Wisdom Days conference offers students a look into the world of sustainability science

International conference on sustainability transitions

The University of Jyväskylä School of Resource Wisdom (JYU.Wisdom) is organizing its first international conference at the beginning of May. The Wisdom Days: Science for Sustainability Transformations conference brings together researchers from different disciplines whose work generates knowledge, understanding and solutions to some of the most pressing challenges of our time: the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and increasing social inequality. More than 300 participants from Finland and abroad are joining the event in person.

Learn more about sustainability science and academic work

For students, the conference offers an opportunity to learn more about academic work and sustainability research conducted across different disciplines. By listening to the research presentations, students will gain insight into current research topics, the methods used, and the potential societal implications of the findings.

Usually conference participation is subject to a fee, but JYU.Wisdom offers free entry to much of the programme for students completing the Multidisciplinary sustainability discussions course. This course is open to all students at the University of Jyväskylä. Its aim is to familiarize students with interdisciplinary research and societal discussion on current sustainability issues. This is achieved by participating in JYU.Wisdom events and reflecting on personal perspectives and the role of your discipline in relation to the issues addressed.

JYU.Wisdom events aim to facilitate multidisciplinary collaboration

Sustainability challenges are multidimensional, which is why collaboration across disciplinary boundaries is needed. This is exactly what JYU.Wisdom events foster. Peppi Rämö, a student from the Department of Biological and Environmental Science who has participated in the events describes their experience as follows:

"I have participated in many JYU.Wisdom events and will try to do so in the future as well, because it is probably the easiest way for a student to become part of a scientific community. The atmosphere is accessible, excited and curious. Really makes you feel that together we can solve huge problems like the climate crisis. And a student’s viewpoints are also appreciated."

Welcome to the conference – here’s how to join

• In order to participate in the Wisdom Days conference, sign up for the WISP2010 Multidisciplinary sustainability discussions -course on Sisu. The course allows you to complete 1-3 credits depending on how many events you participate in.
• After you have signed up for the course, you can participate in the conference, which takes place 6-8 May on Seminaarinmäki. When you arrive on site, please visit the info desk and mention that you’re taking the course. You'll find more information on the course's Moodle page.
• As the conference is a paid event for other participants, students have a couple limitations: the workshops and coffee service are meant only for registered participants. However, the keynote speeches and research presentations and posters will offer plenty of interesting content and opportunities to ask questions.

Learn more about the conference programme here.

JYU.Wisdom, or the School of Resource Wisdom at the University of Jyväskylä, is a multidisciplinary scientific community. Our mission is planetary well-being – the well-being of all life. We promote planetary well-being through progressive research, education development, and impactful societal interaction.