Transformation: ‘Reinventing the world’

To make transformation happen, sustainable action must become the first choice.’ This applies equally to civil society actors and political decision-makers and producers of academic knowledge, according to Dr Johan Schot, Professor of Global History and Sustainability Transitions at Utrecht University. He took part in the panel discussion ‘Research >> Transformation’ at the Graduate School Opening Days on 11 October, along with Dr Nina Smidt, spokesperson for the board of the Siemens Foundation.

Johan said: “I had the opportunity to join a ‘Transformation Panel’ during the opening year for Leuphana University of Lüneburg graduate school. This is a new university which puts sustainable development at the centre of the curriculum. They enable students to focus on important areas of work for the future.

We touched on the difficult trade offs in transdisciplinary research; the importance of students taking leadership; and integrating research, teaching and impact. It was encouraging to see such high levels of engagement from all the students there.

Though a small university, there is great power in what they are doing and I was pleased to be part of the opening celebrations.”

The discussion focused on the academic debate on transformation with a focus on sustainability and system change. You can read more about the event here. 

Photo credits: Graduate School Opening Days 2024, © Leuphana University, Photo: Tengizi Tabatadze