Professor Vilas Nitivattananon is a senior academic and thought leader in urban sustainability and innovation at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), where he serves as a Professor in the Urban Innovation and Sustainability Program, within the Department of Development and Sustainability, School of Environment, Resources and Development. His work spans education, research, and policy engagement on sustainable urban systems.

He holds a Ph.D. in Engineering and Systems Management from the University of Pittsburgh, USA (1994); an M.Eng. in Water Resources from Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand (1991); an M.A. in Economics from Thammasat University, Thailand (1989); and a B.Eng. in Civil Engineering from Chulalongkorn University, Thailand (1985).

Prof. Vilas has been part of AIT’s faculty since 2004, progressing from Assistant Professor to full Professor. He previously served as Dean of the School of Environment, Resources and Development, Head of the Department of Development and Sustainability, and has coordinated multiple academic and professional programs in environmental and urban management. His earlier career includes roles in environmental consulting and systems engineering in Thailand and the United States.

Prof. Vilas’ work focuses on systems approaches to urban sustainability, including urban resilience, competitiveness, waste management and circular economy, climate change adaptation, strategic water and infrastructure development, and sustainability assessment. His research informs both academic discourse and practical solutions for resilient cities in Asia and beyond.