Research in the Department of Planning

Key areas of expertise and scholarship in the Department form the research groups and units listed below.

These research groups and units comprise substantial research arms of the Oxford Institute for Sustainable Development (OISD):

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  OISD: IAG

  Impact Assessment Group

  The Impact Assessment Group is a designated EC Europa Centre of Excellence in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which brings together one of the largest teams of expertise in this field worldwide. Our research activity was independently assessed as being of ‘international standing’ in both the 2001 and 1996 Higher Education Funding Council for England Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) amongst UK universities. Our clients include, amongst others, the European Commission, UK Government/Agencies, local government and the commercial sector. (Acting Director: Dr Elizabeth Wilson)

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  OISD: SPG

  Spatial Planning Group

  The Spatial Planning Group brings together a wide range of intellectual and policy concerns within spatial planning and cognate fields, both nationally and internationally. Much of its work falls under the heading of sustainable development, with a particular focus on three major areas of study: Planning Thought and Governance; Economic Development, Innovation and Regeneration; and Accessibility, Transportation and Migration. The group reflects a commitment to recognise and build on cross-cutting and multidisciplinary interests within the broad remit of spatial planning, as well as advancing more established research strengths in specific fields. SPG members have a strong track record in research funding, including: ESRC, EPSRC, DCLG (ODPM), NESTA, JRF, British Academy, EIB, RTPI, and SEEDA. (Director: Dr Dave Valler)

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  OISD: UDG

  Urban Design Group

  The Urban Design Group is one of the largest UK providers of research expertise in urban design and conservation matters. Our research activity was assessed as being excellent in the 2008 Higher Education Funding Council for England Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). Our clients include, amongst others, UK Government/Agencies, local government, the commercial sector and a number of international agencies, governments and research councils. (Director: Prof Georgia Butina Watson)

The Department of Planning has links with universities worldwide, including Canada, USA, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, South Africa, Ghana, Egypt, India, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, Taiwan, Romanian, Serbia, Slovenia, Hungary, Poland and most EU member states. There are exciting opportunities for collaborative research, exchanges and study overseas. The Department has an impressive list of funders and clients covering UK and EU government, research fundings councils, industry and local government.