Previous funded projects and initiatives
The Pathways funding is aimed at stimulating inter- and transdisciplinary interactions and creating impact. In the past years a wide range of initiatives have received funding, with one overall goal: to contribute to defining aspects of a more just and sustainable future. This has led to research, workshops, events, debates, educational activities and much more. A Pathways grant can be the start of something new, a step towards (international) collaborations or a way to create awareness for an element of that sustainable future. Find out more about a selection of different projects:
Research
Community based nature conservation in Indonesia
The Banggai archipelago (Indonesia) is rich in biodiversity. It is also geographical isolated which poses challenges to maintaining the sustainability of its natural ecosystems. Prior to the start of this Seed initiative there were no protected areas. Dr. Annisa Triyanti and her team facilitated peer-to-peer shared learning among indigenous people. They worked on the strength of local social capital that is crucial for conservation and sustainability. It provided insights into governance challenges and opportunities to better recognize and empower indigenous practices and integrate their values and input into local, provincial, and national policies. Read more.
Integration of legal aspects in climate scenarios
Which legal aspects should be integrated into scenario assessment frameworks? Dr. Haomiao Du and her team interviewed experts from climate modelling to ethics and law combined with a survey of climate change legal cases. They found four aspects to be of most importance. The results were discussed in an interdisciplinary workshop on promoting mutual understanding between legal and governance scholars and climate scientists. The challenges of an integration of the disciplines were mapped out and the group calls for a shared language, early involvement of legal scholars, and the transparency of scientific methodologies.
Sharing is not always caring
The sharing economy has the potential to contribute to sustainable development but has never reached its full potential. Theoretically, the sharing of private goods with others is very sustainable and creates economic benefits for all parties involved. But still, many consumers hesitate to borrow someone else’s car, for example. The research team, led by Katrin Merfeld, tries to demarcate which paradoxes arise when trying to understand what motivates consumers to participate in the sharing economy. Apart from master thesis labs, international conferences and seminars, the team has launched an experiment to assess trade-offs between different sharing service attributes.
The Utrecht region as a living lab for global transitions
With many citizen science projects, the Utrecht Region serves as a living lab for global transitions. These local pilots can be the change towards sustainability, whilst facilitating interdisciplinary research and collaboration with regional stakeholders. The research team of Stella Gkavezou and Harm van den Heiligenberg evaluates the transformative potential of these healthy urban living innovations and uses innovative action-oriented research to see how they can scale-up. to succeed, it is important to create networks, democratise knowledge and use a bottom-up approach.
The surveillance of ecological violence from space
Satellite imagery is vital for documenting environmental impacts of armed conflicts, capturing damage to infrastructure, forests, rivers, and villages. This technology aids in legal prosecution of environmental crimes, reconstruction, and governance during conflicts. However, it risks advancing political and military agendas.This project, led by Thijs Jeursen, involves social scientists, humanities researchers, and PAX (NGO). It explores satellite image production, analysis, and use as legal evidence. Findings reveal complex image production and the varied use in different conflicts. The project emphasizes the need for legal and ethical frameworks, collaborative methodologies, and community-building to guide the use of satellite imagery.
Education
Future thinking for future generations
Researchers from the UU teamed up with high school geography teachers to develop a series of lessons about possible sustainable futures. The aim was to give students a hopeful perspective on the future by experiencing that multiple futures are possible. Students look at long-term planning. they focused on developments around housing, energy, mobility, nature and agriculture from the perspective of The Netherlands. The lesson series is connected to the notion of 'pedagogy of hope' and is available for teachers. The project was initiated by prof. dr. Tine Beneker.
Worldview Journeys
Worldviews are the ‘big stories’ through which humans make sense of, and give shape to, their experience and world. The Worldview Journey supports students to explore their worldviews, in interaction with each other, and in relation to the bigger picture. It empowers them to reflect on their perspectives, take the perspectives of others, and cultivate more planetary perspectives. After several pilots with students and extensive research the program is made available to other educators in the form of a teacher training. This project is led by dr. Annick de Witt. Try and see what worldview you have with this test.
Activities
Social Impact Consulting Challenge
Students from USE and Geo Sciences collaborated with four company partners to address sustainability challenges. This hands-on experience, guided by Sophie Klein, offered students insights into real-world consulting and sustainability complexities. In a transdisciplinary way, this project aimed to prepare students with the relevant problem solving and consulting skillset, which enables them to create societal impact by solving a real-life, complex case, whilst still retaining the support of a university environment. Simultaneously, participating companies have benefited from the innovative solutions proposed by the students. The challenge is now integrated into the master program Business and Social Impact.
Climate science communication
How can scientists and scholars best navigate the urgent need for greater public engagement about the topic of climate change? To answer that question this project brought together scientists from different faculties, policy makers and media producers. In a workshop about the public communication of climate science in the platform-oriented media landscape the team gathered insights to create a guide on the best ways for public engagement through media. This guide will encouarge engagement and contain practical tips. Watch the video of the workshop by project lead dr. Donya Alinejad.
Are sustainable futures possible?
What does the future of sustainability hold, was the main question behind the public talks and lectures organised by dr. Nikkie Wiegink and dr. Deana Jovanović. The interdisciplinary events aimed to facilitate an environment for collective thinking and learning. Leading researchers in the field of extractivism, energy futures and sustainability Dr. Michael Degani (Cambridge University) and Dr. Gisa Weszkalnys (LSE) spoke about the complexities around the energy transition from their fields of study (resp. the electricity infrastructure in Tanzania and the oil industry in Aberdeen).
Network
Network for Environmental Humanities
The Utrecht Network for Environmental Humanities explores the entanglement of nature and culture from various perspectives. With Seed fundings the network has been able to further develop into a thriving community of scholars. The team also aims to connect with universities across Europe. Seed funding helped to organise a network event (february 2024) addressing the role of humanities in environmental issues such as climate change. Future plans involve establishing a European network for Environmental Humanities where research, teaching and collaboration with external stakeholders can be discussed.
Green hydrogen in the Global South
To strengthen the Green Hydrogen in the Global South research network, dr. Eric Cezne organised a workshop and excursion for UU scholars and students. The workshop titled "Green Hydrogen in the Global South: Politics, Spaces, and Transformations" enabled participation from Global South-based and early career scholars. The excursion brought together scholars from various disciplines to explore hydrogen operations and the role of ports in energy transitions, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration.
Complexity of Sustainability Fund
The fund has been set up to help build a diverse transdisciplinary community of UU researchers and societal stakeholders focused on developing holistic approaches to stimulating a just and sustainable transition. Watch Ed and Marta’s story to learn more. To accelerate this transition a holistic understanding of the complex structures and paradigms that underlie sustainability challenges, is required. The knowledge should be co-produced in a way that is inclusive of diverse actors and their differing and sometimes clashing perspectives. The start of the transdisciplinary community, by Dr. Brian Dermody and colleagues, was a starting point towards reaching this goal.
Art/Visuals
Atlas of Universities for Sustainable Futures
A research project on innovative sustainability practices has led to a growing, interactive atlas of higher education institutions spanning continents, institution types and sustainability approaches. Search the globe for inspiring institutions, explore key themes in sustainable practices and share your own initiatives with others. The project is led by Adele Tufford.
Imagining future climate models
What would climate models look like if they were developed by artists? Residents artists Ekaterina Volkova and Julien Thomas collaborated with PhD candidate Lisette van Beek to study the IMAGE modelling group. Their research in 2022 led to the artistic guide Future Manual for Future Models. It is meant as a starting point for modellers and users to discuss the ideas on climate models and how they can be used.