2019 marks 10 years since Durham Energy Institute was created. A lot of research, activity, outreach and collaboration has been achieved in that time. We are celebrating these successes through a new series of podcasts, DEI Perspectives articles and a special issue of our Magazine (see below).
The Institute was born out of the realisation that energy challenges cross conventional discipline boundaries and that new ways of thinking about and conducting energy research were required.
By unlocking research synergies between different disciplines and sectors, and applying new perspectives to existing and emerging energy challenges, DEI has been able to produce major breakthroughs in our understanding of how to meet the energy demands of the future.
A key focus of DEI activities over the past 10 years has been to connect energy research across disciplines within the university and the wider energy sector. It was one of the first energy centres to focus on building true multidisciplinary research – not just between Engineers and Economists but also with Anthropologists, Geographers, Physicists, Chemists, Biologists, Philosophers, Law researchers etc.
The Institute also has a strong emphasis on developing collaborative research through partnerships with industry, policy and community organisations ensuring our research is relevant, effective and achieves maximum impact.
DEI has had a leading role in defining a new agenda for social science research in energy systems by developing the concept of socio-technical systems analysis and applying whole-systems approaches to energy.
Our projects are introducing new methodologies capable of ensuring that solutions are more readily adopted, have fewer unintended consequences and are based on a strong understanding of people’s needs and behaviours.
You can find out more about our research at www.durham.ac.uk/dei/research/, by reading our Highlights Magazine or DEI Perspectives, or by listening to our Podcasts:
DEI 10th Anniversary Highlights Magazine
A lot of research, activity, outreach and collaboration has been achieved by DEI in the past 10 years.
This special issue looks at the highlights and achievements of DEI including examples of how DEI has:
• built truly interdisciplinary energy research;
• developed a socio-technical approach to energy;
• helped shape energy policy;
• delivered Innovative Training and public outreach;
• fostered World-class International Research; and
• The partnerships and people who have enabled this to happen
Read the highlights report now!
DEI Perspectives
To mark the 10th Anniversary DEI has started a new ‘DEI Perspectives’ series with short articles presenting perspectives on new and emerging energy issues from our energy researchers at Durham University and our associates in academia, industry and policy sectors.
The Future of UK Energy with views from Alan Whitehead MP (Labour), Alan Brown MP (SNP), The Rt Hon Sir Edward Davey MP (LibDem), Ian Liddell-Grainger MP, (Conservative) and Prof Jon Gluyas (DEI).
Exploring links between Waste, Energy and Soil by Dr Lynsay Blake, Professor Karen Johnson and Dr Neil Gray.
Thin-film solar cells: a quiet technological revolution
by Dr Budhika Mendis, Department of Physics, Durham University
DEI Podcasts
As part of the celebrations Durham Energy Institute is also recording ten podcast interviews with leading energy researchers.
No. 1 "The importance of Interdisciplinary Education, Europe and Solar Cells": Dr Britta Turner interviews Dr Douglas Halliday
No. 2 "The transition from Engineer to Anthropology and why people matter": Dr Charlotte Adams interviews Professor Simone Abram
No. 3 "Oil, Gas and Geothermal and the emergence of the DEI": Professor Simon Hogg interviews Professor Jon Gluyas
Get in contact
If you are interested in exploring collaborative opportunities with Durham Energy Institute please do get in contact.
We have a wide a range of energy research expertise covering the social and technical aspects of energy, as well as a large cohort of high calibre students who are keen to undertake projects in collaboration with industry, policy and community groups.
Email evelyn.tehrani@durham.ac.uk
Website www.durham.ac.uk/dei/
Twitter @DEI_Durham
Facebook @DurhamEnergyInstitute
LinkedIn DEI Group www.linkedin.com/groups/4992133/