Chiara Fratini

Chiara Fratini is a Senior Researcher at the Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering Water Systems at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) in Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark. She holds a PhD in Planning and Governance of Critical Infrastructures for Sustainability Transitions and is actively engaged in research at the intersection of society, technology, and environmental systems, with particular focus on urban sustainability transitions.

Dr. Fratini's research spans multiple domains of sustainability science. Her theoretical work centers on science and technology studies (STS), transition theories, and institutional analysis, while her empirical research focuses on urban infrastructure systems, particularly water management. She investigates nature-based solutions, climate change adaptation strategies, participatory governance processes, and the implementation of socio-technical imaginaries like Nature-Based Solutions and the Water-Energy-Food Nexus. Her work consistently addresses the social dimensions of sustainability transitions, with growing emphasis on justice and equity considerations in circular economy approaches.

Analysis of Dr. Fratini's publication record reveals a strong focus on urban sustainability transitions, particularly in water management systems. Her research has evolved from detailed case studies of Danish urban water systems toward broader theoretical contributions to sustainability transitions theory and comparative international work. A notable trend is the increasing attention to governance dimensions, justice considerations, and the social implications of circular economy approaches within sustainability transitions research, reflecting the maturation of the field toward more holistic understandings of sustainability challenges.

• Current Supervision: Stoumpou, V. (PhD project: Decentralized treatment of household wastewater by membrane-based technologies, 2024-2027)
• Collaborative Networks: Extensive international collaborations, particularly with researchers in Germany and the United Kingdom on energy transitions and urban sustainability governance
• Research Impact: Work referenced in policy sources and widely shared on social media, indicating practical relevance to sustainability governance

Dr. Fratini's research is organized around understanding the complex interplay between technological systems, social practices, and governance arrangements in urban sustainability transitions. Her work on urban water systems in Copenhagen represents a significant case study in how cities can navigate transitions toward more sustainable water management practices through innovative governance approaches and public engagement, with implications for sustainable development globally.