Associate ProfessorShannon Sahlqvist

1. Understanding and promoting active, sustrainable travel
I investigate how infrastructure, urban design, and policy interventions shape walking, cycling, and public transport behaviours. Using natural experiment approaches, I evaluate the real-world effects of changes to city environments and transport systems, providing evidence to guide decision-makers on effective strategies to promote active travel and reduce reliance on private cars.

2. Evaluation of real-world interventions
I work in partnership with governments, not-for-profit organisations, and community groups to co-develop and evaluate complex interventions that promote physical activity. By combining rigorous evaluation methods with stakeholder engagement, I generate actionable evidence that helps organisations refine their programs and achieve measurable health, equity, and sustainability outcomes.

3. Physical activity, climate change, and extreme weather
More recently, I have focused on understanding how climate change and extreme weather events influence physical activity and identifying strategies to mitigate these impacts. This research aims to ensure communities can remain active despite environmental challenges, supporting health, resilience, and sustainable behaviours in the face of a changing climate.