Education, training & debates
Economics is much richer than what is being taught and communicated. Its visions of the world and its methodologies are much more diverse than what is being typically presented in education, policy, and practice. Progressing towards sustainable futures means going beyond the pursuance of efficiency and narrow monetary measures, and embracing a wider set of values, goals, and approaches. As such, ICENS lab focuses on the economics for sustainability from a systemic and inclusive perspective, taking the ecological boundaries set by the natural sciences as starting points; and cutting across a range of schools of economic thought embedded in interdisciplinarity.
ICENS lab provides education & training, and participates in talks & debates that reflect this diversity of thought, bringing the full spectrum of economics to bear on students, decision-makers and thinkers, and other societal players. Importantly, we also create space for arts and the humanities that are immersive in their nature and have the power to shape empathy, feelings, and compassion. Our audiences are universities, schools, businesses, public bodies, international institutions, and civil society organisations.
Examples of projects
“Longevity and the power of long-term thinking” - Salon debate event organised by the London Interdisciplinary School (LIS), 1 October 2024, London. More information can be found on this LIS blog
“Frontiers in pluralist economics: Exploring the potential of alternative economic views for inclusive prosperity” - Symposium event organised by The Erasmus Initiative “Dynamics of Inclusive Prosperity”, in collaboration with ICENS lab, 10 June 2024, Erasmus University Rotterdam
“Pluralist economics for sustainability: Climate Change and Social Inequalities” - this is a three-week summer module at University College London (UCL summer school) targeting international students. Şerban, the founder and director of ICENS lab has developed and is coordinating and teaching this module, alongside several invited guest speakers. In summer 2024, the module run for the third year in a row. The course has been under much demand and well-rated, showing a high interest in what various schools of economic thought have to say about sustainability, climate change, and just transition matters.
Photos from the UCL summer school: Top to bottom: 1) Guest lecturer Jennifer Brandsberg-Engelmann (lead author for Regenerative Economics for Secondary Schools); 2) Guest lecturer Joe Ravetz (co-Director of Centre for Urban Resilience & Energy, The University of Manchester); 3) and 4) Field trip to Bunhill 2 Energy Centre, London (district heat pump visit with Simon Bowles, Islington London Borough Council, 2023 & 2024 student cohorts).