Embark on a learning journey with the 2024 STRN/NEST Method School: "Transformative Research Unlocked." This unique learning experience invites early career researchers to learn about a broad array of methodological approaches in sustainability transitions research and cultivate their role as transformative researcher.
Guided by the central question, "What is my role as a researcher in just sustainability transitions?", this school goes beyond traditional academic boundaries to address this crucial question, offering participants a unique opportunity to cultivate their roles as transformative researchers. The program takes place from July 8th to 12th in the dynamic city of Rotterdam and is hosted by the Design Impact Transition (DIT) Platform and the Dutch Research Institute for Transitions (DRIFT), in collaboration with the Sustainability Transitions Research Network (STRN) and the Network of Early Career Researchers in Sustainability Transitions (NEST).
Throughout this learning journey, you will engage with leading experts, participate in interactive sessions, partake in peer learning, and immerse yourself in experimental workshops.
We look forward to welcoming you to Rotterdam for an enriching and collaborative exploration of transformative research. Together, let’s unlock the potential of transformative research for a sustainable future.
Practical information
| Dates & location | 08 - 12 July 2024, Rotterdam (Erasmus University of Rotterdam) |
| Interesting for | PhD students in different stages of their research, who focus on sustainability transitions |
| Fee | Free (incl. lunches, refreshments, 3 dinners, excursions and materials for the whole week) + option to apply for scholarship to allow for equal access |
| Credits | Upon successful completion of the Summer School, participants will receive a Certificate of Participation indicating the workload and corresponding 2ECTS. Students can request recognition of these ECTS from their home institutions, therefore the final decision on awarding credits lies with their home institutions. |
| Application Deadline | April 15th 2024 |
| Course leader | Julia Wittmayer |
Requirements
The summer school invites applications from PhD students and early career researchers with a background in or affiliation with transformative research and sustainability transitions. Participants are expected to have sufficient proficiency in English to be able to actively participate in the summer school.
Course information
The week will consist of a series of lectures, workshops and discussions by leading transitions scholars, accompanied by a social program. The focus of this year’s school will be on your role as a transformative researcher.
Confirmed speakers for the methods school include:
- Floor Alkemade (Eindhoven University)
- Saurabh Arora (University of Sussex)
- Ying Syuan (Elaine) Huang (McGill University)
- Jonathan Köhler (Fraunhofer ISI)
- Derk Loorbach (Drift, Erasmus University Rotterdam)
- Bonno Pel (Utrecht University)
- Marta Struminska-Kutra (VID Specialized University)
- Jonas Torrens (Utrecht University)
- Julia Wittmayer (Drift, Erasmus University Rotterdam)
Program outline
| Monday July 8th | Research basics: Method(ologie)s in sustainability transition research |
| Tuesday July 9th | Research standards: Qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research |
| Wednesday July 10th | Research as co-production: Co-producing knowledge and action |
| Thursday July 11th | Research as critical practice: Critical perspectives for doing research |
| Friday July 12th | Researcher identity: Your role as transformative researcher |
Learning goals
Students will:
- Position their own research approach within a broader range of methodological approaches in sustainability transitions research.
- Design innovative and relevant research interactions.
- Appraise their own research as co-production activity.
- Question research practices from critical perspectives.
- Develop their role as transformative researcher.
- Build a new network of peers in transition research.
Application procedure
To apply, please fill out the online application form before April 15th. You will be asked to upload the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 pages)
- Motivation letter (max. 500 words) where you describe your research and your motivation for participating in the program.
Limited scholarship opportunities are available to assist students with accommodation and transportation expenses required for joining the program. If financial support is necessary for your participation in the school, you may include a brief statement (max. 300 words) in your application expressing your need for a scholarship. In this statement, demonstrate why this course is crucial for you and why you deserve this scholarship. We trust applicants to approach this opportunity with integrity.
The deadline for application is 15th of April 2024. Selected participants will be informed as soon as possible, but latest on 3rd of May 2023.
Apply here
Any Questions?
Marta Garcia Escobar
Student Assistant - DIT Summer School
- Email address
- marta.garciaescobar@eur.nl