Tovi Fenster

Tovi Fenster is Professor of Geography and Human Environment at Tel Aviv University since 1993, serving as Department Chair (2017-2019) and founder of PECLAB research lab. Her academic leadership spans international geography commissions and university-level programs.

Her educational credentials:

• B.A. in Geography, Sociology, Anthropology (Tel Aviv University, 1980)
• M.A. in Geography (Tel Aviv University, 1986)
• Ph.D. in Social and Regional Planning (London School of Economics, 1991)
• Post Doctorate in Ethnicity, Gender & Planning (Ben Gurion University, 1991-1993)

Research centers on gendered spatial practices and urban conflict resolution, with pioneering work on memory politics in regeneration projects. Her methodology integrates community-based participatory planning with critical analysis of ethnicity and power dynamics in contested cities like Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Recent focus examines Palestinian-Israeli spatial negotiations through environmental justice frameworks.

Key recognition:

• Fellow of the Israeli Geographical Association (1993-2019)

As Principal Investigator, she secured major grants including:

• ISF: $140k for Israeli-Palestinian Urban Conflicts (2014-2019)
• ISF: $120k for Global-Local Initiatives in Tel Aviv/Jerusalem (2000-2004)
• Yad Hanadiv: $250k for Ethnicity, Planning & Environment (2009-2004)
• Bat Yam Municipality: $85k for Community Engagement (2010-2013)

She evaluated grants for Israel Science Foundation (2000-2019) and Ministry of Science (1999-2019).

She directs PECLAB (Planning for Environment with Communities LAB) since 2008, focusing on participatory environmental governance. International leadership includes Chair of IGU Commission on Gender and Geography (2004-2008) and EU COST representative for urban planning evaluation (2008-2010).