Cities and Place
Our research into cities is making sustainable development in urban areas a reality.
Interdisciplinary research
Our University was founded 180 years ago to educate pioneers of the industrial revolution and address social challenges such as public health.
This ethos remains with us today. It influences both what we research and how we operate.
We take an interdisciplinary place-based approach, working with many partners to:
- understand and benefit society
- improve the economy, health, and cultural richness of the places in which we operate
- discover and share knowledge and practice to enable sustainable development around the world
We build impactful partnerships across business, education, government and citizens.
We have a deep commitment to social justice. Our Engagement and Place Strategy focusses on improving the economy, health, social wellbeing and cultural richness of the places in which we operate.
Our University’s Education for Life strategy is vital. It aims to provide an engaging, challenging and supportive environment for our students. It helps them to discover and fulfil their potential.
Our Cities research influences various modules at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. In 2020-2021 we plan to introduce a new Enrichment Week into our taught programmes.
The week will offer a wide range of study programmes. They encourage curiosity and discovery. They offer opportunity to engage with Centres for Research Excellence. This includes our Centre for Cities.
View our University’s collection of innovative teaching case studies
Centres of Research Excellence and Academies
Several of our Centres of Research Excellence and our Academies underpin our work in this area:
- National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise
- Centre for Cities
- Centre for Data
- Centre for Energy
- Centre for Heritage
- Global Challenges Academy
Creative practice and public engagement
We use our campus to undertake creative practice through:
- Prof Jane Robinson – Dean of Engagement and Place
- Prof Phil James – Urban Data and Observatories
- Prof Richard Dawson – Cities and Sustainable Development
- Prof Rose Gilroy – Ageing, Policy and Planning
- Prof Andy Large - River Catchment Management
- Prof Phil Blythe - Chief Scientific Adviser, HM Government Department of Transport
- Prof Simin Davoudi - Environmental Policy and Planning
- Prof Danny MacKinnon - Regional Development and Governance
Our shared values and vision for place underpin a partnership with the University of Pittsburgh.
The Newcastle Agreement brings us together with Newcastle City Council, NHS partners, and Northumbria University.
Legal & General Investment Management is one of the world’s biggest asset managers. They are partners with us in the Newcastle Helix project.
We are very successful at “spinning out” companies. We created seven new businesses in 2019. Moving our research to sustainable businesses creates jobs and attracts investment.
We are a founding member of the UK Collaboratorium for Research on Infrastructure and Cities.
I’m delighted that my extensive archive will find a permanent home here, and that the 'Farrell Centre' will be a focus for exhibition and debate about city making in my home town.