Overview
Background
I am an Associate Professor in the School of Architecture, Design and Planning. Since joining the University of Queensland in 2015, my research has focused on the built environment triad: urban design, transport, and housing - in both the Global North and South. I approach my work from a feminist perspective, considering the role of gender in the city.
My personal and academic journey has been international in nature. I am a native of Albania. Over the years I have held guest teaching and/or research positions in Austria (UWien), Canada (UBC), Chile (PUC), Italy (IUAV), the Netherlands (UvA), Oman (GUTech), and Vietnam (UTC), and I have provided consultancy services to various United Nations agencies including the UNDP, UNESCAP, and UN Habitat. I speak Italian, Spanish, and French in addition to English and Albanian.
My latest books are Trophy Cities: A Feminist Perspective on New Capitals (Edward Elgar, 2021), Alternative Planning History and Theory (Routledge, 2023), Planning as Political Theatre: Chronicle of Two Megaprojects Foretold (Routledge, 2025), and Early Planning Utopias: A Feminist Critique (Anthem Press, 2025). For five consecutive years (2021-2025), I have been included in the 'Stanford/Elsevier World’s Top 2% Researchers' list, and have ranked among the top-ten 'urban and regional planning' researchers in Australia. Alongside my academic research, I also publish broadly in non-academic outlets and regularly give interviews on national and international media. My articles in The Conversation have reached more than 600,000 readers. Prior to joining academia, I worked in urban design and planning in California. My research has been funded by domestic and international granting bodies, including the Australian Research Council. I have attracted more than $1 millon in grant funding.
My funded projects are listed below. For a full list of my publications, click the 'Works' tab, which displays results live from UQ eSpace, or visit my external profiles listed on the left panel.
Qualifications
- Postdoctoral Residency, Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment, Delft, the Netherlands. 2012-2014.
- PhD in Urban Planning, Polytechnic University of Tirana, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tirana, Albania. 2007-2010.
- Visiting PhD student, University of California at Los Angeles, Luskin School of Public Affairs, Los Angeles, Ca, USA. 2009.
- Master in Urban Planning, University of Cincinnati, College of Design, Art, Architecture, and Planning, Cincinnati, Oh, USA. Full scholarship award. 2003-2005.
- Visiting Master student, Catholic University of Leuven, Faculty of Architecture (St Lucas), Brussels, Belgium. Recipient of US government FIPSE grant. 2004.
- Professional Degree in Architecture, Polytechnic University of Tirana, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tirana, Albania. 1998-2003.
Availability
- Dr Dorina Pojani is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Urban Transport in Developing Countries, Polytechnic University of Tirana
- Master of Community Planning, University of Cincinnati
Research interests
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Feminist planning
This is not a product but a lens through which I examine urban design, transport, and housing.
Research impacts
Funded Projects*
2026-2027. Project: Study of e-mobility usage across Queensland. Transport Academic Partnership, Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, Australia. Grant co-writer ($100,000).
2026-2027. Project: Building a dynamic demand forecast tool for shared electric micromobility. UQ Knowledge Exchange and Translation (Kx&T) Fund, Australia. Grant co-writer ($55,500).
2025-2026. Project: Closing the loop on first/last mile transportation in Brisbane: Assessing the connection between micromobility and 50 cent public transport fares. iMove CRC, Brisbane City Council, Australia. Grant co-writer ($100,000).
2025. Project: Diaspora 4Innovation: Integrating work practice in urban planning curricula in Albania. GERMIN Fellowship, Albania. Lead grant writer ($18,500).
2023-2025. Project: Evaluation of separated cycle tracks in new developments. Transport Academic Partnership, Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, Australia. Sole grant writer ($100,000).
2023. Project: A gendered critique of early planned utopian cities. School of Architecture, Design and Planning Seed Funding, University of Queensland, Australia. Grant co-writer ($3,000).
2023-2025. Project: Study of factors associated with the choice of private electric transport vehicles in Vietnam. National Foundation for Science and Technology (NAFOSTED), Vietnam. Grant co-writer ($50,000).
2023-2024. Project: The woman-friendly city: Case studies of post-industrial areas in Tirana. READ Fellowship, Albanian-American Development Foundation, Albania. Lead grant writer ($17,000).
2022. Project: Minimising corruption in urban planning and development: What can the Balkans learn from Scandinavia? UQ Promoting Women Fellowship (PWF), Australia. Sole grant writer ($12,500).
