Professor Eric Miller (CivE) was recently honoured with the inaugural University of British Columbia (UBC) Margolese National Design for Living Prize.

The award recognizes a Canadian who has made outstanding contributions to the development and improvement of living environments for Canadians of all economic classes.

Professor Miller has dedicated the past 30 years of his career to researching interactions between humans, urban land use, transportation and the environment, and to educating the next generation of responsible transportation engineers.

His work in the modelling of vehicle emissions, pollutant dispersion and their exposure to human populations has helped to develop a more comprehensive understanding of fundamental urban planning issues. What’s more, his Integrated Land Use, Transportation and Environment model (ILUTE), considered a world-leading contribution to the science of urban simulation, has influenced cities both internationally and in Canada.

“I have always been fascinated by how transportation helps to shape cities and thereby shapes our lives,” said Professor Miller. “I am, of course, absolutely thrilled to have received the Margolese Prize. In addition to the personal honour, I believe that it represents a recognition of the importance of ‘city engineering and science’ to the improvement of our urban design, decision-making and the quality of our lives.”

At U of T, Professor Miller served as the Director of Cities Centre, where researchers focus on crucial urban living environmental issues. Under his leadership, the Centre fostered partnerships between academics and government, involved the community, as well as invoked improved urban policies.

“Professor Eric Miller’s lifelong commitment to urban engineering issues is truly remarkable and influential to the field,” said Dean Cristina Amon. “On behalf of the Faculty, I would like to congratulate him on this richly-deserved honour.”