WOS annual event 2025

We are delighted to announce our annual event on Friday, 21 March 2025, celebrating the birthday of our namesake, Wubbo Ockels. This year’s theme is climate adaptation and water, one of the key focus areas of the Wubbo Ockels School. This theme addresses significant societal challenges, such as rising sea levels, freshwater availability, safeguarding water quality, soil salinisation, and the complexities of integrating these themes into other transitions.

Central to the day is the question: How can we emphasise the urgency and opportunities of climate adaptation regionally and (inter)nationally, and how can (new) forms of communication help us in this?

We have put together a diverse and inspiring programme for you! The day will start with a keynote addressing the urgency of climate adaptation and how we can create impact in the region and beyond.

Workshops

You’ll then have the opportunity to participate in interactive workshops. For example, Arctic Explorer is organising a workshop using VR experiences to ‘travel’ to the North Pole. You will be able to see with your own eyes how global warming affects the landscape, and gain new insight into the science behind it.

Video competition

During the event, Ron Holzhacker, Professor of Multilevel Governance and Regional Structure, will announce the winners of the video competition on 'Climate and Sustainable Development in Cities'. This international competition is the result of a collaboration with universities across the Asia Pacific and the University of Groningen.

Future

We will close the day with a focus on the future by giving the stage to the young generation's climate movement. This will further emphasise the urgency of a new way of thinking and acting, working towards climate adaptability.  

The focus of the day will be on a positive note, focussing on the steps we can take to adapt to climate change.