Key points:

  • Energy-SSH expertise requires learnt skills. Training in SSH methods matters if rigorous and robust SSH is to be conducted, which can bring increased policy impact. For example, including a survey in a project requires a Social Science partner with knowledge of survey design, sampling, analysis techniques, etc.
  • Communications Work Packages of (energy) projects should include partners with Social Science expertise in stakeholder engagement, communication studies, participatory methods, or even practical experience of doing communications. It is not a simple case of ‘anyone can do communications’.
  • Energy-SSH experts bring with them an understanding of both the methodology (i.e. the theory of methods underpinning one’s research design) and the methods (i.e. the practical data collection and analysis techniques.

Further reading:

  • SHAPE ENERGY ESR internship report?