Dr. Germán Bersalli

Germán joined RIFS in October 2019 as a postdoctoral researcher and currently works as a senior research associate. His research focuses particularly on the interaction between socio-political factors and the techno-economic components of sutainability transitions to zero-emission systems. He assesses climate and energy policy from an interdisciplinary perspective across various sectors, including electricity, heating, and transport. His work spans multiple levels, from international geo-economics and national policies to local institutions and participatory processes. Geographically, he specializes in energy transitions in Europe and Latin America. Germán's current research encompasses the following areas:

• Policy Mixes for Net-Zero Transitions: Analyzing the design and assessment of climate and energy policy instruments that facilitate the phase-out of fossil fuel consumption while integrating low-carbon technologies in a fair and effective manner, particularly in the Global South.
• Novel Approaches to Progress Assessment in Net-Zero Transitions: Developing innovative methods to measure climate transition progress from a systemic perspective.
• Participation Processes in the Energy Transition: Focusing on participatory processes, especially in the heating sector in Germany.
• Crises and Structural Change: Examining how economic crises can serve as catalysts for institutional, economic, and policy transformations, shaping the trajectory and pace of energy transitions and decarbonization. Germán holds a Ph.D. in Applied Economics from the University of Grenoble Alpes in France. He previously studied administration and accounting in Argentina and Brazil. He has taught courses on economics and sustainable development, energy and climate policy at undergraduate, master's, and Ph.D. levels. Beyond his academic work, he has also served as an independent policy advisor for various organizations.