A turning point for
SES research
Ideas about potentially establishing an SES-focused society have been discussed for more than a decade. The SES field is growing rapidly, but has lacked a coherent identity that can provide a “home” for researchers and actors working across the science-policy-practice interface, and that can support the growing number of research centres, training programs and research and development projects in this area of research and practice. Importantly, the field also lacks a stable, funded institutional structure to provide ongoing coordination support to the wider community, and that can enable us to organise ourselves for a stronger voice and impact on a variety of fronts. The establishment of SocSES is therefore a turning point in the development of SES research.
aim
The aim of the society is to advance and support social-ecological systems-based research, practice and action towards a just and sustainable future, by providing an intellectual home, community and identity for social-ecological systems researchers, practitioners, research institutes and networks.
Our Mission and Values
SocSES advances understanding of complex social-ecological systems dynamics, fosters collaboration among researchers and practitioners, supports the next generation of sustainability leaders, and leverages research for policy impact.
The society is committed to embracing diverse knowledge frameworks, particularly those from the Global South, while maintaining a coherent identity across its work. SocSES values innovative knowledge co-production and dissemination, promotes inclusive learning spaces beyond traditional education, and champions environmentally sustainable networking practices that address inequities in academic opportunities.
Objectives
- Advance understanding of complex, social-ecological systems dynamics to support a just and sustainable future for people and nature.
- Provide a home community where researchers, practitioners, and other knowledge holders from across the world can learn from one another and forge new collaborations.
- Support training of the next generation of sustainability researchers and leaders.
- Advocate for funding for inter and transdisciplinary social-ecological systems research.
- Impact policy and practice by leveraging SES research
Key Principles
- Encourage diverse frameworks, knowledge streams and values, particularly from the Global South, to understand the dynamics of SES and address global challenges.
- Encourage diverse methodological approaches, while supporting cross-cutting knowledge development.
- Support new ways of (co)-producing and disseminating knowledge, focusing on outputs, spaces and processes that can inform and support policy and practice.
- Develop learning spaces that transcend current formal offerings, while supporting the development of SES education in formal educational spaces, particularly in the Global South.
- Thoughtful networking in an environmentally sustainable way, recognizing and addressing inequities in networking and publishing opportunities.
