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Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL)

A 15,000-word research dissertation is the main assessed item produced during the second year of the IDBE Master’s. While undertaking their research towards the dissertation, our Master’s students receive oversight from an academic supervisor.

Supervisors are selected for their topic-specific and research expertise. A broad spectrum of topics and research methodologies can be accommodated by drawing on academics from across the University and, if necessary, leading external experts. The dissertation is marked by two independent assessors.

Some recent supervisors and student dissertation topics

Supervisor Dissertation title(s) supervised
Dr David Arkell 

Decarbonising Pakistan: Brick by Brick
A socio-technical transition of a toxic brick making industry towards sustainability

Structuration in Sociotechnical Transitions: agents, future heating scenarios and residential developments

Disrupting Infrastructure: The role of Hyperloop technology within the Socio-Economic Landscape of the UK

A reflective inquiry into the implementation of the development control process by elected members in practice

Dr Jennifer Barrett

Virtual workspace as a solution to career progression barriers faced by Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic employees working on civil engineering projects in the United Kingdom

Prof Ian Cooper 

The Dimensionality of Neighbourhood Attractiveness: A Content Analysis of User-Generated Reviews

An Investigation on the Relationship Between Economic and Urban Fragmentation in the City of Dubai

Micro-housing: small solution/big problem

Green Building Frameworks: A comparative study on their effect on Building Energy Use During Operation in Commercial Buildings

Biodiversity on Campus

Dr Tim Forman 

Future ready UK transport buildings:  Improving energy conservation, climate resilience, and building design through relaxed occupant thermal comfort criteria

Offsite Construction: Quality & Trust in the UK Construction Industry

Schools and student achievement: Designing learning environments for positive impact

Fostering environmental stewardship through nudging in urban built environments: Controlling artificial light at night

Design features and best practice in Podium Deck waterproofing

Dr Kayla Friedman 

Conditions for the Emergence of Community or Trader Operated Markets in New Development

Changing engagement practices in changing times: How engagement tools can implement inclusive planning outcomes in masterplanning process - A case study on Dunton Hills Garden Village, United Kingdom

Challenges and solutions in Smart Mobility with the Smart City Framework with a stakeholder perspective

Towards better conservation of privately-owned historic buildings in Hong Kong

Adoption of Performance Based Building by US architects

Dr Christina Georgiadou  Data Driven Construction: The impact of fragmentation on major infrastructure projects and methods to overcome its adverse effects
Dr Judith Plummer-Braeckman

Solar urban planning for developing countries: An approach to better electricity resilience in Sudan

Critical success factors for Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects - Analysis of California, US market

What are the barriers for renewable energy to power telecommunications infrastructure in Africa? Case study: Nigeria

Challenges and issues in Fast Track Projects: Lessons from The Public Sector In Punjab, Pakistan

The Wrenched Connection: Urban Connectivity Infrastructure & Social Sustainability in Mumbai - A Case Study of The Proposed ‘Mumbai Trans Harbour Link’ And Its Expected Impact on Informal Settlements

Prof Jason Pomeroy Healthy ageing in high density neighbourhood: A study of older people’s perceived age-friendliness among housing neighbourhood typologies in Hong Kong
Dr Elanor Warwick 

Greening Cities: To What Extent Do Park Friends Groups Promote Greenspace Equity? A Case Study of Three Park Friends Groups in Lambeth, London

Moving Towards Universal Access In Physical Developments In Lagos: What’s Stopping The Bus Rapid Transit (Brt)? 

The layered city: an urban planning alternative for Dubai