Eugenia Obeng-Akrofi
University of York
PhD Student and Graduate Teaching Assistant
Personal webpage
Tell us a little bit about you
As a Black woman in STEM/energy studies, I am passionate about widening access and inclusion in energy innovation ecosystems and amplifying underrepresented voices in technology governance. My interests include knowledge exchange, translating research into practice, and building collaborative partnerships to accelerate equitable, impactful climate solutions.
What is your area of research and what project(s) are you working on now?
I am currently undertaking a PhD research project at the University of York examining the political economy of energy transitions, with a particular focus on the role of fusion energy in climate change mitigation. My work explores governance, policy, power dynamics, and international cooperation challenges associated with deploying fusion technologies at scale, alongside their societal benefits and potential risks.
Alongside my doctoral research, I contribute to regional climate policy initiatives through the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission, and the York Climate Commission.
What do you think are the challenges for equity/equality, diversity and inclusion in the energy research community in reaching netzero targets by 2050?
From my experience working in climate policy and community-facing roles, I have seen how personal stories and lived realities can be powerful tools for advocacy and inclusion. However, these perspectives are frequently underrepresented in the energy research community.
What should a supportive, inclusive energy research community look like?
A supportive and inclusive energy research community should be one where diverse expertise, lived experience, and personal perspectives are genuinely valued alongside technical excellence.
What advice would you give to a young person considering a career in Energy Research?
My advice would be to stay curious, open, and confident in your perspective. Energy research is not just about science and engineering, it also needs people interested in policy, society, communication, law, and justice. Whatever your background, there is a place for you in shaping the energy transition.
Fun question: If you had a magic wand, what is one thing you would change right now?
If I had a magic wand, I would make sustainability a compulsory subject in every school curriculum right up there with Maths and English. These wouldn’t be dry classes filled with doom and dates, but they would be practical, creative, and relevant !
Nuclear Energy
Energy Transition
Energy Policy