Supervisor: prof. dr hab. Małgorzata Grodzińska-Jurczak (m.grodzinska-jurczak@uj.edu.pl)

Institute of Environmental Sciences

Background information:

Ever-increasing climate change is forcing the development of adequate adaptation strategies to achieve climate neutrality both at different administrative levels and in various institutions. Due to the massive scale and high energy intensity, we use the example of conferences/events organization as a case study of the need to adapt to climate change. Although event management strategies have evolved from emphasizing the theme of events to taking into account the principles of respecting climate change, there is still no universal model suitable for any sector, including the world of science. The 'Strategy for the Development of the Jagiellonian University until 2030' includes climate content, but it is generic and not relevant to the ever-changing environmental situation. Climate threat requires a major incision into prevailing governance ensuring a sustainable systemic transition towards a holistic conference/events organization at the university space. In this project we focus on methodological aspects, i.e. how to produce a model of sustainable conference most effectively.

The main question to be addressed in the project:

With our project, we want to promote conferences organized and managed according to the principles of 4I (Integration, Innovation, Interdisciplinarity, Internationalization), and sustainability, inclusivity and inclusiveness, as well as - and perhaps most importantly - sensitizing, inspiring and activating the academic community to change from an isolated approach to one that interacts with the socio-economic environment.

Information on the methods/description of work:

The project will utilize a mixed-mode approach with qualitative and quantitative methods: 1) a search of scientific journals and grey literature on climate adaptation in academic centers, 2) study visits to European academic centers and 3) an original method of a series of participatory workshops integrating stakeholders from different sectors and backgrounds (including the university community, local entrepreneurs, representatives of NGOs and public institutions). The workshop work will be carried out using the quadruple helix method, research walks and mindfulness work, with the adoption of proposed solutions in line with the idea of equality of those taking part. The outputs of the PhD project will be used for comparisons with equivalent research in other countries to validate their relevance and strengthen their practical universality.

Additional information (e.g Special requirements from the student):

A potential candidate should possess knowledge and experience in working cohesively in an interdisciplinary team environment, demonstrate excellent written and oral Polish and English communication skills. A job experience in practical interdisciplinary (also non-research sector) and participatory research methods would be of advantage.

References:

[1] Colagiuri R, Boylan S, Morrice E. (2015). Research priorities for NCD prevention and climate change: An international Delphi survey. Int J Environ Res Public Health. (10):12941-57

[2] Amparo, J. M. S., et al. (2022). Engaged scholarship and co-production: The role of higher education institutions in urban sustainability ⎯ A Pacific Rim perspective. In Y. Tang & A. Toufen (Eds.), The Routledge handbook of sustainable cities and landscapes in the Pacific Rim (pp. 780−793). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003033530-66

[3] Hansen, S. S. (2017). The campus as a living laboratory: Macalester College case study. In W. L. Filho, M. Mifsud, C. Shiel, & R. Pretorious (Eds.), Handbook of theory and practice of sustainable development in higher education, v. 3 (pp. 223−239), Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-47895-1_14