CES Summer School – Critical approaches to the sustainable transformation

Sustainable transformation regards a solution-oriented research domain that supports humanity with normative goals in its transition to sustainability (Abson et al., 2017). Current macro-level trends emphasise the need for such a transformation with new regulatory, institutional, technological and market developments. The UN Sustainable Development Agenda, with its seventeen global sustainable goals, is a key example of this relevance and urgency. It is widely agreed that policy support is a key accelerator of sustainability transformation (Rogge and Reichardt, 2016) but a comprehensive analysis by experts from different fields such as sustainability science, regulatory dimensions, socio-economic aspects and others (Sancak, 2023) is still missing.

In this interdisciplinary Summer School, we propose to address critical approaches to sustainable transformation, tackling pressing challenges in sustainability. Explore regulatory, institutional, technological, and market trends driving the need for transformation, as exemplified by the UN Sustainable Development Agenda’s seventeen global sustainable goals.

While policy support is recognized as a pivotal catalyst for sustainability transformation, comprehensive analysis is needed, drawing upon expertise from various fields, including sustainability science, regulatory dimensions, socio-economic aspects, and more. Inspired by the European-funded project BIOASSEMBLER, we delve into photolithographic chemistry, nanobiotechnology, and broader emerging technologies like biosensors.

The Summer School is designed to engage PhD students and early career researchers in an in-depth exploration of sustainable transformation. Our primary goal is to foster knowledge exchange among partners and participants, bridging academia, industry, and civil society.

 

General Structure and Dynamics

In-person sessions offer interactive learning, with experienced lecturers applying sustainable transformation concepts to diverse real-world scenarios. Guest lecturers use the same approach in afternoon workshops, providing insights and feedback. Evening sessions allow for networking outside the classroom.

Experience dynamic sessions featuring morning lectures by BIOASSEMBLER researchers and guest speakers, afternoon presentations of research and PhD projects, field visits to biotechnology and sustainable innovation labs, interactive roundtable discussions, and hands-on creative sessions.

 

Team

Coordination | Hugo Pinto (UAlg, CES), Rita Campos (CES)

Organizing Committee | Bernardo Valente (CES), Bianca Brito (CES), Jennifer Elston (UAlg), Julieta Rosa (UAlg), Marlene Fernandes (UAlg), Miguel Puig (UAlg)

Speakers & Trainers | Ana Rita Cruz (UAlg), André Pacheco (UAlg), Alexandra Teodósio (UAlg), Carla Nogueira (UAlg), Manuela Moreira da Silva (UAlg), Marisa Cesário (UAlg), Pedro Pintassilgo (UAlg), TBA

Target – Participants

PhD students, early career researchers, and anyone interested in sustainable transformation are welcome.

Official Language

The official language of the School will be English. Participants are expected to have minimal skills at the level of Oral and Written Understanding of the English language. Oral fluency is not a requirement, but participants are expected to have minimal oral skills.

 

Minimum and Maximum of Participants

The Summer School will take place with a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 18 participants.

Important dates

Deadline for application: April 15, 2024.

Communication of acceptance: May 15, 2024.

Deadline for registration and payment – Early bird and students with reduced rate: June 15, 2024.

Deadline for registration and payment – Regular rate: July 1, 2024

Partnerships: Collaborating institutions include UAlg, FEUAlg, CinTurs