معرفی
Dora Almassy is an Assistant Professor in the Department of City and Regional Planning at Middle East Technical University, with over 15 years of experience in sustainability research and policy. She previously served as Research Lead for the Horizon 2020 Naturvation project at Central European University (2017-2021) and has worked with major international organizations including UNESCO, UNEP, ICLEI Europe, and the British Academy as an urban nature-based solutions expert.
Her educational background includes:
- PhD in Environmental Sciences and Policy from Central European University (2012-2020)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Management from Sciences Po Paris (2007-2008)
- MSc and BSc in Economics, Finance and Accounting from University of Miskolc (2002-2007)
Dr. Almassy's research focuses on nature-based solutions for urban climate adaptation, with particular interest in urban landscape governance, environmental policy assessment, and environmental financing mechanisms. Her work bridges academic research with practical policy implementation, examining how cities can leverage natural systems to enhance climate resilience while delivering social co-benefits. She has conducted extensive comparative policy analysis across European and Asian contexts, particularly through her involvement with the Asia-Europe Environment Forum.
Her publication portfolio demonstrates a consistent trajectory from theoretical frameworks for sustainability indicators toward practical implementation of nature-based solutions in urban contexts. Recent work increasingly focuses on financing mechanisms and business models that can scale up urban nature-based solutions, reflecting the growing recognition of their importance in climate adaptation strategies.
Dr. Almassy has received numerous scholarly recognitions:
- Pro Scientia Gold Medal of the Republic of Hungary for outstanding undergraduate research (2007)
- Scholarship of the US Department of State for the International Visitors Leadership Program (2012)
- Scholarship of the Central European University for doctoral studies (2012-2015)
- Scholarship of the French Government (2007/2008)
- Scholarship of the Republic of Hungary for academic excellence (2005-2007)
As research lead for the EU Horizon 2020 Naturvation project, Dr. Almassy directed a major international research effort that produced the Urban Nature Atlas, documenting nature-based solutions across 100 European cities. She has secured funding from diverse sources including UNESCO, UNEP, and the British Academy for projects examining policy integration of nature-based solutions in cities worldwide. Her current advisory role with the Naturscapes Horizon Europe project continues this trajectory of securing competitive research funding for urban sustainability initiatives.
Dr. Almassy coordinates the global extension of the Urban Nature Atlas and contributes to several international research networks focused on nature-based solutions implementation. Her work connects academic researchers with city practitioners through initiatives like the ICLEI Europe Policy Learning Facility, creating transdisciplinary teams that bridge research and practice in urban climate adaptation.
