Wageningen Social Sciences

🌱 System Change in Agriculture: Transition or Continuous Development? 🌱 At our latest #LeboTalk, inspired by Minister Femke Wiersma’s comments, we explored whether agriculture’s evolution is best seen as “continuous development” or a “transition.” We invited Prof. Cees Leeuwis to reflect and kick off the one hour event, where he shared: "A true transition is more than gradual change—it’s a systemic shift driven by new values, policies, and radical outcomes." "Looking back, agriculture’s past transformations—from land consolidation to EU policies—were not just developments; they were value-driven transitions with both growth and costs. Now, as we envision a sustainable, zero-emissions future for agriculture, similar political commitment and systemic innovation are essential." Read Prof. Leeuwis full opinion article about System Transitions and Political Will here: https://lnkd.in/etxfpAvN At Wageningen’s Social Sciences Group (SSG), we’re committed to helping drive this change. By working with real-life coalitions and rethinking how we organize and innovate, SSG can play a key role in shaping a sustainable food future. 👉 How can academia best support systemic change? Share your thoughts below! #AgriculturalTransition #SustainableAgriculture #SSG #SystemChange

📢 Join us for the next Lebo Talk: "Digital Media and Democracy: Threat or Opportunity?" 🗓 Date: Thursday November 7th 🕛 Time: 12:00 PM 📍 Location: Lebo Canteen In today’s fast-changing digital world, social media has transformed our engagement with democracy. It offers exciting new pathways for political participation and discourse, yet it also brings significant risks that can undermine democratic integrity. How do we navigate this complex duality? Our special guest, Prof. Sanne Kruikemeier, an expert in digital media's impact on democracy, will explore the latest research on this topic. Prof. Kruikemeier will discuss the role of social media in shaping political engagement, the potential dangers of disinformation, and how algorithmic personalization influences public opinion. 📊 As social scientists, researchers, and engaged citizens, we are uniquely positioned to address these issues. By conducting interdisciplinary research, advocating for stronger platform regulations, and promoting ethical tech practices, we can ensure digital media serves to strengthen democratic institutions. 👉 Come reflect with us and Prof. Kruikemeier on the media and democratic landscape. Don’t miss this engaging and essential conversation!

🌍 Discover the Master's in Sustainable Business and Innovation at Wageningen University & Research 🌱 Curious about how future leaders are prepared to drive companies toward a sustainable future? Wageningen University & Research offers a Master’s program in Sustainable Business and Innovation, blending management and marketing science to develop the skills, knowledge, and competencies needed for impact-driven careers. Dr. Caspar Krampe from the Marketing and Consumer Behaviour Groups shares his inspiring perspective: "I see how motivated they are to actually really have an impact. They are studying for a purpose, and I think that could be, and is maybe, the highest motivation you can have—to really have an impact on the future, and particularly on a sustainable future in this case." This video shows how students are equipped to become managers, marketers, or entrepreneurs, all with one common goal: making sustainability a cornerstone in businesses and markets. This program enables graduates to transform organizations and society, making sustainability a priority from the inside out. https://lnkd.in/eHtxEhg2 ➡️ Link to programme: https://lnkd.in/eABVVHFu #Sustainability #BusinessInnovation #WageningenUniversity #SustainableFuture #BusinessTransformation #EducationForImpact

🎉 Exciting News from the Social Sciences! 🎉 Two esteemed researchers have been awarded prestigious Vidi grants to tackle pressing social issues that shape our world today: 🌐 Prof. Sanne Kruikemeier (Communication Science) will explore the role of social media in polarization. As we witness conflict, hate, and misinformation grow online, there’s a widespread belief that social media may be fueling polarization. However, rigorous research is still scarce. Prof. Kruikemeier, a professor in Digital Media and Society, aims to address this gap and uncover the true dynamics at play. 🌍 Dr. Pim de Zwart (History) will investigate the complex relationship between colonialism and deforestation in Southeast Asia. While colonial trade has led to vast deforestation in some regions since the 1850s, other areas remained less affected. Dr. de Zwart will reconstruct deforestation patterns using historical maps and analyze how colonial policies, local land rights, and socio-economic factors shaped these outcomes. They are among 102 talented researchers at Dutch universities receiving this year's Vidi grants, part of the NWO’s Talent Program alongside the Veni and Vici grants. Together, these initiatives empower groundbreaking research across disciplines in the spirit of "Veni, Vidi, Vici." 📚 Congratulations, Sanne and Pim!

