Public Participation in Sustainable Transitions
The pressing environmental challenges of our time: climate change, biodiversity loss, and dwindling natural resources; demand innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to the energy transition. These challenges have technical, environmental and social components, and therefore the energy transition requires interdisciplinary approaches and collaboration across disciplines. This Summer School embraces an interdisciplinary approach, encouraging participants to step beyond their own fields and explore the crucial role of community engagement, public participation, and citizen empowerment in shaping sustainable energy solutions for Ameland, an island in the Wadden Sea.
The Summer School is built around a challenge proposed by the Ameland Energy Cooperative, which will be shared at the start of the Summer School. More information about the role and work of the Ameland Energy Cooperative and the sustainability challenges they are dealing with, but also about the projects and initiatives they work on, you will find out about during a one-day field trip to the Ameland island. Since energy challenges require tailored and multifaceted solutions, participants will engage in expert-led lectures from various disciplines, including law, social sciences, spatial planning, and environmental sciences. These sessions will provide valuable perspectives for developing integrated and sustainable approaches.
This Summer School welcomes participants from diverse backgrounds and experience levels. To ensure everyone is well-prepared, reading materials will be provided in advance, and participants are encouraged to exchange insights and perspectives throughout the programme. Throughout the Summer School, the participants will work together in smaller interdisciplinary groups on the challenge. At the end of the Summer School, the participants will submit and present their solutions to the entire group and to the Ameland Energy Cooperative.
This summer school is linked to the Master Environmental Psychology as well as the Master Energy and Climate Law at the University of Groningen.
Practical information
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Dates
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25 - 29 August 2025 |
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Location
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Groningen, the Netherlands |
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Level
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Master students, postgraduate students (PhDs and postdocs), researchers and professionals with interest in public participation in relation to sustainability transitions.
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Fees
incl. coffee, tea, lunch, 1 group dinner, and 1-day excursion to the Ameland island
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€ 300 for students;
€ 450 for practitioners and other external stakeholders;
Travel and accommodation are not included in the fee; participants attending the Summer School are responsible for making their own travel and accommodation arrangements.
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Academic coordinators
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Prof. Dr. Goda Perlaviciute - Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences Prof. Dr. Lorenzo Squintani – Faculty of Law |
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Contact |
Leo Dvortsin – Faculty of Science and Engineering
l.dvortsin rug.nl
PPsummerschool rug.nl |
Requirements
This summer school is for master students, postgraduate students (PhDs and postdocs), researchers, and professionals with interest in public participation and sustainability transitions.
It is expected that the participants have a sufficient command of the English language to actively participate in the discussions and to present their own work in English.
Course schedule
The programme is based on:
Lectures: gain insights from experts in the field of public participation and sustainable transitions.
Interactive working sessions: collaborate with peers to exchange ideas and perspectives on the proposed challenge.
Site visit: witness sustainability in action through a visit to the Ameland island to learn from the Ameland Energy Cooperative members about the inspiring projects they collaboratively work on with other stakeholders to advance the energy transition on the island.
Social events: welcome drinks and city tour; closing reception/dinner.
Learning outcomes
After this course you will be able to:
1. Learn about key developments relating to public participation in regards to energy transition;
2. Gain and apply insights from different academic disciplines on a challenge related to public participation and energy transition;
3. Work together in international, interdisciplinary teams of students, researchers and practitioners.
Workload
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Preparation: 14 hours
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Lectures: 32 hours
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Presentation: 10 hours
Upon successful completion of the programme, the Summer School offers a Certificate of Attendance that mentions the workload of 56 hours (28 hours correspond to 1 ECTS). Students can apply for recognition of these credits to the relevant authorities in their home institutions, therefore the final decision on awarding credits is at the discretion of their home institutions. We will be happy to provide any necessary information that might be requested in addition to the certificate of attendance.
Introduction to lecturers
Prof. Mr. Dr. Lorenzo Squintani
As Professor of Energy Law, my research and teaching interests include EU substantive law and EU environmental, energy and climate law. In addition, I am Director of the Wubbo Ockels School for Energy and Climate at the University of Groningen, School`s mission is to work together for a greener and fairer energy transition and climate policy. I am also founder and member of the managing board of the Like!Me Living Lab, which studies how to improve the effectiveness of public participation practices in the field of energy and environmental matters.
Prof. Dr. Goda Perlaviciute
My key research interests lie in public evaluations and acceptability of energy sources, systems and policies; and which factors influence these evaluations and acceptability judgements. I focus on theory development and applying theory in addressing acute environmental and energy problems. My teaching involves both bachelor and master courses in environmental psychology, as well as masterclasses and trainings to practitioners and decision makers in the energy domain.
Application procedure
To apply, kindly fill out the online application form. Please note that you will be asked to upload the following documents:
· Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 pages)
· Motivation letter, clearly stating why you want to join this summer school, what you will bring to the school and what you hope to learn (max. 1 page)
The deadline for application is 30 April 2025. Participants will be informed of the outcomes on 31 May 2025.
| Last modified: | 17 March 2025 2.10 p.m. |