Public Participation in Sustainable Transitions

Energy island Ameland

Today’s urgent environmental issues, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and the depletion of natural resources, call for bold, creative thinking and collaboration across fields. So, the energy transition is not just a technical puzzle but also a social and environmental one. This Summer School invites participants to break out of their disciplinary silos and discover how community engagement, public participation, and citizen empowerment can spark sustainable energy solutions for Ameland, a unique island in the Wadden Sea.

At the heart of the Summer School lies a real-world challenge from the Ameland Energy Cooperative, revealed at the program’s outset. Participants will dive deeper into the Cooperative’s mission and sustainability efforts during an immersive field trip to Ameland Island, where they will see firsthand the projects and initiatives shaping the community’s future. To tackle these complex energy issues, participants will join expert-led sessions spanning law, social sciences, spatial planning, and environmental sciences, gaining fresh perspectives to craft integrated, sustainable solutions.

The Summer School opens its doors to participants from all walks of life and experience levels. To set the stage for meaningful collaboration, everyone will receive preparatory reading materials and be encouraged to share their unique insights throughout the program. Working in small, interdisciplinary teams, participants will tackle the challenge together, culminating in a final presentation of their innovative solutions to both their peers and the Ameland Energy Cooperative.

This summer school is linked to the Master Environmental Psychology as well as the Master Energy and Climate Law at the University of Groningen.

Practical information

Dates	24 - 28 August 2026
Location	Groningen, the Netherlands
Level	MA/PhD/ Practitioners
Fees including lunches, coffee, closing reception for all participants	€ 650 Travel, accommodation, and dinner are at the participant's own expense.
Academic coordinators	Prof. Dr. Goda Perlaviciute - Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences Prof. Dr. Lorenzo Squintani – Faculty of Law
Contact	PPsummerschool rug.nl

Requirements

Who is this summer school for?

This summer school is for Master students, postgraduate students (PhDs and postdocs), and professionals interested in public participation and sustainability transitions

It is expected that the participants have a sufficient command of the English language to actively participate in the discussions and to present their own work in English.

Course schedule

Learning approach

The programme consists of:

Lectures from which you gain insights from experts in the fields of public participation and sustainable transitions.
Interactive working sessions provide an opportunity to collaborate with peers to exchange ideas and perspectives on the proposed challenge.
Site visit offers a chance to witness sustainability in action by visiting Ameland Island to learn from the Ameland Energy Cooperative members about the inspiring projects they collaborate on with other stakeholders to advance the energy transition on the island.
Ice breaker- social events such as welcome drinks and city tour; closing reception/dinner create an environment to meet other disciplines.

Learning outcomes

After this course, you will be able to:

Learn about key developments in public participation related to the energy transition.
Gain and apply insights from different academic disciplines on a challenge related to public participation and energy transition.
Work together in international, interdisciplinary teams of students, researchers and practitioners.

Workload

Preparation: 14 hours
Lectures: 32 hours
Presentation: 10 hours

Upon successful completion of the programme, the Summer School offers a Certificate of Attendance that mentions the workload of 56 hours (28 hours correspond to 1 ECTS). Students can apply for recognition of these credits to the relevant authorities in their home institutions, therefore the final decision on awarding credits is at the discretion of their home institutions. We will be happy to provide any necessary information that might be requested in addition to the certificate of attendance.

Introduction to lecturers

Prof. Mr. Dr. Lorenzo Squintani
As Professor of Energy Law, my research and teaching interests include EU substantive law and EU environmental, energy and climate law. In addition, I am Director of the Wubbo Ockels School for Energy and Climate at the University of Groningen, School`s mission is to work together for a greener and fairer energy transition and climate policy. I am also founder and member of the managing board of the Like!Me Living Lab, which studies how to improve the effectiveness of public participation practices in the field of energy and environmental matters.

Prof. Dr. Goda Perlaviciute
My key research interests lie in public evaluations and acceptability of energy sources, systems and policies; and which factors influence these evaluations and acceptability judgements. I focus on theory development and applying theory in addressing acute environmental and energy problems. My teaching involves both bachelor and master courses in environmental psychology, as well as masterclasses and trainings to practitioners and decision makers in the energy domain.

Application procedure

To apply, kindly fill out the online application form. Please note that you will be asked to upload the following documents:

· Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 pages)

· Motivation letter, clearly stating why you want to join this summer school, what you will bring to the school and what you hope to learn (max. 1 page)

Apply now!

The deadline for application is 8 May 2026. Participants will be informed of the outcomes on 12 May 2026.