Kicking off the Jülich Systems Analysis Seminar Series

Cozy setting, compelling insights: Yesterday, we launched our new “Jülich Systems Analysis Seminar Series” with a coffee seminar in our institute library. Over coffee and cake, around 20 participants, including students, scientists, and colleagues, gathered to discuss key questions around societal transformation and governance.

We had the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Jan-Hendrik Kamlage, political scientist and group leader at CURE, and Dr.-Ing. David Piorunek, engineer and materials scientist, postdoctoral researcher at CURE. In their keynote titled “Linking Systems and Processes: A Pragmatist Approach to Participatory Governance Research”, they shared insights into how systemic and process-oriented approaches in governance research can help us better understand and support large-scale transitions.

Drawing on projects such as Circular Foam, their presentation highlighted the importance of transdisciplinary collaboration, pragmatic methodologies, and bridging theory and practice – from sustainability goals to stakeholder engagement. The lively discussion that followed reflected on both conceptual questions and practical challenges in energy systems, raw material use, and climate innovation.

The seminar was organized by Irina Silina and Imke Rhoden. More events in the series will follow throughout the year - stay tuned!