David Liam Leoncio Hehl

Biography

David Leoncio is a researcher in the Sustainable Service Systems Research Group of the IIASA Energy, Climate, and Environment Program, where he contributes to the advancement of integrated assessments of socio-ecological systems. His current work within the WorldTrans project focuses on exploring how societal trends — such as changing norms, values, and consumption patterns — affect financial systems and long-term sustainability pathways. In particular, he examines how these dynamics interact with socio-environmental tipping points and systemic risks in global financial markets.

Using the FeliX system dynamics model, he integrates behavioral and financial dimensions into complex systems models to support decision making under uncertainty. His broader research interests lie at the intersection of sustainability transitions, financial stability, and social and environmental change.

He holds a master's degree in Science and Management of Global Change from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain, and a bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Potsdam, Germany. He is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in physics at the University of Vienna. Previously, he worked in the Climate Policy and Development group at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (formerly MCC) and in the Digitalization and Sustainability Transformations group at the Research Institute for Sustainability at GFZ in Potsdam.

Last update: 03 APR 2025