Martin Müller is a professor of human geography in the Department of Geography and Sustainability at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland. He is an urban and political geographer analyzing how cities seek to become not just rich but also sexy. For this, he examines large urban spectacles, such as the Olympic Games and the Football World Cup, and cultural flagship buildings, such as new museums and concert halls. He is particularly interested in the economic, ecological and social (un)sustainability of mega-events. 

With his team, he has established the world’s largest database on the size, narratives and outcomes of mega-events since 1960, which is open for use and collaboration. His most influential publications include ‘An evaluation of the sustainability of the Olympic Games’ (Nature Sustainability) and ‘Peak event’ (Tourism Management). His work has been cited in the The Economist, New York Times, BBC, Financial Times, Bloomberg, Der Spiegel, Süddeutsche Zeitung, NZZ and other international news media.