Overcoming barriers to sustainability in bioenergy research

•This study explored the functioning of two interdisciplinary research projects.•The study explored the engagement with the concept of sustainability.•There was little systematic engagement with the concept of sustainability.•More reflexive elements of the projects were constrained by competing objectives.

As with other recent techno-science controversies, the controversy over biofuels has resulted in a drive for a more policy relevant bioenergy science in the UK. Whilst recognised as fundamental to the technological development of a modern bioenergy sector, publicly funded science is increasingly concerned with the delivery of a ‘sustainable bioenergy’. However, the way in which science should engage with concepts such as sustainability is contested and the subject of much academic and political debate. This paper draws on the sustainability science literature and detailed empirical evidence to explore operational barriers encountered by two UK bioenergy research projects involved explicitly in contributing to the sustainability of bioenergy. Tensions within the two programmes are explored qualitatively using a simple model characterising the attributes of knowledge production for sustainability. It is argued that despite attempting to build a broad social accountability into the projects, a narrow focus on policy relevance and perceived scientific credibility potentially undermine these efforts. The implications of this are discussed in the context of a science for sustainability and future science policy.