From the Gobi Desert to Gaza: early career researchers from 28 countries gather to tackle global sustainability challenges
The ReSToRE international Summer School, organised by the iCRAG Research Ireland Centre for Applied Geosciences, the International Union of Geological Sciences, and Centro de Estudios del Cobre y la Minería in Chile has recently taken place in University College Dublin (29 June – 3 July) under the patronage of UNESCO.
The fourth time it has taken place, the summer school brought together 40 participants from 28 countries worked in interdisciplinary teams to explore how technical, environmental, social, cultural and economic perspectives can shape more sustainable approaches to managing resources that support communities worldwide.
From mining in the Gobi Desert, to water systems in Gaza, and geothermal energy in Dublin to rare earth mining in Chile, these topics featured as global case studies as a starting point for challenge-based workshops at ReSToRE 4. These explored challenges where technology meets society, under the event’s theme Delivering Sustainability to the Global Community.
The programme brought together a broad interdisciplinary group, including geoscientists, social scientists, environmental researchers and practitioners to work on resource challenges at the intersection of technical and social factors.
“At a time of geopolitical uncertainty, international collaboration matters more than ever. It is wonderful to see people from 28 countries coming together to take positive action on challenges that affect us all” said Prof Sarah Gleeson, Director of iCRAG.
Under supervision of international experts, each workshop encouraged participants to move beyond engineering fixes and grapple with questions of trust, uncertainty, community engagement, cultural heritage and long-term social value.
Photo caption: Early career researchers and professionals from 28 countries gathered at University College Dublin for ReSToRE 4, an international summer school on sustainability, resources and society. Photo credit: Ian Whelen.
