In a world where the effects of climate change are increasingly evident, many academics feel a pressing urgency to act. As an academic, you might wonder about your role in this global challenge. How can you make a significant impact? What avenues are available for effective outreach or scientific activism? To explore these critical questions, the Sustainability Education and Engagement (SEE) and Science for Sustainability (S4S) communities, part of the Pathways to Sustainability strategic theme, warmly invite you to the network and lunch meeting on April 4th, 2024, from 12:00 to 13:30. This meeting is organized in collaboration with museum and observatory Sonnenborgh.
Our lunch meeting aims to share successful approaches in outreach on the topic of climate change and discuss the role of academics in the societal debate. What are the roles of academics, the university and cultural organisations (like Sonnenborgh) in navigating the complex interplay of policy, society, and science? Additionally, this event is an opportunity to strengthen the partnership between Sonnenborgh and UU.
Details of the full program will be updated below. If you are keen to join us in this engaging and meaningful discussion, please register using the form below. Lunch will be provided!
Program
11:45 Doors open
12:00 Pitches:
- Sonnenborgh's new initiative Klimaatlab, Giovanni Stijnen
Giovanni Stijnen, the director of Sonnenborgh Observatory in Utrecht, will discuss the conceptual foundations behind the museum's initiative to establish a Climate Lab (Klimaatlab). He will delve into Sonnenborgh's goal of fundamentally transforming science communication related to climate change. The approach involves shifting away from a conventional, intellectually-focused knowledge transfer aimed at a broad audience. Instead, the Climate Lab’s focus will be on adopting a more emotional approach centered around the awe-inspiring wonders of the cosmos and the world.
- U-Talent, Dirk Jan Boerwinkel
Dirk Jan Boerwinkel, the director of U-Talent, will discuss the pivotal role that university scholars can play in secondary education within the Utrecht region through the U-Talent network. He will explore the potential benefits of collaboration between universities and secondary schools, emphasizing the mutual advantages. Additionally, he will present the prospect for existing research projects to engage in partnerships with secondary schools, providing a substantial opportunity to enhance the societal impact of these projects.
- Tipping Point Ahead, Bjinse Dankert
Tipping Point Ahead develops teaching materials about climate change intended for Dutch high-school education. In cooperation with climate scientists and teachers, we create educational clips about state-of-the-art climate science, develop teaching materials, ranging from extensive teaching modules to concise assignments, and organize annual workshops with workshops and presentations about the latest insights on climate change. Tipping Point Ahead is part of the climate research programme NESSC.
12:30 Q&A
13:00 Lunch and networking
The afternoon will be moderated by Erik van Sebille
Sonnenborgh
At the historic 19th-century observatory, scientists deciphered the composition of the sun and made the first weather forecasts. Today, Sonnenborgh is a museum where visitors can conduct their own research. Climb the stairs to the observatory and wonder at the starry heavens on an Star Viewing Night. Learn all about the unique building, the stars overhead and the weather in one of our exhibitions, tours or lectures.
Sustainability Education and Engagement
The community Sustainability Education and Engagement aims to connect and develop initiatives for including sustainability knowledge, attitudes, and skills in education at Utrecht University, and in educating the general public through public engagement. A sustainable future is both dependent on and of the utmost importance for all people living on the planet. Therefore, the academic professionals of the future that Utrecht University educates to become leaders, thinkers and developers should have foundational knowledge about, and key competences and skills for, sustainability.
Science for Sustainability
Science for Sustainability (S4S) forms an inclusive and inspiring platform for interaction between researchers, lecturers, and students interested in solutions for sustainability issues. The S4S community strengthens the enormous potential of Utrecht University’s natural sciences to address societal challenges in the field of sustainability. The transition to a sustainable society is a challenge that requires both immediate and sustained research into new technologies, materials, processes, and methods.
- Start date and time
- End date and time
- Location
- Sonnenborgh, Zonnenburg 2, 3512 NL Utrecht
- Entrance fee
- Free
- More information
- Register for the event using this form.