PLURALIZE is funded by the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council and investigates the socio-environmental impacts of urban investment projects worldwide, with a focus on just transitions. Zhengli already based at the Urban Institute, is also working with Professor Jonathan Silver on the ERC-funded GlobalCORRIDOR project. She brings extensive expertise in African cities and Chinese foreign investment, with a PhD in architecture focused on informal settlements in Kenya.

In PLURALIZE, Zhengli will analyze urban investment projects to identify key players, construct socio-environmental investment profiles, and assess their implications for equitable urban development. Her expertise is a valuable addition to the Urban Institute鈥檚 efforts to understand and address global urban challenges.