Pathways to a Zero Carbon Oxfordshire project wins research Impact Award
The School of Geography and the Environment (SoGE), Oxford, held the inaugural Engagement and Impact Award Ceremony on 30th June 2022 in the new East Wing of the Dyson Perrins Building. Head of School, Professor Gillian Rose announced the winners and highly commended entries in two categories: Main Award and Early Career Researcher.
The winner of the Main Award was a team led by Dr Sam Hampton from across ECI and TSU for Pathways to a Zero Carbon Oxfordshire. The aim of the research and engagement was to position Oxfordshire as a leading region for decarbonisation policy and action, and the county is now recognised as a centre of excellence in low carbon transitions, and has attracted significant investment including from Innovate UK. The review panel praised the long-term nature of the engagement, along with the diversity of impact channels, the strong relationships with stakeholders and the robust evidence from those stakeholders.
Sam said: “We are delighted to have received this impact award for our work on the Pathways to a Zero Carbon Oxfordshire project. It builds on nearly a decade of research engagement work between the School of Geography and Environment and various local stakeholders, including all local authorities in Oxfordshire, as well as OxLEP and the Low Carbon Hub.
The ECI’s report on Oxfordshire’s Low Carbon Economy in 2014 showcased the strength of the sustainable economy, helping to attract investment and establish Oxfordshire as a leader on low carbon innovation. The ‘Pathways’ report built on this by demonstrating strong progress in recent years, but also highlighting the social and technological transformations that will be needed to achieve net zero by 2050. Oxfordshire’s LCE continuess to work with local authorities to help inform and guide climate policy, as Oxfordshire seeks to consolidate its leadership on climate action.