Approaching Climate Change: Different Perspectives and Methods

In an era marked by accelerating sustainability challenges, it is crucial that future scientists can navigate complex societal and environmental transformations. Research-based learning is central to this. This workshop will equip the participants with the ability to critically assess real-world problems, collaborate across disciplinary boundaries and experiment with novel approaches to knowledge production. This three-day workshop offers an interdisciplinary and international learning environment where PhD-students explore how contemporary sustainability issues can be investigated and addressed through research-oriented collaboration.

The workshop brings together themes such as energy communities, food sharing and degrowth, all of which represent rapidly evolving fields of sustainability research. The themes illustrate how scientific inquiry intersects with societal practices, governance arrangements and technological developments. They also demonstrate that sustainability challenges cannot be solved within a single disciplinary framework; instead, they require knowledge exchange and collaboration across disciplines.

Through seminars, group-based assignments, interactive games and study visits, participants will gain hands-on experience with research-based learning in practice. The activities are designed to stimulate curiosity, deepen understanding of methodological approaches and strengthen students’ ability to formulate research questions related to sustainable transformation.

Participants will take part in scientific games that encourage systemic thinking on climate mitigation and sustainability pathways. Study visits to sustainable city district will provide insights into local practices of sustainable urban development and community-based innovation.

The aim of the workshop is to strengthen students’ research capabilities while fostering international and interdisciplinary collaboration. It seeks to broaden students’ perspectives on how sustainability challenges are defined and addressed, and to enhance their willingness to contribute to scientific inquiry and innovation in their future careers.

Participants develop research and inquiry skills through problem-oriented tasks, data-informed discussions and exposure to real-world sustainability cases. The interdisciplinary format enhances critical thinking, enabling students to analyse complex socio-environmental challenges from multiple perspectives. Collaborative group work in an international setting cultivates intercultural competence, communication skills and the ability to work effectively across disciplinary and cultural boundaries. Interactive scientific games and hands-on site visits support the development of systems thinking, allowing participants to recognise interdependencies within sustainability transitions. Furthermore, engagement with themes such as energy communities, food sharing and degrowth fosters civic and societal engagement, as students reflect on how scientific knowledge can contribute to societal transformation.

The workshop can be adapted to accommodate students with special needs through planning and flexible implementation of activities. All teaching spaces, study visit locations and accommodation options can be selected to ensure physical accessibility. Teaching materials can be provided in multiple formats, such as digital documents compatible with screen readers, enlarged text, or captioned audiovisual content. Clear communication of the schedule and expectations in advance enables students to prepare according to their specific needs.