Edgar Virgüez
Research Engineer, Energy Science & Engineering
Bio
Edgar Virgüez is Director of Research at the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment, Managing Director of the Interdisciplinary Energy Systems Research Group, and a Research Engineer at the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability. His work bridges research and strategic research leadership, with a focus on building interdisciplinary collaborations that connect rigorous scholarship with real-world impact.
Dr. Virgüez’s research develops data-driven models to inform energy system planning, evaluate environmental and economic impacts, and guide infrastructure investment and technology deployment toward reliable, low-carbon energy systems. He has contributed to more than 50 scholarly publications and research outputs cited over 1,000 times, including work published in Energy & Environmental Science, Nature Cities, PNAS, and Science. He serves on the Editorial Board of Environmental Research: Energy and is a recipient of IOP Publishing’s Editorial Excellence Award. His active scholarly service includes peer review for more than 15 academic journals, including Nature Communications and Nature Sustainability.
Before taking on his current role at the Stanford Woods Institute, Dr. Virgüez served as Managing Director of the $23 million EARNEST Consortium at Stanford, where he oversaw research coordination, governance, and multi-institutional partnerships for a U.S. Department of Energy-funded collaboration spanning 21 universities, national laboratories, and research organizations. The consortium focuses on the future of the U.S. electricity system. He has also led and contributed to research projects for the World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank, applying expertise in areas including life-cycle assessment, cost-benefit analysis, and decarbonization strategies.
Dr. Virgüez also contributes his expertise to global energy, climate, and research initiatives. He serves as an Expert Advisor to The Earthshot Prize, assessing climate solutions for innovation, impact, and scalability. He has also provided expert review and advice to organizations including Schmidt Sciences and the International Energy Agency, evaluating research and grant proposals and technical reports focused on energy systems and decarbonization.
His contributions to research, leadership, and education have been recognized through 22 competitive honors, including the American Geophysical Union’s Science for Solutions Award, the K. Patricia Cross Future Leaders Award, and Duke University’s Graduate School Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. As an educator, he has taught 17 courses, reaching nearly 600 students, while mentoring and supervising students and early-career researchers across institutions and disciplines.
Beyond his research and teaching, he has held leadership roles in university governance. Dr. Virgüez previously served on Duke University’s Board of Trustees, the university’s highest governing body, and currently serves on the Nicholas School of the Environment Board of Visitors and Dean’s Cabinet, as well as Duke’s Climate Commitment Campaign Board.
He earned a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences and Policy, with a Certificate in College Teaching, and an M.A. in Environment, with a Certificate in Geospatial Analysis, from Duke University. He also earned an M.Sc. in Environmental Engineering and dual B.Sc. degrees in Chemical and Environmental Engineering from Universidad de los Andes. His education has been supported by more than $795,000 in competitive scholarships and fellowships.
Across research, education, and institutional leadership, his work is guided by a common purpose: advancing rigorous science, building enduring interdisciplinary collaborations, and strengthening institutions to translate knowledge into impact at scale.
Administrative Appointments
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Director of Research, Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment (2026 - Present)
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Managing Director, Interdisciplinary Energy Systems Research Group (2025 - Present)
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Equitable Accessible Reliable Nationwide Energy System Transition (EARNEST) Consortium, Stanford University (2025 - 2026)
Honors & Awards
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Editorial Excellence Award - Environment and Energy, Institute of Physics (IOP) Publishing (2026)
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Science for Solutions Award, American Geophysical Union (AGU) (2025)
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Best Student Paper Award (Energy and Environment Specialty Group), American Association of Geographers (2022)
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U.S. Carbon Program Leadership Award, U.S. Carbon Cycle Science Program & North American Carbon Program (2022)
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LatinX Awards: Excellence in Activism Award, Duke University (2022)
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Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching (<0.1% of Duke University’s Ph.D. students), Duke University Graduate School (2021)
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Forever Duke Student Leadership Award (<0.5% of Duke University Class of 2021), Duke University & Duke Alumni Association. (2021)
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Chron15: 15 leaders, pioneers, and icons at Duke University, Duke University Chronicle (2021)
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International Awards Program: Graduate/Professional Academic Wizard of the Year, Duke University International House (2021)
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Advancing Diversity and Inclusion Award (Energy and Environment Specialty Group), American Association of Geographers (2021)
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K. Patricia Cross Future Leader Award, Association of American Colleges and Universities (2020)
