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Dick Magnusson is an Assistant Professor and Head of Department for Theme Technology and Social Change at Linköping University, within the Department of Theme (TEMA). He conducts interdisciplinary research at the intersection of energy systems, infrastructure studies, and urban planning, with a strong focus on sustainability and transition processes.
His research interests center on social planning and the transition of energy systems, particularly examining how infrastructure impacts sustainable development. His work employs an interdisciplinary approach to reveal the various factors that limit development paths in energy transitions. Key research areas include transformative planning for sustainable cities, energy systems in shrinking municipalities, user interactions with smart grid applications, grassroots movements and energy cooperatives, and municipal energy governance.
Dr. Magnusson's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on urban energy transitions, with particular attention to municipal planning challenges, grassroots energy initiatives, and the adaptation of infrastructure systems in contexts of demographic change. His work bridges technical, social, and planning perspectives on energy system transformation, showing how local contexts shape energy transitions.
He has secured significant research funding from major Swedish research agencies including Formas, the Swedish Energy Agency, and the Swedish Research Council for projects spanning from 2019 to 2025. His current project "Planners as agents for transition to sustainable cities" (2021-2025) integrates research findings into urban planning education across multiple Swedish universities.
As Head of Department for Theme Technology and Social Change, he leads a research group focused on how technology permeates nearly every aspect of life, creating both opportunities and social, ethical, and political dilemmas that require interdisciplinary study. His teaching primarily occurs within the Urban Planning Program, with focus on urban planning and GIS, and extends to geography, technology history, environmental management, and large technical systems across multiple programs at Linköping University.
