Professor Francesco Pomponi
Chair of Sustainability and Environment

Profile

Biography

Francesco joined York in September 2024 as part of the University's Building Industrial Engagement and Impact Initiative. He brings 20 years' experience in the construction sector, and a unique blend of expertise in engineering, sustainability and industry engagement.

Prior to joining York he held multiple appointments in industry, climate tech, and the non-profit sectors. He remains actively engaged within a wider, international network to cross bridges between academic rigour and societal and industrial relevance.

He remains a Visiting Professor at ENU (where he previously held the Chair of Sustainability Science and set-up and led the Resource Efficient Built Environment Laboratory), a Senior Associate at the University of Cambridge's Institute for Sustainability Leadership, a Honorary Professor at the University of Cape Town, and an Adjunct Professor at Universitè Laval (Canada) and Università di Pavia (Italy).  

Career

Academically, Francesco has authored hundreds of peer-reviewed scientific outputs, cited widely across continents and disciplines. He has impacted policy and industry by co-authoring national methodologies, international standards and governmental roadmaps. Francesco secured multi-million research income to support the activity of his group. Funders include the EPSRC, the Royal Academy of Engineering, Innovate UK, the European Commission, and private foundations.

Departmental roles

At York, Francesco is Chair of Sustainability and Environment. He is also also School Lead for Knowledge Exchange.