Leibniz Environment und Development Symposium 2023

The prevailing pattern of economic and social development all too often fails to deliver progress for all and to respect our planetary boundaries. We see climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation caused by economic development that is accompanied by persistent or even rising inequality, poverty, and hunger. The current multiple crises are reinforcing some of these global problems. Simultaneously meeting the global challenges of achieving sustainable and inclusive development requires strong interdisciplinary and international research collaboration. However, research at the interface of environment and development is often hampered by traditional academic boundaries. New ideas and fresh research approaches as well as inter-disciplinary exchange are needed.

This is why several German research institutes ATB, IGZ, RWI, PIK, ZALF, ZMT , and the GIGA – all members of the Leibniz Association – regularly organize the Leibniz Environment and Development Symposium (LEADS). The aim of LEADS is to foster interdisciplinary exchange and stimulate collaboration on global societal challenges among and between early-career researchers and senior scholars. This year’s LEADS will be hosted by the Economic Policy Lab "Climate Change, Development and Migration" at the RWI – Leibniz Institute for Economic Research in Essen on November 27-28, 2023. The Policy Lab is a dynamic platform that links research activities on the three topics and offers lively structures to bring together researchers at RWI and at surrounding universities and institutes.

LEADS will provide ample opportunities for academic discussion and networking where participants are encouraged to explore new research collaborations. Two keynote lectures by Dr. Mascha Rauschenbach (DEval) and Prof. Dr. Erwin Bulte (Wageningen University) will complement the program.

For further information send an email to  gunther.bensch@rwi-essen.de.

Academic committee: Achim Schlüter (ZMT), Anette Ruml (GIGA), Jann Lay (GIGA), Kati Krähnert (RWI), Lasse Loft (ZALF), Maximiliane Sievert (RWI), Philipp Grundmann (ATB), Tilman Brück (IGZ/HU)

Local organisers: Gunther Bensch (RWI), Maximiliane Sievert (RWI)