Earth to Research

From Awareness to Action: Rethinking Climate Responsibility

Rose Heffernan and Professor Jean-Pascal Van Ypersele reflect on the turning points that shaped global climate awareness and climate action. They explore the deep links between human and environmental systems, the responsibility of researchers in times of crisis, and why sustainability goes far beyond cutting emissions.

Slow AI-cademia: The Art of Careful Knowledge

As AI continues to accelerate across research and everyday life, this episode invites us to pause and reflect. We’re joined by Mariana Fernandez-Mora from the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences to discuss her project Slow AI. How might we rethink how "algorithmic cultures" within and beyond our research field? Mariana shares some creative suggestions for AI-cademia. We explore consciousness, nature, and justice beyond the empty promises of silicone valleys. 

Care and Microplastics Science in Three Acts

Episode with Ryan Shum on his ethnographic research studying practices of care in microplastics science. Music courtesy of Small Island Big Song.

Food for Thought: Systems Thinking & Traditional Knowledge

Episode with Madhura Rao, expert in food systems, on traditional knowledges and epistemic justice.

Planetary Health, Part 2: Climate, Gender & Intersectionality

In part two of our in-depth conversation with Dr. Petra Verdonk, we unpick gender mainstreaming, intersectionality, and reflexivity in research and policy. This leads to critical reflections on the connection between feminism and ecological awareness.
Further reading! Coloring Connections by Verdonk et al. (2024) is available here: https://zenodo.org/records/14258538.

Planetary Health, Part 1: Expelling Shell

Host Lucy Sabin speaks with Petra Verdonk, co-founder of the Dutch Society for Gender and Health. They discuss gender, intersectionality, and values in research. And how universities can divest from fossil fuel interests while nurturing integrity and activism in academia.
Music by Mik Aidt (CC BY 4.0).
Further reading! Coloring Connections by Verdonk et al. (2024) is available here: https://zenodo.org/records/14258538.

Myths and Rituals: Art-Science, Sustainable Tech, and Degrowth

From art-science collaborations to technological “fixes” like carbon capture to ancient myths, Sofia Greaves shares stories of projects at the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre and beyond. Presented by Lucy Sabin.
Created for EU project RE4GREEN. Supported by VU Open Science. All views shared are the speakers' own.

Transformative Research, Part 2: Emotions & Justice

How can we connect knowledge with action in pursuit of more just futures? 
This is part 2 of our conversation on "transformative research" with Josie Chambers, Rianne Janssen, and host Lucy Sabin. Featuring original stories and music.
Created for EU project RE4GREEN. Supported by VU Open Science. All views shared are the speakers' own.

Transformative Research, Part 1: Storytelling & Solidarity

How can researchers reflect on their values, imagine alternative futures, and build solidarity in the face of shared struggles? Josie Chambers, Rianne Janssen, and Lucy Sabin explore transformative research in the first episode of our series. 
Created for EU project RE4GREEN. Supported by VU Open Science. All views shared are the speakers' own.

TRAILER Introducing Earth to Research

Welcome to the community!
In this podcast, we rethink approaches to research and innovation in times of ecological crisis through real-world examples. Are you a student, researcher, or course co-ordinator seeking inspiration for your next project or class? From practical hacks to deeper questions, we unpack key topics for researchers of today and tomorrow. You have come to the right place.
Presented by Lucy Sabin, on behalf of RE4GREEN.