Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS)
Yana Zabanova is an accomplished researcher with a focus on EU hydrogen policy and renewable energy development in Russia and Central Asia. Currently serving as a Research Associate at the Research Institute for Sustainability since August 2021, Zabanova's interests include the geopolitics of energy transformation and the applications of the Advocacy Coalition Framework to energy sectors. Previous roles include a Visiting Fellow at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, a Research Fellow at the Governance in Emerging Economies Research Group, and a consultant for various organizations focusing on energy dialogue and hydrogen development potential in Central Asia. Yana Zabanova is pursuing a PhD in International Political Economy at the University of Groningen and holds multiple degrees, including an MPP from the Hertie School and an MA in International Relations from Central European University.