Transition UGentThe think tank Transition UGent is an innovation network in which dreamers and doers come together to formulate ideas for a more sustainable university.
Transition UGent is a think tank of committed staff and students, experts and policy makers, dreamers and doers who are all convinced that Ghent University can play an important role in the field of sustainable development. The think tank serves as an open innovation network, in which you can join us in keeping the enthusiasm high, bring new actions and suggestions to the table and stay closely involved in Ghent University's sustainability policy.
'Transition UGent' writes transition plans (climate plan UGent) and monitors the progress
Last year we discovered once again how valuable the Transition UGent network is. Commissioned by the Board of Governors, we are working on a climate plan. For all relevant policy plans, ambitions are set, boundaries defined, and actions formulated. The results are monitored yearly by the Board of Governors and actions are adjusted where necessary. We work aruond CO2-reduction, climate adaptation, biodiversity and circularity. An incredible task, but we could count on many of you: from your expertise, from your engagement, from your experience in the job. It strengthens the message, the credibility, the support.
12.30-1 p.m.: Introduction by writer and theatre maker Martha Balthazar
1-2.30 p.m.: Join us at the theme tables:
Social impact: How can research contribute to practical applications and changes in society, such as improving the environment and health, the sustainability transition or increasing public understanding and awareness? What already exists? What are some good examples? What else is needed to focus more strongly on this?
Sustainable mobility: The Chair in Cycling is launching a research project that aims, among other things, to contribute to the concrete translation of sustainable mobility objectives on and around campuses: how do we organise car and bicycle parking, logistics and distribution, the installation of charging infrastructure, entering into neighbourhood partnerships and directing bicycle routes to reduce nuisance, etc. We are happy to contribute our ideas!
Reducing environmental impact in laboratories: Can we connect lab managers with each other to facilitate the exchange of ideas, practices and questions? Who should be part of this network and what is the scope of the content that can be discussed? Would you like to help develop this?
Sustainable and inclusive events: Do you want to organise events that are both sustainable and inclusive? Discover how you, as an organiser within a research group or student association, can make a difference. We discuss concrete tips and strategies to make your events both sustainable and accessible to everyone.
Multiperspectivism: How can we challenge, find and truly understand each other from different disciplines, thereby building bridges between widely divergent ways of viewing the world? The theatre concept by Leon Adriaensen and Martha Balthazar, winner of the Caroline Pauwels Grant for Wonder, explores this idea and collects input.
Climate emotions and active hope for teachers and their students: Dealing with resistance, bringing others along in a constructive way and remaining steadfast in the meantime. But also: how do you convey that quest, that attitude and those skills as a teacher to your students? An interesting thought experiment, which we are conducting together with KlimaatContact.
Winter school for and by PhD students (ENG): Last year, a Doctoral Winter School was organised for the first time, entitled: Interdisciplinary Pathways for Ecological and Social Resilience. It brought together doctoral researchers from different disciplines to examine the urgent ecological crises we face today and how interdisciplinary approaches can lead us to transformative solutions. It's happening again in February! Are you curious? Or perhaps you would like to help shape the winter school?
Would you like to brainstorm about future Transitie UGent meetings? Let us know via duurzaam@ugent.be. Transitie UGent wants to remain a dynamic and innovative concept, and new blood is always welcome! It involves about four meetings per year.
Your expertise and commitment is heartily welcome!
Do you want to join us? Come to one of our transition meetings! Send an email and we will keep you informed.
