UCL Geography Alumnus Awarded 2023 Urban Geography Early Career Researcher Prize

Currently serving as Assistant Professor at the Department of Geography, National University of Singapore (NUS), Dr Teo received the accolade for his paper "Doing comparative urbanism: comparative conversation as tactic," published in Urban Geography Volume 44, Issue 5. 

He based the paper on his doctoral research carried out during his time with us under the supervision of Dr Andrew Harris (MSc Urban Studies and Professor Jennifer Robinson.

Dr Teo's motivation for the piece stemmed from his own challenges in designing a comparative research project during his time as a PhD student. 

Realising the scant amount of literature addressing the practicalities of comparative urbanism available, his paper examines the process of comparative research, focusing on the often-overlooked middle phase, and introduces the concept of comparative conversation as a strategic approach.

Shaun told Urban Geography how his experience splitting time between the urban contexts in Shenzhen and London inspired the methodology in the paper and the importance of researchers in shaping, refining and codifying comparative analyses. 

"I give my utmost appreciation to my supervisors at UCL, Andrew and Jenny, for their unending mentorship," Dr Teo said, alongside highlighting his colleagues at NUS, and the editorial team at Urban Geography. 

More information

• Find out more about Dr Shaun S K Teo
• Visit our Postgraduate Research pages
• Learn about Urban Geography at UCL