Integrating Technologies, Policies and Strategies for a Sustainable Economy
An interdisciplinary group of 19 researchers from 11 different nations spent 5 days in the Swiss Alps for the 11th annual ETH Academy on Sustainability and Technology, hosted by SusTec.
Guided by the title “Sustainability at Crossroads – Integrating Technologies, Policies and Strategies for a Sustainable Economy”, 14 junior scholars and 4 faculty members discussed the technological, organizational and institutional challenges of getting to a more sustainable future. Kick-starting the five day journey with insightful talks on their individual academic pathways given by Gail White, Jeff York, Erin Baker, and Volker Hoffmann, the interdisciplinary group continued to share their ideas and connected to researchers from around the world in Appenzell.
Junior researchers presented their current projects on topics ranging from windfarms in Mexico, over food-sharing in Singapore, to the fishing industry in Iceland. On top they engaged in discussions with faculties on scientific relevance and rigor, potential pathways for an academic career, and on how to create impact within academia and beyond. The academy was inspiration to all of us and helped guide our future research plans.
As an additional highlight, the international group had the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful landscape of the Swiss Alps and to get in touch with the local culture by exploring the town of Appenzell and enjoying fondue. We thank all participants for making the 11th ETH Academy such a success and want to thank Monika Rut in particular for sharing her experience on this year's PhD-Academy in a Download blogpost. We are already looking forward to next year!