Research

The Nyhan Sustainable Futures Research Group investigates and develops data-driven and intelligent solutions for sustainable, net-zero, healthy, liveable and equitable cities of the future. We employ state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies from a number of disciplines including engineering, computer science, urban planning, public health and sociology to achieve our vision. The group is directed by Professor Marguerite Nyhan who is full Professor of Engineering for Sustainability at University College Cork.

The challenges of urbanisation, environmental degradation and climate change are complex and multi-faceted. Pathways towards a sustainable future will only be achieved by successfully harnessing emerging technologies including data analytics and artificial intelligence; by embracing complexity; by fostering a systems thinking approach and by engaging with people, policymakers and government. These approaches are intrinsic to our work.

Our research falls into two major categories – ‘Sustainable Future Cities’ and ‘Technology, Policy & Society’. Research themes include the following:

  1. Urban Environmental Exposures (Air Pollution & Greenspace) & Environmental Epidemiology
  2. Urban Analytics & the Science Underpinning ICT-Enabled Tools for Cities & Citizens
  3. Emissions Modelling for Urban Scale Climate Action Plans
  4. Environment/Climate Policy & Society
  5. Humanitarian & Sustainable Development Efforts

Nyhan Sustainable Futures Research Group

Sustainable Futures Lab

School of Engineering & Architecture

Environmental Research Institute

University College Cork, Ireland

Email: marguerite.nyhan@ucc.ie

Projects in the Spotlight

“Biophilic Cities” – Quantifying Google Street View-Derived Greenspace Exposures in Unprecedented Scale & Resolution & Determining its Impact on Human Health & Socioeconomic Factors

Click on the image to access the project website.
O’Regan, A., Hunter, R., Nyhan, M., 2021. Environmental Science & Technology. doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.1c01326

“Urban Exposures“ – Modelling Population Exposure to Air Pollution in Megacities Using Largescale Mobile Phone Data

Click on the image to access the project website.
Nyhan et al., 2016. Environmental Science & Technology. 50(17):9671-81.
Nyhan et al., 2019. JESEE 29, 238-249 go.nature.com/2r3cU3O

“Airscapes” – Real-Time Air Quality Sensing in Spatio-Temporal Resolution Using a Distributed Network of Sensors & Subsequent Commuter Exposure Tool

Nyhan et al., 2015. Airscapes Interactive Web Application: eoe.airscapes.io/