Scientific research is in all respects essential for improving and accelerating sustainability initiatives in the economy and society. In this context, sustainability science, characterized by inter- and transdisciplinarity and recognition of the normative character of research, provides powerful frameworks and methods to better understand and address complex sustainability issues.
Today, the University of Antwerp already houses leading interdisciplinary institutes, successful citizen science projects have been organized, and multiple consortia attract international funding for interdisciplinary sustainability research. At the same time, this often depends on the leaders in question and lacks a university-wide vision and strategy to deepen and broaden this strength at the University of Antwerp. The compartmentalization into disciplines and limited knowledge of the specificity of interdisciplinary research remain challenges.
Breakthrough actions 2025-2026:
- The development of a strategic vision on sustainability research at the University of Antwerp, through an expert working group and targeted leverage actions;
- initiating a university-wide dialogue on ethical frameworks and scientific integrity in light of sustainability crises.
These breakthrough actions can be supported by numerous actions, such as recalibrating and strengthening the role of the Institute for Environment and Sustainable Development (IMDO), training in sustainability science, and support from RIVA for sustainability science projects.
Get involved!
Are you a supervisor of master's theses or project work, and are you open to mentoring students in a sustainability-related topic with application to a UAntwerpen case study? We would love to collaborate on data and support! Let us know at climate@uantwerpen.be.