The transformation of the global energy system has begun with the arrival of  Wilson, a professor of energy and environmental policy and law from the University of Minnesota. The new director has a full plate of fundraising, making “strategic collaborations” and planning for the institute’s proposed building near Tuck Mall.

“This is the first time that we’ve really thought about energy and society,” says Wilson of the initiative that was jumpstarted with an $80-million gift from the Irving family. “Thinking about energy within this larger legal, political, social, cultural, economic context is really critical. This is not going to just be economists and engineers. This is a societal endeavor.”