Many current research projects on energy systems are using urban and rural case studies to explore a variety of research questions.  They employ a wide range of techniques and resulting findings provide a rich platform for interaction between academics, on the one hand, and policy makers and practitioners, on the other hand.

The CLUES Conference: Energy in the Locality is organised as part of the CLUES Project (http://www.ucl.ac.uk/clues/) and aims to provide an opportunity to hear results from local case studies on different aspects of energy systems, and to reflect on the theoretical and methodological implications of using case studies to understand such systems.

A key-note address will be provided by Professor Patrick Devine-Wright of Exeter University. Thereafter the conference will be structured into three streams:

Ø  The Theory and Methodology of Case Study Research Session will explore the theoretical and methodological foundations of local case study research in relation to energy studies. Examples of issues the session might explore are:

-          Single case studies methodology and theories

-          Multiple or comparative case study methodologies and theories

-          Mixed research methods and theory

Ø  The Results from Urban and Rural Energy Case Studies Session will overview research findings from projects based on urban and/or rural energy case studies. These can be emerging, intermediate or final findings with a focus on ‘families’ of case studies as well as patterns across different geographic scales.

Ø  The Case Study Circus Session will focus on short presentations of ‘one-offs’ innovative local energy case studies by discussing, for example, their potential to break the current ‘lock-in’ of energy systems and foster replicability at different scales (horizontal replicability) or levels (vertical replicability). This session is seen as an opportunity for academics and practitioners to interact, exchange views and discover synergies in relation to their common energy interest.

In addition, there will be a Poster Session where delegates can view summaries of research projects during refreshment periods.

Abstract submissions will take the form of:

Ø  an abstract of up to 250 words for papers for ‘Theory and Methodology’ or ‘Results’ sessions,  and/or

Ø  a brief outline of up to 50 words for the ‘Case Study Circus’ or the’ Poster Session’.

Abstracts should be submitted by 24 February 2012 to clues@ucl.ac.uk. Successful presenters will be notified by 16 March 2012. Conference participation is free but a limited number of places is available and priority will be given to those giving presentations.