Thomas Randrup

My research focus is social-ecological-organisational:

·         I study how public strategic management of green spaces can support both human and natures needs and preferences

·         In doing so, my focus is on transformative governance of urban green spaces and nature-based solutions

·         Finally, I develop management solutions of urban open spaces, with a strategic management mindset, inspired by nature to reduce resources and increase use.

In 2019 I became International Fellow of The Royal Swedish Academy of Forestry and Agriculture, and in 2020 Member of the Royal Fysiografic Society in Lund, Sweden, Academy for Natural Sciences, Medicin and Techniqe. 

During my career, I have studied and promoted the role of urban green spaces, and especially the role of urban trees. Today, we focus on Nature-based Solutions as a multifunctional approach in public governance and management.

The term ‘Management’ is a combination of Planning and Maintenance, denoted as 'Strategic Management'. In strategic management, policy making, tactical provision and operational activities are all included and equally considered. Likewise is governance as the steering and organisation of management desisions, including engagement of various stakeholders. 

I have a social-ecological-organisational focus on my research, in studying how public straegtic management of green (or open) spaces can support users and/or natures needs and preferences. The purpose of my research is to develop management solutions of urban open spaces, with a strategic management mindset which reduces resources, and increses use.

I have published more than 400 academic publications, of which approximately 110 are peer-reviewed. In 2002 I co-founded the scientific journal Urban Forestry and Urban Greening published by Urban & Fischer and later Elsevier.

I teach and supervise at all academic levels at SLU, within programs such as Landscape Engennering, Landscape Architecture, Sustainable Urban Development and Forest & Landscape (Management). I also frequently lecture at universities in the Nordic countries, and the US.