| Pathways to Sustainability |
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We are convinced that in these times of global crises - climate change, inequality, pollution, over-exploitation of natural resources – it is necessary to create new ways of thinking and working. For co-producing knowledge to elicit transformations to sustainability for a Healthy Planet, we need to strengthen our cross-disciplinary approach to foster innovation and create real impact. That’s why we encourage and inspire people to break boundaries - across disciplines, generations, and geographies – and work with societal partners to drive meaningful change.
Professor Harini Nagendra is one of those inspiring people whose research and sustainability work with practitioners, communities and children in cities fits really well with our vision. That is why we together with strategic theme Dynamics of Youth nominated her to be an honorary doctor of Utrecht University. To celebrate Professor Nagendra’s honorary doctorate and draw inspiration from her work, we are hosting a series of exciting events. Join us to compete for the Booster Grant, critically think together, and ignite change!
Niki Frantzeskaki
Scientific Director Pathways to Sustainability |
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On the university's anniversary (Dies Natalis) Utrecht University will award an honorary doctorate to Professor Harini Nagendra for her original research on how people and nature can reconnect in cities to foster sustainability, resilience, and livability. Prof. Nagendra’s influence extends beyond academia. She actively promotes awareness of the mental and ecological benefits of urban nature through popular science books, podcasts, and newspaper columns. Through her commitment to empowering youth in and through sustainability education, Harini Nagendra creates real-world impact. |
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Events with professor Harini Nagendra |
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Our planet is under pressure, facing complex challenges in areas such as sustainability, health and climate change. Urgent and transformative action is needed. Therefore, Healthy Planet is Utrecht University's 2025 year theme and theme of this year's Dies Natalis. In research, education and business Utrecht University is working on sustainable solutions that promote the health of both the planet and all living beings.
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Science for Sustainability #2: New recycling methods for plastics
As plastic waste is polluting our planet and all living beings, we need to develop innovative recycling routes for plastic. In Europe, only 45 percent of all plastic waste is recovered and a much smaller proportion is still recycled. Ina Vollmer's research focuses on this challenge, as she explains: “The current recycling techniques for plastic produce products of inferior quality. That is why I am working on new ways of chemical recycling.” |
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Signature project - Resourcefulness
The energy transition is causing a steep increase in mining of critical minerals, which are essential for renewable energy technologies. This also intensified the extractive processes often resulting in human rights violations, environmental degradation, and the perpetuation of global inequalities. This project aims to highlight the role of finance institutions in resource extraction, and how their role (re)produces (un)just outcomes of the energy transition.
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Signature Project - Financing Biodiversity
How can Dutch pension funds use their investments towards a more sustainable future? These funds are uniquely positioned to address biodiversity concerns, because of their substantial assets and long-term focus. This project aims to help them pursue nature-positive investments through a theoretical framework, active engagement and innovative strategies.
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Signature Project -Healthy foods: (im)possible marketing?
We want to make healthy and sustainable food a fashionable choice. By engaging (young) consumers, researchers, food companies, and policymakers, we aim to change the perception of (more) plant-based diets, promoting both individual health and environmental sustainability.
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Unravelling solutions for Future Food online course
Future Food Utrecht offers an online course that allows people around the world to learn more about sustainable and healthy food systems. Students are encouraged to explore possible sustainable solutions for several acute issues, including the demands of the growing human population, the role of nutrition, and the need to understand food choices for healthier diets. You can join this interdisciplinary journey too!
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Global Sustainability Science - Sustainable & Healthy Food Track
Since 2023, Bachelor students of Global Sustainability Science have been able to dive into sustainable and healthy food questions. A food system that is both sustainable and healthy requires an interdisciplinary approach that balances food security and justice with environmental impact. We are educating the next generation of experts who can work on the food system of the future.
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Water-Energy-Land Impacts of Compound Weather Events
In the face of climate change, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense, with multiple events often occurring simultaneously or in close succession. Can we capture the complexity of these events across sectors and incorporate local adaptive capacities.
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Healthy Planet Booster Grants Lottery
Contribute to a better world for youth with interdisciplinary projects focusing on youth and sustainability.
Submit your project in person at the event on 27 March. Four lucky winners will receive an immediate funding commitment of €20,000!
Registration deadline: March 14 |
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Seed funding open call 2025
With Pathways to Sustainability seed funding, we aim to stimulate interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary interactions that can 'plant a seed' and contribute to creating impact.
Application deadline: 10 March
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Open Office Hour
Do you have questions about our funding schemes or the upcoming Seed Funding call, come to our Open Office Hour in the VMA Common Room or join us on Teams.
Tuesday 4 March, 14:00-16:00 |
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Sustainability Dialogue - Facing the Global Resource Crisis: Your Role as a Change Maker
Wednesday 5 March, 10:00-12:00
What does our way of living cost to the planet? Do we have the resources to feed the world, build our cities, or get from A to B? We will gather to discuss the Global Resource Outlook, with Hans Bruyninckx, lead author of the GRO 2024, Afke van Rijn, Director-General of the Environment at the Ministerie van Infrastructuur en Waterstaat; Ernst Worrell, Niki Frantzeskaki, Detlef van Vuuren and Maarten Hajer. |
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Public Lecture by honorary doctor Cathryn Tonne - Planetary health and the air we breathe
Tuesday 25 March, 17:30- 19:30
An inspiring lecture by the second honorary doctor of this year, on the global impact of air pollution - both indoor and outdoor - on millions of lives. She will highlight how low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) bear the heaviest burden. Her research sheds light on the urgent need for solutions that protect both people and the planet. |
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Symposium Water Quality Matters: An Interdisciplinary System Perspective
Tuesday 15 April - 9:00-18:00
On 15 April we'll will shed light on water quality issues across the world. It will foster an interdisciplinary dialogue, covering amongst others global and national water quality challenges, environmental and health risks, policy interventions and innovative solutions to improve water quality and associated planetary health.
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