Francesca Governa

Francesca Governa is a Full Professor in the Interuniversity Department of Territorial Sciences, Planning and Policies (DIST) at the Polytechnic University of Turin, where she plays a central role in urban research and doctoral education. She is a member of the Future Urban Legacy Lab and actively contributes to academic governance through her role in the Commission for the Promotion of Library, Archive and Museum Heritage.

Her research interests span critical urban theory, urban geography, global infrastructure, and socio-technical urbanization. She investigates the political, social, and spatial dynamics of contemporary urban transformations, with a particular focus on logistics, digital nomadism, and knowledge production in the Global South. Her work is grounded in critical geography and emphasizes equity, inclusion, and civil engagement.

The recent publications of Prof. Governa reflect a strong engagement with themes such as the geopolitics of urban knowledge, the critical analysis of global infrastructure (e.g., the Belt and Road Initiative), housing struggles, and the role of visual media in urban research. Her work appears in leading journals and books, often in collaboration with international scholars.

Scientific awards and recognitions:

• Transport and Culture Award (2002) by Trasporti e Cultura magazine, Italy.

Advising and grants: She is a dedicated mentor, supervising PhD students like Caterina Ciarleglio and Emanuele Sciuva. She has led major research projects funded by national (PRIN) and EU (H2020) programs, including NEXT-CITIES and SURGE, as well as commercial research initiatives. Her leadership as Scientific Director underscores her significant contributions to funded research.

Labs and teams: She is a key member of the Future Urban Legacy Lab, an interdepartmental center fostering interdisciplinary research on urban futures. Her collaborative work is evident in her editorial roles for New Geographies and URBAN TRACES, and her participation in the AGeI Steering Committee.