Dr. Valentina Costa, University of Genoa, Italy
Dr. Valentina Costa is a dedicated researcher and PhD candidate in Logistics and Transport at the University of Genoa, where she specializes in urban planning, sustainable mobility, and territorial accessibility. With a Master’s degree in Building Engineering-Architecture (cum laude), she has led and contributed to numerous EU- and regionally-funded projects, including GeTUP, GreenGo, Flexi, and SAVINGSCAPES, focusing on Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS), demand-responsive transport (DRT), and climate adaptation strategies. She collaborates with institutions like CIELI, AMT, and Liguria Ricerche, and actively engages in interdisciplinary workshops such as SoGlobe. Dr. Costa has authored over 30 scientific publications in reputed journals like Sustainability, TeMA, and Urbanistica Informazioni, and co-authored the book Progetti di mobilità per le aree interne. Fluent in English, she is a reviewer for major international conferences, including TIS Roma 2024 and ICCSA 2024. Her work significantly advances inclusive, resilient, and sustainable mobility planning across Italy and Europe.
Publication Profile
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Professional experiences
Dr. Valentina Costa is a distinguished researcher currently completing her PhD in Logistics and Transport at the Sea Centre, University of Genoa (2021–2024), under the Sea Sciences and Technologies PhD Program. Her doctoral research focuses on flexible transport services and improving accessibility in Italy’s inner areas, with an emphasis on promoting territorial cohesion and innovation in public transport systems. Her main research interests include urban planning and sustainable mobility, urban and territorial regeneration linked to accessibility challenges, community engagement in transport planning, and urban logistics. As of November 2024, she holds the position of Research Fellow at CIELI – the Italian Centre of Excellence on Logistics, Transport and Infrastructure – where she contributes to projects aimed at mapping and enhancing accessibility to transport infrastructures. Dr. Costa’s professional work is deeply aligned with forward-thinking approaches to inclusive, adaptive, and sustainable urban mobility across diverse European contexts.
Academic Background and Research Training
Dr. Valentina Costa is currently pursuing her PhD in Logistics and Transport at the University of Genoa (2021–2024), where her doctoral research focuses on “Flexible transport services and accessibility of inner areas in Italy,” emphasizing innovation in local public transport schemes to promote territorial cohesion. Her interdisciplinary academic journey reflects a strong integration of engineering and urban planning. She holds a Master’s degree (LM4) in Building Engineering-Architecture from the University of Genoa (2017–2019), which she completed with the highest honors, earning a score of 110/110 cum Laude. Her master’s thesis, titled “CFD approach to the study of air conditioning in the Carlo Felice Theatre in Genoa,” demonstrated her advanced technical competence and interest in environmental comfort within complex architectural structures. This robust academic foundation underpins her current research in sustainable mobility, transport accessibility, and infrastructure innovation in both metropolitan and inner areas across Italy.
Research Focus
Dr. Valentina Costa’s research primarily focuses on sustainable urban mobility, with an emphasis on Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS), Demand-Responsive Transport (DRT), and inclusive transport planning. Her work explores the intersection of transport innovation, urban regeneration, and social inclusion, particularly in underserved or inner areas. She investigates how digital tools and user-centered mobility strategies can transform commuting behaviors, promote accessibility, and reduce urban inequalities. Dr. Costa’s studies contribute to understanding the role of community-centered energy planning, active mobility, and multimodal integration in creating more resilient and inclusive urban environments. Her research also addresses environmental and planning dimensions through interdisciplinary approaches combining civil engineering, logistics, urban design, and policy innovation. With publications in high-impact journals and collaborations across Europe, her work supports smart city transitions, climate adaptation, and equitable mobility policies, making significant contributions to both academic research and applied urban planning practices.
Publication Top Notes
📘 Assessing the feasibility of MaaS: A contribution from three Italian case studies – 14 citations, 2022
🏙️ Metropolitan MaaS and DRT Schemes: Inclusive and Resilient Urban Environment – 10 citations, 2022
💡 Non-Energy Impact in Energy Efficiency: RenOnBill Project – 5 citations, 2022
🚶♀️ User-Centred Mobility Management and Social Inclusion – 4 citations, 2024
📲 Digital App Acceptance & Sustainable Mobility Behaviours – 3 citations, 2025
🌍 Community-Centred Energy Planning – 2 citations, 2024
🌿 Environmental Movements in Genoa and Girona – 2 citations, 2023
🚈 Mobilità: Metropolitana Leggera di Brescia – 2 citations, 2023
🚐 Ligurian Internal Areas & Demand Responsive Transport – 2 citations, 2023
🏫 Piano Spostamento Casa Università & Urban Mobility – 1 citation, 2024
🚗 Smart City Tools & Car Access Limitations in Genoa – 1 citation, 2023
🌱 Green Infrastructure & Sopraelevata di Genova – 1 citation, 2023
🏗️ Sustainable Infrastructures System for Genoa – 1 citation, 2023