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The first round of of Smart and Healthy Cities Fellowship Grants offers a level of transdisciplinary support which speak to the benefits of the merger.

UNESCO Chair for Smart, Healthy & Learning Cities

Thomas Jefferson University has been appointed as the UNESCO Chair for Smart, Healthy & Learning Cities—a global recognition of Jefferson’s leadership in interdisciplinary education, innovation, and urban research.

This prestigious designation places Jefferson among an international network of higher education institutions working with UNESCO to advance research and collaboration that supports more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient cities around the world.

Explore how Jefferson and the Institute for Smart & Healthy Cities is shaping the cities of tomorrow—starting here in Philadelphia.

What Is the UNESCO Chair Program?

The UNESCO Chairs Program, established in 1992, connects universities worldwide to foster international cooperation and knowledge-sharing across key areas like education, science, culture, and communication. Today, more than 950 Chairs across 120 countries serve as think tanks and bridges between academia, policy, and practice.

By becoming a UNESCO Chair in Smart, Healthy & Learning Cities, Jefferson joins this global effort to develop and implement solutions that:

  • Support sustainable urban development
  • Advance health equity and well-being
  • Promote lifelong learning for all
  • Integrate smart technology with human-centered design

The appointment reflects Jefferson’s commitment to equity-driven innovation and the transformative power of design, health, and education to shape better futures.

Why This Matters Now

Urban areas are home to more than half the world’s population—and that number is growing. At the same time, cities face urgent challenges: climate change, health disparities, housing insecurity, digital inequality, and more.

Jefferson’s role as a UNESCO Chair is a call to action. It means:

  • Partnering with communities to co-create healthier environments
  • Educating students to lead with purpose and impact
  • Sharing knowledge with global peers through UNESCO’s network of Chairs and Cities
  • Advancing applied research that informs policy, practice and innovation

The Leadership Team

Edgar Stach, Dr-Ing., RA (DEU), AIA/IA
Professor of Architecture, Director of the Institute for Smart & Healthy Cities

Edgar’s research focuses on high-performance building systems, smart technologies, and sustainable design. He is the driving force behind Jefferson’s transdisciplinary work to reimagine cities that are healthier, smarter, and more livable—for everyone.

Barbara Klinkhammer, Dipl.-Ing, RA (DEU)
Dean and Professor, College of Architecture & the Built Environment

An expert in urban design and international collaboration, Barbara brings a visionary approach to designing cities that are more equitable, sustainable, and responsive to human needs. Under her leadership, Jefferson has expanded its global partnerships and redefined architecture education for the 21st century.

Katie DiSantis, PhD, MPH
Associate Professor of Public Health, Associate Director of the Institute for Smart & Healthy Cities

Katie brings deep expertise in community health and the neighborhood, behavioral, and social factors that shape health and wellness. She is recognized internationally for her efforts to improve healthy food access for urban residents.  Her work ensures that health equity and learning opportunities remain at the center of Jefferson’s efforts to shape urban environments that work for all.

Learn More Jefferson's Institute for Smart & Healthy Cities

The Institute for Smart & Healthy Cities at Jefferson is a collaborative hub where designers, engineers, health professionals, and social scientists come together to create solutions for the complex challenges facing today’s cities.

Institute for Smart & Healthy Cities