Mark J. Nieuwenhuijsen is a Dutch epidemiologist and environmental health scientist known for his research on the health impacts of urban environments, transportation, and the built environment. He holds the position of Professor of Environmental Health Sciences at Imperial College London, where he leads the Centre for Environmental Health and the Built Environment (CEHBE).
Education
- Ph.D. in Environmental Epidemiology, Utrecht University, Netherlands.
- Master’s and bachelor’s degrees in environmental sciences and epidemiology from Dutch institutions.
Academic and Research Career
- Formerly a professor at the University of Queensland, Australia, where he directed the Centre for Environmental Health and the Built Environment.
- Joined Imperial College London in 2020 as a professor and head of the CEHBE.
- Holds adjunct or visiting positions at several international research institutes, including the University of Washington School of Public Health.
Research Focus
Nieuwenhhuijsen’s work concentrates on quantifying and mitigating the health effects of environmental exposures, particularly:
- Air pollution and its links to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
- Physical activity, active travel, and the design of walkable, bike-friendly cities.
- The integration of health impact assessment (HIA) into urban planning and policy.
- Development of exposure assessment tools, such as land-use regression models and GIS-based methods.
Key Contributions and Projects
- Co‑author of the 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) “Joint Effects of Physical Activity and Air Pollution” report, which informs global guidelines on active travel.
- Principal Investigator on the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 project “HEIM” (Health‑Economic Impact Modelling) and the “HEALTHY Streets” initiative, investigating how street design influences health outcomes.
- Published extensively in peer‑reviewed journals; notable papers include studies on the “Health impact of urban design” and systematic reviews of the relationship between active transport and mortality.
Professional Leadership and Service
- Member of the WHO Environmental Noise Guidelines expert group.
- Trustee of the International Society for Environmental Epidemiology (ISEE).
- Editorial board member for journals such as Environmental Health Perspectives and International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
Selected Publications
- Nieuwenhuijsen, M.J., et al. (2017). “The health benefits of active transport: A review of the evidence.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14(12), 1455.
- Nieuwenhuijsen, M.J., et al. (2020). “A systematic review of health impact assessment methods for non‑communicable disease.” Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, 74(10), 861‑873.
Impact
Through interdisciplinary collaborations, Nieuwenhuijsen has contributed to the evidence base supporting policies that promote healthier, more sustainable cities. His work is frequently cited in governmental reports, urban planning guidelines, and WHO recommendations.
Public Engagement
He regularly contributes to public discourse on climate‑resilient urban design, providing expert commentary in media outlets and participating in policy workshops worldwide.
