Straniak Academy 2023:
tackling plastic pollution in oceans and rivers
summer school & research lab
10.-16.09.2023, Hotel Depandansa Bor, Debeli rtič, SLOVENIA
Participation fee € 300
Limited places (15 persons)
Note: Preference will be given to applicants from Adriatic countries and Greece.
After a 3-year break the Straniak Academy is back with a new concept and a new thematic focus! Increasing plastic pollution of oceans and rivers not only severely threatens ecosystems, but also undermines the full enjoyment of human rights. Against this backdrop, this year’s edition of the Straniak Academy focuses on plastic pollution in oceans and rivers. During six days, participants will be able to take part in a conference on the subject with speakers from academia (law and sciences), politics, and civil society organisations, as well as develop own projects in a research lab.
THE ACADEMY
The Straniak Academy 2023 will consist of two parts. Participants will attend the Closing Conference of the ‘Clean Mediterranean Sea!’ research project and afterwards take part in a research lab. The Academy aims at providing knowledge on the complex issue of plastic pollution in an interdisciplinary manner, building a bridge between academic research, legal policy and civil society engagement, conveying foundations of academic (legal) research and project planning, allowing participants to gain hands on experience by developing their own country-specific projects and thereby strengthening young leadership. Participants will be instructed by and work with highly qualified lecturers and mentors.
THE CONFERENCE
During the two-day CMS! Closing Conference (Monday, 11.09. – Tuesday, 12.09.) experts in environmental law, environmental scientists, politicians, and members of civil society organisations will come together to discuss the project results and legal policy recommendations, as well as challenges and ways forward concerning marine plastic pollution in the Mediterranean Sea. Participants of the Straniak Academy will be able to follow the lectures and presentations, as well as participate in the discussion rounds and panel discussions.
THE RESEARCH LAB
During the second half of the week (Wednesday, 13.09. – Friday, 15.09.), participants will have the opportunity to develop their country-specific projects on plastic pollution littering in rivers flowing into the Mediterranean Sea (notably the Adriatic and Aegean Sea). To accomplish this, participants can choose to work individually or in groups. Five mentors will provide guidance in the process of elaborating the research proposals. At the end of the Academy participants are expected to present either a general research proposal or a concrete legislative proposal which could be the basis for funding and subsequently be realised to that extent. Legislative proposals for new laws or concrete legislative amendments should focus on international, EU or domestic law, and could be published and/or submitted to the relevant legislative authorities. Because three days is not much to complete such proposals it will be possible to submit a final version after the end of the Academy.
THE PREPARATION
Since time for the research lab is very limited, preparation is key. To allow participants to make the most of their time during the Academy preparatory materials will be sent out in advance and participants are expected to come prepared. The goal is to provide an overview of the relevant problem areas and approaches to solutions to enrich the participation in the in the Conference and the input for the project work within the framework of the research lab.
LECTURERS AND MENTORS
will be announced shortly….
WHY JOIN?
- Six days of fruitful and engaging input and discussions
- Participation at the CMS! Closing Conference
- 3 full days of Research Lab
- Excellent support for your project by mentors from different academic disciplines and backgrounds
- A beautiful location at the Slovenian seaside
WE ARE LOOKING FOR YOU
You are a scholar or (advanced) student in law, natural science, economy, political science, philosophy or other academic disciplines, an activist, youth leader, change-maker, or visionary… In short, we are looking for young people who are passionate about tackling plastic pollution and thereby contributing to facing one of the most pressing environmental and human rights challenge. We are looking for people who are willing to go deeper, think outside the box, cross disciplinary boundaries, and have the courage to think big. If you have the motivation to use this fantastic opportunity to broaden your skills and knowledge and bring about change then join us for the Straniak Academy 2023!
APPLY NOW!
If you wish to apply for the Straniak Academy 2023, please send your CV and a short letter of motivation (ca. 500 words) until 1 July 2023, stating why you wish to join the Academy, what you can contribute to it and what you would like to take away from it.
The Straniak Academy can take place thanks to the financial support of the Hermann and Marianne Straniak Foundation, Switzerland.
