Course Syllabus

Research Project Description

Energy is central to modern life, and electricity powers nearly all daily activities. Yet electricity grids are under increasing pressure from emerging demands such as electric vehicles, data centers powering smartphones and streaming platforms, AI servers, smart homes, and industrial electrification. At the same time, electricity grids are complex socio-technical systems, where changes in one part of the system can ripple across the entire network. Ensuring that electricity is delivered reliably, affordably, and sustainably is therefore extremely complex and requires a deep understanding of how engineering, economic, and regulatory decisions interact.

This research project invites Research Assistants (RAs) to join an interdisciplinary study of electricity distribution grids that bring together engineering, economics, and public policy and builds on ongoing peer-reviewed research on electricity grids and digitalization.

RAs will help expand a growing open-source complex-system modeling toolbox designed to improve how we model decisions in electricity distribution grids. Using system dynamics and agent-based modeling, implemented through Insight Maker (a web-based, open-source simulation platform), students will examine how technical constraints, economic trade-offs, and policy decisions shape key electricity system outcomes such as reliability, cost, and sustainability. Case studies and data from Europe and North America will ground the analysis in real-world electricity systems.

Throughout the project, RAs will develop both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills in modeling, analysis, and interdisciplinary problem-solving. Typical research activities include conducting targeted literature reviews, building and testing simulation models, collecting and analyzing open-source electricity datasets and regulatory documents and working with policy case studies and stakeholder interviews.

Together with the mentor, RAs will define a focused research question aligned with their interests, whether oriented toward modeling and simulation, economic analysis, or regulatory and policy design.

Through this, RAs will gain experience in translating results from complex models into relevant insights for policymakers and regulators. They will learn how to communicate their findings through a written research report and a poster-style presentation. The project spans multiple semesters and while students will not participate in every phase, each contribution will meaningfully support the broader research objectives.

This project is ideal for students passionate about the energy field, with backgrounds in engineering, economics, public policy, or computer science, and offers the potential to build a strong interdisciplinary team.

References and Further Reading

– Leiva Vilaplana, J. A., Yang, G., Monaco, R., Bergaentzlé, C., Ackom, E., & Morais, H. (2025). Digital versus grid investments in electricity distribution grids: Informed decision-making through system dynamics. Applied Energy, 386, 125536. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2025.125536
– Ringler, P., Keles, D., & Fichtner, W. (2016). Agent-based modelling and simulation of smart electricity grids and markets: A literature review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 57, 205–215. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2015.12.169
– Koot, M., & Wijnhoven, F. (2021). Usage impact on data center electricity needs: A system dynamics forecasting model. Applied Energy, 291, 116798. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2021.116798

Learning Objectives

The primary objective is for you to experience the world of research and gain skills that will prepare you for any future career you choose to pursue. By the end of the term, you will grasp the complexities of the research project and have made your own contribution to the project. You will have learned to communicate ideas and findings, both orally and in writing, to colleagues within your particular discipline, as well as peers from other disciplines.

Research Mentor

 

Jose Ángel Leiva Vilaplana (Jose)

Post-doctoral Researcher at DTU Engineering Technology (2025–present). He completed his PhD in Economic Analysis of Digitalization in the Energy Sector at the Technical University of Denmark (under the EU H2020 Marie Curie Programme, 2021–2024. His research examines the socio-techno-economic costs and benefits of digitalization (including sensors, AI, robotics, and automation) and sustainable business models in energy. In particular, he applies complexity theory tools to address regulatory, technical, and economic challenges of distribution grids and emerging electricity demands. He collaborates with national and international policy-makers, economists, and engineers to provide evidence-based research and policy advice for the energy transition and industrial competitiveness. Since 2024, he has been an active member of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Task Force on Digitalization in the Energy Sector, focusing on energy digitalization trends and challenges. With DIS since 2025. 

