The IIASA Connect Feature series shines a spotlight on the opportunities and achievements within our network. This edition featured IIASA researcher Edward Byers who shared his experience within the LEAP-RE project of organizing workshops in Ethiopia in partnerships with our Regional Member Organization.

This installment of the IIASA Feature series is in collaboration with the LEAP-RE project and Science Granting Councils Initiative Africa (SGCI). The LEAP-RE project explores the intricate dynamics of the water-energy-land nexus in rural areas and recently hosted a successful workshop in Addis Ababa. In this session, IIASA researchers will give insights into the project, its impacts, and future research goals. 

Key Features:

  • LEAP-RE Workshop in Addis Ababa: Learn about the results of the capacity-building activities conducted from 16-20 October 2023, addressing the water-energy-land nexus in rural areas. 
  • External Partnerships: Understand the role of external collaborations in supporting the project, including partnerships with our Regional Member Organization (SGCI) and the World Resources Institute (WRI).
  • Technical Capacity Development: Edward Byers will present an overview of LEAP-RE's research activities, specifically focusing on organizing and executing technical capacity development activities.
  • Future Cooperation: Engage in a discussion about potential models for future cooperation within the IIASA Network and with fellow Member Organizations.

About LEAP-RE

The LEAP-RE project is a Horizon 2020 funded project that is a collaboration between the European Union and African Union, with the participation of IIASA, aimed at advancing research and innovation in renewable energy. Focused on the water-energy-land nexus in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa, the project seeks to bridge the gap between large-scale and local-scale analysis approaches. It has developed open-source validated tools for stakeholders, including and online interactive dashboard, and is building technical capacity in SSA through both in-person and online activities.