In a new partnership between the global research network Future Earth and Arizona State University, the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory will house a new hub to coordinate research to underpin global sustainability transformation efforts.
The partnership, announced Nov. 26, is a significant stride toward strengthening global collaboration on research for sustainable development.
The new Global Coordination Hub will function as the central coordinating body of Future Earth’s secretariat. It will further expand upon a growing network of Global Secretariat Hubs to coordinate research efforts across the broader Future Earth community, facilitate partnerships and engage stakeholders in the climate science and policy sectors to advance transdisciplinary research and societal uptake.
With a commitment to securing a thriving future for all on a healthy planet, the Global Futures Laboratory offers deep and diverse expertise of ASU scientists and scholars and an ability to leverage insights and knowledge from an extensive global network of partners to address the complex social, economic and environmental challenges spawned by current and future challenges from global change. This purpose aligns with Future Earth’s global network of scientists, researchers and societal partners working to deepen human understanding of complex Earth systems and human dynamics across different disciplines.
“The Global Futures Laboratory is uniquely designed to serve as a leader in shaping the direction of research that will advance sustainability and resilience around the world,” said Peter Schlosser, vice president and vice provost of Global Futures at ASU and director of the Global Futures Laboratory. “This partnership will strengthen our collective efforts to envision and create a world where all will thrive on a healthy planet. We are encouraged by the possibilities ahead and eager to work together on our planet's urgent challenges.”
The hub's executive director will coordinate research efforts with a growing network of Global Secretariat Hubs; a search to fill the position will begin soon.
“This collaboration with ASU will provide leadership of the Future Earth growing and distributed secretariat to support our global networks,” said Wendy Broadgate, director of the Future Earth Swedish Global Hub and currently serving as interim executive director of the Future Earth Secretariat.
“The ASU Global Futures Laboratory’s commitment to interdisciplinary research and its global reach resonate with Future Earth’s priorities, making it a strong partner for hosting the Global Coordination Hub.”
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