2022. Project: We don’t know where to go or how to get there: Mapping out the mobility needs for tourists in urban destinations. UQ BEL Connect Grant, Australia. Grant co-writer ($18,500).
2021-2022. Project: The impact of Covid-19 on Brisbane / Southeast Queensland. UQ Faculty of Science COVID Research Recovery Fund, Australia. Lead grant writer ($50,000).
2021-2022. Project: Bikeability for transportation: Tools and data for research and practice. AURIN grant, Australia. Grant co-writer ($135,600).
2017-2020. Project: Reclaiming lost ground: Transitions of mobility and parking. Australian Research Council, Linkage grant, Australia. Grant co-writer ($358,000).
2016. Project: Planning Tiger Cub city-regions: Role models and policy transfers in sustainable transport in Southeast Asia. Project based in Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand. UQ Early Career Researcher grant, Australia. Sole grant writer ($26,150).
2015-2017. Project: Urban planning issues in planned capital cities in seven countries: Burma, India, Korea, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Brazil, and Australia. UQ Startup grant, Australia. Sole grant writer ($15,000).
2014-2015. Project: Informal Housing in five Balkan countries: Serbia, Northern Macedonia, Bosnia, Albania, and Kosovo. Grant from: Van Eesteren-Fluck & Van Lohuizen Stichting (EFL) Foundation, The Netherlands. Sole grant writer ($15,000).
Editorial Boards
- Sustainable Cities and Society
- Journal of Transport Geography
- Australian Planner
- Urban Policy and Research
- Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice
- Journal of Planning Education and Research
Works
Search Professor Dorina Pojani’s works on UQ eSpace
2018
Other Outputs
Can e-scooters solve the ‘last mile’ problem? They’ll need to avoid the fate of dockless bikes
Sipe, Neil and Pojani, Dorina (2018, 09 21). Can e-scooters solve the ‘last mile’ problem? They’ll need to avoid the fate of dockless bikes The Conversation
2018
Journal Article
Why Isn’t Australia a Cycling Mecca?
Butterworth, Elizabeth and Pojani, Dorina (2018). Why Isn’t Australia a Cycling Mecca?. European Transport, 69 (69) 4.
2018
Other Outputs
Why driverless vehicles should not be given unchecked access to our cities
Stead, Dominic , Kimpton, Anthony , Pojani, Dorina , Mateo Babiano, Iderlina , Corcoran, Jonathan and Sipe, Neil (2018, 09 13). Why driverless vehicles should not be given unchecked access to our cities The Conversation
2018
Other Outputs
Bicycles and Pedestrians Are Key to Easing Congestion on Mumbai’s Suburban Trains
Abhishek, Vineet and Pojani, Dorina (2018, 08 28). Bicycles and Pedestrians Are Key to Easing Congestion on Mumbai’s Suburban Trains Engineering for Change (E4C)
2018
Journal Article
The place of public space in the lives of Middle Eastern women migrants in Australia
Gholamhosseini, Roja, Pojani, Dorina, Mateo Babiano, Iderlina, Johnson, Laurel and Minnery, John (2018). The place of public space in the lives of Middle Eastern women migrants in Australia. Journal of Urban Design, 24 (2), 1-21. doi: 10.1080/13574809.2018.1498293
2018
Journal Article
Urban living preferences of youth international migrants: an investigation of Asian students in Australia
Kerstens, Jack and Pojani, Dorina (2018). Urban living preferences of youth international migrants: an investigation of Asian students in Australia. Australian Planner, 55 (1), 36-45. doi: 10.1080/07293682.2018.1500379
2018
Journal Article
The symbolism of ‘eco cars’ across national cultures: Potential implications for policy formulation and transfer
Ashmore, David , Pojani, Dorina , Thoreau, Roselle , Christie, Nicola and Tyler, Nicholas (2018). The symbolism of ‘eco cars’ across national cultures: Potential implications for policy formulation and transfer. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 63, 560-575. doi: 10.1016/j.trd.2018.06.024
2018
Other Outputs
Share bikes don't get cars off the road, but they have other benefits
Pojani, Dorina and Corcoran, Jonathan (2018, 06 29). Share bikes don't get cars off the road, but they have other benefits The Conversation
2018
Other Outputs
Oh no, oBikes are leaving Melbourne! But this doesn’t mean bike sharing schemes are dead
Pojani, Dorina and Corcoran, Jonathan (2018, 06 14). Oh no, oBikes are leaving Melbourne! But this doesn’t mean bike sharing schemes are dead The Conversation
2018
Journal Article
River-based public transport: why won't Paris jump on board?
