ESEIA Lecture Series | From Local Action to Global Dialogue

The latest editions of the ESEIA Lecture Series provided a unique platform for experts and stakeholders across Europe to exchange ideas on key challenges shaping Europe’s sustainable energy future. The 14th ESEIA Lecture | Science Diplomacy. Geopolitics of Science, held online on 12 June 2025, explored how scientific collaboration can help address today’s complex geopolitical landscape. Earlier this year, the 13th ESEIA Lecture, The Uptake of Renewables in European Local Communities, held online on 3 April 2025, focused on accelerating renewable energy deployment at the local level. Together, these discussions highlighted the vital connection between global cooperation and local action in driving the clean energy transition.

14th ESEIA Lecture | Science Diplomacy and Geopolitics in Focus
Held online on 12 June 2025, the 14th ESEIA Lecture | Science Diplomacy. Geopolitics of Science gathered 21 participants from 9 countries and 13 organisations to explore the evolving role of science diplomacy amid global instability. Keynote speaker Adel El Gammal (EERA) warned of an emerging “world disorder” where science becomes both a strategic tool and a battleground for influence, urging Europe to act as a unified, ethical force. High-level respondents Jan Marco Müller (European Commission) and Ewert Aukes (University of Twente) reinforced the need for stronger collaboration, strategic intelligence, and resilience to advance EU science diplomacy. The session, chaired by Teresa Ponce de Leão (LNEG) and hosted by Andrea Höglinger (TU Graz), underscored that science diplomacy is vital for global cooperation, technological leadership, and the sustainable energy transition.

13th ESEIA Lecture | Advancing Renewables in European Local Communities
On 3 April 2025, the 13th ESEIA Lecture | Advancing Renewables in European Local Communities brought together 38 participants from 11 countries and 21 organisations for a timely online discussion on accelerating renewable energy adoption at the local level. Keynote speaker Frans H.J.M. Coenen (University of Twente) highlighted persistent barriers such as weak policy support, limited financial incentives, and infrastructure gaps, while sharing international demo cases and tools for empowering communities. The discussion was further enriched by Manuel Casquiço (Adene) and chaired by Günter Getzinger (TU Graz), with the event hosted by ESEIA Director Brigitte Hasewend. Key takeaways included the need for governance reform, strategic planning, community participation, and capacity building to drive sustainable energy transitions.

What’s Next?

ESEIA will soon announce the details of its next lecture. Stay tuned and visit our dedicated page to explore the full ESEIA Lecture Series:  ESEIA Lecture Series

Watch the full lectures recordings on our YouTube channel:  @ESEIAAlliance  

For more information, please contact the ESEIA Team at office@eseia.eu.