Wageningen Dialogues
Dialogue helps to create a better understanding of problems and backgrounds, to determine the right research questions, to mitigate a hardened social debate or to bring stakeholders together for collaborative action. And that is needed, as we face major global issues in the areas of food, energy, health, biodiversity and sustainability. Different viewpoints and perspectives on these issues help to find answers to these challenges. But that’s not as easy as it sounds – and often dilemmas arise.
It is Wageningen Dialogue’s aim to enable (future) scientists and actors in society to contribute to the necessary transitions in the WUR domains by stimulating better connections, insights and understanding through embedding dialogue into their daily practise. To do that, we offer workshops, support, and a sophisticated programme with inspiring dialogues.
Priority topics
Transforming our food system is not only inevitable, it’s necessary. At WUR, we strive for several major transitions in different ways. Next to scientists, also activists, politicians and entrepreneurs strive for change in various ways. But instead of keeping others from thinking differently, we see the value in exploring these differences. How can we strengthen each other in transforming our food systems to become more sustainable, healthy and fair?
Organising a dialogue?
What topic would benefit from different perspectives? Are you planning a dialogue? Inform us so we can support you and add your event to our calendar.
Pesticides
The use of pesticides raises fundamental questions about human and environmental health, food safety, and ecological resilience. In this dialogue series, WUR invites thinkers, doers, and decision-makers to unravel the complexities surrounding pesticides. What trade-offs do we make between yield and biodiversity? How do economic interests relate to sustainable alternatives? What social and ethical tensions arise? And how could the system look different? By creating space for open conversations, mutual understanding, and critical reflection, we explore new perspectives and solutions. Together, we can build a future-proof system in which agriculture is in balance with nature. Share and explore new insights and choices that matter – for farmers, citizens, and the soil. Join this dialogue by leaving your email address here.
Biotechnology
We are all familiar with products like bread, wine, beer and yogurt. All products where biological knowledge has been technically applied. Yet, modern biotechnology stands at a crossroads of promise and concern in the world of agriculture, nature, and food production. We are talking about technologies like CRISPR-Cas for crop breeding and precision fermentation for cultured meat and vegetables. Through dialogue, WUR connects different perspectives: from innovative scientists and ethicists to farmers, policymakers, and citizens. This technology offers opportunities for sustainability and strategic autonomy. At the same time, it raises questions about safety, fairness, and social acceptance. The tensions between innovation and reluctance, between pace and support, call for open conversations and joint exploration. By bringing together diverse perspectives, we can build bridges between technological progress and public values. In this dialogue series, we bring stakeholders together to engage in structured discussions about biotechnology and to engage with society at large. Leave your email address here to stay informed.