The programme | 2025 edition

Full programme

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Keynotes

We are proud to present our Keynote speakers at the Climate Event 2025: Reint Jan Renes, Professor of Psychology for Sustainable Cities at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (AUAS), and Bart van den Hurk, scientific director of Deltares and IPCC Co-Chair of Working Group 2.

Keynote speaker

Reint Jan Renes

Behavorial scientist Reint Jan Renes is Professor of Psychology for Sustainable Cities at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (AUAS). In addition, Reint Jan is Chair of the NWO Review Committee on Climate and Nature, a member of the NWO Advisory Board, and part of the scientific working group supporting the Dutch National Climate Citizens’ Assembly. In 2023, Reint Jan was awarded the Deltapremie, a prestigious national research prize, recognizing the societal impact of leading professors at universities of applied sciences.

Bart van den Hurk

Prof Bart van den Hurk is an expert in the field of weather and climate information and scientific director of Deltares. Prior to his affiliation to Deltares he spent ~23 years at the Dutch Meteorological Institute. He is Professor in the field of Interaction between Climate and the Socio-ecological system at VU University Amsterdam, and Lead Author of the 6th Assessment report of IPCC. For the next (7th) report he has been elected IPCC Co-Chair of Working Group 2, which focuses on the impact of climate change, adaptation, and vulnerability.

Keynote summaries

Keynote Reint Jan Renes – Let’s talk about climate: Why collaboration starts with conversation (in Dutch)

Why does meaningful collective climate action remain so elusive—even though most of us say it matters deeply? In this keynote, behavioral scientist Reint Jan Renes explores the striking disconnect between the values we share—care for others, for nature, for the future—and the limited action we often take to protect them. Why does this gap persist? And more importantly: what can we do to bridge it?

Drawing on recent insights from behavioral psychology and everyday examples, Reint Jan reveals how social barriers, silence, and misconceptions keep us stuck in a “steady state.” Yet he also shows how collaboration, visibility, and value-driven conversations can help us move forward—together.

(This Keynote will be in Dutch.)

Keynote Bart van den Hurk – Collaborative scoping of IPCC reports in the era of climate action

While climate change impacts are increasingly visible and projected to remain affecting society for the decades to come, anticipating these impacts will remain necessary. In its current assessment cycle IPCC will cover the topic of adaptation and responses to losses and damages prominently, paying explicit attention to implementation of actions. In a revised Technical Guidelines for climate impacts and adaptation assessment, this implementation aspect drives the steps to be considered while preparing a strategy for climate impact management. This can only be achieved in a collaborative spirit, as the required actions not only depend on the (changing) profile of climate hazards, but also on risk tolerance, societal goals, historical legacies and capacity to respond. Many of these design criteria cannot be established by a scientific assessment alone: a societal debate is required to create support and mobilize resources for climate impact actions.

Parallel sessions

In both the morning and the afternoon, there will be several parallel session tracks. When you sign up for the Climate Event you can indicate your preference.

Morning sessions

Energy innovation

Energy use remains the largest contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, especially across industry, transport, and buildings. This session explores how innovation in energy systems and industrial processes can accelerate the transition.

In the morning, we spotlight advancement in energy innovation, with presentations from SolarNL, HyUT / Groenvermogen , HeatCraftHP and Alliander, covering progress in solar deployment, hydrogen technologies, mapping skill gaps to accelerate heat pump adoption and smart grid infrastructure.

The afternoon shifts focus to sustainable industry, featuring insights from TKI Energy & Industry, the Port of Rotterdam, UT’s Green Steel initiative (Growth Fund project), and Michael Barnard, founder of The Future is Electric, who will reflect on aligning industrial innovation with climate ambitions.

This session connects research, policy, and real-world applications, critical components for a just and effective energy transition.

Moderator

S.S.T. Husein PhD (Sebastian)

Impact Development Manager, Battery Centre Twente

+31534898580

s.s.t.husein@utwente.nl

Building: Citadel H309

Climate adaptation: A climate-proof regional food system in Eastern Netherlands

This session explores how the region can become more self-sufficient and sustainable in food production. Building on the outcomes of the Workshop: Regenerating sustainable food systems in Eastern Netherlands which took place on September 19^th, we will further explore key barriers and opportunities across themes such as soil health, water, biodiversity, food production, governance and land use planning, to shape a shared vision and outline priorities for a future research agenda to support the development of a climate-resilient regional food system.

Speakers:

Bio-districts for regional food systems in Italy – Alberto Sturla, Council for Agricultural Research and Agricultural Economy Analysis
Transition to a sustainable food system in the Netherlands – Natascha Kooiman, Transitiecoalitie Voedsel

In an interactive session with participants, we will address challenges such as food security as a public good, new business models for food production under a changing climate, the effectiveness of current innovations and the promise of future innovations, and how we can assess if we are being successful in the transition to a sustainable food system. This session will provide food for thought for all participants and contribute to further defining the region-specific challenges and opportunities.

Co-organisers

Drought and water scarcity: Challenges and solutions

Building on the symposium on drought and water scarcity we organized in June, this session aims to connect science and practice on this key challenge for drought-prone regions. Join us to discover how scientists and practitioners take steps to realize the transition to drought-resilience – and connect with experts from Twente and beyond. These short presentations will be followed by a dialogue with discussants and participants:

The real value of water… Food for thought
Anne Corine Ijzer, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, International Water Technology Lectorate

Ensuring business continuity in times of water scarcity
Susan Ladrak, Grolsch Beer Brewery Netherlands, B.V.

