Towards more impactful energy research: The salient role of social sciences and humanities

Abstract

Despite long-standing pleas for interdisciplinarity and a more significant role of social sciences and humanities [1], energy research (ER) largely remains the remit of hard sciences, such as climatology, physics, and engineering. Contributions of social sciences and humanities (SSH) are routinely separated and rarely considered in discussions about energy strategies. This is particularly problematic because citizens have a role to play in the decarbonization of energy systems through the pursuit of more localized and collective forms of renewable energy production , reduced and more efficient energy usage, and voting for necessary regulatory changes. More generally, social, political, and socio-technical changes will be needed at every scale to ensure a successful energy transition. As "research focused on technological solutions is a crucial enabler for the energy transition but is not enough" [2], we invite scholars from diverse SSH fields,-including but not limited to geographers, historians, philosophers, psychologists, political scientists, linguists, public health experts, economists, sociologists, anthropologists, labor rights experts, experts on demographic change and many more-to intensify joint work on the energy transition. Towards this aim, we engaged with SSH energy researchers in Switzerland towards the promotion of both inter-and trans-disciplinary energy research and practice. As a result of this process and inspired by previous efforts to put forward an SSH research agenda [3], we propose the following five priority directions, which have transformational potential. Language lies at the core of communication. At the same time, the choice of specific words and framings can influence what recipients understand and how they process information. It matters whether we speak of energy production, energy supply, or energy services. Words open frames that carry specific perspectives, values, and attitudes-of which we are frequently unaware. This is particularly relevant in the field of energy studies, which involves many cross-cutting perspectives and topics. In this vein, a better understanding of how language shapes perception, behavior, and practices is needed at different levels. Interdisciplinary research opens opportunities to uncover different understandings of seemingly unproblematic or technical issues towards more effective collaborations and deeper understanding. Language is also significant in transdisciplinary research regarding shared understandings between diverse societal actors, including the general public and its anthropological, psychological, and communication determinants of (in-)action. While linguists have provided evidence that language