Gaston Heimeriks

Gaston Heimeriks is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Innovation Studies within the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development at Utrecht University. He also holds appointments as Visiting Professor at the Centre for Science and Technology Studies (CWTS) at Leiden University and UGlobe Fellow at Utrecht University's Centre for Global Challenges. Previously, he served as Vice President of the Eu-SPRI Forum (European Forum for Studies of Policies for Research and Innovation) until 2023.

Education includes:

• PhD in Communication Science, University of Amsterdam (2005)
• MA in Science and Technology Studies, University of Maastricht/University Louis Pasteur Strasbourg (1997)
• MSc in Biochemistry, University of Groningen (2007)

His interdisciplinary research focuses on three core themes:

• Transformative Science: Investigating how universities can address sustainability challenges through research and education, particularly using the UN Sustainable Development Goals as a framework
• Deep Transitions: Examining the historical development of unsustainable systems and pathways for fundamental transformation
• Geography of Change: Analyzing spatial dimensions of sustainability transitions and regional capacities for socio-technical innovation

Publications demonstrate consistent focus on sustainability transitions, innovation systems, and knowledge geography. Recent work emphasizes renewable energy technologies, knowledge diffusion patterns, and institutional frameworks for sustainability. Methodologically, combines quantitative analysis of patent/knowledge networks with qualitative case studies.

Professional experience includes previous positions as Senior Researcher (University of Twente), Policy Advisor (Dutch Advisory Council for Science and Technology Policy), and Researcher (European Commission Joint Research Centre).