Executive Team

Executive Director (Interim)

Professor Simone Abram (Professor in the Department of Anthropology)

Simone is a social anthropologist with a background in Electrical Engineering. She brings together different disciplinary perspectives on energy and society, ethical and just transitions, and the changing social and political significance of energies, particularly electricity. She is Chair of the Association of Social Anthropologists (UK).

Co Directors

Professor Douglas Halliday (Professor in the Department of Physics and Director of the Energy CDT)
Douglas is an expert in materials physics and researches next-generation thin-film photovoltaic (solar) devices. He is passionate about educating future energy leaders, is the Director of the Centres for Doctoral Training in Energy and Global Challenges Research and Chair of the European Universities Association Energy and Environment Platform.

Dr Joanna Berry (Associate Professor (Teaching) in Entrepreneurship in the Business School)
Joanna leads on Business, Enterprise and Innovation with expertise in supporting businesses to scale and succeed. Her entrepreneurial spirit is underpinned by a deep and broad range of regional, national and international corporate and public sector contacts.

Professor Tony Roskilly (Professor of Energy Systems in the Department of Engineering)
Tony is an engineer with over 30 years’ experience in design, control, and operational optimisation of energy systems. He leads Network-H2 project, a national research network to decarbonise transport through hydrogen-fuelled vehicles and technology.

Management and Engagement Team

Lynn Gibson, Institute Manager
Lynn holds a Bachelor's Degree in Management and Business Administration and provides leads on event management, office management and budget management. Lynn is also responsible for the management of the Energy Centre for Doctoral Training and manages the DEI relationship with the Durham Miners Association.

Katie Daniels, Business Engagement & Innovation Manager
Katie has experience of working in research and administration management with several departments across the university, and has worked with DEI previously in the Energy Centre for Doctoral Training. Katie's role involves supporting energy researchers to develop partnerships, collaborations and impact.

Kate Hatton, Policy & Communications Manager
Kate joined the DEI after a number of years working in the Energy Industry. She is interested in innovation in the energy industries as a catalyst for economic growth. Kate looks after DEI Strategy, Communications, DEI Magazines and Reports, Energy Policy, as well as the DEI Website and Social Media.