ESA RN12 Environment and Society Summer School: “Research Horizons for Energy and Society” Social sciences’ role in energy research

As an activity of Research Network 12 “ Environment and Society” this summer school will offer conceptual training on how to develop energy research proposals that foreground or integrate SSH’s perspectives. Together with the participants we will discuss the potential of sociology and cognate social science disciplines to make energy research socially impactful, reflexive, and relevant to social needs.

The summer school aims at improving participants’ understanding of ideas of interdisciplinarity and trans-disciplinarity and of how to develop successful research proposals.

Participants will learn about sociological and wider social science work on interdisciplinarity, as well as ideas and challenges related to transdisciplinary research. Practice oriented exercises will help participants to transform their ideas into research designs. They will discuss in groups their own research ideas and how to make them applicable and relatable.

The summer school will be beneficial for all who want to collaborate within interdisciplinary teams, as well as for those who aim to popularize science or work with non-academic partners.

Themes

We welcome postgraduate students/PhD researchers who want to engage in discussion on:

• Inter- and trans-disciplinarity of projects;
• Effective communication of research ideas;
• Equity, fairness and impact of research projects;
• The potential contribution of sociology in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary projects.
• We will offer insights and support from experienced academics, peer feedback, and networking opportunities.