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!