Dr Jan Rosenow, an award-winning international expert in energy and climate is returning to the Oxford University department where he completed his doctorate in Energy Policy 13 years ago.
Dr Rosenow has been appointed the new Energy Programme Lead at the Environmental Change Institute (ECI) at the University of Oxford and a Jackson Senior Research Fellow at Oriel College, Oxford.
A globally recognised thought leader in the energy transition, Rosenow brings a wealth of experience spanning policy, research, and advisory roles that have shaped clean energy strategies worldwide.
From an early age, Rosenow was committed to sustainability, founding an environmental group in his hometown at just eight years old. Since the beginning of his career in 2004, he has dedicated over two decades to advancing energy efficiency and the clean energy transition, working as a policy advisor, consultant, researcher, and volunteer. His most recent role has been as Vice President and European Programme Director at the Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP), where he has played a pivotal role in helping governments craft effective energy policies. He will remain a Senior Advisor to RAP going forward working on a collaboration between the ECI and RAP.
Dr Rosenow is returning to the School of Geography and the Environment, (SoGE) where the ECI is based, and also where he studied for a doctorate in Energy Policy. Sharing his expertise and passion has always been important to Dr Rosenow, he lectured and supervised students on the MSc in Nature, Society and Environmental Policy at SoGE.
Dr Rosenow will lead a team of 25 academics and doctorate students. His own personal interest in energy efficiency, electrification, renewable energy, policy and economics aligns well with the work of the ECI Energy team whose emphasis on energy demand-led transformation distinguishes the ECI in the energy research field.
The ECI Energy Programme takes a socio-technical perspective that integrates both human and material dimensions to understand the major drivers of change in the energy system: decarbonisation, decentralisation, democratisation, and digitalisation. We investigate energy use in homes, buildings, and transport, as well as in firms and industry.
Dr Rosenow said:
Leading the Energy Programme at the ECI is a huge privilege and I’m humbled to have been appointed to this role. The mission of the group I will be leading is very well-aligned with what has driven and continue to drive my work: Delivering rigorous research at the highest level with a view to inform policy making and accelerating the transition to a clean, efficient and fair energy system.
I bring a global whole energy systems perspective to the ECI having worked with policy makers, industry and civil society organisations around the world. I’m particularly excited about the prospect of creating a collaboration between the ECI and RAP to bridge energy research and policy implementation.”
Prof Michael Obersteiner, Director of the ECI, said:
We are delighted to welcome Dr Rosenow to the ECI. His appointment comes at a crucial time when societal interest in the energy sector is at an all-time high. Issues such as climate change, energy affordability, and security are at the forefront of global discussions. With his extensive background in shaping policy, he is well-positioned to drive efforts that promote sustainability, equitable access to clean energy, and resilience in the face of changing energy demands. His commitment to innovation and collaboration will support the development of cleaner, more efficient energy solutions that align with both environmental goals and societal needs.”
Dr Tina Fawcett is Acting Energy Programme Lead for the Energy programme, and Associate Professor at the ECI. She was recently appointed Convenor of the Oxford Energy Network which brings together energy researchers across the university and facilitates knowledge exchange with industry, policy makers and civil society. Dr Fawcett said:
I’m delighted that Jan is joining us to lead the ECI energy team. His work has always combined rigorous, original analysis with very significant impact on energy policy debates and decisions at national, European and global level. His abilities, skills and experience will strengthen the team hugely and we look forward to his leadership and to future collaborations with RAP.”
Beyond his professional achievements, Rosenow is an esteemed academic affiliated with leading institutions, including Cambridge, Sussex, and FU Berlin. His extensive contributions to energy research, including hundreds of peer-reviewed articles and policy reports, have significantly influenced discussions on sustainable energy worldwide. He has also served in expert advisory roles for both the UK Parliament and the European Parliament, including the UK House of Commons' Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy Committee, as well as prestigious organisations such as the World Economic Forum, the International Energy Agency, and the European Council for an Energy Efficient Economy.
Recognised for his impact, Rosenow has been named one of the top 100 players in the global climate space, a top 25 energy influencer, and one of LinkedIn’s Top Green Voices. His commitment to shaping the energy landscape has also earned him fellowships at the Royal Society of Arts and the Energy Institute.
A sought-after speaker, Rosenow has addressed high-profile events hosted by the United Nations, the European Parliament, the International Energy Agency, and the World Economic Forum. His expertise has also been featured in prominent media outlets, including The New York Times, Forbes, Time Magazine, WIRED, the BBC, and The Guardian.
As he steps into his new role as ECI’s Energy Programme leader next month, Rosenow’s vision and deep industry knowledge will be instrumental in driving forward ambitious energy strategies. His appointment signals an exciting new chapter in the pursuit of a more sustainable and efficient energy future.