SuBLIM Sustainability Conference: Transformational Change in Uncertain Times

Text reads: Transformational change in uncertain times. Environment and Geography Sustainability conference 2024.

Monday 1 July 2024, 9.00AM to 2 July 5pm

The Department of Environment and Geography at the University of York is excited to host our annual Sustainable Business, Leadership, Innovation, and Management (SuBLIM) Conference, "Transformational Change in Uncertain Times".

In a time of complex global challenges, transformative change is essential for a sustainable future. This conference brings together passionate postgraduate students, early-career researchers, industry leaders, and changemakers to explore innovative solutions across various sustainability disciplines.

Location: The Courtyard, The Guildhall, York, YO1 9QN

Conference programme

The conference is organised over two days and takes a unique approach to presenting research. Presenters will have the opportunity to share their work to all attendees as a flash talk on the main stage before proceeding to breakout panels that will be organised by conference themes. Flash talks allow presenters to widely disseminate their work while also fostering meaningful discussions about their research. Day One will be primarily dedicated to SuBLIM student presentations, with moderated sessions and assessments. Day Two will feature parallel sessions with student presentations and researchers, along with networking opportunities.

Monday 1 July

8.30am: Arrival and registration
9am: Opening Remarks and Keynote
- Professor Jason Snape: “Sustainable Healthcare: Opportunities to Deliver Transformational Change for Society and our Planet”
10am: Group A Student Flash Talks
11am: Break
11.15am: Group A Student Presentations
12.30pm: Lunch
1.30pm: SuBLIM Group Project Industry Panel Member Special Session
2.30pm: Break
2.45pm: Group B Student Flash Talks
3.30pm: Break
3.45pm: Group B Student Presentations
4.30pm to 6pm: York City Tour
6pm: Social Drinks at Harkers

Tuesday 2 July

8.30am: Arrival and registration
9am: Opening Remarks and Keynote
- Dr Abi Perrin: "Green Skills" for 21st century jobs: Insights from environmental social movements
10am: Group C Student Flash Talks
11am: Break
11.15am: Special Session: Games for Sustainability Daybreak with Mateo Menapace
12.30pm: Lunch
1.30pm: Special Sessions: 1. Alumni Roundtable 2. Industry Engagement
2.30pm: Break
2.45pm: Group C Student Presentations
3.30pm: Break
3.45pm: Closing Remarks

Download the Conference Book of Abstracts

What to expect

Engaging presentations: Explore cutting-edge research from students and researchers on critical sustainability issues.
Interactive sessions: Participate in dynamic breakout sessions designed to foster collaboration and in-depth discussions.
Networking opportunities: Connect with industry professionals, fellow researchers and sustainability changemakers.
Keynote address: Gain valuable insights from a sustainability leader as Professor Jason Snape shares his perspectives on driving real-world impact within a holistic healthcare system for sustainable futures. Dr Abi Perrin joins us for our second keynote to search for a deeper understanding of the climate and ecological emergency - and, critically, what we can do to change the course we are on - that has taken her from the laboratory bench to community spaces, to the Houses of Parliament and to the workplaces of some of the world's most polluting companies. Dr Perrin will share what they’ve learned from scientists, activists, policy-makers and business leaders in the course of this journey and how this has shaped her view of what skills are most needed at this critical moment. Dr Perrin will talk about where and how we might learn those essential 'green' skills, how business can value and nurture them, and how we can work together to apply them most effectively in today's rapidly changing world.
Special sessions: Join us as we discuss the recent SuBLIM Group Project with British Wool and Glencroft Knitwear with some of our students and industry partners. Explore a hopeful vision for the future through a special session featuring the designer of "Daybreak," a cooperative board game that encourages building sustainable solutions.
Industry insights: Discover innovative approaches from leading industry partners.
Alumni networking: Connect with successful alumni from our program and learn about their career journeys in sustainability.

Evening Activities and Dining in York

York City Tour

For those interested in exploring the historic city of York, we're offering a short, guided tour around town. This tour will visit some of York's most popular sights, including the stunning York Minster and the charming, mediaeval street known as The Shambles. The tour will conclude at Spark York, one of our recommended dining venues, where you can choose to stay for dinner or continue exploring on your own.

Dining Recommendations

Whether you're joining us for drinks, taking the tour, or heading out on your own, you'll find a wealth of dining options in York. We've curated a list of dining experiences, all within walking distance of the Guild Hall, to satisfy every palate and budget.

From upscale British cuisine to authentic international flavours, historic pubs to modern eateries, our selection showcases the rich culinary landscape of York. Whether you're in the mood for a quick bite, a leisurely dinner, or a drink in a centuries-old tavern, you'll find an option to suit your taste.

The Ivy: Upscale British brasserie offering classic dishes with a modern twist.
House of Trembling Madness: A unique pub with medieval charm, offering a wide selection of craft beers and hearty pub food.
Ask Italian: Housed in the historic Assembly Rooms, a stunning Grade II listed building dating back to 1730, ASK Italian offers a unique, but familiar dining experience in York.
The Olde Starre Inn: One of York’s oldest and most cherished pubs, offering a quintessential English pub experience.
Ambiente Tapas: Spanish-inspired tapas bar with a variety of small plates perfect for sharing.
Rosa’s Thai: Authentic Thai cuisine in a modern, casual setting.
Mumbai Lounge: High-quality Indian cuisine in an elegant setting.
Spark York: A community space made from shipping containers, hosting various independent food vendors offering diverse, affordable cuisine options.

