Director of Centre for Energy Transition
John Underhill has been appointed by Aberdeen University as Director of its new, interdisciplinary Centre for Energy Transition to drive forward the university’s ambition to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing society today.
Five new interdisciplinary centres at Aberdeen University
It is one of five new Interdisciplinary Centres, hubs designed to encourage and enable academics to work across scientific boundaries to provide solutions to the key research challenges of our time, which involves finding answers to very complex problems.
As well as energy transition, the centres will focus on health, nutrition and wellbeing; social inclusion and cultural diversity; data and artificial intelligence; and environment and biodiversity.
How do we keep the lights on as we decarbonise?

“The Energy Transition is one of the most significant global challenges that we face,” says John.
“Put simply, how do we ensure the lights remain on, domestic energy supplies continue, and heating needs are met whilst simultaneously decarbonising industry, transport and other sectors?”
“I am absolutely delighted to take on this leadership role at such an esteemed University, and look forward to working towards the goal of a just, fair and affordable transition that protects jobs and livelihoods on the journey to meet net zero emission targets.”
Warmest congratulations from Odysseus Unbound team

John Underhill is one of the UK’s leading geologists and he has been a key member of the Odysseus Unbound team since the start.
He will continue to guide the rigorous science we need to test the hypothesis at the heart of the project.
We wish him all the best in his new post.