Welcome

The Sustainable Smart Cities Research Center (SSCRC) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham is an enabling platform for interdisciplinary collaboration to understand and transform the impact of urbanization at the scientific, economic, and human levels.

Researchers estimate that by year 2050, 90% of Americans will live in cities, which collectively consume three-fourths of the world’s energy. The future of Birmingham and communities worldwide demands the sustainability of environmental, social, and economic urban resources. UAB’s contribution to sustainability derives from the university’s unique capabilities to generate new knowledge and cutting-edge science.

Through the SSCRC, UAB acts as an engine of innovation that can transform the community by developing smart technologies and information systems, better transportation models, green construction, renewable energy, and sustainable environment, which results in increased economic development, healthier workforce, and better quality of life for all. Such innovation-based growth will lead to societal transformation, and UAB is proud to be at the forefront of this process, leading the way to the future.

The collaboration agreement between UAB and the City of Birmingham signed in February 2013 marked the beginning of this process. It is an example of innovative entrepreneurship in which the city becomes a living lab, a test bed for using research to benefit the community.

The academic affiliation between UAB SSCRC and Staffordshire University in the United Kingdom is opening new research and training collaboration opportunities with other parts of the world, extending UAB’s global reach, strengthening its academic programs, and benefitting our entire community.

The collaborative work we have begun identifies critical areas of research, training, and community engagement that are needed to make the urbanization process more organized, sustainable, and smart.

If you want to contribute to the work of the UAB Sustainable Smart Cities Research Center, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Rouzbeh R. Nazari, Ph.D.
Director, Sustainable Smart Cities Research Center