Bignon, Elise and Pojani, Dorina (2018). River-based public transport: why won't Paris jump on board?. Case Studies on Transport Policy, 6 (2), 200-205. doi: 10.1016/j.cstp.2018.05.002
2018
Other Outputs
Sexism and the city: how urban planning has failed women
Pojani, Dorina, Wardale, Dorothy and Brown, Kerry (2018, 04 18). Sexism and the city: how urban planning has failed women
2018
Journal Article
Policy design for sustainable urban transport in the global south
Pojani, Dorina and Stead, Dominic (2018). Policy design for sustainable urban transport in the global south. Policy Design and Practice, 1 (2), 90-102. doi: 10.1080/25741292.2018.1454291
2018
Other Outputs
Too wet? Too cold? Too hot? This is how weather affects the trips we make
Corcoran, Jonathan, Pojani, Dorina, Rowe, Francisco, Zhou, Jiangping, Kim, Jiwon, Wei, Ming, Tao, Sui, Sigler, Thomas and Liu, Yan (2018, 04 09). Too wet? Too cold? Too hot? This is how weather affects the trips we make
2018
Journal Article
Social housing and renewable energy: community energy in a supporting role
McCabe, Annie, Pojani, Dorina and van Groenou, Anthony Broese (2018). Social housing and renewable energy: community energy in a supporting role. Energy Research and Social Science, 38, 110-113. doi: 10.1016/j.erss.2018.02.005
2018
Journal Article
Socio-demographic and built environment determinants of car use among older adults in Iran
Soltani, Ali, Pojani, Dorina, Askari, Sajad and Masoumi, Houshmand E. (2018). Socio-demographic and built environment determinants of car use among older adults in Iran. Journal of Transport Geography, 68, 109-117. doi: 10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2018.03.001
2018
Other Outputs
Cycling and walking are short-changed when it comes to transport funding in Australia
Pojani, Dorina, Kimpton, Anthony, Corcoran, Jonathan and Sipe, Neil (2018, 03 20). Cycling and walking are short-changed when it comes to transport funding in Australia
2018
Journal Article
How do sprawl and inequality affect well-being in American cities?
Lee, Wen Hao, Ambrey, Christopher and Pojani, Dorina (2018). How do sprawl and inequality affect well-being in American cities?. Cities, 79, 70-77. doi: 10.1016/j.cities.2018.02.023
2018
Journal Article
The application of renewable energy to social housing: a systematic review
McCabe, Annie, Pojani, Dorina and van Groenou, Anthony Broese (2018). The application of renewable energy to social housing: a systematic review. Energy Policy, 114, 549-557. doi: 10.1016/j.enpol.2017.12.031
2018
Other Outputs
Australian cities are crying out for better planning, but the research funding is missing
Pojani, Dorina, Jaime Olvera Garcia, Sipe, Neil and Byrne, Jason (2018, 02 23). Australian cities are crying out for better planning, but the research funding is missing
2018
Journal Article
Is transit-oriented development (TOD) an internationally transferable policy concept?
Thomas, Ren, Pojani, Dorina, Lenferink, Sander, Bertolini, Luca, Stead, Dominic and van der Krabben, Erwin (2018). Is transit-oriented development (TOD) an internationally transferable policy concept?. Regional Studies, 52 (9), 1-13. doi: 10.1080/00343404.2018.1428740
Funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Dorina Pojani is:
- Available for supervision
Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on how to choose a supervisor.
Available projects
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Information for prospective students
Email inquiries are welcome. Prior to emailing me, please take a look at the HDR entry requirements on our planning program site: uq-urbanplanning.org/rhd-research. I am a feminist urban planner. For context: Feminist planning is not a product but a lens through which I examine urban design, transport, and housing. I encourage you to propose original topics in my areas of expertise. I am particularly interested in projects which are international and comparative in nature, and can help you refine your ideas. All topics can be adjusted to suit a PhD, Master, or Honours project.