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Australia Awards International Fellow, Australia’s Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (2015)
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Procter & Gamble’s Prestige Award, Procter & Gamble (P&G) Colombia (2008)
Boards, Advisory Committees, Professional Organizations
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Trustee (Board Member), Duke University (2022 - 2025)
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Expert Advisory Panel, Earthshot Prize (2024 - Present)
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Executive Editorial Board Member, Environmental Research: Energy (2023 - Present)
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Future Leaders Society Advisory Committee, American Association of Colleges and Universities (2022 - 2023)
Professional Education
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Ph.D., Duke University, Environmental Sciences and Policy (2022)
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Certificate, Duke University, College Teaching (2022)
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M.A., Duke University, Energy & Environment (2018)
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Certificate, Duke University, Geospatial Analysis (2018)
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M.Sc., Universidad de los Andes, Environmental Engineering (2010)
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B.Sc., Universidad de los Andes, Chemical Engineering & Environmental Engineering (double major) (2009)
Service, Volunteer and Community Work
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Nicholas School of the Environment Board of Visitors, Duke University (3/26/2026 - Present)
Member of the Nicholas School of the Environment Board of Visitors, Duke University. Serve as a trusted advisor to the dean and senior leadership, providing strategic guidance on academic priorities, research initiatives, and external engagement. Contribute to advancing the school’s mission through stakeholder engagement, alumni relations, and philanthropic strategy in support of environmental research and education. 03/2026-Present
Location
Durham, NC, 27713
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Board of Trustees, Duke University (July 1, 2022 - 6/30/2025)
Selected as a board member (Young Trustee) of Duke University’s highest governing body, the Board of Trustees. Recognized as an individual of outstanding character, ability, and vision from the current ~10,000 graduate and professional student body and ~8,000 graduate or professional alums of Duke’s Class of 2021 and 2022. Identified as an emerging leader with the qualities necessary to act as a university fiduciary responsible for procuring Duke’s long-term health, overseeing and aligning its strategic direction, educational policy, finances, and operations with its mission. Duke University Board of Trustees.
Location
Durham, NC
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Executive Editorial Board Member, Environmental Research: Energy (June 1, 2023 - Present)
One of the seven members appointed to the Executive Editorial Board for the Environmental Research: Energy journal. Recognized as a prominent scientist in the energy field, tasked with giving the journal its scientific authority, providing the publishing team with intelligence on the latest scientific and technological developments, and advocating for the journal within scientific communities. Institute of Physics (IOP) Publishing.
Location
Palo Alto
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Expert Advisory Panel, Earthshot Prize (February 1, 2024 - Present)
Member of the Expert Advisory Panel for the Earthshot Prize. Recognized as an experienced, reputable professional from across the globe tasked with reviewing Earthshot nominations for their impact potential, uniqueness, and innovation. The Earthshot Prize, led by Prince William of Wales, annually selects five winners across five categories (nature, air, oceans, waste-free world, & climate), awarding $6.25 million ($1.25 million per category) as a catalyzer to help scale their proposed solutions. Earthshot Prize.
Location
Wales
All Publications
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The effect of land costs on the economic and sustainability performance of solar photovoltaics in China.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
2026; 123 (8): e2512930123
Abstract
Scaling up solar photovoltaics (PV) is essential for global decarbonization, particularly in China-the world's largest greenhouse gas (GHG) emitter. Despite leading in PV installations, China has yet to widely adopt the more efficient tracking technologies for capturing solar radiation (12% adoption rate), in stark contrast to the United States (90%). To examine the rationale behind this divergence and its consequences, we develop a spatially explicit, integrated model to evaluate and compare tracking and fixed-tilt systems in China-comparing power generation, land use, cost, sustainability, and policy resilience. We find that although single-axis tracking provides electricity gains and appears technically more cost-effective, rising land prices in China could offset its benefits. Land costs increase the levelized cost of electricity by 20% for tracking systems, compared to 8% for fixed-tilt, making the latter cheaper in real-world conditions. Consequently, land-efficient fixed-tilt systems are favored, despite requiring 18 to 26% more panels for the same output-intensifying material demands. Under a 6 PWh target in 2060, current land policies would drive 59% of electricity toward fixed-tilt. Reducing soft land costs could increase the adoption of tracking systems to 63% and reduce installed capacity by up to 8% (219 GW) under the same electricity output, compared with an increasing costs scenario, but would expand land use by 35% or 12.9 thousand km2. Our findings underscore how land economics and policy shape renewable technology deployment. They highlight critical trade-offs between energy yield, land use, and material demand, offering insights for designing more balanced and resilient decarbonization strategies.
