, including: HNV-LINK (Horizon 2020) LACTIMED (MED Program) ENERSCAPES (MED Program) National Mountain Strategy for Cyprus (2018-2019) As Director of the Rural Space Laboratory, he oversees international collaborations with universities in France, Albania, Morocco, and Egypt, facilitating student exchanges and joint research on Mediterranean rural development.

• Land Use and Land Cover Change
• Agroforestry Systems
• Climate Change Mitigation
• +7 more

Madelene Ostwald is a Professor at Chalmers University of Technology, affiliated with the Environmental Systems Analysis department and the Physical Resource Theory division. Her extensive research portfolio spans land use systems, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development across multiple continents, with particular focus on Africa and South Asia. She leads significant research initiatives that bridge scientific investigation with policy development. Her research interests center on multifunctional land-use systems, particularly examining how agroforestry and traditional land management practices contribute to food security, climate resilience, and biodiversity conservation. Ostwald investigates the intersection of environmental policy and practical land management, with special attention to gender dynamics in agricultural systems and the implementation of REDD+ initiatives. Her work demonstrates how remote sensing technologies can enhance understanding of complex land-use patterns in smallholder farming contexts. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent focus on practical solutions for sustainable development challenges, particularly in dryland agricultural systems. She examines how traditional land management practices like parklands and homegardens provide ecosystem services while supporting local livelihoods. Her research increasingly integrates gender perspectives and policy analysis to address food security challenges in changing climate conditions. Ostwald leads multiple major research projects including 'Energy geography in East Africa' (2020-2024), 'Parkland NPP now and in the future' (2019-2023), and 'AgriFoSe2030 - Agriculture for Food Security Post 2030' (2016-2023), demonstrating sustained funding success from organizations including SIDA, Swedish Research Council, and VINNOVA. These projects reflect her interdisciplinary approach that connects environmental science with social dimensions of sustainable development. Her research spans multiple field sites across Africa (particularly Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Kenya) and South Asia (particularly Sri Lanka and India), creating a comparative perspective on land management challenges in different ecological and socio-economic contexts. This international scope allows for cross-learning between regions facing similar sustainability challenges.

Mihaela LazarView profile

Lecturer

• Architectural Heritage
• Cultural Heritage Conservation
• Vernacular Architecture
• +3 more

Mihaela Lazar is a lecturer at the Department of Interior Design and Architecture , Ion Mincu University of Architecture and Urbanism, Bucharest, Romania. She actively engages in research projects, teaching, and international conferences, focusing on architectural heritage, cultural preservation, and interdisciplinary design approaches. Research Focus: Cultural heritage conservation, vernacular architecture, sustainable design, urban planning, and age-friendly architecture. Academic Roles: Research manager for projects like "School of Architecture Academic Community" (2021) and coordinator of "Savageing Rural Heritage through Education" (2020-2021). Key Research Trends: Her work bridges architectural theory with practical interventions, including pandemic-era interior design shifts, augmented reality applications in heritage restoration, and multifunctional community spaces. She emphasizes historical analysis, such as Bucharest's interwar modernism and fire impact on urban development. Scientific Recognition: Recipient of the Vasile Pârvan doctoral scholarship (2012) and organizer of workshops like "Changes in Lifestyle: Trends Brought by the Pandemic" (2021). Her publications span architectural theory, heritage conservation, and interdisciplinary design. Collaborative Efforts: She collaborates with institutions like OAR Alba, World Bank-funded programs, and international symposia (ICAR, EURAU). Her grants include the "ROSE Student Counseling" project (2019-2021), enhancing academic support systems.

Jebaraj AsirvathamView profile

Associate Professor

• Consumer Economics
• Health Economics
• Nutrition and Health Behavior
• +4 more

Jebaraj Asirvatham is an Associate Professor in the Department of Agribusiness Economics at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. His research focuses on the intersection of health economics, consumer behavior, and agricultural policy, particularly analyzing childhood obesity determinants and dietary outcomes. Ph.D. in Agricultural and Applied Economics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign M.S. in Agricultural Economics, Rutgers University M.Sc. in Agricultural Economics, Punjab Agricultural University B.Sc. in Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University His work explores causal relationships between school food environments, social networks, and health behaviors, with significant contributions to understanding peer effects on childhood obesity. Recent grants include funding from the Arkansas Biosciences Institute and NIFA. Scientific recognitions include the Best Student Paper award (IAREP/SABE 2009) William Applebaum Memorial Scholarship He has mentored students on diverse topics ranging from microfinance impacts to agricultural software evaluation, with conference presentations at Missouri Valley Economics Association and Southern Agricultural Economics Association meetings.