Professor Pascal Perez is an influential leader in the field of participatory modelling of complex socio-technical systems. He is the director of the Australian Urban Research Infrastructure Network (AURIN) and has a wealth of over 30 years’ experience in leadership roles. His work and expertise in infrastructure-related fields—such as water and energy efficiency, future transport and mobility, smart cities and communities, infrastructure systems engineering and logistics—has led to significant contributions to the advancement of smart cities and data-driven urban decision-making. As the director of AURIN, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the organisation’s development and ensuring its relevance to contemporary urban challenges.
Throughout his career Prof. Perez has been at the forefront of interdisciplinary research, integrating cutting-edge technologies with urban planning principles to create innovative solutions for sustainable and resilient urban environments. He is committed to bridging the gap between academia, industry, and government, which has resulted in fruitful collaborations and the successful implementation of data-driven research and urban policies. As he leads AURIN’s efforts to develop the foundations of comprehensive digital twins, Prof. Perez envisions a future where cities are optimised for efficiency, resilience, and inclusivity—paving the way to a smarter, more sustainable urban landscape. His passion for innovation and his commitment to the improvement of urban environments have solidified his position as a key figure in the field of urban research and digital twin development.