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Peter has dedicated his career to researching climate change, energy politics and environmental justice.

Outstanding scholarship and public engagement

Peter Newell, Professor of International Relations in the School of Global Studies at the University of Sussex, has received the ESS Engaged Scholar Award, presented by the Environmental Studies Section (ESS) of the International Studies Association (ISA).

This recognition celebrates scholars whose work combines academic excellence with sustained public engagement through activism, advocacy and community partnerships. Recipients work closely with communities, organisations and decision-makers to address real-world challenges and contribute to social change.

The award committee selected Peter as the 2027 recipient in recognition of "the incredible breadth and depth of his activism, organising, policy work and community engagement".

Peter’s research, engagement and impact

For more than three decades, Peter has been researching climate change, energy politics and the global transition away from fossil fuels. Internationally recognised for his work on the political economy of climate change, energy transitions and climate justice, the award recognises his longstanding commitment to environmental activism, advocacy and public engagement.

Alongside his academic work, Peter has advised governments and international organisations around the world, co-created the concept of a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and co-founded the Rapid Transition Alliance, a global network of over 200 civil society organisations committed to generating "evidence-based hope" for rapid transitions.

He has served on the board of directors of Greenpeace UK, Carbon Market Watch in Brussels and Climate Strategies and previously worked for Friends of the Earth UK and Climate Action Network Europe. He has also served as an adviser and consultant to numerous governments and institutions as well as UN agencies and is currently Environmental Sustainability theme lead for the Sussex School for Progressive Futures.

Earlier this year, Peter was elected a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences and received the Activism Award from the Energy Geographies Research Group of the Royal Geographical Society. Last year, he won the British International Studies Association Distinguished Contribution Prize for his contribution to the discipline of International Studies.

Peter said: "I am hugely honoured to receive this award in recognition of a lifetime committed to scholar activism. I dedicate it to the organisations, movements and people I have been lucky enough to work with over the years in seeking to secure a fairer and more sustainable future for all."

The award will be formally presented at next year's International Studies Association Annual Convention, where Peter's contributions will also be celebrated during a dedicated roundtable discussion.

About the International Studies Association

Founded in 1959, ISA is a global professional association of more than 7,000 scholars, practitioners and policy professionals dedicated to the study of international affairs.

Established in 1983, the Environmental Studies Section is one of the ISA's specialist sections. It promotes interdisciplinary research on international environmental issues and global environmental governance.

Find out more

Learn more about Peter's research and impact, and the work of the ISA Environmental Studies Section, which recognises outstanding scholarship and public engagement through the ESS Engaged Scholar Award.

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