During their week at ZEF, around 20 participants from the University of Bonn and the University of St Andrews explored sustainability from diverse disciplinary and practical perspectives. Together, they critically examined concepts of sustainability, reflected on their own research projects, discussed resource use and the economy, engaged with culture and the arts, explored human – nature relations, and investigates connections between science, policy, and academia.
The Summer School included a visit to the Botanical Gardens of the University of Bonn, where Dr. Cornelia Löhne, Scientific Director of the Botanical Gardens, gave a guided tour. Participants explored an impressive diversity of flora and fauna from the region and from around the world. The visit offered a unique opportunity to reflect on biodiversity, human–nature relations, and the importance of preserving ecosystems in a rapidly changing world.
The Summer School concluded with presentations by the participants. They presented their research projects using situational maps they had developed throughout the week. This method was introduced by ZEF-Prof. Dr. Eva Youkhana. The presentations reflected not only the diversity of sustainability research across disciplines, but also the thoughtful discussions, critical reflections, and new perspectives that emerged over the workshop's five days.