Matthew French

Adjunct Associate Professor Matthew French

Adjunct Associate Professor Matthew French

Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Architecture
Senior Director, Research Missions and Global Impact, DVC Research and Enterprise

Associate Professor Matthew French is a development practitioner, urban strategist, and senior executive at Monash University. His research focuses on sustainable housing, slum upgrading, climate resilience, and the human rights dimensions of urban transformations. Matthew leads interdisciplinary, impact-driven research that integrates community engagement and works closely with governments, NGOs, and multilateral agencies to co-design solutions for global urban challenges.

Matthew has a proven track record of leading large-scale, complex programs, including the Revitalising Informal Settlements and their Environments (RISE) initiative, which spans six countries and addresses climate-resilient water and sanitation infrastructure. He has also led landmark research initiatives like the inaugural State of Afghan Cities (2015) and the Atlas of Afghan City Regions (2016), which provided critical insights into urbanisation and housing challenges in Afghanistan. His global impact extends through his involvement in the development of UN urban policy guides and frameworks that have shaped national and global policies and investments for sustainable cities.

At Monash, Matthew leads the university’s overall mission-oriented research strategy, focusing on tackling pressing global issues such as climate change, inequality, and sustainable development. He has driven key initiatives including Monash’s leadership at UNFCCC Climate Change COPs, the establishment of a framework for university-led mission-oriented research, and the creation of new funding pathways for impact-oriented science. He has also been instrumental in deepening Monash’s global partnerships and expanding its research capacity to address SDG-aligned challenges across the Indo-Pacific.

Before joining Monash, Matthew spent a decade with the United Nations, where he designed and managed large-scale development and research programs across Africa and the Middle East. He has extensive experience in managing teams, influencing policy, and delivering results in highly complex, politically sensitive environments.

Matthew is committed to mentoring the next generation of leaders and fostering an inclusive professional environment. Over the past five years, he has co-supervised three PhD students to completion. He actively advocates for gender equality, diversity, and equity, promoting inclusive leadership and ensuring diverse voices are represented in leadership and decision-making. 

Matthew also contributes to governance and strategic leadership in the research and international development sectors. He serves as Chair and Non-Executive Director of the Research for Development Impact (RDI) Network, guiding the organisation’s strategic direction and growth. He also chairs the International Development Advisory Board of the RISE program, providing oversight to global water, sanitation, and resilience initiatives.

Matthew's academic publications can be viewed on this googlescholar link.

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Transforming Cities Hub

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Revitalising Informal Settlements and their Environments (RISE)

Improving sanitation, mitigating flooding, and improving dwelling and open space provision for informal settlements.
Transforming Cities Hub