Three questions for Valentin:
Where did you work before transferring to the University of Graz?
After completing my bachelor's degrees in political science and communication science at the University of Vienna, I spent the last three years in Prague, The Hague, and Barcelona as part of my Erasmus Mundus master's program in European Politics and Society. Motivated by my interest in socio-ecological transformation, I then did an internship in Brussels at the European Agency for Climate, Infrastructure, and Energy (CINEA).
What will your responsibilities be at the Research Group?
I will mainly be involved in the Cross-Sec research project, which is funded by the Austrian Climate and Energy Fund. The goal is to develop scenarios that will make Austria climate neutral by 2040. As the name Cross-Sec suggests, the main focus is on cross-sectoral aspects. My area of responsibility will concentrate on close cooperation with stakeholders from a wide range of sectors (e.g., energy, agriculture, and forestry) to ensure that our research remains as close to practice as possible.
What is your favorite place in Graz?
Since I haven't been living in Graz for very long, I don't have any exciting insider tips to share yet. Hopefully that will come with time. But I am very happy to be able to enjoy the local coffee house culture again, especially after my long stay abroad.