As part of the University of York’s Mission and Strategies for 2030, innovative learning pathways have been introduced. The York Interdisciplinary Modules (YIMs) offer students an exciting opportunity to tackle current sustainability and global development challenges, whilst building key skills and competencies.
The four diverse YIMs, including options like studying food systems and environmental rights, propel students into collaborative, transformative learning. SEI York’s contribution to this programme will be Sustainability and Policy: Research, Engage, Change, where students, irrespective of their prior knowledge or experience in sustainability-related topics, will work in multidisciplinary groups to address sustainability challenges from local to global levels.
Coordinated by a robust team led by SEI’s Eleni Michalopoulou, including Rhys Archer, Sarah Foster and Kate O’Reilly, SEI York’s module explores the nuances of policy engagement. Students, guided by over ten experts from the centre, will engage with real-world challenges through comprehensive case studies, cultivating essential skills for addressing urgent environmental issues like climate change and air pollution.
Drawing on insights from SEI York’s five core research areas, the module reveals the breadth of environmental policy work – from scientific engagement to real-world impact at local, national and global levels. It aims to highlight the transformative changes effected by SEI researchers, showcasing the practical impact of their world-class contributions to environmental policy and action.
By the end of the module, students will be able to:
The module leverages SEI’s expertise in policy engagement and impact, embodying the principles of our 2020-2024 Strategy: Knowledge for Action. We aim to “support decision-making and induce change towards sustainable development around the world by providing integrative knowledge that bridges science, policy and practice in the field of environment and development.”
Students will cultivate “integrative knowledge”, learning to instigate change through exposure to real-world challenges and scientific insights. The teaching aligns with SEI’s organizational emphasis on training and education as catalysts for change.
Influenced by the escalating urgency for climate action and a generational shift towards environmental sustainability, the module empowers University of York students by equipping them to contribute to environmental governance and interaction, in sync with SEI’s strategic approach to engagement and impact.
Visit the York Interdisciplinary Modules website to read more about SEI’s module and the three other interdisciplinary modules on offer.
SEI York is embedded in the University of York. Areas of expertise include citizen science and engagement with policymakers and the private sector.
Feature / SEI York researchers share their enthusiasm for all things citizen science.
Journal article / The authors engage with debates on ecological citizenship and design justice by reflecting on the co-creation of a bespoke, future-visioning card deck.
Feature / Learn how our group has evolved over 18 years to focus on improving best practice in citizen science and inclusive engagement for environmental sustainability.
