Roman Vakulchuk appointed Research Professor

Roman Vakulchuk is head of the Research Group for Climate and Energy and publishes on energy transition, geopolitics of critical materials, climate change, investment policy, business climate, economic transition and integration, good governance and China’s Belt and Road (BRI) infrastructure. Yesterday, he was promoted to Research Professor.

– Far exceeding the requirement

Vakulchuk began his career at NUPI as a guest researcher in August 2012, continuing as a Senior Research Fellow in 2013 after successfully defending his PhD thesis in economics at Jacobs University Bremen that same year. 

This summer, his application for professional competence was evaluated by a committee consisting of Jakub Godzimirski (NUPI), Guri Bang (NMBU) and Peter Newell (University of Sussex). In their evaluation report, the committee concludes that:

– Vakulchuk has a scientific production far exceeding the requirement of the equivalent to 8-12 peer reviews articles, or two to three books of high quality and with distinct contents.

– Furthermore, he has significantly contributed to far more publications and is main responsible (first author) for the research and writing of most of the publications submitted to the committee for review.

– I have been fortunate

Vakulchuk was honored to learn about his promotion on August 21st:

–  I am grateful to the committee for their comprehensive and thorough evaluation of my publications and project work. The key motivation in my academic career has been to produce original data-driven research that can inform both science and policymaking, and I am very glad that the committee has assessed my academic contributions so highly.

Continuing, he wishes to extend his gratitude to his colleagues:

– During my time at NUPI, I have been surrounded by excellent mentors and colleagues who generously have shared their knowledge and wisdom, supporting me on my academic journey. I have been fortunate to contribute to the important research work that the institute does, and I am proud to be part of the NUPI community.

– Well-deserved

Research Director and fellow Research Professor at NUPI, Kristin Haugevik is proud of her colleague.

– Roman is a dedicated researcher who has published extensively on topics of key importance to the institute. His work is widely cited and has made a significant impact. I warmly congratulate him on this well-deserved promotion.  

Director Kari M. Osland seconds Haugevik’s best wishes and highlights Vakulchuk’s areas of expertise listed in the evaluation report.

– The committee notes in its report that Vakulchuk’s academic production includes wide-ranging contributions and in-depth analyses on Central Asia in particular, while also making significant contributions to the study of energy transition.

– I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Roman on achieving this important milestone.