IFP Energies Nouvelles

IFP Energies nouvelles (IFPEN) is a major player in research and training in the fields of energy, transport and the environment. From scientific concepts in fundamental research to technological solutions in applied research, technological innovation is at the heart of its action.

Homepage: https://www.ifpenergiesnouvelles.com/

Internship framework
In a context of energy transition in response to climate change, the valorisation of subsurface resources is increasingly emerging as part of an integrating and viable strategy. The objective being to mitigate the effects of rapid and profound change in human societies. This development of the subsurface requires innovative approaches and techniques to sustainably respond to the growing needs for clean energy, minerals, space, and water. In this context, IFPEN, as a major player in research and training in the fields of energy, transport, and the environment, has initiated a profound evolution of its portfolio of projects concerning the subsurface; both from a technological point of view (e.g., artificial intelligence) and the types of energy researched (geothermal, hydrogen, CCUS, lithium, etc.). In addition to these technologies, let us also develop the consideration of non-experts in decision-making systems for industrial use of the subsurface. In order to offer solutions allowing subsurface operators to take into account the communities in which they operate, principles such as the Social License to Operate have been developed.

Project description This project aims to understand the perception that the public (or even the general public) has of the subsurface, its resources and its use. For this, sensitive mapping methodology includes elements allowing us to understand the perception of the subsurface in a format complementary to more traditional methodologies based on questionnaires. Sensitive mapping is a method that has developed in the field of geography, drawing on different disciplines: geography, cognition, urban planning, and sociology, and allowing communication between actors around a given territory. This internship should aim to understand the perception of the subsurface by working on distinct groups. The development of the subsurface is commonly the result of scientific work carried out by specialists. The difference in perception between specialists and non-specialists could be examined as well as the relationship to the territory. For IFPEN, this internship is a first step in linking representations of the subsurface and the acceptability of its uses in the framework of renewable energy transition. The internship will be in collaboration with Dr Eric Mermet, CNRS research engineer at the Toulouse School of Economic (TSE), specialized in GIS and sensitive cartography.

Profil required
Background in behavioural science (psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics) with an interest in an interdisciplinary project (quantification and applicability). Notions of spatiality (e.g., cartography) would be a bonus.

Level of the internship Second year of Master’s degree

Additional information
Duration: 5 to 6 month
Ideal period: from February
Location: IFP Energies Nouvelles (IFPEN) in Rueil-Malmaison
Remuneration: Yes

Please send your application (CV and cover letter) to Dr. D. Bonté (damien.bonte@ifpen.fr) or apply to the IFPEN website : IFPEN stage perception