Yushi Chen
Dr Yushi Chen (PhD Science and Technology Policy 2019) is a green fintech advocate and researcher who is passionate about using technologies and financial mechanisms to promote sustainable transitions.
Yushi's story
Before graduating from the University of Sussex Business School in 2023 with a PhD in Science and Technology Policy, Yushi’s academic journey was marked by notable achievements, including being named one of Forbes China’s 30 under 30 due to his significant contribution to sustainability research.
After graduating from Sussex, Yushi secured a position with New Energy Nexus (NEX) China and was later promoted to Chief Researcher. NEX is an ecosystem of funds and accelerators supporting diverse clean energy entrepreneurs. In China, NEX collaborates with top institutions like Tsinghua University and financial giants such as Ant Group and China Southern Asset Management.
Yushi also has strong interest in AI, environmental protection and education. In addition to his work at NEX, he is a researcher at the Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Research Institute, a Linglong Climate Action Fellow at Friends of Nature, and a part-time lecturer at Tsinghua University.
What does your role at New Energy Nexus involve?
I am primarily responsible for the research areas of green power, sustainability disclosure, critical minerals, environmental, social and governance-based investing framework (ESG) and climate fintech. In addition to my research duties, I also undertake strategic functions, helping the team refine its business model, improve strategic positioning, measure impact, engage stakeholders and assist startups in our accelerator program with the challenges they face.
What do you love most about your job?
For me, the return I seek is "doing well by doing good," combining impact and financial returns. As a graduate of the Business School’s Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU), which focuses on innovation development, the way NEX promotes the development of climate technology and climate fintech and fosters an open innovation ecosystem resonates with my values.
They say "To be is to do" – truly understanding innovation comes from being part of the innovation process, and this is what I strive for.
What attracted you to apply to Sussex?
When choosing a doctoral program, the most important factor for me was selecting the right supervisor. I reached out to Professor Tim Foxon from SPRU, who recognised my previous experience in renewable energy and blockchain, as well as my passion for how different technologies and financial mechanisms can promote sustainable transitions.
I'm also particularly grateful for the joint scholarship from the Business School and the Doctoral School, allowing me greater freedom and alignment with my research interests.
How did your course at Sussex shape your outlook on sustainability and your current work in green fintech?
My supervisors at Sussex are renowned experts in sustainability transitions. They guided me in synthesizing my industrial practice and academic background into my doctoral thesis, Blockchain for Climate Fintech: Business Models at the Nexus of Finance and Energy in China.
Over four years, Sussex encouraged me to follow my curiosity and continuously push my personal boundaries. I had the opportunity to conduct fieldwork, expert interviews and action research to co-design business models with organisations. This experience taught me to use theory to deconstruct phenomena and develop structured academic thinking.
What skills and network did you develop at Sussex? How have these helped you since graduating?
The doctoral training I received was very helpful. Colleagues and collaborators often praise my strong ability to frame complex phenomena and extract the main logic, which I attribute to the education I received at Sussex.
SPRU is a leading think tank in the UK. The professors, peers and alumni are not only research leaders but also part of a unique global community that deeply values academic freedom and open discussion, providing me with invaluable resources and lifelong connections.
Due to SPRU's excellent reputation as an international hub for innovation, I had the opportunity to be a visiting scholar at the School of Public Policy at Tsinghua University. This experience was invaluable, allowing me to meet top scholars in innovation and governance and forge lasting friendships with like-minded individuals.
My advice to students is to stay curious, develop your own plans and always push your boundaries.”
YUSHI CHEN
Where was your favourite place on campus?
The Jubilee building. It holds all the memories of my first interview with the doctoral programme committees, meaningful conversations with my peers and my supervisor meetings, and it was where I passed my viva.
What top two things did you enjoy the most during your time at Sussex?
Watching the sea at the beach and exchanging ideas with friends on the ride back to Brighton from Falmer.
What are you currently reading?
Universal Basic Income by Karl Widerquist. This book has important implications for a world on the road to AGI (Artificial General Intelligence).
I’ve refined my ability to bring diverse stakeholders together to achieve common goals. Ultimately my goal is to empower others and make a meaningful impact.”
YUSHI CHEN
How have you successfully managed to excel across different areas, and what advice would you give to students who aspire to make a similar impact?
For me, it’s about following a clear, strategic path. I start by aligning my work with major global trends like sustainability and digitalisation, ensuring that what I do is always relevant. From there, I focused on finding my niche and developing the hard skills that make me stand out in these areas.
Collaboration is key, so I’ve refined my ability to bring diverse stakeholders together to achieve common goals. Continuous learning is essential; I am always curious to learn and improve myself. Ultimately, my goal is to empower others and make a meaningful impact.
My advice to students is to stay curious, develop your own plans and always push your boundaries. I would also share with them an ancient Chinese saying: "Unity of knowledge and action" – true knowledge comes from knowing and doing, and this process shapes who we are.
Find out more about Yushi’s course here: PhD in Science and Technology Policy. Yushi is among thousands of inspiring alumni on Sussex Connect. Join now to seek mentoring and industry advice and get a head start on your career.