ETH Academy 2020 - Understanding technological, organizational, and institutional processes for sustainability

For the first time virtually, 14 early career researchers and 4 faculty members discussed how to capitalize on the increased attention to sustainability while successfully develop and diffuse sustainable technologies in particular regarding the need for more coordinated, constructive, and interdisciplinary interaction between research and society. Kick-starting the five day journey with insightful talks on their individual academic pathways given by the faculties Ann Langley, Greg Nemet, Volker Hoffmann and Johannes Meuer, the interdisciplinary group continued to share and discuss their ideas in the midst of Zoom!

Early career researchers presented their current projects on topics ranging from knowledge exchange in the solar Energy Industry in Latin America; sustainability pathways in the food retail industry, as well as Profits and Social Costs of Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Two presentations by Ann Langley on “Approaches to Studying Organizational Phenomena Processually” and by Greg Nemet on “Policy design to address climate change with dynamic technologies” offered important and novel insights! We rounded up the program with discussions with faculties on promises and pitfalls in research, potential pathways for an academic career, and on how to create impact within academia and beyond.

Given the travel restriction, we weren’t able to do the traditional hikes in the beautiful landscape of the Swiss Alps or enjoy the local fondue. We hope to be able to do so next year again. We greatly appreciate the efforts of the participants and the faculty that allowed the 13th ETH Academy to be such a success. We are already looking forward to next year!