AXA IM and AXA Research Fund announce winner AXA IM Climate Transition Award
AXA Investment Managers (AXA IM), in partnership with the AXA Research Fund, launched the “AXA IM Climate Transition Award” in September 2021, in order to recognise the key role of research in the fight against climate change.
Following a rigorous selection process, the Selection Committee is pleased to announce that Dr. Floor van der Hilst, from Utrecht University (Netherlands), has been awarded the AXA IM Climate Transition Award for her research on “Sustainability of Bioenergy” and will be granted €100,000 in recognition of the impact of her work which focusses on land-use change dynamics resulting from biomass production.
Numerous applications were received from researchers around the world, all focused on discovering the most effective ways to power the climate transition. Subjects included sustainable finance; blue carbon; sustainability of bioenergy; climate responsive and climate adaptive architecture; agricultural economics and policy; coastal adaptation with nature-based solutions; urban challenges and new chemistry to create batteries.
Commenting on the winner’s research, The Selection Committee said:
“We examined the list of applicants with the utmost attention, looking at the robustness and quality of the science, the relevance to the award theme and the ability of the researcher to communicate her/his work. The potential benefit to society was also a major criterion. Dr. van der Hilst’s research included a strong socioeconomic and environmental focus, which is key to affecting the environmental change we need.”
Marie Bogataj, Head of the AXA Research Fund and Group Foresight, and Marco Morelli, Executive Chairman at AXA IM, both commented:
“Research has played a pivotal role in the fight against climate change and its impact on our society. Continued support from – and for – the scientific community is at the heart of the transition to a net zero world. Science is key and continues to provide a number of pathways for the climate transition and major areas are yet to be tackled. With the AXA IM Climate Transition Award, we are seeking to combat climate-related risks and have a positive impact on society. We are very proud to see that this award will help Dr. van der Hilst continue her research and benefit the planet, people and communities.”