Christopher Hurst

Christopher Hurst is a Research Fellow at the Florence School of Transnational Governance, part of the European University Institute. His work centers on climate change, with a focus on innovation, sustainable finance, and integrating climate considerations into investment decisions. He is also committed to enhancing sustainability in business practices and public policy decision-making.

• Education: Doctorate from Harvard University, First Class Honours Degree in Engineering from Imperial College London

Hurst has a diverse background in both academia and public policy. Prior to his current role, he spent three decades at the European Investment Bank (EIB), serving as Director General of the Projects Directorate for the last 11 years. During this time, he led the EIB's transition to a "Climate Bank" aligned with the Paris Agreement, developed sector strategies, and defined technical, economic, and social standards for projects. Before joining the EIB, he worked as an academic at Oxford University and Imperial College London on energy policy and as a management consultant in the USA.

Research Interests: Hurst's expertise spans several interconnected domains:

• Climate Policy: Including decarbonization, climate finance, and governance frameworks for climate action.
• Energy Systems: Focusing on energy regulation, sustainability, and technological transformation in energy infrastructure.
• Public Policy: With a transnational lens, examining the intersection of governance, regulation, and inclusive economic development.

Current Affiliation: Florence School of Transnational Governance, European University Institute, since 2016.