View details for DOI 10.1073/pnas.2512930123
View details for PubMedID 41712647
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Planning reliable wind- and solar-based electricity systems
ADVANCES IN APPLIED ENERGY
2024; 15
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.adapen.2024.100185
View details for Web of Science ID 001301508100001
- Copy-and-paste fixes can’t decarbonize Global South cities Nature Cities 2024; 1 (8): 492-493
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How I balanced my Ph.D. research with opening doors for others
Science
2022; 662: 376
View details for DOI 10.1126/science.abq8440
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High-resolution data shows China's wind and solar energy resources are enough to support a 2050 decarbonized electricity system
APPLIED ENERGY
2022; 306
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.apenergy.2021.117996
View details for Web of Science ID 000709734400004
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Utility-scale photovoltaics and storage: Decarbonizing and reducing greenhouse gases abatement costs
APPLIED ENERGY
2021; 282
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.apenergy.2020.116120
View details for Web of Science ID 000599655100006
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Variability of technology learning rates
ADVANCES IN APPLIED ENERGY
2025; 20
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.adapen.2025.100252
View details for Web of Science ID 001611230600001
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Economic development, air conditioning and adaptation to warming
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
2025; 20 (12)
View details for DOI 10.1088/1748-9326/ae1f2a
View details for Web of Science ID 001629235700001
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Renewable energy quality trilemma and coincident wind and solar droughts
COMMUNICATIONS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
2024; 5 (1)
View details for DOI 10.1038/s43247-024-01850-5
View details for Web of Science ID 001348910100002
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Disproportionate energy disruptions afflicted rural Hispanic households during winter storm Uri
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH: ENERGY
2024; 1 (3)
View details for DOI 10.1088/2753-3751/ad6a1d
View details for Web of Science ID 001797566600001
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Oahu as a case study for island electricity systems relying on wind and solar generation instead of imported petroleum fuels
APPLIED ENERGY
2024; 375
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.124054
View details for Web of Science ID 001291274100001
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Copy-and-paste fixes can't decarbonize Global South cities
NATURE CITIES
2024; 1 (8): 492-493
View details for DOI 10.1038/s44284-024-00096-8
View details for Web of Science ID 001630833000004
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The Influence of Regional Geophysical Resource Variability on the Value of Single- and Multistorage Technology Portfolios.
Environmental science & technology
2024
Abstract
A stylized macro-scale energy model of least-cost electricity systems relying only on wind and solar generation was used to assess the value of different storage technologies, individually and combined, for the contiguous U.S. as well as for four geographically diverse U.S. load-balancing regions. For the contiguous U.S. system, at current costs, when only one storage technology was deployed, hydrogen energy storage produced the lowest system costs, due to its energy-capacity costs being the lowest of all storage technologies modeled. Additional hypothetical storage technologies were more cost-competitive than hydrogen (long-duration storage) only at very low energy-capacity costs, but they were more cost-competitive than Li-ion batteries (short-duration storage) at relatively high energy- and power-capacity costs. In all load-balancing regions investigated, the least-cost systems that included long-duration storage had sufficient energy and power capacity to also meet short-duration energy and power storage needs, so that the addition of short-duration storage as a second storage technology did not markedly reduce total system costs. Thus, in electricity systems that rely on wind and solar generation, contingent on social and geographic constraints, long-duration storage may cost-effectively provide the services that would otherwise be provided by shorter-duration storage technologies.
View details for DOI 10.1021/acs.est.3c10188
View details for PubMedID 39007544
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Preventing bad behavior in academia.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
2024; 385 (6704): 22-24
Abstract
We gave young scientists this prompt: Describe one change to scientific policy or culture that would substantially decrease incidents of scientific misconduct or other unethical behavior.