Enhancing natural water retention in the Netherlands: A regional sponge strategy
Renske Graafland, Provincie Overijssel

Collaborating for transformative change to ensure water availability
Joanne Vinke-de Kruijf, UTwente, Climate-Resilient Infrastructure Systems group

Co-organisers

Stefan Nijwening, De Twentse Golf Water Community

Afternoon sessions

Sustainable industry

Energy use remains the largest contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, especially across industry, transport, and buildings. This session explores how innovation in energy systems and industrial processes can accelerate the transition.

In the morning, we spotlight advancement in energy innovation, with presentations from SolarNL, HyUT / Groenvermogen , HeatCraftHP and Alliander, covering progress in solar deployment, hydrogen technologies, mapping skill gaps to accelerate heat pump adoption and smart grid infrastructure.

The afternoon shifts focus to sustainable industry, featuring insights from TKI Energy & Industry, the Port of Rotterdam, UT’s Green Steel initiative (Growth Fund project), and Michael Barnard, founder of The Future is Electric, who will reflect on aligning industrial innovation with climate ambitions.

This session connects research, policy, and real-world applications, critical components for a just and effective energy transition.

Moderator

S.S.T. Husein PhD (Sebastian)

Impact Development Manager, Battery Centre Twente

+31534898580

s.s.t.husein@utwente.nl

Building: Citadel H309

Inclusive innovations – How digitalisation can support just climate adaptation in cities

As cities confront the accelerating impacts of climate change, digital tools, such as climate data platforms, AI-supported modeling and participatory planning apps, are playing an increasingly pivotal role in shaping adaptive responses. However, without intentional design and targeted exploration, these digital innovations can reinforce existing social vulnerabilities and inequalities. This session focuses on digital tools that can be harnessed to support just climate adaptation in urban settings.

Through an engaging mix of expert insights, practical case studies, and audience interaction, this session will examine the intersection of urban climate adaptation, digitalization, and social justice. Particular attention will be given to the capabilities of local governments and citizens as well as the design and implementation of digital innovations through an inclusive process, rather than the features of digital tools. We will explore the following questions:

How can digital tools empower marginalized communities in climate decision-making?
What safeguards are needed to ensure that data-driven adaptation does not exacerbate existing vulnerabilities?
Which city-led or grassroots innovations are already experimenting with or demonstrating inclusive digital climate solutions?

Participants will leave with ideas and new partnerships to advance inclusive digital innovations that contribute to just climate adaptation in their cities.

This session will consist of presentations from previous and ongoing projects on various forms of justice considerations, followed by a moderated discussion and group dialogue.

Co-organisers

Disaster resilience for multiple hazards in the Netherlands: How can science support practice

This track focuses on disaster resilience for multiple hazards in the Netherland and how can science support practice. It brings together a panel of experts from across the Netherlands to explore challenges in disaster prevention, response and recovery under climate change. The dialogue will focus on practical obstacles faced by those implementing resilience strategies on the ground and how innovative, transdisciplinary research approaches can help. Together we will explore how scientists and practitioners can work together better to turn research into practical actions that protect communities and the environment against evolving multiple hazards. The following experts will highlight the main challenges facing regions and cities in the Netherlands as well as resilience in practice. This will be followed by a discussion between panelists and participants.

Michiel Rhoen, Safety Region/Veiligheidsregio Utrecht (online)
Koen Wagelaar, Gemeente Enschede
Saskia van Vuren, National Delta Programme

CO-ORGANISERS

Lunch events

Research Funding Market

Discover funding opportunities for your climate- and energy-related research at our Research Funding Market.

Time: 12.15 – 14.00
Location:  Room 1251, Techmed Building

This is a drop-in session where you can find opportunities to fund your research ideas. Members of the SBD grants office will be available to guide and inspire you on funding calls relevant to your research, match you to potential partners and help you with your application process.

Find out more about the Horizon Europe opportunities for 2026-2027 relevant to your interests under:

Cluster 4 topics:  Digital, Industry, Space
Cluster 5 topics:  Climate, Energy, Mobility
Cluster 6 topics:  Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment
Missions:  Climate adaptation, Oceans and Water, and Soils

As well as some other funding opportunities:

Interreg: Deutschland–Nederland, Northsea Region, North-West Europe
NWO WEAVE
For more information contact:  grants-office@utwente.nl

A speculative Climate Walk-shop: Walking to (re)imagine nature-inclusive climate solutions

How might a sensory experience of the environment be a catalyst for reimagining nature-inclusive climate solutions?

What? Nature-inclusive Climate Walk-shop
When? November 5th, 12:45-13:45 (so enough time for a quick lunch before we leave)
Where? Starting point at Climate Centre Event
For who? Anyone interested

Re-engage with your surroundings

During this walk-shop we will explore nature-inclusive climate solutions that address affective, experiential, and cultural dimensions of nature. The activity will take the themes of the Climate Centre Event – energy, food, water – outside the walls of the conference venue to see what happens when we use our senses to re-engage with our surroundings (e.g., smell, touch, hearing). Walking in small groups, we will share knowledge that may be typically neglected from our usual professional activities, reassess place-based connections to nature and extend our perspectives on what may be climate solutions linking cultural heritage, sense of place and ecological knowledge.

The walk-shop is co-organised by Alexandria Poole (BMS/Philosophy), Corelia-Baibarac-Duignan (BMS/KiTeS), Sean Vrielink (ET) and Eefje Hendriks (ICT) in collaboration with the RUrban Futures Collective at BMS.

If you are interested in alternative ways of learning and innovating, please join this lunchtime walk-shop!

Poster market

While or after enjoying your lunch, you can take a look at the poster market, highlighting all the cutting-edge climate related research being undertaken by UT students and researchers. Meet the people who are working to find solutions to the challenges climate change poses - and build relationships for future collaboration.

More information about the poster market