This is a news item from the UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering (IEDE)
Professor Marcella Ucci has been appointed as the new Director of IEDE, succeeding Professor Dejan Mumovic.
Marcella takes on the role with a clear vision for IEDE’s next chapter.
“It is both an honour and a privilege to be appointed as Director. This moment is not only personally meaningful but also a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the Institute’s journey — a journey built by many brilliant minds and dedicated leaders.”
She highlights how IEDE’s mission has never been more relevant.
“As I look to the future, I see that the mission of IEDE — to create sustainable, healthy, and resilient environments — has never been more urgent. Climate change, resource scarcity, urbanisation, and public health are all interconnected challenges that demand the kind of interdisciplinary thinking that defines us. At IEDE, our strength lies in our inter and transdisciplinary collaborations, and in our firm belief that built environments can and should enhance human and planetary wellbeing.”
Looking ahead, Marcella aims to strengthen IEDE’s role as an open and globally engaged community, deepening partnerships and supporting students to lead change.
“My vision as Director is to build on this legacy — to make IEDE an even more open, inclusive, and globally engaged community. One where innovation extends into partnerships with industry, government, and communities – including our alumni. One where our students are cherished and empowered to lead change — to be the next generation of thinkers and doers who shape a more sustainable world. We will continue to push boundaries in research excellence, and deepen our impact — ensuring that IEDE remains a place where ideas flourish, collaboration thrives, and evidence informs real-world solutions.”
Professor Mumovic, who served as the co-founding Deputy Director (2014-2017) and the Institute’s Director from 2017, played a pivotal role in shaping IEDE’s research and teaching portfolio. With a background in architectural engineering, Dejan led the IEDE beyond its boundaries to co-develop the experimental facilities at UCL HereEast, and MEng Engineering and Architectural Design jointly with colleagues from the Bartlett School of Architecture, and the UCL Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering. He also co-created a dual degree BSc / MEng Sustainable Built Environments, Energy and Resources bringing together all four Institutes within the Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources.
His tenure culminated in the institute’s 60th anniversary celebration and publication of Shaping the Sustainable Built Environment in a Changing Climate, setting up the research agenda for the next 10 years across the field of environmental design and engineering.
“So I look forward with excitement to starting this new role. I do so with a spirit of gratitude — to my colleagues, our students, our partners — for their dedication and curiosity that defines this Institute. Together, I know we will continue to make IEDE not just a leading centre at UCL, but a global leader in creating environments where people and the planet can truly thrive.”
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