View details for DOI 10.1126/science.adr0734
View details for PubMedID 38963843
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The climate sciences need representation from the Global South
ONE EARTH
2024; 7 (3): 370-373
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.oneear.2024.01.016
View details for Web of Science ID 001290886900001
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Identification of reliable locations for wind power generation through a global analysis of wind droughts
COMMUNICATIONS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
2024; 5 (1)
View details for DOI 10.1038/s43247-024-01260-7
View details for Web of Science ID 001178129600002
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The role of dispatchability in China's power system decarbonization
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
2024; 17 (6): 2193-2205
View details for DOI 10.1039/d3ee04293f
View details for Web of Science ID 001162871100001
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Changing outdated expectations.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
2024; 383 (6678): 24-26
View details for DOI 10.1126/science.adn4211
View details for PubMedID 38175880
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Reframing international students’ success: Institutional responsibility for international student wellbeing and belongingness
Supporting College Students of Immigrant Origin: New Insights from Research, Policy, and Practice
Cambridge University Press. 2024; 1: 332-351
View details for DOI 10.1017/9781009408240.020
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Opportunities and constraints of hydrogen energy storage systems
Environmental Research: Energy
2024; 1 (3)
View details for DOI 10.1088/2753-3751/ad58e5
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Disproportionate energy disruptions afflicted rural Hispanic households during winter storm Uri
Environmental Research: Energy
2024
View details for DOI 10.10188/2753-3751/ad6a1d
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Low-carbon transition pathways of power systems for Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau region in China
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
2024; 17 (1): 307-322
View details for DOI 10.1039/d3ee02181e
View details for Web of Science ID 001112655400001
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Move up or move over: mapping opportunities for climate adaptation in Pakistan's Indus plains
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
2023; 18 (11)
View details for DOI 10.1088/1748-9326/acfc59
View details for Web of Science ID 001087014100001
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NextGen Voices: Historic introductions.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
2023; 382 (6666): 28-30
View details for DOI 10.1126/science.adk8769
View details for PubMedID 37797006
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AI in search of human help
SCIENCE
2023; 381 (6654): 162-163
View details for DOI 10.1126/science.adi8740
View details for Web of Science ID 001046573800011
View details for PubMedID 37440643
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The Effect of Down-Cascade Re-Regulation on Alleviating the Flow Regime Alteration Induced by an Up-Cascade Reservoir
WATER
2023; 15 (12)
View details for DOI 10.3390/w15122166
View details for Web of Science ID 001017832000001
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The future of scientific societies.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
2023; 380 (6640): 30-32
View details for DOI 10.1126/science.adh8182
View details for PubMedID 37023192
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Guiding the deployment of electric vehicles in the developing world
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
2022; 17 (7)
View details for DOI 10.1088/1748-9326/ac765b
View details for Web of Science ID 000810747600001
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What I promised my mother.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
2022; 376 (6593): 662
View details for DOI 10.1126/science.abq7831
View details for PubMedID 35511994
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Integrating wind and photovoltaic power with dual hydro-reservoir systems
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
2022; 257
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.enconman.2022.115425
View details for Web of Science ID 000819922400003
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Energy storage reduces costs and emissions even without large penetration of renewable energy: The case of China Southern Power Grid
ENERGY POLICY
2022; 161
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.enpol.2021.112711
View details for Web of Science ID 000745081600007
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Graduate student perspectives on transforming academia
CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE
2022; 4 (1)
View details for DOI 10.1111/csp2.556
View details for Web of Science ID 000718789000001
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Embracing the value of cultural wealth from underrepresented groups
Teaching Gradually: Practical Pedagogy and Classroom Strategies for Graduate Students by Graduate Student
Stylus Publishing LLC. 2021: 190-196
View details for DOI 10.4324/9781003447382-40
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Clustering and dispatching hydro, wind, and photovoltaic power resources with multiobjective optimization of power generation fluctuations: A case study in southwestern China
ENERGY
2019; 189
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.energy.2019.116250
View details for Web of Science ID 000504505700062
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New Index for Runoff Variability Analysis in Rainfall Driven Rivers in Southeastern United States
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGIC ENGINEERING
2019; 24 (12)
View details for DOI 10.1061/(ASCE)HE.1943-5584.0001826
View details for Web of Science ID 000497999000001
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Integrating wind, photovoltaic, and large hydropower during the reservoir refilling period
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
2019; 198
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.enconman.2019.111778
View details for Web of Science ID 000491213400045
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Abating carbon emissions by means of utility-scale photovoltaics and storage: The Duke Energy Progress/Carolinas case study
Cigre Conference
FISE-IEEE. 2019: 1-6
View details for DOI 10.1109/fisecigre48012.2019.8985012
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Uncertainty of greenhouse gas emission models: A case in Colombias transport sector
edited by Ulengin, F., Li, K., Boltze, M.
ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV. 2017
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.trpro.2017.05.380
View details for Web of Science ID 000404963804051
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Influence of driving patterns on vehicle emissions: A case study for Latin American cities
TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH PART D-TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT
2016; 43: 192-206
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.trd.2015.12.008
View details for Web of Science ID 000370889700017
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On the assessment of marginal life saving costs for risk acceptance criteria
STRUCTURAL SAFETY
2013; 44: 37-46
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.strusafe.2013.05.001
View details for Web of Science ID 000329476800004
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Defining guidelines for the application of the marginal life saving costs principle for risk regulation
edited by Faber, M. H., Kohler, J., Nishijima, K.
CRC PRESS-TAYLOR & FRANCIS GROUP. 2011: 444-451
View details for Web of Science ID 000392245600053
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Supporting decisions on global health and life safety investments
edited by Faber, M. H., Kohler, J., Nishijima, K.
CRC PRESS-TAYLOR & FRANCIS GROUP. 2011: 434-443
View details for Web of Science ID 000392245600052
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0732-9832