MEET THE STEM GRADUATES MAKING HUMANITY SUSTAINABLE

How the skills and knowledge acquired in quantitative degrees can be of value when it comes to societal challenges is not always evident. We share the stories of STEM graduates who are dedicated to building a better future and provide resources for students who want to include topics related to sustainability in their curricula.

  • Carbon Footprints in the Snow
    Luna Bloin-Wibe (Physics MSc) talks to Amy MacFarlane (PhD Student at SLF, Davos) about how to prepare for an expedition far beyond the polar circle, questioning research practices, and the balance between collecting data and being sustainable.
  • Fuelling the Energy Transition
    Petia Arabadjieva (Physik BSc) asks Dr. Gianluca Ambrosetti (Co-founder and CEO of Synhelion) about the value of a physics background for tackling the energy crisis and what it takes to make a real impact.
  • ConCERNed for Humanity
    Anna Knörr (Physics BSc) meets Michael Dittmar (Dr. at ETH and CERN). A portrait about a scientist who was not unaffected by the events of the cold and Iraqian wars. An illustration of how one can discuss societal and ecological issues in the research community – and how it can fail.
  • When walking means talking (and listening!)
    Jan Zibell (Physics MSc) and David Bresch (Prof. Weather and Climate Risks) have a conversation about insurability in a changing climate, understanding other people’s value systems, collective learning, and the benefits of a physics education. One certain learnable skill turns out as particularly pivotal.

The “WHO CARES?” Project

We want to demonstrate how STEM studies and the skills acquired during one’s studies play a role in the sustainable development of society. We seek out former students in these fields who are pushing for sustainability and produce short video statements for social media, in which the alumni offer insight into their engagement and how their studies have proven to be helpful, as well as interviews. We aim to inspire current students to engage with sustainability by providing course suggestions and links to (thesis) projects that focus on sustainability.

Take Part!

Want to combine your passion about your study field with sustainability in your career? Are you interested in meeting a person from academia, industry, or a governmental institution, who has successfully done exactly this? Are you ready to share your insights with other students? Take part in the WHO CARES project!