Meet ISE
Where energy education, research and industry connect
About ISE
The Iceland School of Energy (ISE) is a graduate school within the Department of Engineering at Reykjavík University, focused on sustainable energy, electric power systems, and the technologies, resources and organisations that shape modern energy systems.
ISE brings together university faculty, researchers, industry professionals and international partners. Students learn through academic coursework, applied projects, field experience and thesis research, with Iceland’s energy system providing an important setting for understanding how energy works in practice.
How ISE Works
ISE is part of Reykjavík University, while its teaching and activities extend beyond a single academic unit.
Part of Reykjavík University
ISE sits within the Department of Engineering and draws on expertise from across Reykjavík University in engineering, science, economics, management and related fields.
Connected to Iceland’s Energy Sector
Reykjavík University, Reykjavík Energy and Iceland GeoSurvey are the organisations behind ISE. Their involvement reflects the school’s model of connecting graduate education with the knowledge and experience found across Iceland’s energy sector.
Taught by Academics and Practitioners
Courses may be taught by Reykjavík University faculty, visiting academics and experienced professionals working in energy and related fields. This gives students exposure to both academic methods and professional perspectives.
International by Design
ISE works with universities, research organisations and energy-sector organisations in Iceland and abroad through teaching, research, student projects, exchanges and other forms of collaboration.
People at ISE
ISE brings together academic expertise, professional experience and programme leadership across sustainable energy, engineering, power systems, geoscience, economics and energy management.
Faculty contribute through teaching, research and MSc supervision, while the ISE team coordinates the programmes, student experience, partnerships and external activities of the school.
Dr. Juliet Newson
Director, Iceland School of Energy
Juliet Newson leads ISE and its graduate programmes, partnerships and development. Her background is in geothermal energy, with experience in geology, reservoir modelling, resource evaluation and geothermal education.
She has also held international leadership roles in the geothermal sector, including serving as President of the International Geothermal Association.
Read more about Juliet and the wider ISE faculty below.
Partners and Collaboration
ISE was built around collaboration between higher education and the energy sector. Today, different organisations work with ISE in different ways.
Some relationships are institutional or academic partnerships. Others involve teaching, research, student projects, visits, exchanges or specific initiatives. These relationships change over time, so we distinguish between the organisations behind ISE and current collaborations.
The Organisations Behind ISE
Reykjavík University
Academic home
ISE is part of Reykjavík University’s Department of Engineering, which provides its academic programmes, faculty and research environment.
Iceland GeoSurvey — ÍSOR
Geoscience expertise
ÍSOR connects ISE with specialist knowledge in geothermal resources, geoscience and subsurface research.
Reykjavík Energy
Energy-sector expertise
Reykjavík Energy connects ISE with practical experience from Iceland’s energy and utility sector.
Academic Partners
Other universities and organisations work with ISE through exchanges, research projects, teaching and individual initiatives. Collaborations are listed here when there is an active relationship relevant to current students, teaching or research.
Southern Utah University
Cedar City, Utah, United States
Reykjavík University and Southern Utah University have established a collaboration focused on sustainable energy education, research and workforce development, coordinated at Reykjavík University through the Iceland School of Energy.
The partnership creates a framework for future academic cooperation, including opportunities for student and faculty engagement, joint educational activity and collaboration around sustainable energy.
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.
Industry Connections
ISE works with energy companies, engineering firms, public-sector organisations and other professional partners through teaching, student projects, thesis work, professional visits, research and industry engagement.
The form of collaboration varies by organisation and academic year. Industry professionals may contribute expertise and real-world cases, host visits, propose student projects or thesis topics, or connect with students through professional and recruitment activities.
These connections help students understand how energy organisations operate in practice while giving partners opportunities to engage with graduate talent and the academic community.
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.
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.
From ISE to the Energy Sector
ISE graduates work across the energy sector and related fields in Iceland and internationally. Their careers span power systems, engineering and consulting, energy projects, geoscience, data and modelling, markets and policy, research and leadership.
Visit Us
We welcome university groups, educators, professional organisations, public-sector delegations and others interested in learning more about the Iceland School of Energy and Iceland’s energy sector.
A visit can include an introduction to Reykjavík University and the Iceland School of Energy, with additional academic content developed around the interests of the visiting group and the expertise available at the time.
Depending on the group and staff availability, visits may include:
- An introduction to ISE and Reykjavík University
- An overview of Iceland’s energy system
- Meetings with faculty or staff
- Specialist lectures or technical discussions
- University facilities or laboratory visits
- Discussions about education, research or collaboration
Visits are arranged according to availability. Specialist technical programmes depend on the relevant faculty and experts being available, and some tailored or specialist activities may involve a fee.
Partner with ISE
ISE works with industry, public-sector organisations and other partners to connect graduate education with current energy challenges and professional practice.
Organisations can engage with ISE in different ways, depending on their interests, expertise and the needs of our programmes.
Contact us
Not sure who to contact? Use our contact form and we’ll route your enquiry to the right person.