Wendy Russell

Wendy Russell is a Research Fellow at the ANU Centre for Energy Systems within the ANU College of Systems & Society. She previously held roles in the Battery Storage & Grid Integration Program (School of Engineering, ANU) and the Centre for the Public Awareness of Science. With a PhD in Botany from The University of Queensland, her career spans biological sciences academia, public policy, and consulting. Russell specializes in the social dimensions of energy transitions, responsible innovation, and transdisciplinary research. Her work bridges science communication, public engagement, and policy impact.

Educations:

• PhD in Botany, The University of Queensland (1997)
• B.Sc. (Hons 1st Class) in Botany, The University of Queensland (1991)
• B.Sc. in Biochemistry, The University of Queensland (1989)

Research Interests:

Russell investigates how societies navigate energy transitions through public engagement and responsible innovation frameworks. She explores transdisciplinary approaches to integrate diverse knowledge systems and improve research impact. Her work emphasizes ethical technology assessment and fostering dialogue between stakeholders in energy policy and biotechnology sectors. Key themes include democratizing energy decision-making, care practices in energy systems, and fostering innovation governance.

Key Article Trends: Recent publications focus on reimagining responsible innovation frameworks, decentralized energy systems governance, and transdisciplinary pedagogy. Earlier work addressed nanotechnology policy, agricultural biotechnology regulation, and educational program efficacy.

Awards:

• 2013 IAP2 Core Values Award (ACT Region)
• 2011 IAP2 National Project of the Year
• 2006 Carrick Institute Citation for Outstanding Teaching

Advising & Grants: Russell has coordinated national conferences on neighborhood batteries and led projects under Commonwealth departments. She currently chairs the EvoEnergy Energy Regulatory Advisory Panel and curates the Social Science Community of Practice at ANU. Her affiliations include the University of Canberra’s Centre for Deliberative Democracy and Global Governance.

Labs & Teams: Active in ANU’s STS Network, Knowledge-to-Action Network, and the BSGIP Social Science Community of Practice.