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Geothermal Energy and Social Research Network

Exploring the social, ecological and governance dimensions of geothermal energy transitions.

About the network

The Geothermal Energy and Social Research Network is an interdisciplinary research community based at the University of York. As part of the University's FutureSource deep geothermal project, we bring together researchers from across the social sciences, humanities, environmental sciences and engineering to explore how geothermal energy systems shape (and are shaped by) society, governance, communities and ecosystems.

While geothermal energy is often discussed in technical terms, our work focuses on the wider questions it raises. How can energy transitions be fair and inclusive? How do communities understand and engage with subsurface technologies? What are the implications for biodiversity and more-than-human life? And what forms of governance are needed to support transformative energy systems?

Through critical interdisciplinary research, we aim to contribute to policy, practice and public debate around energy justice, sustainability and the future of low-carbon energy infrastructure.

Contact us

Geothermal Project enquiries

FutureSource is a collaboration where researchers, engineers, design practitioners, and artists tackle complex challenges in energy transition. Drawing on expertise in design thinking, arts and community engagement, we use creative methods to amplify diverse voices, foster genuine dialogue between technical expertise and community perspectives, and build informed participation and support for sustainable energy initiatives.

Dr James Cave

Our research pillars

Geological systems and technical innovation
Exploring geothermal energy systems as socio-technical systems by connecting technical, geological and social perspectives.
Public understanding and behaviour change
Investigating how people understand, respond to and engage with subsurface technologies and energy transitions.
Community energy and engagement
Examining governance, social licence, democratic participation and community involvement in energy infrastructure projects.
Biodiversity and multispecies governance
Understanding how geothermal developments interact with ecosystems, biodiversity, Rights of Nature approaches, and more-than-human communities both above and below ground.

Our approach

The network creates opportunities for researchers, practitioners and communities to share perspectives, challenge assumptions and generate new knowledge.

Areas of expertise include:

  • Physics, engineering and geology
  • Anthropology, sociology and ethnographic research
  • Science and Technology Studies (STS)
  • Finance, accounting and actuarial science
  • Political ecology and environmental humanities
  • Business ethics and organisational studies
  • Rights of Nature scholarship and legal frameworks
  • Community development and participatory action research

Through seminars, workshops, teaching initiatives and collaborative research projects, we create opportunities for different forms of knowledge to inform one another and generate new insights.

Our research explores how geothermal projects shape communities, focusing on public
participation, decision-making equity, and social resilience. Our work demonstrates that project success depends not on technical performance alone, but on meaningful consultation, community voice, and equitable benefit-sharing.

Dr Jacqueline You, network member

Building an interdisciplinary research community

Established in April 2026, the network provides a collaborative space for researchers and practitioners interested in geothermal energy and sustainable transitions. The network aims to:

  • Develop interdisciplinary research and funding opportunities.
  • Support collaboration between early career researchers, PhD students and established academics.
  • Build national and international research partnerships.
  • Produce research that advances understanding of just and sustainable energy transitions.
  • Create accessible and inclusive spaces for knowledge exchange.

A living laboratory

The University of York's location above a geothermal hotspot creates a unique opportunity to combine geothermal exploration with interdisciplinary research.

FutureSource, the University's deep geothermal energy project, serves as a living laboratory for investigating not only the technical aspects of geothermal development, but also its social, cultural, ecological and organisational dimensions. It provides a real-world setting in which researchers can investigate how geothermal systems are developed, governed and experienced.

Partnerships and collaboration

Although rooted in the University's geothermal energy project, the network engages with a wide range of environmental and societal challenges.

We collaborate with colleagues across the University of York, including Environment and Geography, Biology, Archaeology, Sociology, Politics and International Relations, the School for Business and Society, York Law School, Project HAIRY, SATSU, RIKE and University Estates.

Beyond the University, we work with community organisations, NGOs, energy-sector practitioners, government agencies and national and international research networks. These partnerships position the network at the intersection of academic research, policy development, commercial innovation and civic engagement.

I am interested in finding out how human infrastructure has potential to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Initiatives like this may be a significant part of the quest to help protect biodiversity and move us towards net zero. It's encouraging to see research that takes ecological relationships with technoscience seriously.

Scarlet Rose (member of the public and independent citizen scientist)

Meet the network

The Geothermal Energy and Social Research Network is convened by an interdisciplinary team of researchers from across the University of York, working in partnership with colleagues across faculties, institutions and sectors.

Network members
  • Steve Hall
  • Luke Gooding
  • Caz Snell
  • Lynne Baxter
  • Lindsay Hamilton
  • Jacqueline You
  • James Cave
  • Nicholas Pleace
  • Glenn Hurst
  • Martin Trefzer
  • John McDermid
  • Asim Mumtaz
  • Andy Hill
  • Scarlet Rose

Stay connected

Collaborate

We want to work with a broad range of local, national and international partners, including other research institutes, industry, government and charitable organisations, to deliver innovation and impact. Our researchers have experience in collaborative and co-funded grant proposals, collaborative PhD and Masters research, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, contract research and consultancy. Please get in touch with Lindsay Hamilton via lindsay.hamilton@york.ac.uk.

Follow us

Subscribe to the geothermal newsletter or follow us on social media to stay up to date with the latest research news from the network.

Contact us

Geothermal Project enquiries