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Durham Energy Institute (DEI) welcomed over 50 civil servants from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) last week for an intensive day of research presentations and strategic discussions on the UK's energy transition.

The visit brought together staff from both DESNZ's Darlington and London offices for a collaborative session designed to bridge the gap between cutting-edge academic research and policy development. The day provided a platform for DEI researchers to showcase their latest work whilst enabling civil servants to share current policy priorities and identify areas where further research evidence is needed.

Building Stronger Research-Policy Links

The event exemplifies DEI's commitment to ensuring that world-class research informs policy development at the crucial intersection of energy security and decarbonisation. The extensive networking opportunities built into the day's schedule, including refreshment breaks and a working lunch, facilitated meaningful dialogue between researchers and policymakers.

This engagement reflects the growing importance of evidence-based policy making as the UK navigates the complex challenges of achieving net zero whilst maintaining energy security and affordability. The day concluded with discussions on next steps, ensuring the momentum from this exchange translates into ongoing collaboration between DEI and DESNZ.