Current Beijer Young Scholars 2024-2026

In May 2024, the fourth cohort of Beijer Young Scholars met for the first time in a weeklong workshop at the Academy and in the Stockholm Archipelago. The group consisted of 18 PhD students and early post-docs, from various fields including economics, ecology, psychology, mathematics, sustainability science, environmental science and human geography. 

BYS IV. Back row: Siddharth Sachdeva (Stanford University), Felipe Benra (Leuphana University), Adam Wiechman (Arizona State University), Jaechol Lee (UC Berkley), Bernie Bastien-Olvera (UC San Diego), Noah Linder (GEDB), mentors Steve Polasky, Belinda Reyers, Carl Folke and Anne-Sophie Crépin, Emmy Wassénius (GEDB), Sarah Redicker (University of Exeter), Louis Delannoy (GEDB), Nic Choquette-Levy (Boston University), Marie Huss (Beijer Institute co-organiser), Marius von Essen (Stanford University). Front row: Amanda Manyani (Stellenbosch University), Giorgio Dini (University of Bologna), Jordana Composto (Princeton University), Niak Sian Koh (SRC and University of Oxford), Marie Kawakatsu (University of Pennsylvania), Jaqueline Hamilton (McGill University), Zoë Kitchel (Occidental College in Los Angeles, California). Photo: Agneta Sundin

Over the course of five intensive days, the young scholars convened to discuss and explore the multifaceted nature of interacting shocks within the biosphere. The initial day was dedicated to presentations by each participant, where they shared their current research and identified potential intersections between their work.

On the second day, the group travelled to the Idöborg island in the Stockholm Archipelago. This change of setting facilitated in-depth discussions on several critical research questions, including the movement of shocks through systems, the potential of shocks to reveal unexpected system connections, strategies for managing and navigating interacting shocks, and many more.

The group conceptualised potential case studies to illustrate interacting shocks and brainstormed methods to visualise these interactions, which is crucial for both research and policy communication.

The days were spent both in workshop sessions but also with fun activities in the beautiful surroundings, and enjoying good food and lively conversations over dinner.

The final day was dedicated to clarifying the group’s collective research agenda, and the workshop concluded with the formation of research tasks, subgroups and the establishment of a common communication platform. The scholars agreed to meet online bi-monthly and initiated collaboration on several projects

The participants’ commitment to regular future meetings and joint projects underscores their enthusiasm for continued collaboration and the potential for significant advancements in this critical field.