Transition UGent

Transitie UGent has been around for more than 10 years! For all these years, we have been meeting, enjoying the energy and sense of togetherness, and trying to push things forward. With policy preparation work, with action, with a memorandum, with a Raretijden newspaper, with proposals, with all our might, etc. Enjoy this report.
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Who are we?

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.

Meeting of Transition UGent at 29th of June

Where?

Community house De Gang, Ekkergemstraat 211, Gent

When?

29th of June 2026, from 12h to 14h30

What?

For our next meeting, we’ll be guests at the community center De Gang in the Ekkergem neighbourhood, located between the Dunant and Coupure campuses. We’ve come to know our neighbors as key drivers in the transition toward sustainable campus development. Together with them, we’ve created two beautiful green-blue gems, but there’s undoubtedly much more we can achieve!

Program

  • Catering from Tami's Home Kitchen
  • 12h30-13h: Presentation of the most impactful sustainability initiatives and progress updates
  • 13u-14u30: Join the discussion at the themed tables:
        • Tour of the Ekkergem neighbourhood: Our neighbours in Ekkergem play a very active role in greening their neighbourhood. They got many neighbours involved in creating facade gardens, a green playground was built at Balans Elementary School, and together with them we created a long facade garden and greened the front of the Dunant campus as well as the Coupure campus. They’d love to take us on a tour through their neighbourhood.
        • The University’s Role in the City: Through transdisciplinary research and education, the Stadsacademie focuses on complex sustainability issues in Ghent. Among other things, it explores the university’s role in the city. In this session, we will explore together how campuses can become more urban spaces where living, working, learning, and socializing reinforce one another. What framework and partnerships are needed to achieve this? What kind of research and education aligns with this vision? Topics include sustainable neighbourhood cafeterias, student housing cooperatives, opening the campus to the neighbourhood, and a socially just energy transition in the neighbourhood.
        • Interdisciplinary research: Virtually everyone in the academic world agrees that the major challenges of our time require collaboration across disciplines. The climate issue, for example, is not merely a matter of scientific insights and technological solutions, but also of political choices, social discomfort, and cultural changes. In theory, there are many interdisciplinary projects, but in practice we see that research within them often proceeds in parallel, and that scientists take very little time to understand and question each other’s premises, compare potential solutions, or analyze obstacles to collaboration. As a result, true interdisciplinary collaboration often fails to materialize. We invite you to an engaging exchange among fellow researchers at Ghent University about their research practices.
        • Climate Emotions in Our Education: Are our students truly concerned about the state of the climate? How does this manifest in the classrooms? What do we do when they (or some of them) are deeply affected? During this session, we will discuss climate emotions in higher education and explore what responsibilities and roles educators can assume in the classroom. The discussion will be informed by insights from scientific research on a pedagogical approach to climate emotions, as well as existing best practices for pedagogically valuable ways of addressing climate emotions in education. After all, climate emotions have pedagogical potential: they can prompt reflection, engagement, and action. At the same time, they require a caring approach, especially when students experience feelings of fear or powerlessness.
        • Fossil Fuel Ties: Dutch universities evaluated their academic collaborations with the fossil fuel industry and developed a policy framework for this purpose, which is now widely applied. Can we at Ghent University once again take a pioneering role, just as we did with our Fossil Divestment policy? We have already gathered some great examples and would love to discuss a possible approach with you.
        • Sustainability Roadmap: What can your group do to strengthen and enrich the Sustainability Roadmap? The awards ceremony for the most impressive sustainability initiatives can already serve as inspiration, but there is likely much more potential. Let’s explore together what’s possible and we’d be happy to give you that extra push.

Register

Be sure to register! That way we'll know how much lunch to order.

Would you like to join us in the cockpit?

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 .