In late August, conference centre Jaarbeurs Media Plaza will fill with hundreds of scientists from all over the world: political scientists, social geographers, planners, sociologists, innovation experts and many other PhD students, professors and university staff. The topic: how can we improve and accelerate the sustainability transition? And what is our role as scientists in this? Do you only develop knowledge or are you also an active part of the solution? Time is running out and the gathered academics know that better than anyone.
We had no trouble putting together the programme, but it was a real pleasure working with Jaarbeurs on the practical side of things.Adriaan van der Loos, network manager at STRN
Over the course of three days, the focus will be on exchanging knowledge, forging new connections and developing new ideas. The International Sustainability Transitions Conference is the annual meeting of STRN, the Sustainability Transitions Research Network, which brings together researchers from all over the world. For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, the conference is taking place in person again. “There was a great need to see each other face-to-face again,” says Adriaan van der Loos, network manager at STRN and, in his day job, affiliated with the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development at Utrecht University. “And we were keen to do that in the city, outside the academic setting of the Science Park. When we began preparations a year ago, the conference venues at Jaarbeurs quickly caught our eye.”
The Polarzaal in the Media Plaza conference centre was used as the plenary hall. “It was definitely a highlight for me,” said Adriaan, “to suddenly find myself on stage in front of five hundred colleagues. The setting, with the stage in the centre, made it feel very intimate despite the large number of people. And that personal touch was exactly what we were aiming for.” Other rooms were used for workshops, paper presentations, ‘speed talk sessions’ and other interactive meetings.
‘Responsibility and Reflexivity in Transitions’ was the theme of the conference. What constitutes a just sustainability transition? Raw materials are running out, there is a climate crisis, and energy security is declining; this is affecting society on all fronts, from food security to mobility. How do we distribute the costs of the transition between the rich and the poor across the world? And as scientists, do we merely investigate the problems, or do we also work shoulder to shoulder on the solutions? The programme provides space for dialogue between science and politics – made possible in part by the Province of Utrecht. A strong link has also been forged between research processes in the arts and in science. How can art and science reinforce one another? The collaboration between the two offers participants different perspectives, innovative ideas and a deeper understanding. Colleagues from Utrecht University’s Urban Future Studios outline future scenarios. This ensures a dynamic programme.
Adriaan: "We didn't turn our hand to the academic programme, but it was very pleasant to work with Jaarbeurs on the practical side. In the beginning it was a bit of a search - it seemed you needed an academic education to understand the offer properly - but once that was clear, it was very pleasant to communicate with Monique, our account manager. Technology, catering - only vega and vegan of course - it all ran perfectly. Of course, there are always little things that could be improved, soya milk and oat milk for the coffee machines for example, but we are very satisfied. In terms of cost, it was also quite manageable for the participants, comparable to what the conference cost them in previous years at other universities."
Being right in the city was also a practical advantage for the organisers. "People didn't need taxis to get to and from their hotels. Many guests from Europe also came by train and that was totally convenient." Did Jaarbeurs 's own sustainability ambitions play another role in the choice of location? Adriaan: "Actually, we only found that out after we had already made the choice. But it's quite something to mention even more. I think our participants would have found that interesting. And it's definitely something Jaarbeurs can be proud of."
With a rich harvest of knowledge, fresh contacts and new ideas, the scientists from the Sustainability Transitions Research Network are now back at work. To, like Jaarbeurs, improve and accelerate the sustainability transition. There is no time to lose.
Account and event manager Fleur
Do you have a cool idea for an event or trade fair? And are you looking for a great centrally located event location for this? In our exhibition and conference centre, we have the space and passion for your event in Utrecht.
Get in touch with me. I will be happy to tell you more about all the possibilities at our event location in Utrecht.
fleur.van.den.berg@jaarbeurs.nl +31(0)30 295 5023
