Durham University Chancellor Dr Fiona Hill (front, centre), with (behind, l-r) Lucian J Hudson, Executive Director, Communications & External Relations, Professor Philip Steinberg, Geography/Durham Arctic Director, Professor Martin Evans, Executive Dean of Social Sciences, Professor Chris Stokes, Geography, Professor Olivia Woolley, Law, and Professor Simone Abram, Anthropology/Durham Energy Institute Director. The panel discussed the challenges facing the Arctic in a changing world as part of our Chancellor-in-Conversation series.
Professor Simone Abram focuses on interdisciplinary research on energy systems, bringing social science insights to the heart of energy research. She also explores governance, infrastructures and the challenges of ensuring that energy transitions are inclusive.
Professor Philip Steinberg investigates power and governance in fluid environments such as oceans and the Arctic, addressing geopolitics, resource management and how marine spaces challenge conventional territorial thinking.
Professor Chris Stokes looks at glaciers and ice sheets using satellite data and modelling to understand current and future changes in ice dynamics. His work highlights the sensitivity of polar ice to warming and informs global climate policy.
Professor Olivia Woolley specialises in environmental and energy law, analysing how legal frameworks support renewable energy, offshore systems and effective climate action while protecting ecosystems.
Together, these researchers provide a snapshot of our interdisciplinary strength in tackling climate challenges, producing research that informs policy and supports a more resilient future.
The Chancellor-in-Conversation event was opened by Lucian J Hudson, Executive Director, Communications & External Relations, with an introduction from our Executive Dean of Social Sciences, Professor Martin Evans. It was held in front of an audience of staff, students and friends of the University.
See how we’re leading on research into the world’s vulnerable ice sheets.
Durham Energy Institute is at the forefront of interdisciplinary research into hydrogen storage, geoenergy, and decarbonising the maritime sector, alongside postgraduate training.
Durham ARCTIC fosters interdisciplinary research alongside training for postgraduate students.
Durham University has observer status at the annual UN Conference of the Parties (COP) climate conference.
More about our departments of Anthropology and Geography and Durham Law School.
Our Chancellor, Dr Fiona Hill, is a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution in the USA.
For further information about the Chancellor-in-Conversation event, please contact Lucian J Hudson on communications.team@durham.ac.uk.
Main banner picture: The town of Aasiaat, Greenland, during winter season. Photo by Visit Greenland on Unsplash.
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