Alliance EWUU Annual Conference 2024: 'Navigating Transitions'

In the alliance EWUU (TU/e, WUR, UU, UMC Utrecht), the four institutions cooperate cross-disciplinary in research and education such as Preventive Health and Circular Society. With this unconventional approach, EWUU alliance contributes to urgent societal transitions.

The conference will start with a plenary session by philosopher and keynote speaker Roman Krznaric. In line with his international bestseller "The Good Ancestor", Krznaric argues for a mindset change that encourages forward-looking actions: less short-term thinking and more focus on long-term consequences. Using powerful examples, Krznaric shows how short-term thinking leads to existential threats and powerlessness in the economy, politics and social welfare, and what long-term thinking can contribute to navigating societal transitions.

After the plenary session, participants can choose from three interactive tracks shaped by the strategic programmes of the EWUU alliance.

Track 1: Digitale innovaties voor een circulaire samenleving

In this digital age, the potential of digital tools to drive circularity is great
but often underutilized. Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI),
Serious Gaming, Digital Twins and Digital Support Systems can contribute to
innovative approaches to circularity. In practice, however, these are often not
yet integrated. In this track, experts talk about the landscape of digital
innovations, how they can be used to promote circularity, and the opportunities
and risks involved.

Track 2: Empowerment van gezondere gemeenschappen door samenwerking

With an increasing aging population and diversity of disease states, health care systems are under pressure. As a result, the need for proactive measures is greater than ever. In this track, several experts talk about initiatives for a healthier population and how technology, transdisciplinary research and policymaking can help.

Track 3: Competenties voor transities

The society faces complex challenges, increasing the importance of transdisciplinary education and research. By developing transdisciplinary skills, we can contribute to understanding complexity. In this hands-on track, participants will experience how future-proof skills can be taught, strengthened and applied.

Postertentoonstelling

During the annual conference, there will also be an interactive exhibition on various (research) projects. This exhibition showcases the innovative EWUU alliance collaborations that are shaping the future.