Roles and Responsibilities of the Research Assistant

You are expected to spend a minimum of 10 hours per week on the project. The workload
may vary over the semester. If you are travelling to do field research in a different
location, additional time may be required.
As research assistant, you will engage in some or all of the following:
1. Participate in weekly meetings with your research mentor at a time set collectively at the beginning of the term.
2. Participate in a research orientation at the beginning of the semester 
3. Participate in two research workshops during the semester.
4. Write an assessment of your own strengths and weaknesses in the research
process at the beginning of the semester. Revisit at the end of the semester as part of an evaluation of your own participation in, and learning from, the research project.
5. Keep a research journal and submit it on canvas every week (or another specified interval) for your research mentor an DIS Research, describing the activities of the week, and outlining goals for the following week.
6. Conduct literature reviews.
7. Participate in carrying out the research project. This may include: familiarizing yourself with core concepts, prototyping, design testing, preliminary user studies. The specific responsibilities may vary depending on how the project progresses. Be prepared to contribute to tasks that may come up
during the semester. Research processes are not always predictable.
8. Present the relevance of the research and/or findings to peer(s) from other
disciplines at the DIS Festival.
9. Make a final oral and/or written presentation of the research you are involved in, depending on what is agreed with your research mentor.

Readings

The readings will be agreed upon with the Research Mentor at the beginning of the semester -
the exact content will differ depending on your background. You will receive guidance
concerning the basics of relevant concepts, study designs, methods of analysis, etc.

Evaluation and Grading

All research assistants are assessed on their participation, weekly status reports to the research mentor, self-evaluation and presentation to peers from other disciplines. Additional evaluation and grading depends on the individual research project and project phase and is outlined by the research mentor. It may include literature reviews, a poster presentation for an expert panel, a working paper, etc.

Participation* 10% of grade comprises attendance & active participation including homework in the research orientation, research workshops, and DIS Festival	20%
Literature review	5%
Research Project Outline	10%
Presentation at DIS Festival	10%
Final Paper	55%
TOTAL	100%

Research Orientation & Workshops

Days and times are available in the Course Summary, below.

Field Research (if applicable)

Some research projects include field research. Expenses related to fieldwork will be
covered by a DIS travel grant. The fieldwork will be planned with the research
mentor at the beginning of the semester.

Approach to Mentoring

All DIS research mentors have been trained in mentoring students but their approach to
mentoring may differ. Mentoring is about engaging at a different - and often deeper -
level than what is typical in the class room. However, mentoring also comes with some
degree of ambiguity, which is important for you to expect. The research
mentor will work closely with you throughout the semester but part of the training is also
for you to use your own judgement, to make assessments and decisions. As part of
planning your tasks and responsibilities for the semester together, the research
mentor will talk to you about her/his approach to mentoring.

Expectations of the Research Assistant

The specific expectations of the individual research assistant are agreed upon at the beginning of the semester. In general, a research assistant is expected to take initiative,
take ownership of the project and work independently. You must also be prepared for meetings and be willing to part take in relevant discussions. In cases where more
research assistants are involved in the same project, you will be expected to engage in some teamwork. Carrying out a research project is not a straightforward and
predictable process. This is part of what makes it exciting. It also means that communication is crucial. You are expected to take responsibility for communicating
about problems or issues that arise.

Data

Note that many US colleges/universities require their students who are participating in research at home or abroad to acquire Institutional Review Board approval. Examples include:

• Research involving human subjects
• If the results of any research conducted during your semester with DIS involving human subjects are to be made public or published in the US

You are responsible for confirming whether home IRB-approval is required and, if so, for seeking the approval of your home schools IRB. In addition, all research conducted in Europe must adhere to GDPR regulations, as noted above.

Disability and Resource Statement

Any student who has a need for accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact Academic Support in Copenhagen (acadsupp@dis.dk) or in Stockholm (academics@disstockholm.se), depending on the project location. In order to receive accommodations, students should inform the instructor of approved DIS accommodations within the first two weeks of classes.

Academic Honesty - Plagiarism and Violating the Rules of an Assignment

DIS expects that students abide by the highest standards of intellectual honesty in all academic work. DIS assumes that all students do their own work and credit all work or thought taken from others. Academic dishonesty will result in a final course grade of “F” and can result in dismissal. The students’ home universities will be notified. DIS reserves the right to request that written student assignments be turned in electronic form for submission to plagiarism detection software. See the Academic Handbook for more information, or ask your instructor if you have questions.