Addressing the challenges of global sustainable development through research is a critical priority for the University. January will see the appointment of a new Director of the Institute for Global Sustainable Development (IGSD). The IGSD is hosted at the School of Cross-Faculty Studies and has been established to foster research that contributes to sustainable development across the global north and global south, in alignment with the 17 global goals set by the United Nations.

Professor João Porto de Albuquerque, who will assume the role from 1 January, 2019, will lead the IGSD and work across faculties to leverage transformative research with impact - working closely with both departments and Global Research Priorities (GRPs).

This is an important role for the University, and João will be instrumental in creating a strategic direction for the Institute ahead of its official launch in August 2019. The Institute will create links between researchers from different parts of the University to deliver enduring social, economic and environmental solutions, and act as a focal point for world-class research with transformative impact.

Professor Porto de Albuquerque has an extensive interdisciplinary background in computational, social and geographical sciences and works in the field of geographic information science. He has a burgeoning record of securing funding for transdisciplinary research projects on sustainable urbanisation, holds a Turing Fellowship at the Alan Turing Institute and co-directs the Warwick Institute for the Science of Cities.

João commented: “I am delighted to be taking up the position of Director of the IGSD. As well as providing an opportunity for me to scale up my research interest in global development, the role is fundamental in demonstrating the University’s commitment to delivering interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research with real and lasting impact towards improving sustainability and human development.”

Professor Pam Thomas, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research), commented: “I am very pleased to welcome Professor Porto de Albuquerque as the Institute’s Director and look forward to working with him as he develops the IGSD as part of our Research Strategy. It will play an invaluable role in Warwick's work to address the UN’s global goals in the years to come.”