Fiona Zimmerman External PhD

Fiona (she/her) is an applied science practitioner in energy management and innovation, through the Energy Living Lab in the University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland (HES-SO). Her work revolves around addressing complex societal challenges in the energy transition such as inclusiveness, sharing and societal readiness for technology. Fiona’s primary strength is in building networks, innovative business models, tools and pilot projects. Her approach relies on outside the box ‘thinking and doing’ to develop actionable solutions for the energy transition.

She earned her science degree in Molecular Genetics and Botany from University College Dublin (UCD), and Masters of Environmental Management for Business at the University of Surrey in the UK. Fiona initially developed her career in environmental risk assessment, financing and consulting, and subsequently specialised in energy and social science, working in policy analysis, entrepreneurship and innovation. Her Business Diploma and Certificate in Advanced Studies (CAS) in Energy Management from the University of Geneva supports her ability to coach start-ups and research teams in developing tools and methods for the energy transition.

Fiona is currently chair of the European Network of Living Labs (ENoLL) Working Group on Energy and Environment where she facilitates collaborations for energy and societal transitions. Fiona is doing an external PhD at DRIFT exploring transition management through expectation alignment and living labs as enactment platforms for local energy communities.

Fiona lives in the Alps with her two daughters, surrounded by nature and mountains, where she enjoys cross country skiing and wild swimming and hiking.