Online webinar - Islands of Hope: democratic, community-led initiatives to foster sustainable innovations

Islands of Hope operate as living laboratories: spaces that inspire, challenge existing systems, and prove that transdisciplinary collaboration can move communities from isolated problem-solving toward regenerative, systemic thinking. This session will explore the potential of transdisciplinary methods in concrete projects, dive into different projects financed and supported by the programme, and discuss how participatory projects can be translated into policy and influence decision-making.

We'll cover:

• Case studies from active Islands of Hope projects
• How participatory projects can shape policy and influence decision-making
• The next round of seed funding and how to get involved

Whether you're a researcher, practitioner, policymaker, or simply curious about new ways of producing knowledge and community-led projects, this webinar is open to all with an interest in a just transition in Europe. 

Register now

👉 If you are interested in applying for the next round of funding, join us on 9 June for more information!

Agenda and programme

• Welcome and introduction – Lucie Bergouhnioux, Swifft Collective
• Keynote – Cathy Macharis, VUB (Swifft Collective/HOST)
• Case studies

From Data to Impact – Justine Peullemeulle, Brupower

B.A.S.K.E.T. – Marine Spor Ceccaldi, ULB

Building Natural Stories – Erik Van Eyck, Natura Mater

• From co-production to advocacy – Dali Malnoury, CLTB
• Conclusion and information on new round of funding

This event is co-organised by the Swifft Collective (ULB-VUB) and the House of Sustainable Transitions (VUB).