Mehdi Taheri is a postdoctoral research fellow at the Department of Architecture. His primary role is to lead and contribute to innovative research projects focused on advancing the decarbonisation of the building sector through policy reform. Key responsibilities include conducting research, publishing findings in reputable journals, and developing non-traditional research outputs to support research mobilisation and collaboration with industry partners, particularly the Global Buildings Performance Network (GBPN).

Mehdi holds a BSc in Architectural Engineering, an MSc in Architectural Studies, and a PhD in History and Theory of Art and Architecture. His PhD investigated and refined the concept of "Architectural Diplomacy," focusing on the interaction between architecture as material culture and diplomacy through an interdisciplinary approach that analyses the diplomatic agency of the processes, products, and culture of architecture. His research interests also straddle architectural history, heritage studies, and conceptual histories.