Program Overview

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Introduction to the Loyola Autumn Research School

The Loyola Autumn Research School (LARS) is a residential training program designed for researchers with modeling skills who aim to support the energy policy and regulatory debate. The program is organized by the Florence School of Regulation and the Loyola de Palacio Chair in consortium with the International Association for Energy Economics.

Course Overview

LARS is a two-day residential training that addresses researchers keen to craft research with impact on energy policy and regulation. The program features academic presentations, testimonials from policymakers and industrial representatives, and insights from journal editors in the field of energy economics and engineering.

Learning Outcomes

The primary objectives of the training are to:

• Explain and interpret different approaches in energy-applied research
• Apply and elaborate accurate models and conceptual frameworks for an impactful analysis of energy-related issues
• Discuss recent quantitative and qualitative research and tools to analyze gaps in the energy policy and regulatory debate and support it
• Examine the interactions between different research approaches and better understand the related challenges for policymakers, regulators, and businesses
• Provide in-depth exchanges and peer-to-peer feedback on the participants' research work

Target Audience

The training is designed for Ph.D. students, post-doctoral researchers, academics, and researchers interested in crafting research that impacts energy policy and regulation. A minimum understanding of quantitative research methods is required, and a background in engineering, energy economics, or energy-related topics is recommended.

Course Structure

The course lasts two days, with sessions structured around presentations from academics, followed by applied workshops and testimonials. The final session includes insights and presentations from scholars and journal editors.

Workload

The expected workload is 8 hours/day during the course and approximately 10 to 15 hours before the course begins.

Requirements

Participants are required to submit:

1. A short CV (max. 2 pages)
2. An extended abstract (max. 600-800 words)
3. A motivation letter (max. 2,500 characters) including the status of the paper, reasons for seeking additional feedback, and motivation for joining the school

Admission Criteria

Admission is based on the quality of the submitted research papers and the motivation letter. Only a selected number of participants will be admitted.

Fees and Cancellation Policy

The general fee is 300 EUR. A discounted registration fee is available for participants who also attend the 19th IAEE European Conference. The paid registration fee is non-refundable, but registrant substitution may be made up to 20 days before the start date of the course.

Logistic Information

The fee covers participation in the training, coffee breaks, lunches, and any meals or social activities outlined in the event program. Travel and accommodation costs are not included. The training will be held in Munich on September 5-6, 2026.

Faculty

The course director is Marzia Sesini, and other faculty members include Leonardo Meeus, Hans Auer, Kristine Vlagsma, Lena Kitzing, Jochen Markard, Timo Gerres, Pedro Linares, Monica Contestabile, and Adrien Nicolle.

Related Courses

Other relevant courses include:

• Sustainable and Smart Cities
• Specialised Training on the Regulation of Electricity Markets
• Annual Training on the Regulation of Energy Utilities
• Specialised Training on the Regulation of Gas Markets
• REMIT and its implementation
• EU Gas Network Codes
• Regulation of the Power Sector
• Executive Course on the Vision for Agriculture and Food

FSR Annual Scholarships

The Florence School of Regulation awards scholarships for various training courses. Applications are assessed by a Selection Committee, and successful candidates are informed after February 2026.