Meet the Jury for the Green Neighbourhood Category
Jure
Šumi
Advisory Board Member, Treasurer of Advisory Board, Representative and Spokesperson of EU WGIN Business Group
Jure Šumi is a President of Slovenian Green Infrastructure Association, Advisory board member of World Green Infrastructure Network (WGIN) and its Treasurer.
Since June 2024 is legal representative of WGIN’s HQ. His expertise lays in the field of green roof customisation for best storm-water management and optimised energy efficiency. He co-holds several patents in the field of vegetated concepts and systems and their application in urban environment. He is regular guest speaker on national and international events related to green urban infrastructure industry and is involved in EU Biodiversity Platform and a member of its Working Group for Green Infrastructure.
Audrey
Timm
Horticultural scientist, AIPH Green City initiative leader, AIPH’s programs manager
Dr. Audrey Timm is a horticultural scientist specialized in ornamental horticulture. Her career has covered academic research, industry support, training and on-farm R&D, and connecting design and ecology in urban landscapes. Audrey leads the AIPH Green City initiative with the purpose of increasing the quality and quantity of living green in urban environments and nurturing a strategic shift in city form and function. She also manages AIPH’s programs in Plant Health, Sustainability, and Novelty Protection, supporting its role as the global champion for the power of plants through knowledge exchange, advocacy, and networking.
Damian
Tang
Founder of URDX Studio, Director-General of Circular Cities Network, chairman of IFLA Asia Pacific Advisory Board
Damian Tang is a visionary leader in the built environment, with 20+ years shaping urban resilience through biophilic
and regenerative design. Former Senior Design Director at NParks Singapore, he led award-winning national projects, founded URDX Studio, and chaired the IFLA World Congress. As Chairman of the IFLA Asia Pacific Advisory Board and Director-General of Circular Cities Network, he pioneers global circularity and city well-being transformation.
Ayako
Nagase
Professor at Chiba University, Graduate School of global and transdisciplinary studies
Dr. Ayako Nagase took her Bachelor in Chiba University, Department of Horticulture, Japan. Msc in University of Reading, Department of Horticulture and Landscape, UK. PhD in University of Sheffield, Department of Landscape, UK. Her research interest is urban greening and how plants can contribute to improve the quality of life in urban environment. The aim of research is to apply ecological ideas into landscape for sustainable, efficient and aesthetic development. Her background in horticulture, landscape, engineering and urban life science helps to have a wide perspective.
Nataša Tiška Vrsalović
Ehsan Noroozinejad
Senior Researcher and Global Challenge Lead, Western Sydney University, Australia
Dr Ehsan Noroozinejad is an internationally recognised expert in sustainable, resilient and smart infrastructure, with extensive leadership across Australia, Canada, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. He is a Senior Researcher at WSU’s Urban Transformations Research Centre, Research Director of Net Zero Cities Australia, and Board Member of Biophilic Cities Australia. His portfolio spans net-zero construction, climate-resilient infrastructure, modern methods of construction, digital twins, AI-enabled built environments and sustainable housing policy. With more than 200 peer-reviewed publications, major international collaborations, editorial leadership and policy engagement, he brings a strong global perspective to infrastructure innovation and sustainability.
Nominate your Green Neighbourhood project
Initiatives focused on integrating greenery into urban environments with comprehensive environmental and social benefits.