Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS)
Azucena Moran is a doctoral candidate in Political Science and Government at the European University Institute, with a diverse background in research and democratic practice. Currently serving as a Research Associate at the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS) since March 2019, Azucena has also held positions as a Democratic Practice Expert at Democratic Society and Senior Research Fellow for the Healthier Democracies Initiative at Public Agenda. Previous experience includes roles as a Research Assistant at WZB Berlin Social Science Center and Project Intern at UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. Azucena's educational credentials include a Master's degree in International Relations and Affairs from Hertie School and a Bachelor's degree in Humanities from Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna.
Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS)
The Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) conducts research with the aim of investigating, identifying, and advancing development pathways for transformation processes towards sustainability in Germany and abroad. The institute was founded in 2009 as the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS) and has been affiliated with the Helmholtz Centre Potsdam - GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences under its new name since 1 January 2023 and is thus part of the Helmholtz Association. Its research approach is transdisciplinary, transformative, and co-creative. The Institute cooperates with partners in science, political and administrative institutions, the business community, and civil society to develop solutions for sustainability challenges that enjoy broad public support. Its central research topics include the energy transition, climate change and socio-technical transformations, as well as sustainable governance and participation. A strong network of national and international partners and a Fellow Programme supports the work of the Institute.