David Layzell
Canadian Energy Systems Analysis Research Initiative (CESAR)
Director
David Layzell works with innovative industry, governments and other academics to identify and deploy credible, compelling transition pathways that are capable of transforming Canada to a vibrant, low-carbon economy. His research program uses analytical and modeling tools to explore how existing or new technology, business model, policy or social innovations could transform or disrupt the systems that Canadians use for societal provisioning. Based on this work and through engagement with key stakeholders, he identifies strategies to direct the disruptive forces to achieve societal goals, including, but not limited to, climate change mitigation. This approach has led to the launch of the Transition Accelerator, a pan-Canadian initiative that is currently focused on directing disruptive forces impacting the personal and freight transportation sectors. Before launching CESAR in 2013, Layzell was Executive Director of the Institute for Sustainable Energy, Environment and Economy (ISEEE), at the University of Calgary (2008-12), and the Executive Director of BIOCAP Canada, a research foundation focused on biological solutions to climate change (1998-2008). As a Professor at Queen’s University between 1981 and 2008, he also founded a scientific instrumentation company called Qubit Systems Inc. and was elected ‘Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada’ (FRSC) for his research contributions.
