Focus on interdisciplinarity for a sustainable transition

The conference, entitled Actions for Sustainable Transformations, brought together researchers, interested students and stakeholders to exchange experiences and expertise on the contributions of research to the concept of sustainable transformation. Umeå Transformation Research Initiative, a research network for sustainability researchers at Umeå University, organised the conference as the first edition of an annual event that aims to establish a forum for cross-disciplinary meetings.

Different theories of transformation

The keynote speaker at the conference was Björn-Ola Linnér, a climate policy researcher and professor at Linköping University. He guided the audience of more than 60 participants through prevalent definitions and interpretations of the concept of transformation. All these interpretations present transformation as a complex concept, requiring change at multiple levels of society and across a number of interlinking factors.

Together with his colleagues in the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), Linnér has written a recently published report that summarises six different approaches to the concept of transformation; together they provide an overview of how societal transformation can take place.

Björn-Linnér gave a presentation on theories of transformation.

Image Alexandra Haglund

“We don’t really know how to undertake a transformation – we have a lot of evidence, but no consensus on how to do it. So, we have to try different strategies to see what works,” says Linnér.

Many consider the local level to be the most appropriate starting point, emphasising the need to not forget those affected by change and that societal transformation is a long-term process.

“Whether we like it or not, we are facing a transformation of society now. We need to do things in new ways to achieve change,” concludes Linnér.

The role of the researcher

The theoretical introduction provided a basis for the rest of the conference programme, during which the contributions of different research fields to a sustainable transition were discussed by speakers from different faculties at Umeå University.

In the end, it’s about everyone having the right to live a good life

“The role of the researcher needs to be more engaging than it is now. We need to go out into society and share and discuss the knowledge we generate with societal actors who have a different view on the subject,” said Cornelia Redeker, a professor at the School of Architecture.

It was also highlighted that interdisciplinary collaboration is necessary to provide a comprehensive picture of the transition.

“It is important to scrutinise and investigate implementation at different levels of society, and we need ethical approaches to evaluate the outcomes. In the end, it’s about everyone having the right to live a good life,” said Lars Samuelsson, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Ideas and Social Studies.

Sustainable food of the future

During the afternoon, seven parallel sessions were organised, ranging from the role of communication in the green transformation and creative methodology development to climate adaptation and interaction labs.

One session focused on sustainable food production, during which fermented plant-based food options prepared by students from the gastronomy programme were offered as a foretaste of the future. The session also included a discussion on food waste.

“We want to show how addressing food waste isn’t just about saving food; it’s about cultivating respect for the food we produce and empowering consumers to contribute to a sustainable future. Together, we can turn waste into a solution,” said Arturo Turillazzi, a doctoral student at the Department of Food, Nutrition and Culinary Science.