Marc Parés

Marc Parés is a Full Professor of Human Geography at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) and Associate Professor in the Geography Department. He has held visiting positions at the University of Manchester, New York University, and KULeuven. As a leading researcher, he coordinates the Research Group on Urban Governance, Commons, Internet, and Social Innovation at IGOP. His roles include coordinating the Degree in Geography, Environment, and Territorial Planning at UAB.

Education:

• PhD in Environmental Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona (2006)
• Master’s in Political Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona (2004)
• Undergraduate studies in Political Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona (1999–2004)

Research Interests:

Parés focuses on urban governance, citizen participation, environmental management, and social innovation. His work explores how marginalized communities navigate crises through collective leadership and civic capacity. Key themes include housing activism, austerity-era governance, and participatory water management under EU directives.

Publications:

His research spans urban sociology, policy analysis, and environmental governance. Recent work examines socially innovative housing models in Barcelona and NYC, resilience in deprived neighborhoods, and deliberative processes in water policy. He has authored/co-authored over 50 peer-reviewed articles and books.

Awards & Grants:

Includes a Marie Curie Fellowship (2014–2016) and leadership in EU-funded projects like CAPFLO (flood resilience) and Yes, We Rent! (affordable housing).

Labs & Teams:

He heads the Urban Governance Research Group at IGOP, collaborating with international networks on participatory governance and social innovation.