The projects focus on developing, testing, and scaling up so-called ‘transformative’ working methods. In doing so, scientists collaborate closely with civil society organizations to jointly develop knowledge and determine the direction the climate transition should take. According to KIN, this collaboration is essential because there are no ready-made solutions for the complex challenges surrounding climate change.
The grant aligns with a broader call from KIN to innovate scientific practice. Traditional research is often highly specialized, fragmented, and organized in a competitive manner, making it difficult to effectively address major societal issues. With this funding, KIN aims to create space for a different approach: a ‘transition mindset’ in which collaboration is central, different forms of knowledge are valued equally, and researchers work together with practitioners on just systemic change.
With the awarded grant, VU Amsterdam is taking an important step in strengthening its role within the climate transition and developing knowledge that is actually applicable in society.
The following projects have been assigned:
Emotional dynamics and decision-making in Zoöps of professor of modern and contemporary art history Katja Kwastek, K.J. Kuitenbrouwer (Stichting het Zoönomisch Instituut), drs. A. Smits MA (Stichting Zone2Source).
This project evaluates the role of emotions within Zoöps, focusing on Zoöp Amstelpark. Any organization that has adopted the Zoöp model and signed the Zoöp-contract is a Zoöp. In a Zoöp, the interests of other-than-humans (animals, plants) are actively represented in decision-making processes, to work towards a planet livable for all. Emotional dynamics play a key role in our willingness to do so. During interviews, consultations, and performances, we will reflect upon the role of emotions together with park visitors. The results will help improve the Zoöp model and create awareness for the role of emotions in climate transitions.
Lessons for impactful & effective transdisciplinary research coalitions: the case of the Mapping Fossil Ties Coalition of A P Pereira (Solid Sustainability Research), H. Arts (Stichting ter bevordering van de Fossielvrij-beweging), Assistant Professor of Environmental Policy Analysis Mathieu Blondeel, G. Schaafsma (LEI), dr. G. Dix (UT), S Roeters (Sjors Roeters producties), C. Vetter (TU Delft).
Increasing awareness of how academia enables climate obstruction and is influenced by health-harming industries has seen grassroots research coalitions form worldwide. Their transdisciplinary research can help institutions prevent undesirable influence of industry, protect academic freedom and contribute to a just transition. We offer such coalitions a practical toolkit based on the experience of the Dutch Mapping Fossil Ties coalition - a network of academics, campaigners, and independent researchers researching academic-fossil fuel ties since 2023. Via workshops, an interactive research handbook and academic publication, we share lessons on effective transdisciplinary collaboration and making impact through activism, journalism, policy, and science.
Participation in project:
Testing Climate Figures with the IPCC: Transforming Design Practices for Inter-Cultural Accessibility of prof. dr. S.M.C. Niederer (HvA), T. Balder, A. de Jonge MSc, professor of Interaction between Climate and the Socio-Ecological System Bart van den Hurk (Deltares), dr. L. van den Heijkant (UvA).
The IPCC produces world-leading climate reports that inform public debate and policymaking. Yet the scientific figures in these reports can be difficult for many audiences to understand. This project tests a new, bottom-up approach to designing and improving IPCC figures by starting from the needs of diverse audiences. We will identify what makes figures accessible and understandable, test new designs across six countries, and refine them through expert review. The results will be translated into an open-access toolkit that supports more inclusive and accessible climate communication within and beyond the IPCC.
Science in Transition
This call forms part of the ‘Science in Transition’ programme line. Through this programme line, NWO and KIN aim to encourage the scientific community to take steps towards just climate transitions by developing future-proof ways of collaborating, conducting research and securing funding. This programme line also includes the call ‘Sustainable Science Fund’.
The Dutch Climate Research Initiative (KIN)
The Dutch Climate Research Initiative (KIN) is the hub within NWO where the knowledge needed for climate transitions flows, from science to practice and vice versa. Where necessary, the KIN breaks down existing barriers within the (scientific) system and fosters collaboration. In this way, we can accelerate progress together, and knowledge is given the opportunity to make a difference in the transition to a climate-neutral and climate-resilient future.