Translating Energy System Decarbonization Research to External Audiences
Event Summary
This workshop, generously supported by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, is part of a national series focused on advancing energy-related research. The Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the University of Pennsylvania is honored to host this event for Philadelphia and the broader community, with a dedicated focus on techniques to effectively translate and disseminate energy system decarbonization research to various external audiences, including policymakers, industry representatives, media, and the public.
Please note this event is invitation-only. If you received an invitation, please register here to reserve your spot. If you have any questions, please reach out to Bill Cohen (cohenw@upenn.edu).
Agenda
9:30 – 10:00 AM | Registration and Morning Coffee
10:00 – 10:10 AM | Welcome and Opening Remarks
10:10 – 11:10 AM | Panel 1: Best Practices for Research Dissemination
Presentations by academics with expertise in effectively communicating research to non-academic audiences (e.g., policymakers, media, general public). Moderated Q&A session following the presentations.
Cutler Cleveland
Professor and Associate Director, Institute for Global SustainabilityCutler J. Cleveland is an associate director with the Institute for Global Sustainability and a professor in the Department of Earth and Environment at Boston University.
Thabo Lenneiye
Managing Director, Goldsmith Sustainable Agriculture FundThabo Lenneiye is the managing director of the Sustainable Agriculture Fund. She’s responsible for operationalizing the fund, launching initiatives focused on sustainable agriculture, and framing a research agenda that intersects with energy policy.
Destenie Nock
Assistant Professor, Carnegie Mellon UniversityDestenie Nock is an assistant professor with appointments in Civil and Environmental Engineering and Engineering and Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University.
Scott Moore
Director of China Programs and Strategic InitiativesScott Moore is a former senior fellow at the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy and the Director of China Programs and Strategic Initiatives. He is also a practice professor of political science.
Mathy Stanislaus
Vice Provost and Executive Director, The Environmental CollaboratoryMathy (Vathanaraj) Stanislaus, Esq., is vice provost and the inaugural executive director of The Environmental Collaboratory at Drexel University.
11:25 AM – 12:25 PM | Panel 2: External Stakeholder Perspectives
Presentations by external stakeholders (e.g., representatives from government, nonprofits, media, and industry) about their pressing energy, climate, or environmental challenges and their preferences for research communication. Moderated Q&A session following the presentations.
Kiley Bense
Reporter, Inside Climate NewsKiley Bense is a reporter for Inside Climate News. She covers climate change and the environment with a focus on Pennsylvania, politics, energy, and public health.
Matt Bolden
Climate Policy Advisor, U.S. SenateMatt Bolden is a climate policy advisor for U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, chairman of the Senate Budget Committee.
Michael Jefferson
Principal Advisor, MISOMichael Jefferson is principal advisor of federal and regulatory affairs for Midcontinent Independent System Operator.
Joseph Minott
Former Executive Director, Clean Air CouncilJoseph Minott, Esq. was the executive director and lead attorney for the Clean Air Council for more than 35 years, retiring at the end of 2023.
Jacqueline Patterson
Founder and Executive Director, The Chisholm Legacy ProjectJacqueline Patterson is the founder and executive director of The Chisholm Legacy Project, a resource hub for Black frontline climate justice leadership. She is the recipient of the 2024 Carnot Prize and a senior fellow at the Kleinman Center.
Andy Stone
Energy Policy Now Host and ProducerAndy Stone is producer and host of Energy Policy Now, the Kleinman Center’s podcast series. He previously worked in business planning with PJM Interconnection and was a senior energy reporter at Forbes Magazine.
12:30 – 1:15 PM | Lunch
1:15 – 2:30 PM | Design Spring: Creative Outreach Strategies
Small group design sessions facilitated by Forum for the Future. Participants work collaboratively to create research translation and outreach strategies based on their current projects. Groups will present their strategies to the larger audience for feedback and discussion.
2:45 – 3:45 PM | Workshopping Strategies an Identifying Needs
Individual and small group working sessions on outreach strategies for individuals and organizations. The session will include a plenary discussion on shared challenges, questions, and next steps.
3:45 – 4:00 PM | Closing Remarks
