Keynote speakers
Discover below the keynote speakers for the Review Week 2025.
Janez Potočnik: Janez Potočnik is a Slovenian politician and economist renowned for his significant contributions to environmental policy within the European Union. He served as the European Commissioner for Science and Research from 2004 to 2009, during which he played a pivotal role in promoting research initiatives across member states. Subsequently, from 2010 to 2014, he held the position of European Commissioner for the Environment. In this capacity, he was a strong advocate for the transition from a linear to a circular economy, emphasizing the need for sustainable resource management and environmental protection. His efforts were instrumental in shaping policies aimed at reducing waste and promoting recycling across Europe. After his tenure at the European Commission, he continued his environmental advocacy by co-chairing the United Nations Environment Programme’s International Resource Panel, focusing on sustainable resource management globally. His academic background includes a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Ljubljana, where he also served as a researcher and lecturer. His career reflects a steadfast commitment to integrating environmental and social considerations into economic and policy frameworks, aiming to foster sustainable development for future generations.
Sébastien Treyer is a French expert in sustainable development and environmental governance. He currently serves as the Executive Director of the Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations (IDDRI), a leading think tank based in Paris dedicated to facilitating the transition to sustainable development. Under his leadership, IDDRI addresses critical global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable urbanization. His expertise lies in foresight analysis and strategic planning, particularly concerning environmental policies and international negotiations. Before joining IDDRI, he held positions at the French Ministry of the Environment and contributed to international research projects on sustainability. He is also actively involved in various scientific committees and advisory boards, providing insights on sustainable development strategies. His academic credentials include degrees from École Polytechnique and AgroParisTech, reflecting a strong foundation in environmental science and policy. Through his work, he aims to bridge the gap between science, policy, and society to promote informed decision-making for a sustainable future.
Adel El Gammal is a distinguished figure in the field of energy research and policy within Europe. He serves as the Secretary-General of the European Energy Research Alliance (EERA), which coordinates public research efforts to develop low-carbon technologies across the continent. In this role, he facilitates collaboration among research organizations, industry stakeholders, and policymakers to align research activities with the European Union’s energy and climate objectives. His leadership is pivotal in advancing research on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable energy systems.
El Gammal is professor at the Free University of Brussels (U.L.B) and at the Diplomatic School of Brussels (CERIS) where he lectures on Geopolitics of Energy. He is also fellow expert at the Veblen Institute for Economic Reforms. Prior to his tenure at EERA, he held various positions in the energy sector, contributing to policy development and strategic planning. His academic background includes studies in engineering and business administration, providing a multidisciplinary perspective on energy challenges. His work is characterized by a commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration to achieve a sustainable and resilient energy future for Europe.
Aurélien Genty is a team leader at the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre in Seville. His role involves developing lines of research to support innovation and industrial policies, which strengthen the EU’s competitiveness and sustainable prosperity. He collaborates with various stakeholders, including researchers, policy makers and industry experts, to promote evidence-based policy making, which strikes a balance between economic growth and social and environmental considerations. He holds a PhD in economics and his academic background includes studies in life and environmental sciences and engineering.
Fabrice Lemoine is Vice-President for European Strategy and professor in Mechanical and Energy engineering. Director of the national research programme ‘Decarbonisation of the industry” since 2021. Director of the Erasmus Mundus programme Decentralised Smart Energy Systems since 2019. Director of a large research lab (200 people) in Energy and Mechanics from 2009 to 2017.
Anaïs Voy-Gillis is a French geographer and geopolitics expert specializing in industrial policy and reindustrialization strategies. She currently serves as the Chief Strategy and CSR Officer at Humens, a prominent industrial group, where she is a member of the executive committee. In this role, she leads initiatives focused on sustainable development, decarbonization, and industrial transformation. She is also an associate researcher at CEREGE (IAE de Poitiers), where her academic work examines the challenges and determinants of reindustrialization, industrial relocation, and the rise of nationalist movements in Europe. She earned her Ph.D. in geography from the Institut Français de Géopolitique, with a dissertation on the reindustrialization of France. Her publications include « Pour une révolution industrielle » (2025). Voy-Gillis is a sought-after speaker at conferences such as Beyond Growth 2023 and contributes regularly to platforms like Xerfi Canal. Her work bridges academic research and practical strategy, aiming to foster a sustainable and sovereign industrial future for France and Europe. Anaïs Voy-Gillis is recognized for her expertise in aligning industrial competitiveness with environmental and social responsibility. Through her dual roles in industry and academia, she plays a pivotal part in shaping contemporary debates on industrial renewal and sustainability.