This question lies at the heart of the 2026 Basel Sustainability Forum, "Food Systems and Sustainable Futures". From September to December, the lecture series brings together researchers and practitioners from agronomy, public health, economics, political science, and science and technology studies. Topics range from food security and access to the governance of food technologies and the transformation of agricultural systems. Chaired by Prof. Max Bergman (Social Transitions Research Group), the series is open to anyone with an interest in sustainability.

Next Wednesday, 14 October 2026, Dr Olivier Ejderyan, Group Lead of Society & Innovation at the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), will speak about something we rarely think of when enjoying a glass of wine: In his lecture "We drunk wine and broke a robot: Addressing working conditions in steep vineyards through transdisciplinary research", he shows how researchers and winegrowers, together with other partners, are looking for solutions in one of the most physically demanding forms of agriculture. He will also explore what happens when science, practice and technology meet on a steep slope and not everything goes to plan.

📅 Mittwoch, 14. Oktober 2026, 12.15–14.00 Uhr

📍 Vesalianum, Seiteneingang, Grosser Hörsaal (EO.16)

Coming up: On 21 October 2026, the series heads to Brauerei Ferment (Appenzellerstrasse 14, Basel) for a tour with Caroline Kulangara. Places are limited to 25 participants; please register with zinette.bergman@clutterunibas.ch.