Lars Winther

Lars Winther is Professor in the Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management at the University of Copenhagen, specializing in Geography, People and Processes. Appointed full Professor in 2015 after serving as Associate Professor (2001-2014) and Assistant Professor (1998-2001), he has been affiliated with the university since 1994.

His educational background includes:

• PhD in Economic Geography (1997)
• Master in Human Geography (1994)
• BA in Geography (1991)

Winther's research examines urban and regional development dynamics with emphasis on industrial restructuring, human capital, and knowledge economy geography. He investigates spatial socioeconomic inequalities arising from urban sprawl, peri-urban transformation, and industrial decline in European contexts using mixed-method approaches combining Statistics Denmark register data and case studies. Current work focuses on four key themes: (a) urban-regional development with human capital dynamics, (b) transformation of medium-sized cities, (c) re-industrialization impacts, and (d) peri-urban industrial change.

Analysis of his 2022-2025 publications reveals consistent focus on Danish urban systems, particularly small/medium towns and Copenhagen's intra-urban dynamics. His work increasingly integrates planetary urbanization concepts with local case studies, emphasizing socioeconomic divides and peri-urban marginalization through innovative frameworks like 'urban sandboxing'.

No specific scientific awards are listed in the provided information.

Winther has supervised five PhD candidates as main or co-supervisor, with recent graduates focusing on Danish urban transformation. His research attracts substantial funding from diverse sources:

• Major foundations: Realdania Foundation (Centre for Strategic Urban Research II), Ruben Rausing Fond, Kraks Fond Byforskning
• EU programs: ESPON, Interreg, 5th Framework Programme
• Danish agencies: By- og Landskabsstyrelsen, Copenhagen Capital Region, Nordregio

He co-leads the interdisciplinary Centre for Strategic Urban Research II (University of Copenhagen, Aarhus School of Architecture, Aalborg University) and contributes to international networks like ESPON TOWN DENMARK, examining urban dynamics across European contexts through collaborative research teams.