Smetschka, Barbara

Barbara Smetschka is a Senior Scientist at the Institute for Social Ecology (iSEC) within the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU). Her work focuses on sustainable urban development, time use studies, participatory research, and gender-sustainability intersections. She leads projects funded by national and international bodies including the European Commission and FFG, while contributing to climate policy through reports like the APCC Special Report.

• 2018: Dr. in Social and Human Ecology, Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt
• 2025: Senior Scientist, BOKU

Research Interests:

• Sustainable Urban Development
• Time Use and Climate Policy
• Participatory Modeling
• Gender and Sustainability

Recent Article Trends: Her publications analyze climate-friendly time allocation, urban energy transitions, and gendered care dynamics. Topics span socio-ecological modeling, digital twin applications, and nexus approaches in urban planning.

Scientific Awards:

• ÖGUT Environmental Price (2024)
• BOKU Sustainability Award Nominee (2022)
• FFG-funded project winner (2020)
• BMNT/Forum Umweltbildung award (2019)
• Dr. Maria Schaumayer-Stiftung (1994)

Grants & Projects: She leads EU Horizon 2020 grants (e.g., MAT_STOCKS, ROBIN), FFG projects (e.g., GLASGRÜN), and national initiatives like APCC Special Reports. Her work bridges academic research with community-driven urban sustainability solutions.