Arjan Kirkels

Arjan Kirkels is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Industrial Engineering and Innovation Sciences at Eindhoven University of Technology. He focuses on assessment for decision-making and learning in sustainability transitions, particularly for emerging technologies in energy and circular economy.

• PhD in technological trajectories of biomass gasification at TU/e
• Involved in sustainability and technology assessment since 1995
• Co-led research on hydrogen systems, photovoltaic modules, and circular economy

His research integrates transition studies, industrial ecology, and systems engineering, employing methodologies like Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Multi-Criteria Assessment (MCA), and experience curves. Recent publications analyze hydrogen development, polymer-based solar panels, and dispatchable power generation.

Key trends in his work include:

• Interdisciplinary approaches to sustainability transitions
• Focus on stakeholder empowerment and uncertainty management
• Emphasis on bridging technical and social dimensions

He supervises PhD candidates in projects spanning circular batteries, experience curves, and hydrogen economics, with over 100 thesis students mentored. His work intersects academia, policy, and industry, contributing to journals like Technological Forecasting and Social Change and The Electricity Journal.