The Early Career Researcher Sustainability Training School (ECR STS) Global recently concluded its second edition, marking another significant milestone in the journey towards fostering a transformative and transdisciplinary research culture at Warwick. Building on the success of ECR STS 1.0 held in June 2023, this year's event aimed to further enhance research, impact, and networking opportunities, while investing in a new generation of planet-conscious researchers dedicated to sustainable development.

ECR STS 2.0, held from 15th to 19th April 2024, expanded its reach across borders, bringing together early career researchers (ECRs) from 18 countries and 5 continents. Participants from Indonesia, the Philippines, Ghana, Nepal, Bangladesh, Turkey, South Africa, and Australia, among others. This global representation not only enriched the discussions but also highlighted the universality of the sustainability agenda. One of the hallmarks of ECR STS 2.0 was its focus on innovative training methods developed by Warwick researchers. Participants had the opportunity to engage in participatory film-making, serious games, and citizen assemblies, offering a unique and immersive learning experience.

A distinguishing feature of ECR STS 2.0 was the active involvement of IGSD Thematic Fellows and the inaugural cohort of ECRs as mentors and trainers. This mentorship model fostered collaboration, knowledge exchange, and peer learning, creating a supportive environment for professional growth and development. Additionally, partnerships with the EUTOPIA consortium and the Commonwealth Futures Climate Research Cohort, ACU, further enriched the experience, underscoring the importance of collaborative research initiatives in driving meaningful change.

ECR STS is not just a training programme; it is a catalyst for transformative action and collaboration. By convening policymakers, practitioners, and young researchers, ECR STS facilitates dialogue, knowledge sharing, and the co-creation of solutions to complex sustainability challenges. As Warwick's flagship initiative with a focus on sustainability, ECR STS is poised to become an initiative that crosses geographical boundaries and contributes to building a more sustainable future for all.

As we at IGSD reflect on the success of ECR STS 2.0, we are reminded of the collective effort and commitment towards advancing sustainable development goals. The diverse perspectives, innovative approaches, and collaborative spirit demonstrated during the training school, serve as a testament to the power of collective and relational action in addressing global challenges. Join us for STS 3.0 in 24/25!

Jonathan Clarke talks to local news about the challenges and consequences of the extended floods in the Cotswolds for local farming and regional and National food supply chains.

The book 'Belarus in the XXI century: between dictatorship and democracy' edited by Elena Korosteleva, Irina Petrova and Anastassiia Kudlenko, is now translated into Belarusian, produced and published by Skaryna Press London on 7 April 2024! The book looks at the evolution of peoplehood in Belarus taking the year of 2020 as a watershed moment for the rise of the new political force in the country, called 'the People!'. This process of emergence is examined from historical, cultural, anthropological, economic and political perspectives. The book is available for order here.

Especially delighted to announce this news: IGSD is very happy to announce that Dr Hita Unnikrishnan will be joining IGSD on 3 June 2024 as our new Assistant Professor. Presently Hita is Newton International Fellow at the University of Sheffield, and prior that she worked as Assistant Professor at the Trans-Disciplinary University, and as a post-doctoral research associate at Azim Premji University, both based in Bengaluru, India. She obtained her Ph.D from Manipal University, India; ATREE, Bengaluru. Hita was also a recipient of the Prof. Elinor Ostrom Fellowship on Practice and Policy on the Commons in 2013.

WELCOME, Hita!