A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At
Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.
Utrecht University's
Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth: from the Earth's core to its surface, including man's spatial and material utilisation of the Earth - always with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff, the Faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty of Geosciences is organised in four Departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development. Sustainability is one of the four strategic themes of research and education at Utrecht University and the Faculty of Geosciences.
The Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development investigates and develops processes and opportunities for innovative change towards sustainability. The concept of sustainable development refers to a development of society that is balanced between the needs of economic development, environmental quality and social equity. The Assistant Professor position fits best within the Pathways to Sustainability strategic theme, in particular the focus area “Energy in Transition”. The ever-growing energy and resource demands of society puts enormous pressure on our natural resources, renewable and non-renewable. Society faces a challenge to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and to adapt to the impact of climate change. The use of fossil fuels is the main source of greenhouse gas emissions and still the main source of energy powering human society. Hence, the challenge to transform the energy system is central to the broader aspiration of sustainable development. Within the Copernicus Institute, the Energy & Resources (E&R) group of about 60 staff and researchers supports the transition to a sustainable energy and resource system. The E&R group has an established long-term high quality track record, and has grown to a large internationally oriented group over the past 25 years. It operates internationally in collaboration with many international leading groups and institutes. It has pioneered various areas, such as energy efficiency, sustainable bio-based production of energy and materials, future low-carbon power generation (including photovoltaics and carbon capture and storage), and energy system modelling.