Dr. Jean David Gerber

Biography

Jean-David Gerber is a full professor and Executive Director of the Institute of Geography at the University of Bern, Switzerland, where he specializes in Political Urbanism and Sustainable Spatial Development. With extensive experience spanning over two decades, he has held various academic positions, including Associate Professor and Assistant Professor at the University of Bern, as well as a Postdoctoral position at the University of California, Berkeley. He earned his PhD in Public Administration from the Swiss Graduate School of Public Administration, University of Lausanne, in 2005. Gerber’s research interests primarily encompass land use planning and housing policy, focusing on the legal and political implications of property rights and governance. He explores the interactions between land policy and social sustainability, with active inquiries into conflicts surrounding land use and the role of local governance. He also investigates the dynamics of large-scale land acquisitions and the relationship between housing as a commodity versus a right. His commitment to sustainable development is evidenced through his leadership in initiatives promoting sustainable practices within urban planning.

Research Interests

Experience