This is an interdisciplinary reading seminar that will explore a range of papers in energy systems and climate change research (with emphasis on quantative work, including data science and systems models). Through a critical and detailed reading of key papers published in the top journals in this scientific area, participants will learn about each step of the research process to achieve high impact in science and practice — including research design, data or model development and analysis, visualizing complex results, and writing for high-impact peer-reviewed journals. Students will have the opportunity to bring in related issues from their research and get extensive feedback.

The seminar will focus on interdisciplinary research for transforming energy systems to align with European net-zero or global climate change goals that involves many aspects, including innovation, investment, finance, markets, business strategies, economics, public policy, supply chains, geopolitics, trade and competitiveness. Addressing these complexities requires scholars to understand the systemic changes necessary to achieve meaningful emissions reductions and to communicate research findings with businesses, governments, and society.

llustrative topics within the scope of energy systems and climate change include: (see IPCC for an extended definition):

• Energy supply and transformation (e.g., electricity, renewables, fossil fuels, low-carbon fuels, grid infrastructures)
• Energy use (e.g., in transport, industry, buildings)
• Energy demand and emissions (e.g., energy efficiency, carbon capture and utilization, carbon removal)
• Technological change in energy systems (e.g., innovation, entrepreneurship, digitalization, manufacturing)

Students participating in this research seminar will develop an advanced understanding of:

• The interdisciplinary dimensions of energy systems and climate change research and analysis, and key emerging questions for scholars and practitioners

• A range of methodological approaches with foundations in systems models and data science that are used for energy systems and climate change analysis

• Critically engaging with academic material through reading, presenting, and discussing high-impact peer-reviewed publications

• Preparing visualization of data or complex modeling output for scientific publications that are also accessible to (and useful for) practitioners in business, government, and society

• Preparing research for high-impact journals in this area, by understanding expectations on scope, writing style, data and code availability, figures and visuals

• Giving and receiving concrete and constructive feedback

The participants will also advance their own research through a concrete output (e.g., writing an extended abstract, a new data or model visualization, a methods section draft, or an initial journal paper draft).

This is a discussion-based seminar where mutual feedback and attendance are expected. Attendance is mandatory in the first and last sessions.

Intermediate sessions will focus on individual consultations. Attendance at your scheduled consultation times is expected; remote participation may be arranged by prior agreement if needed.

This discussion-based course is structured around preparatory readings, joint seminars, instructor input, and discussions with an interdisciplinary group of scholar-participants.

Readings will be assigned from high-impact peer-reviewed journals and discussed collectively. Participants can also propose relevant papers. Each participant will (co)lead at least one paper discussion and read all other papers assigned in the course.

When leading a discussion, participants are expected to (a) provide a concise presentation summarizing the background, research design, data/methods, results, tables and figures, key takeaways, and implications for research and society; (b) critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of the paper; and (c) propose 2–3 discussion questions to stimulate seminar discussion.

External speakers or methodological experts may be invited to contribute to the discussion.

The readings and discussions will serve as a foundation for advancing students’ own research. Feedback will be provided on scope, writing, methods, analysis, and figures, as relevant.

The course language is English.

The following will be assessed:

• Team paper presentations that summarize, critique, and stimulate discussion on assigned papers (50%)
• Active participation in class and contributions to paper discussions led by other participants (20%)
• Individual assignment for advancing your research, relative to the research progress shared at the beginning of the course(30%)

Each participant is expected to both present a paper in the group and engage in individual consultations for their individual assignment.

A background (or strong interest) in interdisciplinary and data-intensive approaches (e.g., data science, systems models, integrated assessment models, network science, complex systems) is expected, regardless of discipline or department.

Ongoing work or active interest in energy and/or climate change topics is expected. Students from all disciplines, departments, and backgrounds are welcome. 

For students from other universities, consent from Prof. Surana is required. Please email kavita.surana@wu.ac.at.

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