ProfJua Cilliers

Professor Jua Cilliers is Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Design and Society at University of Technology Sydney, and Professor of Urban Planning. She is also appointed as visiting Professor at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa in the department of DFC Town & Regional Planning. She previously served as the Head of the School of Built Environment at UTS and directed the UTS Green Infrastructure Lab. 

Jua is the President of the President of the Commonwealth Association of Planners, representing over 40,000 professional planners across 30 national planning organisations worldwide. She is professionally registered with both the South African Council for Planners and the Planning Institute of Australia. Her academic background includes a four-year professional planning degree, a Master’s in Urban Planning, a Master’s in Economics, and a Doctorate in Urban and Regional Planning. She has published 200+ academic papers and supervised 100+ undergraduate, 30+ Master-level, and 19 Doctoral students, as well as 4 Post-Doctoral follows.

Jua is also an alternate member to all Sydney District and Regional Planning Panels. She is a graduate of the Ethos Research Leadership Program, and the Collaborative Leadership Program which was hosted by the Department of NSW Premier and Cabinet and Western Sydney University. She is a former finalist of the prestigious National Science and Technology Awards in South Africa and the Woman in Science Awards, and winner of the South African National Teaching Excellence Award. She is also the recipient of the 2024 NAWIC NSW Executive Leadership Award. 

Jua leads public workshops, symposia, and industry training events focused on sustainable urban planning, green infrastructure, nature-based solutions, and community engagement. Her research and leadership have driven projects across Africa, Europe, and Australia. Through her work, she remains deeply committed to shaping sustainable, resilient cities, and empowering the next generation of urban leaders.