History of Carlos Moreno (urbanist) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 21, 2025

Carlos Moreno is a Franco-Colombian scientist, professor at IAE - Paris 1 Sorbonne University, and co-founder of the ETI Chair. His research focuses on smart and sustainable cities. Moreno is best known for his contributions to the "15-Minute City" concept, which aims to create urban environments where residents can access essential services and amenities within a short walk or bike ride from their homes.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

April 16, 1959: Carlos Moreno Born

On April 16, 1959, Carlos Moreno, the Franco-Colombian researcher, scientist, and professor known for his work on smart and sustainable cities and the 15-Minute City concept, was born.

1959: Birth in Tunja, Colombia

In 1959, Carlos Moreno was born in Tunja, Boyacá, Colombia, to rural farmers.

1975: Joined M-19 Movement

In 1975, while a student in Colombia, Carlos Moreno joined the left-wing M-19 movement.

1979: Fled to France and granted political refugee status

In 1979, at the age of 20, Carlos Moreno fled to France and was granted political refugee status after the Colombian military battled M-19.

1982: Began career at Université de Paris Sud

In 1982, Carlos Moreno began his career as a teacher-researcher at the Université de Paris Sud, focusing on computer and robotics laboratory work.

1983: Graduated from Paris-Sud University

In 1983, Carlos Moreno graduated from Paris-Sud University after studying in Paris.

1990: Joined Université d’Evry

In 1990, Carlos Moreno joined the Université d’Evry and later obtained the Habilitation à Directeur de Recherches (HDR) in mathematics and computer science, specializing in robotics.

1998: Established Sinovia at LaMI

In 1998, Carlos Moreno established Sinovia at the Laboratoire des Méthodes Informatiques (LaMI), receiving initial funding from the French government fund, ANVAR.

2000: Designed Self-Adaptive Furnace Control

In 2000, Carlos Moreno designed a self-adaptive furnace control for firing aircraft parts made of composite materials.

2001: Developed Urban Resource-Sharing Platforms

In 2001, Carlos Moreno developed multi-technical and multi-service urban resource-sharing platforms, leading to the creation of "Open Components". He also designed control systems for nuclear reactors.

2003: Involved in creating robotics for genetic analysis

In 2003, Carlos Moreno collaborated with the bioinformatics laboratory of Evry and Génopole to create robotics for genetic analysis.

2006: Involved in the establishment of the Carnot Institutes

In 2006, Carlos Moreno was involved in the establishment of the Carnot Institutes.

2010: Advised GDF SUEZ on "City of the Future" program

From 2010, Carlos Moreno advised GDF SUEZ Vice-President Guy Lacroix on the "City of the Future" program.

2010: Joined Strategic Orientation Advisory Committee

In 2010, Carlos Moreno joined the Strategic Orientation Advisory Committee of the French government program, Investissements d’Avenir. He also researched cities as complex systems.

2010: Awarded Chevalier of the Legion of Honor

In 2010, Carlos Moreno was awarded the Chevalier of the Legion of Honor by the French Republic, recognizing his work and contributions.

2015: Coined the term 15-Minute City

In 2015, Carlos Moreno coined the term 15-Minute City "Ville du quart d’heure" at the Paris United Nations Climate Change (COP21) Conference. Moreno became a scientific advisor to Paris's Mayor, Anne Hidalgo.

2015: Concluded Advising GDF SUEZ on "City of the Future" program

In 2015, Carlos Moreno concluded his advising role to GDF SUEZ Vice-President Guy Lacroix on the "City of the Future" program.

2017: Joined Paris Business School of Management

In 2017, Carlos Moreno joined the Paris Business School of Management at the Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne. He co-founded the Chair "Entrepreneurship Territory Innovation" - ETI.