Congratulations to Dr. Augusto Heras Daguerre for succesfully defending his PhD thesis at UvA!

Dr. Augusto Heras has been awarded his PhD after his defense on March 12th, 2026. His research:

• Uncovers the political and institutional dilemmas LMICs face in their energy transitions and how can these be addressed;
• Shows how fossil fuel dependence is actively reproduced by coalitions of states, investors, and industries, and how those coalitions can be contested, and;
• Argues that conditions for change exist, but they need to be built, politically and collectively.

Going forward, he intends to continue doing research, but closer to where decisions are made: in think tanks, advocacy organisations, and policy processes where evidence can directly shape what happens next.

We wish him all the best and will continue to eagerly follow his next steps!