At the Energy Change Institute Open Day on 12 February, the ECI announced the winners of two JWLand fellowships for researchers from the Department of the Environment and Energy (DoEE).

The recipients, Chell Lyons and David Gourlay, have been appointed to contribute to ECI’s ANU Grand Challenge: Zero-Carbon Energy for the Asia-Pacific, and will undertake projects that have a mix of energy policy and industry-led research that is relevant to society.

This knowledge-exchange initiative will contribute to creating a productive, low-carbon future for Australia.

“Australian businesses have a role to play investing in clean energy as part of the global effort to reduce carbon emissions,” said Michael Prendergast, JWLand Head of Development. “It gives JWLand great pleasure to provide an opportunity for the Energy Change Institute to push forward the frontiers of knowledge in energy research.”

“The ANU Energy Change Institute is deeply appreciative of the vision and generosity shown by JWLand,” said Professor Ken Baldwin, ECI Director. “We will ensure that the fellowship recipients make a real difference to Australia’s future by contributing to the ECI’s ANU Grand Challenge, which will help transform the way Australia trades with the world, based on renewable energy.”

Chell Lyons, of the International Climate Change Branch in DoEE said: “The theme of the Grand Challenge is central to the successful implementation of the Paris Agreement. It is important research being undertaken at a critical time and is  directly related to the work on long-term strategies to reduce emissions which I undertook in my most recent role at the Department.

“I am excited by the opportunity to immerse myself in an academic environment where I can learn new skills from the researchers at ECI, test the methodologies I have used in my recent work at the Department, and build upon my professional network,” said Chell.

David Gourlay, who works in DoEE’s Clean Energy Branch said: “Energy change and transition are big public policy issues that require innovative thinking. It is important to have government departments and academic institutions working together towards creating shared solutions.

“This secondment is an opportunity to build on my experience from the Department. “I will be working on many of the same issues but in more depth, getting experience working with ANU researchers, gaining exposure to new ideas and making new connections.”

Chell Lyons is about to commence her Master in Environmental Management at ANU’s Crawford School of Public Policy and was most recently Assistant Director of the Carbon Markets and Bilateral Engagement Team at DoEE. She has a Master of Policy Studies (Environmental Policy) from the University of New South Wales.

David Gourlay joined the DoEE as a graduate in 2015. He currently works as a Senior Policy Officer. David has a Master of Environmental Management from the University of Queensland.