Mark J. Nieuwenhuijsen is a world-renowned environmental epidemiologist and the Director of the Urban Planning, Environment, and Health Initiative at ISGlobal in Barcelona. With a career dedicated to understanding how city design impacts human disease and longevity, he is a leading voice in the “Sustainable, Liveable and Healthy Cities” movement.
As the Director of the Climate, Air Pollution, Nature, and Urban Health Programme, he leads pioneering research into how urban stressors—such as air pollution, noise, and heat—intersect with the life-saving benefits of green spaces and active transport. He currently serves as the Scientific Director of the Severo Ochoa Research Excellence Programme and is the Editor-in-Chief of the prestigious journal Environment International.
A prolific scholar and influential strategist, Prof. Nieuwenhuijsen has co-authored over 700 peer-reviewed publications and has been consistently ranked among the top 1% of most-cited scientists globally since 2018. His expertise is frequently sought by international bodies, including the World Health Organization (WHO), where he has contributed to critical working groups on green space interventions and health economic assessment tools. He is the former President of the International Society for Environmental Epidemiology (ISEE) and was honored with the John Goldsmith Award for outstanding contributions to the field. His work effectively bridges the gap between complex data and actionable urban policy, providing a roadmap for carbon-neutral, livable and healthy cities.
Beyond the laboratory, Prof. Nieuwenhuijsen is a passionate advocate for systemic urban transformation. He leads high-impact international projects like UBDPolicy and the European Urban Burden of Disease project, which quantify the health benefits of shifting away from car-centric infrastructure. A sought-after keynote speaker at global summits such as the Urban Transitions Conference, he provides expert commentary on how nature-based solutions and “Superblocks” can mitigate the climate crisis. By championing the integration of health into every aspect of urban and transport planning, Prof. Nieuwenhuijsen is helping to redefine the 21st-century city as a sanctuary for public well-being within a Planetary Health framework.
Fun Fact:
- I am chairing the bi-annual “Urban Transitions” conference on November 10-12, 2026 in Sitges, Barcelona, which is a premier conference for interdisciplinary research and evidence supporting positive urban transformations at the intersection of environment, climate, society, and health. I only agreed to lead the conference if it was in Sitges, because Sitges is a beautiful little walkable coastal town which allows walk and talk sessions along the waterfront promenade and a swim before breakfast; a holiday combined with some work.
Mark Nieuwenhuijsen Featured videos:
Is your city well ranked on urban health? | With Mark Nieuwenhuijsen
Climate crisis, cities and health | International Health Lecture 2024 | Prof Mark J Nieuwenhuijsen