🌍 Discover the Master’s Programme: Governance of Sustainable Transformations 🌱 Wageningen University & Research is shaping the future of sustainability through its interdisciplinary master’s programme, Governance of Sustainable Transformations. 🎓 This short documentary-style video takes you on a journey of how students are equipped with critical social science skills to create real-world impact. 🔑 Key Highlights: Learn how to design and negotiate innovative governance models that blend top-down and bottom-up approaches. Understand the role of governments, the private sector, and communities in driving sustainable change. 🗣️ Professor Simon Bush form the Environmental Policy Group: “We look at governments but also beyond that. The private sector, communities, and everyday individuals all play a vital role in steering towards sustainable outcomes.” “Our students are set to work across all sectors, leading societal transformation for a sustainable future.” 🚀 Ready to lead the change? Watch the video to learn more about this exciting programme and its vision for global sustainability. https://lnkd.in/eQmaAKHF #Sustainability #Governance #SocietalTransformation #InterdisciplinaryScience #WUR #Leadership #SustainableFuture #GovernanceTransformation

🌱 Discover the Master’s Economics of Sustainability! 🌍 In this short documentary-style video, Wageningen University & Research showcases how students are equipped with essential quantitative and analytical skills to solve real-world challenges in food systems, natural resource management, and the living environment. 🔍Prof. (Ewout) Frankema explains the program and multiple benefits of the Masters programme that delves into the complex interactions between economic actors, the natural world, and society, empowering students to develop sustainable economic solutions for the future. 🎥 Watch now and share the programme: https://lnkd.in/eWCwuGR7 #Sustainability #EconomicsOfSustainability #WUR #SustainableFuture #HigherEducation

🌍 Is Mass Tourism Ruining Europe's Charm? What Can Be Done? 🌍 As Europe's top destinations become flooded with visitors, more residents are asking: Is mass tourism doing more harm than good? Last summer, Spain welcomed nearly 22 million tourists—a record high. But for locals in places like Barcelona and Amsterdam, this boom comes with a cost: overcrowded streets, rising rents, and a changing urban landscape. Researchers from Wageningen University & Research University are exploring how we can reshape tourism. Could more responsible travel be the answer? Robert Fletcher and his team are advocating for inclusive and sustainable tourism solutions, from banning elitist transport to making train travel more accessible. Cities like Amsterdam are experimenting with ways to spread tourism beyond central areas, but without mindful action, destinations risk becoming exclusive playgrounds for the wealthy. Is it time to rethink how we explore Europe’s gems? Can we balance enjoying these incredible destinations while preserving them for everyone? 🤔✈️🚆 Read the full article and share your thoughts below! https://lnkd.in/evc7iBZS #MassTourism #SustainableTravel #ResponsibleTourism #EuropeDestinations #LocalCommunities #TravelBetter

🌍 Embracing the Power of Food Recovery 🍽️ Food waste often seems like a simple planning issue—but for many families, especially those with children, it’s not that straightforward. How do you predict exactly how much your kids will eat? Will there be a friend over for dinner or will they head out? Uncertainty is a reality for many. A study, in collaboration with Hellmann’s (Unilever), WRAP, BeWorks, Western University, and Wageningen University & Research, tested an innovative solution—introducing a "use up" day. Families cooked meals from leftovers using ‘flexipes’ (flexible recipes) that encouraged creativity with whatever was in the fridge. The results? Remarkable. Families who adopted this approach reduced their food waste by 33% in Canada and an impressive 46% in the US! Erica van Herpen from the Marketing and Consumer Behaviour Group collaborated in the study but also reflected on the impact it had in her family. Read her Blog-post about it! https://lnkd.in/eN2bVktu Planning ahead helps, but food recovery is a powerful way to turn uncertainty into opportunity. 🥦🍗✨ #FoodWaste #Sustainability #Flexipes #FoodRecovery #ZeroWaste

Financing sustainable and resilient transitions in agri & food systems Join us at to explore this critical intersection of finance, sustainability, and resilience. 🌱 Financing Sustainable and Resilient Transitions in Agri & Food Systems 📅 Date: 13-14 November 2024 📍 Location: Wageningen, Netherlands 🎓 Hosted by: 190th EAAE Seminar The event will bring together scientists, policy makers, and financial sector practitioners to discuss: -Cutting-edge scientific research on finance and sustainability -Interactive panel discussions with key stakeholders -Setting the agenda for future research in agri-finance and food systems This seminar is a must-attend for anyone engaged in the agricultural, financial, and policy sectors, eager to contribute to the sustainable future of global food systems.🌍 Don't miss the chance to be part of this important conversation! https://lnkd.in/edZzQ3j2 #SustainableFinance #AgriFoodSystems #ResilientTransitions #EAAE #Sustainability #ClimateFinance

🌊 Exploring Aquaculture Co-Management: A Path to Sustainable Development 🌱 In an insightful interview, Professor Simon Bush, Chair of the Environmental Policy Group at Wageningen University & Research, sheds light on the growing importance of aquaculture co-management- a participatory approach that unites local communities, governments, and industry for a common goal. The interview dives into the Guidebook for Aquaculture Co-Management Systems, developed for the Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This guidebook offers practical solutions for collaboration between producers and states, providing a framework to improve aquaculture sustainability worldwide. As the sector rapidly expands, the importance of co-management in addressing critical challenges becomes clearer. By working together, stakeholders can tackle: Disease outbreaks Economic risks Climate change By ensuring that all voices are heard, co-management strengthens community resilience and supports the long-term environmental and economic sustainability of the global aquaculture industry. 👏 Huge congratulations to Professor Simon Bush for his continued leadership and contributions to sustainable aquaculture and environmental policy! https://lnkd.in/eP62R5zX #Sustainability #Aquaculture #CoManagement #EnvironmentalPolicy #Collaboration #ClimateChange #CommunityResilience #SustainableDevelopment 🌍