To reduce global emissions and create a sustainable future, we need to change how we use and manage the Earth's resources. Research at KTH contributes to meeting our needs for food and water, heating, housing, communication and transport in a sustainable way. By developing cities and infrastructures that are adaptable and resilient to change, we can contribute to a sustainable transition.
Meet our researchers in the field of sustainable cities and urban systems
Ann Legeby
Ann Legeby is a Professor of Urban Planning. She leads research in the new subject of Applied Urban Planning at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, which is the first major initiative in this field in Sweden. Her research focuses on urban design with a particular interest in the social dimension, including issues of segregation, equal living conditions and urban life. She investigates how urban form and the built environment affect people's everyday lives and various social and societal processes. Many of her research projects are conducted closely with municipalities, businesses and other public actors. She was recently awarded the ‘Urban Builder of the Year 2024’ award by the Swedish Association of Urban Planners for her long-term work and research on social sustainability in urban planning.
Ricardo Vinuesa is an Associate Professor at the Department of Engineering Mechanics at KTH Royal Institute of Technology and part of the KTH Climate Action Centre research group. His research combines expertise in fluid mechanics, artificial intelligence, and sustainability. His interdisciplinary approach and ability to apply AI to complex problems in engineering and sustainability make him a leading voice in developing future technological solutions for global challenges.
Currently, Ricardo is working on the Artificial Intelligence for Sustainability project, an interdisciplinary project that aims to use AI to solve three key challenges related to sustainable development. The first is using AI to measure air pollution in cities and propose solutions for more sustainable cities. The second is to use AI and simulations to reduce air resistance in different vehicles and to develop sustainable transport systems. Finally, AI will be used to analyse the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and planetary boundaries to support better policy decisions and create a more sustainable future.
Nina Wormbs is Professor of History of Technology and leads research on the interaction between technology, environment and society. Nina has a background as a civil engineer in engineering physics and has dedicated herself to investigating the human relationship with technology and its impact on the environment.
Nina Wormbs is currently working on the “Abstain” research project, which explores pathways to transition. "We need to reduce our energy use and change our habits to meet climate targets, but we are moving too slowly. It is both difficult to talk about it and to make it happen. The project tests research findings on inertia and what leads to behaviour change. She is also leading the new “Together” project, which explores what is crucial for us to engage collectively in the climate transition.
Karin Larsdotter has a PhD in applied environmental microbiology and is deputy director of the Climate Action Centre, a strategic investment in climate research. The centre mobilises more than 100 researchers and students in a way that creates good conditions for a sustainable climate transition. With a holistic perspective on the climate issue, the centre works to ensure that research results are used in society and to train future leaders for a sustainable societal transition.
Larsdotter is currently working to strengthen KTH's ability to take the lead in sustainable societal development. The next step is several strategic initiatives within the framework of the Climate Action Centre to take the next step in development and contribute to climate adaptation and reduced emissions in synergy with all development goals for sustainability.
Hossein Azizpour is an Associate Professor in Machine Learning at KTH Royal Institute of Technology and works at the Division of Robotics, Perception and Learning. His research focuses on developing advanced AI, with a particular focus on deep learning, computer vision and machine learning, and how these technologies can contribute to sustainable development in areas such as life sciences, physics and earth observations.
Currently, Hossein is working on a project called Artificial Intelligence for Urban Air Quality, which addresses the growing challenges of air pollution with rapid urbanisation. Every year, this pollution causes over 800,000 deaths in Europe alone. Using AI together with sensors placed on the ground, in the air and in space, the project aims to model, predict and improve urban air quality. The goal is to use technology to create cleaner, more sustainable cities and a better living environment for future generations.
