Lifescapes

 Transforming research and education through life-centered visions of the future

Past, present and future of the biosphere have traditionally been explored from either one of two perspectives: Humans or non-humans. Such dichotomy leads to hierarchies and prioritizations that rather than benefit both perspectives, lead to mismatches in how communities (human and non-human) relate to their places and imagine/adapt to their futures. This research group brings multiple disciplines together to engage in the exploration of socioecological dynamics across time and space with explicit attention to life with a plural approach, and the application of inter and transdisciplinary approaches to investigate how we understand and envision plurality in the study of the biosphere as a complex interconnected system.

After decades of efforts and advancement in research to benefit and preserve nature, over and over again, the solutions proposed become relevant for what they mean to (some) humans: from the perspective of natural capital, ecosystem services, to sustainability. The main reason to care for nature is because we (some more than others) are the priority, often portraying a vision where humans are external to the very nature we are and seek to protect or benefit from. This research group engages critically with these assumptions and moves plurality beyond the human to also explore how to engage with the myriads of organisms, more-than-human, species, relations, that inhabit the planet. In this context, it is essential to emphasize the importance of transforming the understanding of the nexus human-nature, through education in all disciplines. By exploring the motivations behind society's efforts to protect and conserve and restore the environment across all professional and academic fields, the aim is to enrich the range of relations, whether in the context of interventions or accountabilities.