Anglia Ruskin University

Energy SHINES

There is a persistent under-representation of women in energy research. Evidence used to inform energy transitions is almost entirely drawn from male-dominated technical disciplines, excluding insights from the energy-related social sciences and humanities disciplines (energy-SSH). Energy SHINES (Energy Social sciences and Humanities Insights for Non-Energy Sectors) is an innovative interdisciplinary collaboration led by ARU’s Global Sustainability Institute which aims to address this and bring new voices to bear on the real-world energy challenges faced by organisations as they transition to net zero.

Working with five external organisations – the UK government, National Health Service, Yorkshire Water, Cambridgeshire County Council, and the Royal Institute of British Architects – Energy SHINES prioritises women doctoral and early career energy-SSH researchers. It brought together 30 women researchers to brainstorm with the partner organisations, who then hosted six internships which enabled the researchers to provide further insights from energy-SSH disciplines and make valuable challenge-specific recommendations.  

What the Judges Thought

Whilst the focus on gender is welcome there are still some questions as to the breadth and reach of this project and to what extent the project is tackling intersectionality in terms of interconnected nature of socio-economic categories such as race disability, disadvantage etc., and how they overlap and intersect to create unique experiences of discrimination and privilege of and was representative of diverse voices. 

What it Means to Win

“Promoting the excellent work of our female researchers aligns with a key Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) research theme of equality and inclusion, and helps us make a positive difference to society. The collaborations being formed by this project will provide opportunities for female researchers in industries where they are traditionally underrepresented.”

Professor Roderick Watkins, Vice Chancellor 

Top 3 Learnings

1. Social Science & Humanities (SSH) research has a role to play in the energy landscape – but first there’s a need to reframe the questions being asked!
2. In a male dominated field, creating opportunities for women researchers to share their insights is really important.
3. Early career researchers can successfully enhance their careers while contributing to solving real problems within business and government organisations.