The research on urban governance, law and land takes a political economy view of urban and metropolitan governance, decentralisation, law and urban institutions, and land and environmental governance.

The research focuses on urban and metropolitan governance, and decentralisation, urban institutions and stakeholders, as well as the political economy of urban land and planning, including planning and governance of mega-infrastructure projects, such as industrial corridors. It looks at land acquisition, rehabilitation, resettlement, and land records modernisation. It also focuses on environmental governance and urban resource flows.

The research has contributed to national knowledge production, national and state policy reform, and programme design. It has also shaped courses and teaching practices.