Are you an early career scholar that is planning to attend the IST conference and do you want to connect to other scholars? Then join us for an early career day in Utrecht on August 29th! The event aims to connect early career researchers to the vibrant sustainability transitions community, and to explore complementarities with related research fields, perspectives and approaches. The event is organized by the Network of Early career researchers in Sustainability Transitions (NEST) and the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development (Utrecht University). 

Programme 

We will start the day with a morning programme at the Utrecht Science Park, where participants will learn about the concept of positionality and explore how it plays a role in their own research. The workshop will consist of a plenary session, breakout groups, and personal discussions to delve into the complexities of positionality in research. After lunch, we will collectively put these concepts to practice by reflecting on the role and future of the NEST community. For the morning programme, we will be joined by Julia Wittmayer and other senior scholars.

In the afternoon we are organising a social programme, so early career researchers can connect, exchange experiences and get to know each other before the IST conference. We move from Utrecht Science Park towards city centre, where there is a chance to play pingpong, connect with peers, have a drink, and ultimately dinner. The tentative schedule is shown below:

Morning programme (location: Utrecht Science Park)

• 09.30: Coffee and welcome
• 10.00: Reflexive workshop on the role of positionality in your own research
• 12.00: Lunch
• 13.00: Positionality in action: Discussing the role of NEST/ECRs in transitions research

Afternoon programme (location: City centre)

• 15.00: Pingpong, drinks, and networking
• 18.00: Dinner

Exact times and locations will be communicated shortly before the event.

Costs

The morning programme is free of charge and includes lunch. For the afternoon programme, we ask for a contribution of €35,-. This includes free drinks and dinner. Please contact the IST committee if you wish to attend the afternoon programme but do not have the resources to pay the fee.

Registration

Please indicate your wish to join during your conference registration.

NEST

To get more updates on events for early career researchers, tune in to the NEST webinar series, check out the NEST website, follow NEST on Twitter @transitionsnest or mail transitionsnest@gmail.com