Tobias Chilla

Prof. Dr. Tobias Chilla is Professor of Geography at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), where he leads the Regional Development Working Group within the Institute of Geography. His research focuses on regional economic geography, border studies, and alpine spatial development across Europe and specifically in regional contexts.

His research interests include:

• Economic geography from a strongly regionalized perspective
• Border regions from academic and policy perspectives, with emphasis on spatial integration processes
• Alpine spatial development from applied and conceptual angles

Prof. Chilla has led and participated in numerous significant research projects including DFG (2024-2026), BMBF CoBo (2021-23), ESPON InTerAlp (2024/25), and various INTERREG initiatives across European border regions. His work often involves innovative mapping, visualization, and cartography techniques.

He has established an extensive regional and international network through affiliations with:

• European Planning Studies (Member of the Board)
• ESPON – European Observation Network for Territorial Development and Cohesion
• Academy for Spatial Research and Regional Planning (ARL)
• DVAG Regional Forum Erlangen-Nuremberg

Prof. Chilla supervises bachelor's and master's theses in regional development, with topics ranging from economic geography to political geography in both rural and urban contexts. His teaching includes courses listed in the university's information system and an online course through the Virtual Bavarian University (VHB).