These ERC-funded projects explore why existing technological and social solutions to these challenges are not more widely adopted. They focus on identifying barriers to overcome and the enabling factors that can help accelerate transformative change.
Transformative change refers to deep, systemic shifts in how societies, economies, and institutions operate. It occurs when new ideas challenge established ways of thinking and acting, leading to meaningful changes in how societies and organisations function.
The report highlights how ERC-funded research addresses the key challenges we must address to lower emissions and achieve climate goals. Examples include research on biodiversity conservation, which explores new methods for protecting ecosystems, and studies on supply chain reforms, which look at accelerating sustainability efforts while promoting decent global living standards.
Harriet Bulkeley, Member of the ERC Scientific Council says:
‘Frontier research is helping us to understand not only the challenges we face in tackling the climate and nature crises, but also opening new forward-looking perspectives on how governments, businesses, communities, and individuals are already creating solutions. Learning from this research will be vital as policymakers and practitioners work towards ambitious international goals, ensuring a just transition that supports local communities and businesses.’
The report also details how ERC funding encourages cross-disciplinary collaborations, generating innovative methodologies and more holistic perspectives. Social sciences and humanities (SSH) take centre stage, emphasising that transformative change must be equitable, culturally relevant, and socially sustainable.
The report underscores the value of blending diverse knowledge—from indigenous and local insights to scientific, business, and technological expertise—to spark innovative solutions for complex challenges.
Eystein Jansen, vice-president of the ERC Scientific Council, remarks:
'Rethinking systems - from economic models to food and energy networks -requires justice and equity at its core. The report highlights the role of researchers in generating creative solutions to global multi-crises, balancing trade-offs, and enabling pathways towards green, just societies.'
Released ahead of the plenary meeting of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) from 10 to 16 December 2024 in Namibia, this report is the latest in a series that highlights the broader impact of ERC-funded research. By providing researchers with long-term resources and the freedom to explore pioneering projects, the ERC supports research that contributes to societal change and helps drive transformative solutions for a sustainable and equitable future.
