Ryan Turner is a PhD student in Geospatial Science at RMIT University and a Research Assistant at the Centre for Urban Research (CUR) at RMIT University who develops digital interactive tools using various remote sensing and geospatial technologies.

Ryan's PhD research focuses on the development of a Global Urban Heat Vulnerability Index (GUHVI) which applies geospatial theory to unveil inequities in heat vulnerability at a global scale. This research addresses the ever increasing presence of heat on human populations by developing a framework to align and coordinate efforts to effectively respond to heat and reduce inequities for more equitable cities worldwide.

At CUR, he is currently developing an online interactive tool that combines agent-based modelling outputs with cycling infrastructure scenarios to quantify active travel investment in partnership with the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning and the City of Greater Bendigo. Also at CUR, Ryan has been involved in developing spatial indicators of large public green space and urban heat vulnerability for the Global Observatory of Healthy and Sustainable Cities. His research outputs involved international author teams to deliver well-designed and accessible outcomes at both the local and global scale.