Dossier
Shaping tomorrow: our work on transformations of food and biobased systems
In the WUR domains of food, bio-based systems, nature, and water, achieving true sustainability and equity calls for a profound shift in structures, processes, and values of our societies. We support this transformation by integrating advanced research, impactful education, and practical expertise to drive change. Through close collaboration with citizens, policymakers, NGOs, businesses and consumers, we develop insights and solutions that are both forward-thinking and locally grounded—empowering societies to meet their unique challenges with resilience and adaptability. Think, for example, of more sustainable production, healthier diets, and less biodiversity loss.
What do we mean with 'transformations'?
'Transformation’ describes the shift from traditional to new systems that emphasize ecological sustainability, social equity, and economic viability. It is about fundamentally changing underlying structures and relationships to achieve profound societal changes. Research plays a crucial role in this journey by providing insights and guiding decision-making. It also promotes collaborative efforts to ensure impactful and lasting societal progress, such as more sustainable food systems or reduced biodiversity loss.
Our unique expertise
WUR’s strength lies in its interdisciplinary approach to studying transitions and transformations, combining a unique expertise in a diversity of natural, technological, and social sciences:
- We combine our profound knowledge on agri-food systems with in-depth knowledge of the societal aspects of transitions and transformations
- We offer a broad range of expertise in the socio-economic domain, from economy, law and governance to sociology, health and wellbeing
- We bring together diverse perspectives in an equitable and effective manner
- We acknowledge and address power imbalances in transitions and transformations, using frameworks to map justice, winners, and losers
- We act as brokers of knowledge and values, using and developing diverse approaches that are grounded in solid science and practical experience.
Our services
We specialize in transformation processes by integrating our expertise in technological and social sciences in action research settings. Together, we identify necessary actions to address your unique challenges. Discover our tailored services and innovative methods below.
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Facilitating collaboration
Transitions and transformations cannot be achieved by individual organisations. They require collaboration between multiple stakeholders with diverse... -
Education
We see education and capacity strenghtening as foundational pillars for driving transformative change. We offer a wide range of programmes and... -
Frameworks & tools
We provide a range of transition frameworks designed to address complex challenges and enable transformative change in diverse environments and... -
Modelling
At Wageningen University & Research, we specialize in advanced transition modelling and analysis to support the transformative changes needed for... -
Monitoring & evaluation
We provide expertise and services in various forms of monitoring and evaluation tailored to support transformation processes. Our methods and... -
Strategy & scenario's
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WUR themes
At Wageningen University & Research, we work on transitions and transformations in the domain of food, bio-based systems, nature, and water. Our research and education is structured along 6 thematic lines.
Biodiversity
Life on Earth is not possible without biodiversity. The interplay of thousands of species of plants, animals and ecosystems forms the foundation of a healthy living environment, sustainable food production and the mitigation of climate change. Wageningen University & Research (WUR) is working hard for a society in which biodiversity flourishes. We do so in research, education and cooperation with companies, government and civil society organisations.
Climate change
Climate change is one of the biggest challenges of our time. Although a global problem, the causes and solutions of climate change are often local. Wageningen University & Research (WUR) explores the impacts on society and ecosystems, and develop evidence-based, integrated solutions and technology: the Wageningen Climate Solutions.
Circular & Biobased Economy
The call for a circular, biobased economy is getting louder and louder. An increasing number of citizens, businesses, and politicians are realising that the reuse of products and reclaiming of natural resources is of great importance for ourselves and for the planet on which we live, if we want to move forward towards a sustainable future. Wageningen University & Research is working on solutions to make the circular, biobased economy a reality.
Feeding the world
Feeding the world is a challenge. We will have to feed 10 billion people by 2050. More pressingly, we will have to do so within our planet’s limits. This is not impossible, but consumption and production will have to change drastically for it to happen.
Nutrition & Health
You are what you eat. It’s a saying with lots of meaning, because to a large extent our nutrition determines our health. For many years, Wageningen University & Research has been conducting research into the relationship between nutrition and health.
Artificial Intelligence
Developments within artificial intelligence are rapid. When it comes to healthy nutrition and a healthy environment, artificial intelligence is an indispensable part of WUR’s research and education. It is already being used in camera footage that recognises the quality of food, in fully automatic farming under differing local conditions, in the remote monitoring of the health of livestock, and in determining which hereditary characteristics lead to fertile and resistant varieties and crops. The list of applications is almost endless.