Critical and transformative perspectives on sustainability: a doctoral winter school

Theme of the winter school

The ecological crises we face today are global phenomena that cut across geographical, national, and social boundaries. The complexity of these crises requires us to break through the boundaries between academic disciplines and think in inter- or even trans-disciplinary ways. It is important to do so, not only when trying to understand the causes of myriad forms of environmental disruption, but also when mapping out potential avenues for transformative and sustainable practices.

This winter school aims to foster connection, understanding, and cooperation between doctoral researchers across disciplines.

For whom?

Max. 40 researchers affiliated to all faculties from universities all over Flanders (and open to researchers from beyond). We aim explicitly to organise a winter school on an interdisciplinary approach to sustainability, and we want to invite researchers from diverse backgrounds. We foremost aim to include PhD students in this winter school. 

Why would you sign up?

The winter school offers an excellent opportunity to improve your knowledge of today's challenges and broaden your view. Next to that, you will reflect together with other researchers on the impact and responsibility of research. 

By actively working on problems with fellow students with diverse disciplinary backgrounds during the workshops, you experience the challenge of uniting different visions in the search for solutions for an equitable society within planetary boundaries.

In addition, you will build a network of contacts with committed fellow researchers with diverse backgrounds, and get the chance to network with experts in the fields. 

Dates

2nd of February 2026 until the 6th of February 2026.

Cost

This winter school is free of charge and includes lunch. We don't provide accommodation or transportation.

Locations

Technicum, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 41, 9000 Gent

Green Hub, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 33, 9000 Gent

Accessibility

If you are a person with limited mobility or if you have other special needs to attend this activity, please do not hesitate to contact us so we can look together at how we can meet your needs. All locations are wheelchair accessible.

Organising team

The summer school is organised by the Green Office and sponsored by the Doctoral School, with the support of the Flemish Government.

The organising team consist out of researchers and staff from different backgrounds: Femke Auwelaert, Elisabeth Goethals, Marie Sioen, Julieta Vigliano Relva, Lucas Remue, Anton Vandevoorde, Joppe Massant, Jonas Meuleman, Eva Vandenberghe, Femke Lootens, Kobe Tilley, Fanny Van Laecke & prof. Joost Dessein.

Registration

You can apply here for the winter school: https://event.ugent.be/registration/sustainabilitywinterschool26

Register by the 17th of December for early registration. If there are still spots available afterwards, the second registration deadline will be the 15th of January. 

PhD students from Flemish institutes of higher education are the first target group, but the winter school is also open to other researchers and practitioners.

Contact

sustainabilitywinterschool@ugent.be

14 november 2025 10:38