Reservations are recommended for some of the more popular restaurants, especially for larger groups. Our conference staff are happy to assist with recommendations, reservations or directions. Don't hesitate to ask for help in planning your evening.

FAQs

How do I get to the Guildhall by bus?

York is well-connected for public transport. York Railway Station is a five minute walk from the Guildhall and has trains running regularly throughout the day from across the UK, please visit National Rail to plan your journey. Bus services pick up and drop off throughout the city centre, including Park and Ride sites. Please visit iTravel York to view maps, timetables, and fares.

How can I use my bike to get to the Guildhall?

There are excellent cycle routes throughout York City Centre, with plenty of bike racks close to the Guildhall, including 4 bike hoops within the Guildhall external courtyard.

Some of the main roads around the centre are pedestrianised during the day.

Is there parking available?

The Guildhall is located in the heart of York, by the River Ouse and overlooking Lendal Bridge. There is no parking on site, the nearest car parks are:

Esplanade, West Esplanade, York, YO26 4ZP. There are five dedicated disabled bays which are available for Blue Badge holders only. In addition, Blue Badge holders can park in any bay in this car park, free of charge, for as long as they want.
Marygate, Frederic Street, York, YO30 7DT. There is no free parking for Blue Badge holders available in this car park. This is due to the installation of a barrier system as part of the 'Pay on Foot' trial. However, there are 11 dedicated disabled bays available for Blue Badge holders outside the car park.
Bootham Row, Bootham Row, York, YO30 7BP. There are nine dedicated disabled bays which are available for Blue Badge holders only. In addition, Blue Badge holders can park in any bay in this car park, free of charge, for as long as they want.

Additional parking information is available on the Visit York website.

Is the Guildhall accessible?

External Courtyard
The main entrance to the Guildhall; off St Helen’s Square, a paved and cobbled area, is through an external courtyard. As there is a drop in height from street level to the Guildhall, a stramp is in place (a blend of steps and ramps). In addition, at the left-hand side of the courtyard, there is a set of steps with handrails.

Signage
The main external signage for the Guildhall, featuring braille, is to the side of the Mansion House, leading visitors down the covered archway to the external courtyard. There is way finding signage throughout the building, but our staff are happy to direct you if you’re not sure. The fully glazed doors along each of the corridors have manifestations at two heights in place.

Toilets
Within the Guildhall there are four accessible toilets, including two on the ground floor and one on each of the first and second floors. Most of our toilet facilities are gender-neutral, however there are two female-only and two male-only toilets available on the ground floor.

Changing Places Toilets are available at the following locations:

Explore York Library Learning Centre, Museum Street, York, YO1 7DS
York Railway Station, Station Road, York, YO24 1AB

Lifts
There is lift access to all floors within the Guildhall, except for the Business Lounge (members only area), which is located on the first floor and only accessible via a full staircase, and the Ouse Meeting Room which is on the first floor but is only accessible down a short flight of steps.

Wavecast Assistive Listening
In the Main Hall there is a Wavecast Assistive Listening system which can be used in conjunction with the Wavecast app. As of June 2023 this is still in the test phase.

The Council Chamber
The Council Chamber is a first floor meeting room but has fixed furniture in place so can only accommodate up to two wheelchair users at any one time. Access to the Chamber would be via the lift.

What is a flash talk?

A flash talk is a presentation of your research or idea in three minutes to engage with audiences who may not necessarily be experts in your field or familiar with your research focus. A flash talk is to help the audience to become aware of, or interested in, your research, idea or concept. Here are some examples of flash talks used by Falling Walls Engage or the Three Minute Thesis. See Bernard Appiah’s article on ten tips for an engaging and interesting flash talk.

Who should I contact if I have any questions or concerns?

If you have any questions or concerns you would like to discuss with the conference organisers, please feel free to email us at environment-sustainability-conference@york.ac.uk.

How long should our presentation last in our breakout session?

Each presentation should either have a traditional 10 minute* presentation that engages with a question and answer session, or conducts an interactive group discussion around your joint theme similar to a panel session discussion.

*12 minutes for SuBLIM Student presentations.

Who will our audience be for our flash talks and presentations?

Our audience members will consist of fellow students, researchers as well as industry partners and community partners.

When will I know when I am presenting my flash talk and presentation?

We will contact each participant to confirm their title, abstract and what session they will be assigned to approximately four weeks prior to the conference.

What happens if I need to change my conference title and/or abstract?

Please email us environment-sustainability-conference@york.ac.uk if any changes are needed.

Who should I contact if I have any questions or concerns?

If you have any questions or concerns you would like to discuss with the conference organisers, please feel free to email us at environment-sustainability-conference@york.ac.uk

This website will be continuously updated with new information, including conference schedule and registration details. We look forward to welcoming you to the conference.

Conference Organisers