Jim Watson

Jim Watson is a Professor of Energy Policy and Director of the UCL Institute for Sustainable Resources. He holds leadership roles including Chair of the World Bank ESMAP Technical Advisory Group, UK Representative to the European Energy Research Alliance, and Judge for the King's Awards for Enterprise: Sustainable Development. Previously, he served as Director of the UK Energy Research Centre (2015–2019) and Director of the Sussex Energy Group (2008–2013) at the University of Sussex.

His research focuses on climate change, energy policy, and innovation, with a strong emphasis on sustainable development goals such as affordable clean energy (SDG 7), sustainable cities (SDG 11), and climate action (SDG 13). His work spans international collaborations, including roles with the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement and the South African Academy of Sciences. Recent publications address energy market reforms, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and the political economy of transitioning to low-carbon systems.

Notable contributions include policy briefings on CCS investment, UK energy security, and global south energy transitions. His advisory roles with parliamentary committees and international organizations reflect his expertise in bridging research and policy.