معرفی
Rasmus Nedergård Steffansen serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Sustainability and Planning at Aalborg University's Technical Faculty of IT and Design. His research critically examines how planning practice can drive sustainable societal transitions, with particular focus on integrating sustainability knowledge into real-world planning contexts across Denmark and the Nordic region.
Steffansen's research program centers on three interconnected domains: second home developments and climate vulnerability, interdisciplinary knowledge co-production through urban living labs, and energy-urban planning integration for positive energy districts. His methodological approach is grounded in critical realism, providing robust theoretical frameworks for sustainability research. Current investigations address climate risks to Danish second homes (including 2070 projections), Norwegian cabin owners' environmental impact perceptions, and collaborative air quality planning through NordicPATH and FLEXPOST projects. His work consistently bridges theoretical rigor with practical planning applications, emphasizing UN Sustainable Development Goals implementation.
Recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate strong thematic coherence across climate adaptation, sustainable tourism, and energy planning. The research output reveals increasing interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly in Nordic contexts, with growing emphasis on participatory methodologies and digital transformation in planning practice. Key trends include the operationalization of 'New Normal' planning concepts post-pandemic and the development of specialized frameworks for second home sustainability challenges.
Steffansen actively leads and participates in major research initiatives including the Nordforsk-funded NordicPATH project, JPI Urban Europe's FLEXPOSTS, and the Innovation Fund Denmark-supported KINETIC project. His grant portfolio demonstrates strong international collaboration, particularly within Nordic networks, addressing sustainable second home development (SECPLAN), urban energy transitions, and pandemic-era planning governance. He maintains active partnerships with municipal authorities, environmental agencies, and community stakeholders to ensure research relevance.
His research methodology prominently features urban living lab approaches, facilitating knowledge co-production between planners, scientists, and citizens. Current projects like KINETIC and FLEXPOSTS establish living lab frameworks for neighborhood energy transitions and positive energy districts, emphasizing inclusive community engagement and practical implementation pathways.
