The University of Hertfordshire Urbanism Unit was established in late 2018 under the directorship of Dr Susan Parham. The unit is the university’s home for planning and urbanism research and is located in the School of Life and Medical Sciences. It is the ‘sister’ unit to the recently established Smart Mobility Unit run by Dr Scott Copsey.

In purpose, structure and research focus, the unit builds on existing strengths and track record in planning and urbanism teaching, research and partnership working. Research is currently underway into food and urbanism, garden cities, and sustainable materials decision making in the built environment.