Research

Thomas Budde Christensen is a Professor at Roskilde University whose research centers on impact-driven approaches to circular economy and sustainable production and consumption. His work addresses waste minimization, reuse, recycling, and innovative exploitation of resources, energy, and waste streams. Thomas develops and applies theories and methods for circular economy and circular cities, exploring how systemic change can be accelerated through green public procurement, new business models, and governance strategies. He has experience from +25 research projects on plastic reduction in hospitals, resource efficiency in urban systems, and the integration of circular principles into public and private sectors. His research combines interdisciplinary perspectives to create actionable solutions that support sustainability transitions and reduce environmental footprints, bridging academic insights with real-world implementation.

Curriculum

Positions at Roskilde University:

• 2025: Professor
• 2011-2024: Associate Professor
• 2009-2010: Assistant Professor
• 2007-2009: Postdoc. 
• 2004-2007: PhD student
• 2004: Research assistant

External positions

• Board member of European Roundtable on Sustainable Consumption and Production - ERSCP (https://erscp.eu/)
• Member of the green think tank CONCITO (https://concito.dk/en)
• Member of CERC Nordic - Circular Economy Research Collective https://www.cerc-nordics.com
• Member of Roskilde Climate Council

Internal functions

• 2024-: Head of Section for Sustainability, Cities and Planning
• 2017-2022: Head of Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Education in Circular Economy & Sustainability (CIRCLES)
• 2011-2024: Head of research group TRANSITIONS - Sustainability Transitions and Environmental Planning
• 2016-18: Vice Chair of department board at Department for People and Technology

Education

• 2007: PhD in environmental planning, Roskilde University
• 2003: MSc (Technological and Socio-economic Planning), Roskilde University

Teaching

I have teaching experience from various courses on renewable energy, cleaner production, globalisation, innovation, clusters and value chains. I have supervised project groups on renewable energy, transport policy, strategic environmental impact assessment, cleaner production, industrial symbiosis, sustainable biofuels and environmental innovation in industries such as plastic, electronics and automotive.