SDU researcher contributes to award-winning efforts for healthier and greener cities
A global research network in which Professor Jasper Schipperijn from the University of Southern Denmark plays a central role has been honoured with one of the prestigious Sustainability Awards from the Nobel Sustainability Trust.
The award-winning network, The Global Observatory of Healthy and Sustainable Cities (GOHSC), has developed methods and tools for measuring and comparing how cities support both health and sustainability.
GOHSC’s work enables municipalities, planners and decision-makers to make evidence-based choices that can help advance public health and climate goals.
An international milestone with a Danish footprint
Professor Jasper Schipperijn from the Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics at SDU is an active member of GOHSC’s leadership. His research focuses on the links between physical activity, urban spaces and health, and he welcomes the international recognition of many years of effort:
– In the research unit Active Living, we explore the relationship between public health, sustainability and urban planning, and we are keen to support Danish cities in becoming healthier and more sustainable, he says.
– For instance, we contributed our knowledge to the development of 69 recommendations for Odense Municipality on how to create a healthier city and ensure more healthy life years for its citizens.
The Head of Department at the Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, Jens Troelsen, was part of the expert council behind the recommendations. You can read more about them here: 69 anbefalinger fra ekspertråd skal sikre odenseanerne flere sunde leveår.
Meet the researcher
Jasper Schipperijn is a professor and head of the Research Unit of Active Living, Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics.
What is GOHSC?
The Global Observatory of Healthy and Sustainable Cities (GOHSC) currently includes 319 researchers and practitioners from 198 cities in 57 countries. It is the result of two decades of international collaboration, formalised in 2022 with the establishment of the observatory. Among its initiatives is the 1000 Cities Challenge, which supports cities in collecting data and developing action-oriented reports and scorecards.
A testament to collaboration and knowledge
The Nobel Sustainability Trust presents awards to individuals and organisations making a difference for the climate through innovation and collaboration. The award to GOHSC was given in the category Outstanding Research and Development for Intelligent and Sustainable Urban Solutions.
– It is incredibly motivating to see our joint efforts receive international recognition. Our collaboration in the observatory is a great example of how robust research can be translated into practical tools that cities – including those here in Denmark – can use to promote both health and sustainability, says Jasper Schipperijn.
The award includes a shared financial contribution, which the observatory will divide with two other recipients of this year’s Sustainability Awards. GOHSC will continue its work to develop new indicators and expand the use of its tools in even more cities – including, hopefully, more in Denmark.
About the Nobel Sustainability Trust
The Nobel Sustainability Trust was founded by members of the Nobel family and works to promote sustainable solutions worldwide. Its Sustainability Awards are presented annually as part of the organisation’s Sustainable Summit and are among the most recognised honours in the field of sustainability.