The Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning has developed the challenging research programme "Urban Futures: Transitions Towards Economic and Social Sustainability for Cities". In this programme faculty members from different sub disciplines of Human Geography and Spatial Planning work closely together on topics like urban accessibility, urban infrastructures, healthy urban living, urban inequalities and diversities, transnational mobilities, smart urban governance, economic resilience and networks and flows in and between urban regions. The Department is also responsible for the Undergraduate programme in Human Geography and Spatial Planning and for a number of Graduate programmes like Human Geography (Urban and Economic Geography), Spatial Planning, International Development Studies and GIS.
Within the chair group "Daily Mobility and Urban Living" research and education takes place on the intersection of mobility and health. This research addresses the interrelationship between mobility and health as a result of physical activity and exposure to the urban environment. The health effects of travel are studied in the context of citizens' daily and long term decisions about travel and activities, and how these decisions can be influenced by policies and interventions, such as through urban and transportation planning. The group is internationally recognized for its research in this area. Current projects address the relationship between daily activity patterns and mental health, social and health effects of bicycle share systems, the effect of accessibility on food consumption and the impact of walkability and bikeability on physical activity and health. Apart from scientific studies funded by national and international research programmes, our research has societal impact, as evidenced by projects with and for societal stakeholders, including the city of Utrecht. The chair group is also responsible for courses addressing accessibility, travel and health issues in our Bachelor's and Master's programmes.
To strengthen our research and education programme we are recruiting an Assistant Professor in Mobility and Health. The candidate will contribute to our research in mobility and health by developing an own, and internationally recognized, line of research within the area of mobility and health, however in collaboration with colleagues in the chair group. The acquisition of new research projects will be an important task. The candidate will also contribute to our teaching programme in mobility and health, as well as our broader educational programme.
