Matei Georgescu's research is focused on human-environment interactions. 

Specifically, his research aims to improve understanding and characterization of distinct phenomena related to urbanization-induced landscape change. He focuses on identifying hydro-climatic, air quality, energy, and health impacts resulting from large-scale urbanization, as well as potential adaptation and mitigation strategies. In addition, his work addresses environmental consequences (e.g., on climate and hydrology) of renewable energy expansion by integrating across physical, agricultural, and socioeconomic elements. The range of tools used to investigate these topics include climate models, remote sensing data and associated applications, and in situ weather/climate observations.

Georgescu joined NUS' Department of Geography in July 2026. Prior to that he was at Arizona State University (ASU; initially as Assistant Professor before promotion with tenure to Associate and Full Professor) in the School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning. Prior to ASU, Georgescu was a postdoctoral scholar in the Center on Food Security and the Environment (Department of Environmental Earth System Science) at Stanford University (2008-2010). 

Georgescu received his Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. from Rutgers University.