Biography

Francisco has a Civil Engineering background specialized in Resources Management and has several years of professional experience in the construction and engineering sector. He received his Master’s degree in Project Management for Environmental and Energy Engineering from IMT Atlantique, France, and his PhD in Sustainability Management from the University of Waterloo, Canada.

Francisco's main research is focused on understanding the basics defining the relation society-environment for the global advance towards sustainable development, applying knowledge on resource-use dynamics from a socio-metabolic research perspective. He utilizes systems thinking, innovative, technic and methodologic abilities, and also interdisciplinary methods, concepts, and tools focused on sustainability management.

His overall research analyzes the built environment, circular economy potentials, material flows & stocks, the water-energy-food nexus, climate change impacts, resilience, and more to help in the transition towards a sustainable, resilient, and resource-secure system, with a special interest in resource-stressed settings. 

Currently, Francisco actively contributes to two impactful projects: the Swiss initiative "Urban Twin: Assessing policies and solutions for energy, water, and infrastructure" and the Innosuisse Flagship initiative "BlueCity: Mapping a city’s multi-layered, interconnected network of flows." His engagement revolves around the strategic application of his expertise in engineering, resource dynamics, and sociometabolic research within the city of Lausanne, Switzerland. The city serves as a dynamic "living lab," providing a practical ground for the implementation of Francisco's research.

This work aims to act as a catalyst for transformative changes in sustainable urban development practices, influencing policy decisions and academic discourse. Simultaneously, it engages the broader community, fostering a collective journey toward a resilient and sustainable future.