Impressions from the NEST/STRN Methodology School 2024

The NEST/STRN methodology school took place from July 8^th to July 12^{th, 2024,} at the Erasmus University Rotterdam in the Netherlands, hosted by the Design Impact Transition (DIT) Platform and the Dutch Research Institute for Transitions (DRIFT). There were around 110 applications, of which 36 participants from all over the world were selected.

The guiding question of the summer school, “What is my role as a researcher in just sustainability transitions?” was explored through a series of different lectures, workshops, and discussions on topics such as:

• Research basics: Methd(ologie)s in sustainability transition research
• Research standards: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research
• Research as co-production: Co-producing knowledge and action
• Research as critical practice: Critical perspectives for doing research
• Researcher identity: your role as transformative researcher

The organisers of this year’s edition Julia Wittmayer and Marta Garcia Escobar would like to thank all the speakers that joined this edition of the STRN/NEST Summer School: Rene Kemp, , Jonas Torrens, Josie Chambers, Bipashyee Gosh, Derk Loorbach, Marta Struminska-Kutra, Saurabh Arora, Mapula Tshangela, Julia Wittmayer, Ying-Syuan (Elaine) Huang, Wouter Mulders, and specifically Bonno Pel, Floor Alkemade, Jonathan Köhler and Anton Sentic, as well as Sophie-Marie Ertelt and a group from NEST for also supporting the design of the school.

Impressions from participants

Ishwari Thopte, PhD student at WUR, Netherlands: The DRIFT for Transition was my first summer school at Erasmus University Rotterdam. It was a truly inspiring experience to learn alongside 34 researchers from diverse sectors, all united by the goal of a sustainable future. We learned a lot from each other, which enriched my understanding and broadened my approach to my own research. The week was filled with insightful discussions on personal research journeys, methodological choices, the co-creation of phenomena like ‘energy citizenship,’ and the challenges of transdisciplinary work. The variety of perspectives provided me with new approaches that I have been incorporating into my research on regenerative business and leadership in the fashion and textile industry. The different locations chosen for some of the days were outstanding, particularly spending a day at Buitenplaats Brienenoord. The story and nature of this place added a unique and inspiring dimension to the experience. One of the most valuable aspects of the summer school was the reflective journal designed specifically for the event. This journal has reignited my interest in journaling, and I now find that this daily practice helps me feel calmer and more in control of my PhD journey. The insights I gained and the connections I made during this week have undoubtedly strengthened my research approach. I look forward to maintaining these connections and continuing our shared journey toward sustainability.

Alboricah Rathupetsane, PhD student at Stellenbosch University, South Africa: Your values, assumptions and experiences inevitably affect how you conduct research. Whether intentional or not, they influence your choice of participants, the methods and instruments you employ and even how you process what emerges. This realization revealed itself in multiple ways throughout the 2024 DIT Summer School. On the second day for example, we went through a group exercise where each member of the group explained their research to the others without revealing their methodological approach. Rather, group members were tasked with offering research approaches they thought would best answer the research questions. I heard suggestions and reasons I hadn’t considered before, when I’d previously thought myself thorough. This is why carefully examining yourself, and the influence you have on what is being studied is so critical. It was never more apparent to me how much my experience and ways of understanding had shaped what I thought is best. I gained a new appreciation for just how much my positionality matters. It matters that I’m black, female and South African. It matters that I have a background in engineering. All of these aspects are represented in how I take in, process and contribute new forms of knowledge. That is why the practice of reflexivity cannot be over-emphasized. Since learning this lesson, I’ve started intentionally making time to pause, step back and study how my own mindset is shaping the knowledge I’m co-creating. It is my ethical responsibility. 

Ines Hinterleitner, PhD student at BOKU University, Austria: Has the participation in this year’s STRN/NEST Method School helped me cultivate my role as a transformative researcher as proposed by the hosts? I try to answer this question by highlighting the following aspects which I consider to be particularly valuable for my doctoral studies and potentially transformative for me: During the week I gained a substantial understanding of the principles of excellent facilitation, which I consider a particularly valuable skillset for researchers engaged with societal actors. The facilitators were able to maintain high levels of energy and motivation within the group by structuring presentations with ample discussion space and providing interactive methods for discussion and group work. I recall the periods of quiet reflection, guided by our journal, as being incredibly valuable for integrating all the information I had received. Moreover, through the eye-level discussions with established sustainability transition scholars I realized that they can still be challenged in their way of working and thinking. This helped me to (re )gain confidence that my research and my way of thinking are important stepping stones in the societal way towards sustainability. Networking with fellow PhD students from different backgrounds also helped me to gain a deeper understanding of my particular role in the sustainability discourse. Furthermore, it was invaluable to connect with potential future project collaborators with whom I can work towards a sustainable future. The summer school leaves me longing for more reflection space within the scientific system and research projects, as I believe this reflection space is what would accelerate the transformative potential of research. It encourages me to keep advocating for structural changes in the scientific system which I believe are part of and required for the societal transformations toward sustainability.

 Ivo Wakounig, PhD student at TU/e, Netherlands: The STRN/NEST Method School ‘Transformative Research Unlocked hosted by the DIT Platform was a great opportunity to learn, share, and network. Throughout the one-week programme, we delved into research design, mixed methods, co-producing knowledge, critical research perspectives, and our roles as transformative researchers. I learned countless perspectives on transitions research, its theories, and why our ‘traditional’ way of doing research fails to address our current (sustainability) challenges. In order to have meaningful impact as researchers, we need to embrace new research practices that build on positionality, values, engagement, critical realism, and de-colonialism. To yield meaningful outcomes that contribute to transformative change, methods & methodologies must be redesigned to properly reflect changing realities. I particularly appreciated the breadth of different topics and the opportunity to engage with so many leading academics. Getting to know so many other young research colleagues has been an absolute delight and inspired me to collaborate in my work. It was truly a transformative experience to witness the vibrant community of transitions research and I am grateful for all the speakers, organisers, hosts, partners, and colleagues who made this summer school so memorable.