What role can the University of Amsterdam (UvA) play in accelerating the protein transition?
The UvA Green Office, SEVEN, SustainaLab and Plant-Based Universities (an international student‑led campaign) are jointly organizing this edition of SustainaLab Talks. Together, we will explore how the UvA can help accelerate the shift from animal-based to plant-based proteins, and what this could mean in practice for the university.
Research, including work at the UvA, points to the urgent need for this shift to help meet climate, biodiversity and public health goals. Universities are well placed to contribute: they generate knowledge, educate future decision-makers and shape the food environments used by thousands of students and staff every day.
With the UvA recently selecting catering providers to offer healthier, more sustainable food with fewer meat options, how can the university build on this step to accelerate the protein transition while balancing affordability, commercial viability and sustainability ambitions?
Join us for short talks exploring the transition from different perspectives, audience questions, a panel discussion and networking drinks.
Perspectives:
- Systems change: How do major transitions happen, and what role can institutions such as universities play in accelerating them?
- Behavioural change: How do people respond to different approaches to change, and what can institutions learn from these responses?
- A successful example: an institution that made big steps, such as going fully vegetarian or plant-based, and the successes and learnings along the way. .
- Business case at the UvA: A successful, student-founded, fully plant-based food stall that caters to growing plant-based demand at the UvA
Speakers to be announced.
The talks will be followed by a panel discussion in which speakers reflect on one another’s perspectives and explore their practical implications for the UvA. A representative of the university’s management will also join the panel to share the university’s perspective.
Thursday, February 11th, 2027
15:30 – 18:00 (including networking drinks) 
SustainaLab, Matrix ONE, Amsterdam Science Park 301, 1098 XH Amsterdam
Language: English
Cost: Free
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