EUA co-organises the first energy and environment clustering event on 23-24 September 2019 at Durham University

The first “Energy & Environment Clustering Event”, hosted by Durham Energy Institute at Durham University and facilitated by the EUA Energy & Environment Platform, will focus on the need for new skills and knowledge for the energy and climate transition. It will also highlight the crucial mindset change needed to increase efficiency in the use of raw materials and reduce harmful emissions. The concept of the circular economy and the important role of consumers will be addressed. 

In recent months, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has strongly evidenced a global climate emergency and a need for a strengthened global response (special report, October 2018). More recently, the 24th United Nations climate change conference (COP24) focused on the implementation of the Paris Agreement (2016) and on advancing the Talanoa dialogue, initiated by the Fijian presidency of COP23 in 2017. Negotiated pledges from countries are unlikely to restrain global warming to 1.5 °C, which will be disastrous for the planet.

The university sector has a wealth of expertise on this topic. It is providing evidence that climate change is happening and developing innovation needed to address it. Universities are also skilling-up the next generation of scientists, engineers, social scientists and informed consumers and citizens. Universities and policy makers must engage in greater dialogue and understanding so that decisions are informed by current knowledge and understanding.

At the European level, the introduction of mission-oriented research and innovation in Horizon Europe seeks increased societal benefits of science and innovation, and to include stakeholder groups in the process. Themes discussed for missions notably include the fields of climate change and societal transformation; and carbon neutrality and smart cities. Based on the themes of circular economy and the role of consumers, the event will therefore support the EUA Energy & Environment Platform’s work in providing inputs into the design and operation of R&I missions, and support universities to take part in them.

Registration is free of charge.

For more information, please contact [email protected]

The event is organised back-to-back with the DEI Annual Research Symposium:

Durham Energy Institute Annual Research Symposium - 10 Year Anniversary -
Where Energy Meets People
25 September 2019

Durham Energy Institute’s headline remit throughout the ten years since its foundation has been ‘science and society’.
DEI promotes world-leading science, social science, humanities and engineering, and has now grown into an internationally leading institution, recognised for its ability to apply new methods and perspectives to existing and emerging energy challenges. By unlocking research synergies between different disciplines and sectors, DEI aims to produce major breakthroughs in our understanding of how to best meet the energy demands of the future.
The symposium will include a Keynote speech from Brent Cheshire, former Country Chairman of Ørsted, a panel discussion on ‘Energy Matters & Energy Concerns’, a showcase of DEI research, breakout workshops and a three-minute thesis competition.
This free symposium is open to academics, industry specialists, policy makers, energy planners, funders and energy professionals as well as community groups, students and the general public. Come along to take part in the discussion and inform the debate.
Please register here.

About Durham

Durham is a quintessential old English university city, where the famous Castle and Cathedral - together designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site - dominate the skyline. They stand alongside each other on a prominent hill top site and encircled by the wooded slopes of the meandering River Wear. Durham Cathedral, built in 1023 to house the Shrine of St Cuthbert, is renowned for its magnificent Romanesque architecture, and is now home to the world-class Open Treasure exhibition.
The Norman Castle overlooks the medieval City of Durham with its fascinating winding cobbled streets and nearby is the Palace Green Library, which holds Durham University’s special collection, displaying treasures spanning millennia and the globe.

For peace and tranquillity escape to Durham University Botanic Gardens, the beautiful River Wear riverbanks or the stunning gardens of Crook Hall, a medieval manor house built in 1217 and one of the oldest inhabited houses in the city. The surrounding area boasts some wonderful attractions for visitors. Within easy reach of the city are Beamish Museum, a living, working museum, show-casing the history of North East England, and beautiful walking routes in the Durham Dales.

This communication was first published 14 August 2019 by the European University Association.