Call for Applications: for 2026 Utrecht Earth-Space Academy Training School on ‘Transformative Governance for Earth-Space Sustainability’ October 28–30, 2026
Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University
By the ERC PlanetStewards Project, co-organized with the Earth-Space Sustainability (ESS) Network & EU COST Action FOGOS
The 2026 Utrecht Earth-Space Academy on ‘Transformative Governance for Earth-Space Sustainability’ aims to train next-generation scholars and researchers in new conceptual and methodological approaches to address the emerging issues of extraplanetary governance in the 21st century. The Academy will select a cohort of 20 early-career researchers (PhD candidates and post-doctoral researchers) as Academy Fellows to attend the training. From the History of Astronomy to the frontiers of Astrobiology, Anthropology, Space Law, Environmental Policy and Governance, and International Relations, the Academy Fellows will engage with the Earth-Space systems concept from a pluralistic, interdisciplinary perspective to gain a solid overview of the conceptual and methodological tools fundamental to generating new knowledge in the emerging paradigm. By the end of the training, Academy Fellows will be familiar with the concept and meanings of Earth-Space sustainability and with cutting-edge research in the field. They will also understand the importance of transformative change in science and policy for future Earth-Space sustainability.
Selected Academy Fellows will be awarded a scholarship – through a reimbursement procedure after the event – to cover long-distance travel and accommodation to attend the training. Scholarships will be awarded on a rolling basis until 30 September 2026 (or as soon as all scholarship spots are filled), based on the quality and excellence of submitted application letters and CVs. In the application letter, please state your research interest, motivation, and how participation in this Academy may support your research journey.
The lecture series will be complemented with interactive sessions and creative dialogues to:
● Approach the concept of Earth-Space systems from diverse disciplines and knowledge traditions
● Rethink human-nature relations in view of the Earth-Space paradigm
● Explore scientific, cultural, environmental, and other values of Earth-Space systems
● Conceptualize transformative governance from a pluralistic and interdisciplinary perspective
● Apply concepts and methods to a range of case studies, including dark-sky governance and lunar governance
● Discuss the role of science-policy interfaces in transformative change towards Earth-Space sustainability
● Discuss your work in terms of concepts, methodology, and potential impact, and receive feedback from the faculty members
Apply HERE until 30 September 2026 (or as soon as all scholarship spots are filled). The detailed program of the Academy will be posted on the webpage soon.
For more details, refer here
