Konstantinos Chalvatzis (he/him)
University of Exeter
APVC Business Engagement and Innovation
Tell us a little bit about you
I have a background in mechanical and energy engineering but I have always been curious about sustainability questions. Following that, I have moved to the UK to read for a PhD in Environmental Sciences focused on regulatory and organisational questions on energy security and climate change. Looking for an application domain I have continued with a business school career.
What is your area of research and what project(s) are you working on now?
My current role as APVC is focused on the business engagement of the very diverse faculty of Environment, Science and Economy of the University of Exeter. There's a lot to look at as we have an enormous list of partners with whom we deliver research projects, run professional education activities, provide advise and expertise etc.
In my own research, I'm working on understanding better organisational priorities in sustainability management particularly in the utilities sector.
What do you think are the challenges for equity/equality, diversity and inclusion in the energy research community in reaching netzero targets by 2050?
Energy research can benefit from hearing from a wide pool of researchers. There are generic research career challenges faced across the academic sector where research careers are often not seen as adequately secure, rewarding and transferrable.
What should a supportive, inclusive energy research community look like?
The main challenge is in about making sure that the benefits of net zero are felt equitably across communities. Net zero brings about significant changes and with that the risk of societal divides in winners and losers.
What advice would you give to a young person considering a career in Energy Research?
Energy research is exciting and fun so by all means seek out opportunities and develop the skills necessary. At the same time do not close the door to industry opportunities as a lot of incredibly useful research takes place outside academia.
Fun question: If you had a magic wand, what is one thing you would change right now?
A magic wand might be our only way out of politicising sustainability. So, that!
Energy Resources
Energy Transition
Clean Energy
Energy Policy
Energy Economics
Energy Markets/ Organisations
EDI Issues in Energy/ STEM
Social Studies of Energy/ Climate Change