Signature Events

Our Showcase Events


Connecting students, practitioners, and experts from Penn and beyond.


The Kleinman Center’s signature events represent key moments of engagement and innovation—at Penn and abroad. The Carnot Prize honors exceptional contributions to energy policy, celebrating groundbreaking work that drives meaningful change. Energy Week at Penn is a dynamic series of talks, panels, and workshops that brings together a diverse range of voices to explore the latest trends and challenges in energy. Penn at COP offers a unique platform for Penn researchers and students to participate in the global dialogue on climate and energy policy, aligning academic insights with international policymaking. Each event fosters collaboration, knowledge sharing, and forward-thinking solutions.

Ramon Mendez speaks at Carnot Prize
2024 Carnot Prize winner Ramón Méndez Galain speaks in the Kleinman Center Energy Forum.

Carnot Prize

The Carnot Prize, named after French physicist Sadi Carnot, celebrates individuals who have significantly contributed to energy policy through scholarship or practice. Over the past eight years, the prize has become perhaps the most notable annual recognition of energy policy impact by leaders around the world and across all sectors.

Penn at COP

Since organizing its first official delegation in 2021, Penn has been an active participant in the research and independent non-governmental organizations group (RINGO). Faculty, students, fellows, and staff apply for a limited number of week-long badges to engage in various roles, from contributing to committee work and supporting negotiations to implementing partnership programs and presenting at side-events. The Kleinman Center for Energy Policy and Perry World House co-organize the delegation, with the Kleinman Center serving as the central hub for all UNFCCC-related communications and badge coordination. Through their diverse contributions, Penn attendees play a vital role in advancing global climate solutions.

Energy Week at Penn

Energy Week at Penn is a dynamic, week-long series of events dedicated to exploring and advancing energy solutions and innovations. Hosted by the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy and the Vagelos Institute for Energy Science and Technology, this annual event brings together students, faculty, industry leaders, and policymakers for discussions, workshops, and presentations on cutting-edge energy topics. Energy Week features keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking opportunities designed to foster dialogue and collaboration on energy policy, technology, and sustainability.