Ian Strange

Professor Ian Strange is a faculty member at Leeds Beckett University, where he serves as Professor of Spatial Policy and Director of Research & Knowledge Exchange. He is also Head of CUDEM (Centre for Urban and Regional Development), which brings together research from the Planning, Housing and Human Geography group. He is affiliated with the School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing and contributes significantly to both research and teaching in human geography and planning disciplines.

Research Interests: Ian Strange's research centers on urban governance, art and culture in urban development, cultural and heritage policy, and urban regeneration. His work explores how cultural sectors contribute to local renewal and how spatial planning integrates heritage and governance frameworks. He has led research projects funded by the ESRC, European Commission, UK government, and regional authorities, often translating academic findings for policy audiences.

His research spans multiple scales—from local initiatives to European spatial policy through involvement in ESPON projects—and includes collaborations with the RTPI Yorkshire Conference Series, Roberts Knight Leeds Met consultancy, and EPSRC/ESRC research clusters on values in the historic environment.

Teaching and Supervision: Ian teaches across undergraduate and postgraduate programs including BA (Hons) Human Geography, BA (Hons) Human Geography and Planning, and MA Town and Regional Planning. He delivers courses in heritage policy, urban regeneration, spatial planning, cultural geography, and research methodology, and supervises research at all levels.

Scientific Engagement:

• Regular presenter at national and international conferences and policy seminars
• Extensive experience communicating research to senior policymakers
• Published widely in academic, policy, and practitioner formats

Grants and Projects: Ian has led research contracts funded by the ESRC, European Commission, UK Government departments, cultural organizations, and local/regional authorities. His work often bridges academic rigor with practical policy impact.

Labs and Research Centers: He leads CUDEM (Centre for Urban and Regional Development), which serves as a hub for interdisciplinary research in planning, housing, and human geography, fostering collaborations across sectors and geographic scales.