Meet ISE
Empowering the Future of Sustainable Energy
Our Mission
The future of our planet hinges on how we approach energy today. At the Iceland School of Energy (ISE), we are committed to shaping that future by empowering individuals ready to lead the way in sustainable energy. We are driven by a single vision: to lead the world in sustainable energy research and education.
At ISE, we bring together passionate minds and give them the tools to make a difference. By integrating advanced research with practical experience, we connect students to Iceland’s unparalleled energy systems and global networks. Co-owned by Reykjavik University, Reykjavik Energy, and the Icelandic GeoSurvey, our unique partnerships provide opportunities that prepare students to take on the world’s most pressing energy challenges.
Through close collaboration with faculty, industry leaders, and peers, our students don’t just learn,they innovate. They join a global community committed to creating solutions that drive meaningful change. Here, every project, discovery, and connection contributes to a sustainable energy future. Together, we turn ambition into action and ideas into impact.
Meet the Director
Dr. Juliet Newson
Our Faculty
At the Iceland School of Energy, we are located within the Department of Engineering but our collaborative efforts span across Reykjavik University. Our team includes professionals from various university departments and experienced industry leaders. They bring global experience and specialized knowledge in energy, working as engineers, policymakers, and researchers to offer practical perspectives and sustainable energy practices.
This integrated approach ensures that our students gain a comprehensive understanding of energy systems and are well-prepared to address global challenges.
Our Partners
The Iceland School of Energy is uniquely positioned at the intersection of academia and industry. Co-owned by Reykjavik University, Reykjavik Energy, and Iceland GeoSurvey, ISE benefits from the combined strengths of academic research and practical industry insights. This partnership creates an environment where students engage with real challenges while gaining a solid academic foundation.
Graduate Impact
At the Iceland School of Energy, success isn’t just measured by where our graduates work, it’s about the difference they make. Our mission is to equip individuals with the skills and vision to lead the transformation of the global energy landscape. Every day, our alumni bring this mission to life through their work and impact.
Global Connections
The Iceland School of Energy connects with universities, industries, and governments to advance energy solutions. These collaborations give students and researchers access to expertise, innovative technologies, and opportunities to make an impact. Together, we’re shaping the future of energy on an international scale.
Academic Partners
Cornell University
New York, United States
Reykjavík University and Cornell University are working together to collaborate on education and research related to sustainability, with an emphasis on sustainable energy through the Cornell Energy Systems Institute. This includes creating opportunities for teaching, research, and study exchanges, increasing collaboration on sustainability projects, and developing green energy solutions.
Aalto University
Espoo, Finland
Aalto University (Aalto-yliopisto) prides itself on being a community of bold thinkers where science and art meet technology and business. Aalto works to build a sustainable future by creating novel solutions to major global challenges.
Aalto University and the University of Reykjavik offer a dual degree.
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Alaska, United States
The University of Alaska Fairbanks and the Iceland School of Energy of begun cooperating on student, faculty, and research exchange in the area of sustainable energy research beginning in fall 2023.
Biberach University of Applied Sciences
Biberach, Germany
ISE and Biberach University have established a partnership that enables short and long-term study exchanges between the universities. This collaboration leverages Biberach's Masters in Business Administration with a focus on the energy industry. The partnership fosters a shared commitment to advancing expertise and innovation within the global energy sector.
University of Bucharest, Faculty of Physics
Bucharest, Romania
We partner with the University of Bucharest Faculty of Physics to advance renewable energy education and research, driven by a shared commitment to addressing global energy challenges. For years, we've collaborated on student and staff exchanges, research, and innovation energy solutions. Below are some of our key projects:
INRS (Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique)
Québec City, Montreal, Laval, and Varennes CA
INRS is a research-oriented university that offers only graduate study programs. Since its creation in 1969, the institute has built its success on interdisciplinary research centres, innovation, and excellence.
Joint Initiatives
GRÓ Geothermal Training Program
Reykjavik, Iceland
The GRÓ program trains professionals from developing countries in geothermal energy. Since 1979, it has provided six months of hands-on training in Iceland, with opportunities to pursue MSc or PhD degrees at Reykjavik University or the University of Iceland.
As a partner, Reykjavik University has welcomed many GRÓ GTP graduates into the Iceland School of Energy , strengthening the global geothermal energy community.
The GREEN Program
Global
The GREEN Program (TGP) offers 10-day, immersive short courses in sustainable energy, combining hands-on learning with capstone projects that challenge participants to develop innovative solutions for global energy issues.
Over 2,000 TGP participants have joined us in Iceland, with many continuing by pursuing studies at the Iceland School of Energy, contributing to a global network of sustainability leaders.
INFO-GEOTHERMAL
Slovenia and Iceland
INFO-GEOTHERMAL focuses on strengthening the institutional capacities of national and local authorities managing geothermal energy use in Slovenia. By leveraging Iceland’s expertise as a global leader in geothermal energy, the project enhances support systems for deep geothermal exploration and investment, creating a stronger foundation for sustainable energy development.
Corporate Partnerships
Carbfix
Reykjavik, Iceland
Carbfix is a global leader in carbon capture and storage, pioneering innovative methods to turn CO₂ into stone. Their groundbreaking technology is setting the standard for reducing carbon emissions and advancing climate solutions.
We collaborate with Carbfix on research projects, teaching, internships, and thesis work, offering students hands-on experience with cutting-edge carbon capture technologies and their real-world applications.
Landsvirkjun
Reykjavik, Iceland
Landsvirkjun, Iceland's national power company, is a leader in renewable energy, managing geothermal, hydropower, and wind energy projects to provide sustainable power solutions.
We collaborate with Landsvirkjun on internships, teaching, research, and thesis projects, offering students invaluable opportunities to engage with real-world renewable energy initiatives.
Arctic Green Energy
Reykjavik, Iceland
Arctic Green Energy specializes in geothermal energy solutions, focusing on sustainable heating and power systems globally. With a strong presence in Asia, they are leaders in advancing geothermal projects that provide clean, reliable energy.
We partner with Arctic Green Energy on research, teaching, and thesis projects, connecting students to practical applications in sustainable energy development worldwide.
Reykjavik Geothermal
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik Geothermal specializes in high-enthalpy geothermal development, with over 3,000 MW of projects across 30+ countries, including the Hellisheidi power plant in Iceland.
We are proud to partner with them for teaching and thesis projects, providing students with hands-on experience and access to global geothermal innovation.
Iceland Renewable Energy Cluster
Reykjavik, Iceland
The Iceland Renewable Energy Cluster unites over 50 members across Iceland’s energy sector, covering geothermal, hydropower, and wind energy. It fosters collaboration and innovation, with many members active in global renewable energy projects.
We collaborate with the Cluster on research, connecting students with industry leaders and advancing Iceland’s renewable energy expertise.
Visit Us
We welcome student groups, educators, and professionals from around the world to Reykjavík University. Whether you're visiting as part of a course, a university delegation, or a professional organization, we offer tailored experiences at the Iceland School of Energy.
Each visit includes an introduction to ISE and Reykjavík University. From there, we can shape the rest of your visit together, guest lectures on energy topics, tours of our labs and learning spaces, or conversations with faculty and students.
Over the years, we've hosted thousands of visitors, from future engineers to policymakers and industry leaders. If you're curious about how Iceland leads in sustainable energy, come see it for yourself.
