One of the world’s leading academic publishers Taylor and Francis has appointed distinguished figure in the field of Built Environment disciplines, UKZN’s Professor Hangwelani Magidimisha-Chipungu, as an editor for Climate Interactions.
In her new role, Magidimisha-Chipungu will serve as an editor and board member for the Journal of Climate Interactions alongside esteemed colleagues Professor Michael Hardman and Professor Mia Samangooei of Salford University in the United Kingdom, Professor Claudia Carter of Birmingham City University in England, and Associate Professor Sonia Chao of the University of Miami in the United States. Each board member will oversee different sections of the journal, focusing on various dimensions.
The Journal of Climate Interactions is a scholarly open access, internationally peer-reviewed, and cross-disciplinary journal that aims to provide a platform for academics from diverse disciplines to collaborate and advance climate research. The journal comprises broad sections covering various aspects of how climate influences our world, with Magidimisha-Chipungu taking charge of the Climate Impacts section.
In her capacity as the editor of the Climate Impacts section, she is particularly interested in receiving papers that explore strategies for mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events on vulnerable communities. Moreover, the section welcomes case studies that demonstrate successful adaptation measures implemented to address climate change impacts in different regions around the world. The journal is currently open to receive papers and those interested can use this link.
Magidimisha-Chipungu’s exceptional achievements and ground-breaking contributions to the field have paved the way for aspiring planners and researchers. In a series of firsts, she has propelled herself to the top of her field and made history as the first Black woman in South Africa to obtain full professorship in Town and Regional Planning, trumping her previous status as the first Black woman in South Africa to hold a PhD in Town and Regional Planning from UKZN.
An inspiration to countless aspiring planners and researchers and with an academic journey marked by significant achievements, including a host of peer-reviewed publications, such as the recent publication of People Living with Disabilities in South African Cities: A Built Environment Perspective on Inclusion and Accessibility.
Magidimisha-Chipungu’s research excellence includes milestones of becoming the youngest South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) Chair for Inclusive cities, National Planning Commissioner; a member of the International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP) Scientific Committee; Alternate Chair for the South African Council for Planners; a committee member of the KZN Planning Tribunal, and member of the eThekwini Planning Commission.
