Salford PhD student awarded prestigious CIB Best Doctoral Dissertation 2025

Awarded annually to one PhD graduate from facilities of architecture and built environment around the world, this achievement marks the first time ever that the award has been won by Salford.

With her research on ‘Socio-Spatial Framework to Improve Air Quality in Transit-Oriented Development’, Esraa was invited alongside other shortlisted candidates, to present her research dissertation to a panel of judges appointed by CIB.

Esraa said: “Winning this award is deeply personal for me. It represents years of quiet persistence, moments of doubt, and a belief – often tested – that this research truly mattered. Knowing that the work has been seen, understood, and valued gives me a renewed sense of confidence and purpose as I move forward.

Advancing the science of air quality management, Esraa’s dissertation answers the simple but urgent question: how does the design of our cities influence the heat we feel, the air we breathe, and our everyday well-being?

Esraa said: “What makes this recognition especially important is that it highlights air quality as a lived experience, not just a technical metric. My research shows how the way cities are planned directly shapes the air we breathe, the comfort we feel in our daily lives, and the health of our communities. I hope this award acts as a reminder that improving air quality and prioritising people’s well-being remain at the centre of future urban planning and decision-making.”

As cities are growing hotter, more polluted and more challenging to live in, the design of our cities led Esraa into examining Transit-Oriented Development (TODs), a planning model used worldwide to create walkable, high-density mixed-used neighbourhoods built around public transport.

Transit-Oriented Development promises cleaner, low-carbon cities by encouraging people to walk more, cycle more, and rely less on cars – Esraa’s research found that TODs can unintentionally create environmental stress, and her findings show that they can only achieve their sustainability goals when climate resilience is built into their design.

“This award-winning dissertation stands as a testament of Esraa’s rigorous scholarship, hard work and original insight. It also shows excellence of research at the University,” said Professor Hisham Elkadi, Esraa’s PhD supervisor.

“The dissertation offers rigorous analysis and actionable strategies to reduce air pollution and protect public health in Greater Manchester with implications on cities worldwide.”

Congratulations Esraa, we can’t wait to see what else you achieve in the future!