Michael Brenner-Fliesser is a social scientist at JOANNEUM RESEARCH in Graz, Austria, specializing in the social dimensions of the energy transition and climate adaptation. He contributes to numerous Horizon Europe and national research projects, where he explores how social innovation and user-centered approaches can drive sustainable change.

As Chair of the BRIDGE Working Group on Consumer and Citizen Engagement, he leads discussions on how to strengthen public participation and empower citizens in shaping the future energy system. His work focuses on citizen engagement in the energy sector, user-centered technical solutions for the energy transition, climate-related lifestyle research, just and inclusive climate adaptation measures, and social life cycle analysis, aiming to bridge the gap between technological progress and societal needs.