Karen Lucas

Karen Lucas is a Professor of Human Geography at the University of Manchester and Director of the Manchester Urban Institute, where she leads the Transport and Mobilities research group. With over 25 years of experience in transport-related social research, her work bridges mobility, accessibility, and social justice.

• Current Professor of Human Geography (SEED) since July 2020
• Previously Professor of Transport and Social Analysis at the University of Leeds (2013-2020)
• Senior Research Fellow at University of Oxford and University of Westminster

Research Focus: Transport poverty, energy poverty, and climate justice in both Global North and South. She developed the Transport Poverty Index for the European Commission and methodologies for social impact assessments of major infrastructure projects (e.g., A465 bypass, Lower Thames Crossing).

Notable Contributions:

• Director of INTALInC (International Network for Transport and Accessibility in Low-Income Communities)
• Principal Investigator for CREDS' High-End Energy Consumers project
• Editorial roles at Journal of Transport Geography, Transportation, and Urban Book Series

Scientific Recognition:

• Recipient of Royal Geographical Society's Hay Award (2023)

Academic Leadership: Supervises PhD/Masters students and coordinates CPD training courses. Her work aligns with UN SDGs, emphasizing transport and energy justice.