Current Themes in Ecology of 2025 has been cancelled!
Join us for this inspiring edition, exploring the link between Nature and Human Health, organised by NERN (Netherlands Ecological Research Network), the University of Amsterdam, Radboud University, and Wageningen University and Research, in collaboration with SustainaLab.
As healthcare costs continue to rise, there is increasing focus on prevention—promoting healthier lifestyles and environments. Nature is known to support well-being, but its broader impact on human health remains underexplored. How do ecosystems contribute to clean air and water, immune function, and mental health? And how can this knowledge shape public health and ecological policy?
This event brings together ecologists, health experts, and policy thinkers to explore the crucial connections between nature and human health. We’ll end the day by exploring how these insights shape future-proof buildings, infrastructure, and real estate—supporting healthier, more sustainable living environments.
This event is especially relevant for ecologists, health professionals, urban planners, policy makers, researchers, and others interested in how nature-based solutions can support human health and sustainable development.
| 09:00 | Registration & Coffee/ Tea |
|---|---|
| 09:30 | Welcome and introduction by Annemarie van Wezel (Board member NERN / Utrecht University) & Hans de Kroon, (Chair NERN / Radboud University) |
| 09:40 | Introduction Mentimeter interactive assignment by Hannah Teeuw (University of Amsterdam) and Kenneth Rijsdijk (University of Amsterdam) |
| 10:30 | Keynote speaker: George Kowalchuk, Utrecht University Biodiversity, food and planetary health: can we feed the world without destroying it? |
| 10:30 | Hans Peter Jung, General Practitioner A healthy society is only possible on a healthy planet: Why we need to transform health care |
| 11:05 | Coffee / Tea break |
| 11:35 | Sjerp de Vries, Wageningen University and Research The relevance of nearby nature for human health: a bird’s eye view |
| 12:10 | Thomas Wagner, Aqua connect / Wageningen University and Research Natural water treatment: Constructed wetlands to remove pharmaceuticals from waste- and surface water |
| 12:45 | Lunch break |
| 13:45 | Catch up on interactive assignment Mentimeter by Hannah Teeuw and Kenneth Rijsdijk |
| 14:15 | Kay Moisan, Koppert Partner with nature: exploiting biological interactions to promote sustainable pest control management |
| 14:50 | Onno Dwars, Ballast Nedam The future of building with nature |
| 15:25 | Coffee / Tea break |
| 16:00 | Panel discussion Chaired by Annemarie van Wezel and Hans de Kroon |
| 16:30 | Synthesis and closure |
| 16:45 | Drinks |
| 18:00 | End |
Date: Thursday, 27th of November, 9.15-18.00 (including networking drinks)
Location: Auditorium, Matrix ONE, Amsterdam Science Park 301, 1098 XH Amsterdam
Fee including lunch and drinks: EUR 70,- (EUR 40,- for students and PhD candidates)