Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
John E. Fernández has been on the faculty of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology since 1999. He is a full Professor and Director of the Building Technology Program in the Department of Architecture and is Director of the Urban Metabolism Group, a highly multidisciplinary research group focused on the resource intensity of cities and design and technology pathways for future urbanization. He is also co-Director of the International Design Center at MIT, a large internationally funded center for design studies across engineering and architecture. Professor Fernandez is also an author of two books, numerous articles in scientific and design journals including Science, the Journal of Industrial Ecology, Building and Environment, Energy Policy and others, author of nine book chapters and a frequently invited speaker and chair at conferences and symposia worldwide.
In an era marked by deepening geopolitical divisions, shifting global alliances, and rising social, economic, and environmental challenges, the question of what leadership should look like has never been more important. This presentation is part of the Albright Institute programming for this year centered on the theme, “Leadership in a Fragmented World,” examining how leadership rooted in empathy, evidence, and action can help us solve our pressing global challenges.
John E. Fernández has been on the faculty of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology since 1999. He is a full Professor and Director of the Building Technology Program in the Department of Architecture and is Director of the Urban Metabolism Group, a highly multidisciplinary research group focused on the resource intensity of cities and design and technology pathways for future urbanization. He is also co-Director of the International Design Center at MIT, a large internationally funded center for design studies across engineering and architecture. Professor Fernandez is also an author of two books, numerous articles in scientific and design journals including Science, the Journal of Industrial Ecology, Building and Environment, Energy Policy and others, author of nine book chapters and a frequently invited speaker and chair at conferences and symposia worldwide.
In an era marked by deepening geopolitical divisions, shifting global alliances, and rising social, economic, and environmental challenges, the question of what leadership should look like has never been more important. This presentation is part of the Albright Institute programming for this year centered on the theme, “Leadership in a Fragmented World,” examining how leadership rooted in empathy, evidence, and action can help us solve our pressing global challenges.
