The Living University

The Living University whitepaper is the culmination of a 12 month-long inquiry conducted in partnership with RMIT University in Australia. The report explores how universities can leverage their unique role in society to become catalysts of transformational change and support the transition to a more just, sustainable future.

In our research, we identified five ways the university sector can support wider systems change toward human and planetary flourishing:

• Invest in regenerative learning: Embed ecological literacy into curricula across all disciplines, so that learners have a good grounding in Earth Systems Science and understand the interdependent relationship between humans and our planet.
• Prioritise place-based approaches: Tailor research and innovation programmes to the specific needs of the bioregion in which the university is situated and champion initiatives that deepen place-connections and engagement with local landscapes.
• Support cultural and academic pluralism: Encourage transdisciplinary working and create spaces for researchers from diverse backgrounds and perspectives (including Indigenous knowledge-holders) to collectively explore complex challenges.
• Foster partnerships between institutions and sectors: Encourage cross-institutional learning and collaboration through funding for research partnerships; build multi-sector coalitions that engage local actors working to address common issues.
• Invest in a regenerative learning ecosystem: Support initiatives that build capacity for regenerative understanding, for example through regional ecology centres or living learning labs.