Wageningen Dialogues
Today's society faces major global issues in the areas of health, biodiversity, energy, food and sustainability. Our organisation is at the cutting edge when it comes to addressing these topics. However, solely ‘new knowledge’ is not changing the world for the better. To fulfil our role as a knowledge institution, we aim to be enriched by different viewpoints and to enrich different actors in society – through dialogue.
Let’s engage in dialogue with each other: scientists, stakeholders and society. So that we can create a better understanding for problems and backgrounds or to determine the right research questions. To soften a societal debate or to bring together stakeholders for collaborative action. All to arrive at new insights together and explore potential answers to these complex issues society is facing.
Good Food: On responsibility for healthier and more sustainable diets
Over the last decade, the growing public awareness of interconnected crises such as climate change, biodiversity loss, malnourishment and obesity have drawn more attention to the food we eat. As these combined challenges become increasingly pressing, we fall short in addressing them. The nature of each of these challenges is complex and the ability to foster change is distributed across numerous actors in society. The good news is that valuable knowledge and many innovations are already here. It is the global system and persistent patterns in consumption and the food chain that makes change so difficult.
Space Design: On diverse stakes and desires of areas and land pieces
Area that’s used for housing, infrastructure, industry, tourism, agriculture, shopping, nature and much more. But there is a pressing demand on that space: housing shortage, the energy transition, adapting to climate change, transforming to more sustainable forms of agriculture and reviving our ecosystems. We all benefit of a resilient, beautiful, safe, secure and healthy living environment: People of all kinds, companies, but also birds, flowers and insects. But how to deal with all these claims on our land and water? How to make responsible decisions for the future? And what values are hidden behind these, sometimes, conflicting claims?
Science in Society Dialogues: On the roles of scientists in the public arena
Are you a scientist that is helping to improve existing systems step by step, or do you want to help replace current systems? Are you passionate, maybe even activistic? Or do you keep your distance and see yourself more as a ‘pure scientist’ or an ‘honest broker’, objectively providing facts and scenarios? How do you relate to partners (industry, NGOs, government) who may have interests? As a scientist, how do you deal with your own personal values and opinions? Are you fully aware of the potential impact of your contribution in societal debates?
Why Dialogues? Our Philosophy
Our organisation is at the cutting edge when it comes to addressing substantial, modern-day social themes: the growing world population and growing wealth which is resulting in a growing demand for food; climate change and its subsequent impact; urbanisation; and an increased burden on the soil, water, and air, which, in turn, makes food safety uncertain. All of these topics pose significant challenges to the world and elicit a wide range of opinions.
How to Use Dialogue? Get Started
Wageningen Dialogues encourages researchers, students and partners to enter into dialogue with each other, accompanying stakeholders, and society. You are the ones to find answers together! This can be relevant to determine the right research question, or to increase understanding for someone who thinks differently, to broaden your view on a societal issue or just to get inspired by a unique perspective on your problem. Sometimes, a dialogue can soften a social debate, but also bring stakeholders together and take follow-up steps together. We invite you to explore how you could use dialogue to realise the impact you are aiming for. Also get to know our lively learning community or facilitators pool for training and support.
Calendar Wageningen Dialogues