Associate Professor

**Towards a Just Transition and Net Zero Future**

Operating sustainably is no longer optional; it is imperative that we all take steps to address the climate change emergency. But the move to a future green economy must be a just transition. The way we live our lives will change and future generations must be ready to work and live in a carbon neutral environment. There are many challenges to be overcome, but these challenges offer great opportunities for a green-based economic revolution.

Teesside University is committed to becoming a Net Zero institution by 2030. However, beyond changing the way the university operates, Teesside is also committed to powering the change we need to see across society, through industry partnership, skills development, research and innovation.

Teesside University is at the heart of the East Coast Cluster (ECC), a world leading initiative to decarbonise the industrial heartlands of the Humber and Teesside. The ECC is set to make CCUS/H2 a reality in the UK and decarbonise a diverse region that represents almost 50% of carbon emissions from all UK clusters. In addition, the Tees Valley will account for almost 50% of the UK’s production of hydrogen, and innovation in this sector is predicted to be a huge driver of economic growth in the region. This makes the Tees Valley region the ‘go-to’ place for Net Zero R&D.

**The Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre**

The £16.4m Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre is core to this ambition and will play a key role in the delivery of Net Zero ambitions for the region and the UK. On the back of this investment, Teesside University and Durham University will commence an £11m project led by Teesside University and funded with £4.8m from the Research England Development (RED) Fund.

The NZIIC will grow net zero capabilities and opportunities, creating hundreds more clean energy jobs and strengthening the existing innovation ecosystem through provision of specialist facilities and support.

Aligning the expertise of the University with industry need and government priorities, the NZIIC will deliver clear impact across collaborative research and development, enhanced productivity, environmental and business sustainability, and a unique opportunity to grow capabilities across clean energy and the circular economy.

**The Requirement