Catalina Turcu

Catalina Turcu is Professor of Sustainable Built Environment at University College London's Bartlett School of Planning. She is an interdisciplinary scholar with expertise in urban sustainability, holding appointments as Visiting Professor at Linkoping University (Sweden) and Wroclaw Science and Technology University (Poland). She serves as Founder and Director of the UCL SDG Research Accelerator and Coordinating Lead Author for UNEP's 7th Global Environment Outlook Assessment. With a background spanning architecture, urban planning, and public policy, she advises governments and intergovernmental organizations including the World Bank, OECD, UN, WHO, and EU.

Her educational background includes a PhD from the London School of Economics and Political Science, along with multiple degrees in architecture, urban planning, and housing from Universitatea din Bucuresti in Romania. She also holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education from UCL. Before joining academia in 2010, she worked for 10 years in architecture and planning consultancy and is a registered architect with both UK and Romanian professional bodies.

Professor Turcu's research focuses on the intersection of urban sustainability, climate change, and public health. Her work examines sustainable urban transformations through three inter-related themes: the political dimensions of sustainability, the social context of urban sustainability, and narratives of sustainable cities. She takes an interdisciplinary approach integrating public policy, urban planning, and architecture perspectives to understand how cities can become more sustainable, healthy, and equitable.

Her recent publications reveal a strong focus on health co-benefits of climate action, urban food systems, and sustainable urban development. Many of her articles examine the connections between climate policy, urban planning, and public health, with significant attention to lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic for urban resilience and food security. Her work frequently addresses Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and 13 (Climate Action).

Her scientific recognition includes:

• Sustainability Research Award (2023)
• Sustainability Education Award (2020)

Professor Turcu leads major research initiatives such as PAICE (Policy and Implementation for Climate and Health Equity) and CUSSH (Complex Urban Systems for Sustainability and Health). She has served on editorial boards for journals including Urban Governance and Journal of Ciudad Y Territorio Estudios Territoriales, and has been actively involved in professional networks like the European Network of Housing Research.

She founded and directs the UCL SDG Research Accelerator, a strategic initiative supporting interdisciplinary research across UCL focused on the Sustainable Development Goals, with particular emphasis on urban sustainability challenges and opportunities.