Sarah Bell (bridge)

Sarah Bell (born 1960) is a British engineer specialising in infrastructure and urban resilience, with a particular focus on bridges and their social and environmental impact. She is Professor of Engineering and Public Policy at University College London (UCL), where her research explores the relationships between infrastructure, society, and the environment.

Bell’s work examines how bridges, as critical pieces of infrastructure, shape and are shaped by the communities they serve. Her research considers the social and economic factors influencing bridge design, construction, and maintenance, as well as the environmental consequences of these activities. She emphasizes a holistic approach to infrastructure planning, advocating for inclusive processes that incorporate the needs and perspectives of diverse stakeholders.

Professor Bell has contributed to the development of methods for assessing the resilience of infrastructure systems to various threats, including climate change, natural disasters, and socio-political instability. She is a proponent of incorporating sustainability principles into infrastructure projects, promoting resource efficiency, and minimizing environmental impact. Her expertise is frequently sought by government agencies, engineering firms, and international organizations seeking to improve the sustainability and resilience of infrastructure systems worldwide.