ESOF2022

The main theme of the 10^th edition of ESOF2022 was “Crossing Borders, Engaged Science, Resilient Societies”.

In today’s global context, we can no longer go it alone when it comes to tackling the complex issues facing the environment and our societies. Geographical borders have little meaning since we all on the same planet and dealing with many of the same problems. Therefore, last year’s conference theme was all about unity and bridging gaps not just between the humanities, the social science, the natural, medical and physical sciences but also between scientists, policy makers, the media and the general public. We need all stakeholders of science and society from all over the world to cross knowledge and geographical borders and come together to discuss, adapt, and collaborate on innovative and timely interventions needed to solve the challenges we are facing today. This was reflected in the conference theme and its seven themes.

ESOF2022 welcomes …

This unique interdisciplinary conference is for anyone with a curious mind. From scientists, researchers and academics of all career stages, students, R&D experts, entrepreneurs, businesspeople, innovators, policy makers, scientific journalists, artists, and of course the public hungry for science. From across continents and across disciplines.

People who want to debate, exchange knowledge, explore new interventions, discover cutting-edge scientific research and weave new and ground-breaking alliances to tackle the major challenges and its impact on society. ESOF2022 welcomes, bold thinkers, collaborative practitioners, and open-minded policy makers to come together physically (yes!) and online during this hybrid conference. Anyone who understands the need for joined-up thinking and research.

ESOF aims to

foster dialogue on science, technology, innovation, policy, and society
offer a platform for cross-disciplinary interaction and exchange.
present cutting-edge scientific and technological developments in all scientific areas, including natural and medical sciences, life sciences, physical sciences, social sciences and humanities.
offer valuable opportunities for early-career researchers, including networking and career advice.

Focus on Early Careers in Academic

One of the unique features of ESOF2022 is that it offered a valuable opportunity for early-career researchers to network and seek career advice.

ESOF2022 went further last year. One of the tracks of the main scientific programme (Track 7: Sustainable Careers) asked how to reimagine career paths in academia. The preliminary programme consisted of workshops, panel discussions, debates, and networking events such as receptions, meeting key scientists, Nobel Laureates, or representatives of major funding organizations across Europe. During this programme, delegates discussed ways to move away from conservative and exclusive models of academic careers in favor of exploring and co-creating new and sustainable ones that promote inclusivity and diversity.

The programme for the Sustainable Career track was organized by Young Academy Leiden (YAL) and the University of Leiden.

Sustainable and Inclusive Event

To maximize inclusion and participation while minimizing the impact on the climate, ESOF2022 was both an onsite and online event. The conference employed the most advanced virtual conference technology to welcome participants from around the world, whether physically or virtually, to the city of Leiden.

Join the global conversation happening at ESOF2022:

Organising Committee

ESOF2022 had several boards that together created and steered the unique vision of this conference.

Two local champions are selected each edition to work closely with the scientific board to help define the conference theme and its tracks and to review and select the submitted session proposals for the final scientific programme.

Last edition’s ESOF local champions were two professors from Leiden University: Prof. Dr. Corinne Hofman, former dean of the Faculty of Archeology; and Prof. Dr. Ferry Breedveld, former chair of the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) Executive Board.

The Executive Board of the ESOF2022 edition consisted of Ferry Breedveld, Corinne Hofman, Meta Knol, Lucien Geelhoed, Michael Matlosz, Matthias Girod, Gail Cardew, and Lorna Hughes.

Prof. Ferry Breedveld

Ferry Breedveld studied medicine in Leiden and subsequently specialized in internal medicine and rheumatology. His research interest was the pathophysiology of autoimmune rheumatic diseases and the development of rational, biologic treatments. He was appointed to professor of rheumatology and Head of the Department of Rheumatology in 1989. In 2000 he was appointed to Chairman of Medicine in Leiden and in 2006 to CEO of Leiden University Medical Centre. As hospital administrator his focus was on quality assurance in Medicine. From 2003 until 2005 he was president of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR). Professor Breedveld is honorary member of several scientific organizations and member of the Royal Academy for Arts and Sciences.

Prof. Corinne L. Hofman

Corinne L. Hofman is Professor of Caribbean Archaeology and former Dean of the Faculty of Archaeology, Leiden University. She is also a senior researcher at the Royal Netherlands Institute for Southeast Asian and Caribbean Studies (KITLV/KNAW). Over the past 30 years, Hofman and her team have conducted archaeological research on many Caribbean islands. Her major themes of interest include human-environment relationships, traditional knowledge systems, colonial intercultural dynamics, island archaeology, and regional comparative research. Her motivation lies in the appraisal, safeguarding, and preservation of the Caribbean’s vulnerable cultural heritage, and the resilience of its contemporary communities amid the current social and environmental challenges.