AndersUtrecht: Transdisciplinary Network for a Postcapitalist Sustainability Transformation

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AndersUtrecht is a collaborative, long-term research initiative launched in November 2020 that bridges academic theory with grassroots practice in the pursuit of bottom-up sustainability transformations. The project supports a network of local organisations in Utrecht dedicated to ecological sustainability and social justice, particularly through non-market and community-driven strategies.

At its core, AndersUtrecht facilitates the co-production of knowledge between academia and community-based initiatives. By fostering mutual learning and collaboration, the network aims to build collective capacity for meaningful social change. Its work is rooted in the integration of education (e.g., via the Organising Social Impact course and related programmes), transdisciplinary research (e.g., co-developed research questions), and long-term societal impact (e.g., support for grassroots organisations).

Partners

As of April 2025, the network includes 15 local partners, such as the food collective VOKO, the art institute Casco, the environmental group Utrecht Natuurlijk, and the community arts platform Het Wilde Westen. Members address a wide array of challenges鈥攆rom energy transition and social inclusion to support for undocumented migrants鈥攄emonstrating the network鈥檚 commitment to addressing complex societal issues through locally grounded, practical action.

Since October 2024, AndersUtrecht has been structurally embedded within the Transforming Cities community of Utrecht 木瓜福利影视's Pathways to Sustainability programme, enhancing the network鈥檚 visibility and impact both within and beyond Utrecht 木瓜福利影视 and the city of Utrecht. 

Researchers

The project team includes Ozan Alakavuklar and Yousra Rahmouni Elidrissi from the Utrecht 木瓜福利影视 School of Governance (USG), and Giuseppe Feola, Julia Tschersich, and Bobbi Jelgerhuis Swildens from the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development.

Project website

Explore research highlights, podcast episodes, and collaboration opportunities at the AndersUtrecht project website.

Contact

For more information, please contact Ozan Alakavuklar at o.n.alakavuklar@uu.nl.