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Past and current research (HDR) Supervision (PhD and MPhil)
- Els Leclercq [completed, associate]
- Roja Gholamhosseini [completed, principal]
- Annie McCabe [completed, principal]
- Renuka Bhoge [completed, principal]
- Deti Kusmalawati [completed, associate]
- Fahimeh Khalaj [completed, principal]
- Tigor Panjaitan [completed, principal]
- Melissa Hensley [completed, principal]
- Tmnit Hailu [completed, associate]
- Ksenia Nikolaeva [completed, associate]
- Nirma Yossa [completed, principal]
- Weichang Kong [completed, principal]
- Paula Grant [principal]
- Sufian Almubarak [principal]
- Krismiyati Tasrin [principal]
- Amjad Hossain Reyad [principal]
- Nadia Zaini [principal]
- Xuanbo Liu [associate]
- Abolghasem Azhdari [associate]
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Esteem and recognition
2023: Nominated for UQ Research Culture Award, category 5: Supporting career development for researchers (EMCR)
2022: Shortlisted for UQ Award for Excellence in Higher Degree Research (HDR) Training
2020: SEES Most Impassioned Teacher Award
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Teaching experience
The University of Queensland
- Planning Theory (PLAN4001 / PLAN7120) – Lecturer & Coordinator [Highly Commended course by AESOP]
- Transport Planning (PLAN2100 / PLAN7116) – Lecturer & Coordinator [Dean’s Commendation for Excellent Teaching, 2020 and 2021]
- History of the Built Environment (PLAN2005) – Lecturer & Coordinator
- Citymaking: Theory and Practice (PLAN4001 / PLAN7120) – Lecturer
Internationally
- Theory and Models of Spatial Development (Oman)
- Sustainable urban transportation and mobility (Austria)
- Regional development studio (The Netherlands)
- Urban design studio (Albania)
- Housing systems / Informal settlement processes (Albania)
- Introduction to urban planning (Albania)
- Urban anthropology (Albania)
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Housing as a feminist issue: The case of Kuching, Sarawak
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Sara Alidoust
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Doctor Philosophy
Reconstructing A Gender Perspective Approach for a Sustainable New Capital City
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Sara Alidoust
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Doctor Philosophy
Active Citizenship in planning scheme implementation : A case study into how members of a community engage in the development assessment process in Queensland
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Honorary Professor Neil Sipe
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Doctor Philosophy
Active transport and gender issues: A comparison between Brisbane and Sylhet
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Sara Alidoust
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Doctor Philosophy
Digital Deconcentration and the Changing Face of American Cities: Examining the Effects of Working from Home on Post-pandemic Urbanisation.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Thomas Sigler
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Doctor Philosophy
The Right to Housing: Evaluating the Process of De-Socialization of Housing in Urban Areas
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Ali Cheshmehzangi
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Doctor Philosophy
Co-Creating Urban Public Spaces in Southeast Asia: The Role of Civic Urbanisms and Participatory Practices in Crafting Socio-Ecological Sustainability
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Silvia Micheli
Completed supervision
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2026
Doctor Philosophy
Are car-free lifestyles feasible in low-density, sprawling contexts? A comparison of a city in Australia and Saudi Arabia
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Sara Alidoust
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Mobility as a Service (MaaS) and Sustainable Transport Policy Transfer: An Analysis of the Approaches in Five Western Countries and China
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Honorary Professor Neil Sipe
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Gender, Transport and Mobility Biography in the Jakarta Metropolitan Area
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Honorary Professor Neil Sipe
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Healthy neighbourhood planning: investigating the evolving relationship between urban planning and public health through a path dependence lens
Principal Advisor
-
2021
Doctor Philosophy
Public Space Privatisation: The Experience of Indonesian Cities
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Sebastien Darchen
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Are cities still building highways? A comparison of Australia and Iran
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Honorary Professor Neil Sipe
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2020
Master Philosophy
Climate sensitive urban design: a comparison between Brisbane (Australia) and Nagpur (India)
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Sebastien Darchen
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Placing power to the people: The Australian community renewable energy movement and place-making in framing for prefigurative collective action.
Principal Advisor
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
A Living Room in the City: The Place of Public Space in the Everyday Lives of Middle Eastern Women in Greater Brisbane
Principal Advisor
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2026
Doctor Philosophy
Residents' perceptions of a government-initiated anti-gating policy: A study of open communities in Shanghai
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Ali Cheshmehzangi, Dr Sara Alidoust
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2022
Master Philosophy
INVESTIGATING THE LEVEL OF TRAFFIC STRESS ON STREETS AND BICYCLING ROUTE PREFERENCES: A CASE STUDY ON THE CITY OF BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr David Pullar
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Governance Process in the Implementation of Land Acquisition Plan for Infrastructure Development in Indonesia
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Sonia Roitman
Media
Enquiries
Contact Dr Dorina Pojani directly for media enquiries about:
- affordable housing
- community
- compact cities
- cycling
- mobility
- neighbourhood design
- parking
- pedestrian areas
- public transport
- sustainability
- urban planning
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