Just Urban Green Lab

Sara Borgström (Google Scholar) is an Associate Professor in the Division of Strategic Sustainability Studies at KTH Royal Institute of Technology. She specializes in land-use policy analysis, nature-based solutions and human well-being, and social-ecological resilience for adaptation to climate change in urban areas. She has worked extensively with researchers, policy makers, consultants, practitioners, and local residents; and served as PI and co-PI in a number of research projects of high regard, including GREEN ACCESS, ENABLE, CONATURE, and MISTRA SPORT & OUTDOORS. Sara currently leads the project Swedish Citizen Science Urban Biodiversity. The aim is to address how real-world citizen science may contribute to more effective climate adaptation strategies in urban areas in support of biodiversity and humans.

Amin Rastandeh (Google Scholar) is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Division of Strategic Sustainability Studies at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, collaborated in the project MISTRA Sport & Outdoors – Sustainable Use of Land & Water. He specializes in spatial modeling, large-scale land mosaic design and planning for wildlife and ecological integrity in the face of human activities and the climate crisis. As a multidisciplinary researcher and educator with experience in several countries, his work is mainly focused on the complexity of social-ecological systems at the nexus of urbanization, nature conservation, and climate change adaptation. Amin combines field-collected data with geo-spatial modeling tools and methods to inform evidence-based decision making for ecologically-based spatial planning in complex landscapes.

Kristin Malmcrona Friberg is a PhD Candidate in the Division of Strategic Sustainability Studies at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, collaborated in the project MISTRA Sport & Outdoors – Sustainable Use of Land & Water. Her work explores how children’s nature connectedness is shaped and sustained in an era of rapid urbanization, with a particular focus on the role of civic outdoor organizations in Sweden. Drawing on qualitative case studies, she investigates how civic organizations provide meaningful opportunities for children and youth to engage with nature, develop ecological knowledge, and foster a sense of care and stewardship. Kristin’s research also examines the governance challenges surrounding urban green-blue infrastructure (UGBI), highlighting how planning, policy, and civic participation intersect in the management of outdoor recreation spaces. In addition to her academic work, Kristin is actively engaged in practice through leadership in children’s outdoor programs and collaborations with municipalities, regions, and NGOs. She views sustainable outdoor recreation as a powerful lever for change – one that not only safeguards biodiversity but also nurtures our connection with nature, well-being, and strengthens society’s resilience.