At the intersection of climate research and policy, universities play an important role – not only serving as centres for research, innovation, collaboration, and critical thinking – but also as authoritative voices to support global leaders, policy makers and industry to plan for and respond to climate change. However, in an age where misinformation and disinformation about climate science and institutional credibility are widespread, the impact of academic research on policy decisions often hinges on political receptiveness and public trust.
Global efforts indicate an appetite for academic institutions to actively engage in strengthening public understanding and policy innovation through evidence-based communication and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Within this complex landscape, how effectively are universities influencing the climate policy agenda? And how can the impact of evidence-based contributions to policy change and informed public discourse be meaningfully measured?
Open to all, this online dialogue will provide a forum for all registered participants to contribute to shaping a global perspective on the evolving relationship between academia and climate policy.
The event will feature several ‘speed-talks’ followed by a wider discussion where participants can contribute. Representation from a diverse range of disciplines is encouraged.
Session chairs and speakers include:
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Dr Tom Oliver (Chair) | University of Reading, United Kingdom
Universities stepping up to the climate crisis.
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Dr Maria Armoudian (Co-Chair)| The University of Auckland, New Zealand
Global collaboration to respond to the urgency of climate change.
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Celia Davidson-Francis | The University of the West Indies, Jamaica
The role of youth in climate governance.
- Sandy Swanson | Monash University, Australia
Driving meaningful impact through large-scale, transdisciplinary initiatives.
- Dr Binod Dawadi | Tribhuvan University, Nepal
Global knowledge-sharing for climate adaptation and resilience in developing countries.
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Dr Robert Hortle | The University of Tasmania, Australia
A new strategic planning mapping approach | Tasmanian Policy Exchange & CSIRO.
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Dr Lone Sorensen | University of Leeds, United Kingdom
How social media platforms are shaping citizens' engagement with climate policy.
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Cara Carmichael | University of Colorado Boulder, USA
Sustainability and education: a case-study from the University of Colorado Boulder.
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Dr Fengshi Wu | The University of New South Wales, Australia
Energy transition in resource-rich developing countries.
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Dr Sasha Maher (Co-Chair) | The University of Auckland, New Zealand
Governing the climate-policy interface: A question of representation?
As this is a global thematic dialogue, we are offering two session time options:
- Session 1: most suited to Oceania, Asia, North & South America
Thursday 25 September*, 10am – 11am (Sydney, AEST) / Midnight - 1am (UTC)
Check your local time (*Americas date will be Wednesday 24th September)
- Session 2: most suited to Africa, Asia & Europe
Thursday 25 September, 8pm – 9pm (Sydney, AEST) / 10am - 11am (UTC)
