University professor appointed into global net zero role

A world leading engineer overseeing cutting-edge research and innovation to address climate change has been appointed into an influential leadership role to accelerate net zero.

Professor Mercedes Maroto-Valer, Director of the UK Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre and Deputy Principal for Global Sustainability at Heriot-Watt University, is one of eight new global leaders selected for the Technical Advisory Group of Mission Innovation (MI-TAG) having been nominated by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Mission Innovation brings together governments, businesses, and research institutions from around the world to enhance research and development in clean energy technologies.

Professor Maroto-Valer represents the UK as part of MI-TAG, providing a critical role in supporting green energy targets through her extensive experience as the UK Champion for Industrial Decarbonisation as well as leading the multi-million-pound UK Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre.

Commenting on her appointment, Professor Maroto-Valer said: “I’m very excited to join this important intergovernmental platform to help maximise its impact on accelerating progress in our sustainable pathways to net zero.

“This is a critical decade to realise our ambitions for clean and affordable energy for all and I look forward to working with this distinguished group of leaders to catalyse global action.”

In total, the TAG brings together 19 leading scientists, senior technical government officials and senior energy innovation professionals from around the world nominated by MI member countries and partner organisations.

The eight new global leaders were appointed to the TAG during the recent 2024 MI Annual Gathering.

The TAG Chair, Dr Jenny Hayward from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Australia welcomed the new global leaders, saying: “Enthusiasm and diverse expertise will prove invaluable as we help the Missions to achieve their goals accelerating the transition to a clean energy future.”

Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, said: “The leadership shown by University academics underscores their expertise and commitment in addressing the challenges of mitigating the effects of climate change, a point underlined recently with the publication of our Climate Action Framework.

“Professor Mercedes Maroto-Valer’s appointment highlights the tremendous pool of talent we have across all our campuses in the UK, Dubai and Malaysia, and their ability to directly influence policymakers in this global challenge.”