Professor Sara Walker appointed co-director of Birmingham Energy Institute

Professor Walker will join the University of Birmingham on 22nd January 2024 and will play a pivotal role in shaping the ever-evolving ambitions of the BEI. She will also work with Professor Martin Freer to support the development of the University of Birmingham’s new Energy Accelerator Building.

Until recently Professor Walker was the Director of The Centre for Energy at Newcastle University. She is the Director of the EPSRC Hub on Hydrogen Integration for Accelerated Energy Transitions, and Co-Director of the UKRI Energy Demand Research Centre. She is an Advisory Committee Member for the UK Energy Research Centre and the UK CCS Research Centre and contributes to the EPSRC Scientific Advisory Team for Energy and Decarbonisation.

Speaking about her appointment, Professor Walker said: “I am thrilled to join the University of Birmingham and the BEI at this time. Tackling climate change and emissions associated with energy use is a key motivation for me. This opportunity to deliver new knowledge and understanding with colleagues at Birmingham Energy Institute, to engage with students as the next generation of leaders, and to be involved with the Energy Accelerator Building and National Centre for Decarbonisation of Heat, is exciting. I am very much looking forward to the new role.”

Professor Martin Freer, co-director of the Birmingham Energy Institute said: “We are delighted to have Sara joining the team. She brings a wealth of experience that will be a true asset to the Institute as we expand our research capabilities and continue to support the decarbonisation of Birmingham and the wider region.”