How do Science and Universities Contribute to the Sustainability Transformation

9th Apr – 13th Apr 2018 09:00 – 17:00

Moving beyond the Ivory Tower: How do Science and Universities Contribute to the Sustainability Transformation?

From April 9-13, 2018 Freie Universität will host the third Spring Campus conference of the University Alliance for Sustainability.

Program focus and objectives:

2017 was a year of profound political challenges for sustainable development. Science and research have been especially affected, as they are increasingly met with skepticism and even populist hostility. While the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set the agenda for a societal transformation in nearly all UN member states, scientifically grounded policy decisions like international climate agreements are questioned.

Against this backdrop the Spring Campus Conference of the University Alliance for Sustainability poses the question, how science and universities may contribute to the sustainability transformation.

During the Opening Day we are looking forward to a controversial debate on the following questions:

Should universities become active stakeholders in the public discourse or would this affect their independence as research and education institutions?
May the 17 SDGs become a normative compass for research or does this interfere with the freedom of research?
How do research innovations from different disciplines affect the societal transformation to sustainability?

Science and Society:

Science and research lay the foundation for the critical reflection of the SDGs as well as for their implementation. While often associated of being detached from society in an Ivory Tower, scientists’ research findings, technological and social innovations shape our world’s future. As outstanding places of knowledge creation and educational institutions, universities can play a crucial role in shaping sustainable development.

The Role of Universities:

Although the impact of research is evident, science and research are increasingly met with skepticism. Universities as renowned and public institutions often have the opportunity to become a mediator by introducing latest scientific innovation. At the same time, societies have to admit that the answers to a huge challenge like sustainable development are often complex and scientific in nature. In fact, science can offer deliberative approaches, which reiterates the paramount importance of seeking dialogue with the society. University networks like the University Alliance for Sustainability prove the relevance of international academic networks. They can forge international, regional and local links with other academic and civil society networks in order to foster the intellectual exchange and the public understanding of sustainable development.

From the ivory tower into the society:

Scientists – especially in the natural sciences – are often working on innovative solutions for the challenges society has yet to face. To unfold its full potential research often has to overcome the hurdles of funding, market application and public acceptance. The conference will introduce state of the art research from the natural and social sciences, while engaging scientists of different disciplines in a debate about their research questions and findings.

Program Design:

During the conference we will present innovative sustainability research and teaching formats from various disciplines, facilitate inter- and transdisciplinary exchange and foster the dialogue with representatives from the city of Berlin and other public institutions.

The Opening Day features keynote speeches from renowned experts as well as presentations from representatives from UAS partner universities. The talks will be followed by a panel discussion on the overall topic, elaborating on sciences and universities contributions beyond the ivory tower.

On Tuesday and Wednesday (April 10-11) we will continue with a program of parallel research and management workshops. We are inviting contributions from all disciplines.

For full details, click here. View this event on the EAUC website →