Donal Brown

Dr Donal Brown is a Senior Research Fellow at the Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU) within the University of Sussex Business School, specializing in energy policy, sustainable development, and low-carbon transitions. He holds a PhD in Science and Technology Policy from SPRU, alongside a MSc in Climate Change and Policy and a BSc in Environmental Science. His academic career includes roles at the University of Sussex and University of Leeds, focusing on renewable energy business models and sustainable housing.

Education:

• BSc Environmental Science (First Class), University of the West of England (2006–2010)
• MSc Climate Change and Policy (Distinction), University of Sussex (2011–2012)
• PhD in Science and Technology Policy, University of Sussex (2015–2018)

Research Interests: Donal’s work centers on sustainable built environments, innovative energy business models, low-carbon finance, and ecological economics. He explores how policy frameworks can drive equitable transitions to net-zero, with a focus on retrofitting, prosumer ecosystems, and community governance. His research integrates sociotechnical systems analysis with political economy perspectives.

Grants & Projects:

• PI on Local Government Association (LGA) Net Zero project
• Co-I on EU H2020 Sol-Bio-Rev project (£433,838)
• Lead researcher on UKERC Net-Zero Neighborhoods project

Professional Roles:

• Sustainability Director, Sustainable Design Collective (2012–Present)
• Chair of Board of Directors, Retrofitworks (2020–Present)

Labs & Collaborations: Active member of the Sussex Energy Group (SEG) and Centre for Research into Energy Demand Solutions (CREDS), collaborating with global stakeholders on energy transition challenges.