How do we navigate societal transitions using cross-disciplinary education and research? This question is the focus of the EWUU alliance Annual Conference 2024 'Navigating Transitions', on Wednesday, April 24, at TivoliVredenburg in Utrecht. 
 
In the alliance EWUU (TU/e, WUR, UU, UMC Utrecht), the four institutions cooperate cross-disciplinary in research and education such as Preventive Health and Circular Society. With this unconventional approach, EWUU alliance contributes to urgent societal transitions. 

The conference will start with a plenary session by philosopher and keynote speaker Roman Krznaric. In line with his international bestseller "The Good Ancestor", Krznaric argues for a mindset change that encourages forward-looking actions: less short-term thinking and more focus on long-term consequences. Using powerful examples, Krznaric shows how short-term thinking leads to existential threats and powerlessness in the economy, politics and social welfare, and what long-term thinking can contribute to navigating societal transitions.   

After the plenary session, participants can choose from three interactive tracks shaped by the  strategic programmes of the EWUU alliance. 

Track 1 Digital Innovations for a Circular Society 

In this digital age, the potential of digital tools to drive circularity is great but often underutilized. Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Serious Gaming, Digital Twins and Digital Support Systems can contribute to innovative approaches to circularity. In practice, however, these are often not yet integrated. In this track, experts talk about the landscape of digital innovations, how they can be used to promote circularity, and the opportunities and risks involved. 

Track 2 Empowering Healthier Communities Through Collaboration 

With an increasing aging population and diversity of disease states, health care systems are under pressure. As a result, the need for proactive measures is greater than ever. In this track, several experts talk about initiatives for a healthier population and how technology, transdisciplinary research and policymaking can help. 

Track 3 Competences for Transitions 

The society faces complex challenges, increasing the importance of transdisciplinary education and research. By developing transdisciplinary skills, we can contribute to understanding complexity. In this hands-on track, participants will experience how future-proof skills can be taught, strengthened and applied. 

Poster exhibition 

During the annual conference, there will also be an interactive exhibition on various (research) projects. This exhibition showcases the innovative EWUU alliance collaborations that are shaping the future.

The programme

Date: April 24, 2024 
Time: 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.  
Location: TivoliVredenburg in Utrecht 
For who: Researchers, students, teachers policy staff and other interested parties (from corporations, NGO's and government institutions). 
View the programme and register here. 

About the alliance

In the EWUU alliance Eindhoven University of Technology, Wageningen University & Research, Utrecht University and University Medical Centre Utrecht connect their scientific knowledge in research and education. The four institutions cooperate on a cross-disciplinary basis in the areas in which they complement each other. The motto of EWUU is ‘Challenging future generations’. Using an unconventional approach, the alliance challenges new generations of researchers, tutors and students to work together, across disciplines, without imposing limits in advance. It focuses on research results with an impact on society.