AndersUtrecht: Transdisciplinary Network for a Postcapitalist Sustainability Transformation
AndersUtrecht is a collaborative, long-term research initiative launched in November 2020 that bridges academic theory with grassroots practice in the pursuit of bottom-up sustainability transformations. The project supports a network of local organisations in Utrecht dedicated to ecological sustainability and social justice, particularly through non-market and community-driven strategies.
At its core, AndersUtrecht facilitates the co-production of knowledge between academia and community-based initiatives. By fostering mutual learning and collaboration, the network aims to build collective capacity for meaningful social change. Its work is rooted in the integration of education (e.g., via the Organising Social Impact course and related programmes), transdisciplinary research (e.g., co-developed research questions), and long-term societal impact (e.g., support for grassroots organisations).
Partners
As of April 2025, the network includes 15 local partners, such as the food collective VOKO, the art institute Casco, the environmental group Utrecht Natuurlijk, and the community arts platform Het Wilde Westen. Members address a wide array of challenges—from energy transition and social inclusion to support for undocumented migrants—demonstrating the network’s commitment to addressing complex societal issues through locally grounded, practical action.
Since October 2024, AndersUtrecht has been structurally embedded within the Transforming Cities community of Utrecht University's Pathways to Sustainability programme, enhancing the network’s visibility and impact both within and beyond Utrecht University and the city of Utrecht.
Researchers
The project team includes Ozan Alakavuklar and Yousra Rahmouni Elidrissi from the Utrecht University School of Governance (USG), and Giuseppe Feola, Julia Tschersich, and Bobbi Jelgerhuis Swildens from the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development.
Contact
For more information, please contact Ozan Alakavuklar at o.n.alakavuklar@uu.nl.