3 PhD positions on social tipping dynamics in sustainability transitions

Would you like to do research that helps accelerate the energy transition? We offer 3 fully funded 4-year PhD positions on the research team of the ERC project FAST: Fostering social tipping dynamics to accelerate sustainability transitions.

The FAST project aims to explain and model social tipping dynamics and interventions in energy transitions. Existing models that form the basis for energy transition scenarios typically do not include the positive feedbacks resulting from the interactions between civil society and energy transitions. Yet these interactions have been identified as important drivers and barriers of energy transitions and as crucial in triggering the social tipping dynamics that can accelerate the energy transition. Social tipping dynamics in energy transitions occur when a small change or intervention has a large effect on emission reductions.

As a PhD student, you will do empirical research into social tipping dynamics using discourse analysis and data analysis techniques, looking into solar, wind and nuclear energy in different countries. You will use this data to create simulation models of social tipping dynamics. The project combines quantitative and qualitative research approaches, and you will be part of a multidisciplinary team working on accelerating sustainability transitions. You will also participate in PhD training and project workshops and be part of a larger group of PhD students that work on similar topics (have a look at the NEON project and the TIS website for an impression).

The positions will be embedded in the TIS group (Technology, Innovation and Society) of the department of Industrial Engineering and Innovation Sciences and the Eindhoven Institute for Renewable Energy Systems (EIRES). The PhD students will be supervised by prof. Floor Alkemade. The TU/e mission is to educate students and advance knowledge in science and technology for the benefit of humanity. We are a young university at the center of one of the most powerful technology hubs in the world; Brainport Eindhoven. Inclusive transitions towards sustainability is a key research theme of our department.