معرفی
Prof. Dr. Bernhard Truffer is a Professor of Innovation Sciences at Utrecht University's Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development. He also serves as Head of the Environmental Social Sciences department and leader of the Cirus research cluster at Eawag (Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology) in Dübendorf. His academic journey includes significant positions at the University of Bern where he was an Adjunct Professor (2011-2014) and previously a Lecturer in Economic Geography (2002-2010).
Truffer's research focuses on sustainability transitions, particularly examining Technological Innovation Systems, the Geography of Transitions in Urban Infrastructures, and Institutional dimensions of transition processes. His work spans sustainable transformation of infrastructure sectors (especially urban water management), foresight and strategic planning, and Science and Technology Studies (STS). He pioneered transdisciplinary approaches to address complex sustainability challenges, notably winning the Swiss Transdisciplinarity Award in 2000.
His publication trends reveal a strong emphasis on global innovation systems, urban sustainability transitions, and methodological advancements in transition studies. Recent work increasingly addresses challenges in informal settlements, earth-space sustainability, and the directionality of technological change, particularly in water and energy sectors across diverse geographical contexts from Africa to China.
- Chris Freeman award (2012) for Special Issue in Research Policy on sustainability transitions
- Top 50 authors in technology and innovation management (IAMOT, 2014)
- Best Paper award of Regional Studies (2013)
- Swiss Transdisciplinarity Award (2000)
- Dutch KSI price for Outstanding paper (2010)
As an advisor, Truffer has supervised numerous PhD candidates focusing on sustainability transitions in diverse contexts including urban water management in China, sanitation regimes in Africa, and renewable energy transitions. His externally funded research projects since 2010 address critical sustainability challenges in urban water management, sanitation in developing countries, and energy innovation systems. He has served on the editorial boards of key journals including Research Policy and as founding editor of Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions.
Truffer leads the Cirus research cluster at Eawag focused on Environmental Innovation and Sustainability Transitions, and is actively involved with the Sustainable Transitions Research Network (STRN) and scientific advisory boards including Lund University's Circle research institute. His work bridges academic research with practical implementation through transdisciplinary collaborations with water utilities, municipalities, and international organizations.
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