Energy research is a core activity at Heriot-Watt University. Through the pan-university Energy Academy, research excellence ranges from solar energy and energy-focused materials through to energy economics, use, policy and logistics. The perspective of energy research at the University has changed in recent years and our interaction with the international agenda of climate change, sustainability and security of supply has informed a 'big picture' vision of how best to match our skills base to the emerging research and knowledge exchange challenges.