International symposium on dealing with drought & water scarcity: How science meets practice
Date/Time: 03 June 2025, 12.30-17.00 (Plenary begins 13.30)
Location: University of Twente
Hosted by: University of Twente Climate Centre and Drought & UT Water Scarcity Coalition and the Twentse Golf (network)
Registration page: Register for symposium
Join us in exploring how regions are rising to the challenge of drought and water scarcity through innovative research, collaborative initiatives, and insights from Twente and other drought-prone regions. The programme includes presentations and a panel including the science community from the University of Twente, Auburn University (US) and the Twentse Golf (network).
In interactive discussions we will explore the impacts of regional drought management projects – both realised and hoped for - with a focus on translating knowledge into practice. Discover what policies, approaches, and instruments from other regions can teach us, and explore the value of the geo-techno-social approach in developing adaptive responses to one of our most pressing issues.
AGENDA (Subject to change)
12:30 – 13:30 Lunch and posters
13:30 – 14:30 Drought challenges and responses
- Welcome and introduction to the theme, Stefan Kuks, Professor, Governance and Technology for Sustainability (CSTM), University of Twente
- Drought responses in the US: Policy trends and university outreach, John Morris, Professor, Political Science, Auburn University, US
- Regional cooperation as a response, Stefan Nijwening, Innovation Manager, Twentse Golf
- UTwente Drought and Water Scarcity Coalition, Joanne-Vinke de Kruijf, Professor, Civil Engineering, University of Twente
14:45 – 15.30 Break and posters
15.30 – 16:15 Co-producing knowledge & information for drought management
From knowledge to practice: Expected outcomes and impacts of drought management projects in the Eastern Netherlands and the neighbouring border region in Germany.
16:15 – 17:00 Collaborating for a drought-resilient region (Panel and interactive discussion)
- Stefan Nijwening, de Twentse Golf and Innovation Manager, Vechtstromen Water Authority (Moderator)
- Cheryl de Boer, Strategic Director, UTwente Climate Centre and Associate Professor, Urban and Regional Planning and Geo-Information Management
- Megan Heim LaFrambois, Associate Professor, Political Science, Auburn University
- John Morris, Professor, Political Science, Auburn University
- Stefan Kuks, Professor, Governance and Technology for Sustainability, University of Twente
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and shape the future of sustainable water management. We hope to see you there....
On behalf of the organizing committee
UT Climate Centre, UT Drought & Water Scarcity Coalition, and the Twentse Golf
Caroline van Bers, Strategic Business Development