At the start of the year, we welcomed a new visiting researcher: dr. Saleh Roshani. Saleh obtained his PhD from the National University of Iran in 2023 and will spend the coming months at the Centre for BOLD Cities researching the urban data revolution.
In this article, he introduces himself. Welcome to the BOLD Cities team, Saleh!
I am a researcher with an academic and professional background in urban planning, policy and governance, as well as in data analytics. I hold a PhD in urban and regional planning that focuses on the transfer, translation, and adaptation of planning knowledge in diverse contexts. During my research, I applied qualitative and quantitative methods to gain insights into urban challenges and foster cross-cultural understanding, especially between the global north and south. I believe understanding the diffusion and adaptation processes of ideas can help us address better pressing global concerns, such as climate change and urban poverty.
At the Centre for BOLD Cities, I will research the changes in the role of urban planners affected by the urban data revolution. I am interested in exploring how smart cities and new data-driven decision-making processes can impact our journey towards sustainable cities, focusing on related challenges and opportunities in urban planning and management.
Outside of work, I love taking pictures of nature and engaging in birdwatching. This connection to the natural environment and its biodiversity helps me to nurture more commitment to sustainability goals.
Curious about Saleh's research? You can reach him via roshani@essb.eur.nl