Professor Samer Bagaeen Joins UCEM as Head of Town Planning
Posted on: 19 May, 2025
Leading expert in urban resilience, planning, and stakeholder engagement takes on new role.
The University College of Estate Management (UCEM) is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Samer Bagaeen FRICS MRTPI as its new Professor and Head of Town Planning.
An internationally recognised leader in urban planning, resilience, and stakeholder engagement, Samer brings a wealth of experience from academia, industry, local government, and philanthropy.
Samer arrives at UCEM following an academic career setting up and professionally accrediting planning education at the universities of Brighton and Kent. He has held senior roles in organisations such as the Rockefeller Foundation, where he worked with the 100 Resilient Cities programme, helping cities across EMEA develop integrated city resilience strategies.
His leadership extends beyond academic and consulting roles. He holds several influential advisory positions, including memberships on the Academic Advisory Group for the Real Estate Data Foundation and the RICS Land and Resources Technical Expert Working Group. He is also an elected Trustee of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), Chair of the RTPI’s International Committee, and serves as a member of the Policy Council at the Town and Country Planning Association.
Samer’s passion for the built environment and sustainable urban development aligns perfectly with UCEM’s commitment to advancing innovation and inclusivity in planning. His appointment as Head of Town Planning enhances UCEM’s academic offerings and further elevates its status as a leader in the development of future-focused, resilient planning professionals.
“I am excited to join UCEM at such a pivotal time in the world of urban planning, especially as UCEM re-brands as the University of the Built Environment,” said Professor Bagaeen. “I look forward to working with the talented team at UCEM to shape the next generation of planners and equip them with the skills that future planners need.”
Professor Malcolm Todd, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic), said “I am delighted Professor Samer Bagaeen has joined the University as our founding Head of Town Planning. I look forward to working with Samer as we introduce our exciting new planning programmes and forge forward with our ambition to be the centre of excellence for built environment education”.
You can read more about Sameer and his publications on his academic profile.
