What role does communication have for sustainable development?

BOKU University offers a new course, Scientific Communication and Impacts, designed for bachelor, master, and doctoral students interested in international development cooperation and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The course bridges theory and practice, helping students returning from fieldwork understand how research supports goals like food sovereignty, poverty reduction, climate action, and international cooperation.

The interdisciplinary course encourages students to communicate scientific knowledge beyond academia to the public and stakeholders. It features case studies from Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America and culminates in organizing a public event at BOKU—the Green Plate Forum. This cooking and discussion event highlights sustainable food practices from around the world and invites experts, policymakers, and the community to engage in dialogue on sustainable development.

Students will learn to facilitate multi-stakeholder knowledge sharing, moderate interdisciplinary discussions, and connect research findings to real-world SDG challenges. The course has already earned BOKU a sustainability award for its innovative approach.

This year’s Green Plate Forum 3.0, organized jointly with SLU and Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, will focus on “Future Food for Thought” exploring how diverse cultures contribute to sustainable food systems through unique culinary traditions.

For more information: SafeTheDate_GreenPlateForum_3.0-2.pdf