About Us

Mission

The Urban Systems Lab is an interdisciplinary research, design and practice space at The New School that provides knowledge and analysis for developing more equitable, resilient, and sustainable cities. Our mission is to develop systemic solutions to the social and environmental challenges driving inequity and injustice in cities. We collaborate with researchers, policymakers, designers, and communities to co-create data-driven tools, research, and transformative strategies that strengthen science communication, enhance decision-making, and support urban resilience and adaptation in cities across the world. 

Our research aims to reveal how social, ecological, and technological systems (SETS) processes drive everyday experiences in urban areas, leveraging empirical and theoretical approaches as well as data visualization to advance urban systems research and practice. We address a variety of research areas including: urban resilience, climate change adaptation, nature-based solutions, urban land use planning, social equity and environmental justice, urban biodiversity and ecosystem services, data visualization and urban data science. The Urban Systems Lab was founded in 2015 by Dr. Timon McPhearson, a world-renowned urban ecologist.

Vision

We envision a future where cities are resilient and adaptive to the challenges of climate change and urbanization. By collaborating with cities, researchers, and community organizations, we leverage cutting-edge science, advanced technologies, and nature-based solutions to co-produce research that informs effective and scalable urban resilience strategies.

Join Us

The USL provides opportunities for students and visiting scholars to contribute to the Lab’s research efforts. For job openings and other opportunities visit this page for more information, and subscribe to our Newsletter to remain updated.

Support

The Urban Systems Lab at The New School receives generous support from the following foundations and groups: The New School, Kresge Foundation, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, New York State Water Resources Institute, National Science Foundation, New York State Health Foundation, JPB Foundation, EU Horizon Europe Fund, NordForsk, Biodiversa, Sloan Foundation, The City of New York, Belmont Forum, Google.org.

Contact Us