Institution
Utrecth University

Web Site
https://www.uu.nl/en/research/sustainability/events/complexity-of-sustainability-fund

Factual description
The Complexity of Sustainability Fund is a joint initiative of the Pathways to Sustainability strategic theme and the Centre for Complex Systems Studies of Utrecht University (UU). The fund aims to stimulate multidisciplinary cooperation in three workshops over a period of two years. Each workshop will be focused on a theme that will require the contribution of diverse expertise from UU, promoting the acceleration of sustainability transitions. The workshops comprise researchers from UU and high-profile international leaders in relevant fields to ensure a cutting-edge dialogue.

Currently, the fund is delivering its first workshops which aims to provide fundamental theoretical progress through the development of a position paper. The workshops will comprise the analysis of methods, such as network analysis and non-linear modelling, as well as insights from non-quantitative modellers, which will provide their perspectives to help unpack differing norms, views and values essential for the sustainable transition.

Relevance in complex systems
The workshops planned within this project will provide relevant support for the identification of relevant themes, quantitative and qualitative methods for the adoption of complex systems methodology in support of the sustainable transition. The involvement of data scientists and international leaders in the field of sustainability will definitely promote a multidisciplinary dialogue based on real problems.

Strong points
- It involves both researchers and non-researchers;
- It directly adopts complex systems methodologies and practices for sustainability;
- It analyzes methodological foundations to elaborate new answers to real problems.

Transferability potential
The material elaborated during these workshops could be the starting point for new Higher Education multidisciplinary courses on sustainability and complex systems.