Ecological Citizens

The existing ecological crisis, characterized by urgent challenges in climate change and sustainability, calls for innovative and collective action beyond individual efforts. In response to this pressing need, the Ecological Citizens project has been initiated.

Funded by the UKRI’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and awarded £3.3 million over four years starting in 2023, the project is a collaboration between the University of York’s Stockholm Environment Institute, Royal College of Art and Wrexham Glyndŵr University. Together, they work to establish the Ecological Citizens Network+ over the next years to foster and pro-actively encourage Ecological Citizenship for positive climate action.

By bringing together a multidisciplinary team of experts in design, science and technology as well as diverse groups of people, the Network+ will cover a wide range of pressing topics, from biomaterials and wildlife corridors to local manufacturing and repair. Envisaged project outputs include fostering Ecological Citizenship for positive climate action, building design-led responses, lowering barriers to entry, and creating an inclusive digital sustainable society. The Network+ will promote responses through the concept of the Digital Economy, aiming to bring agency to people who want to be involved, thus making all Ecological Citizens through an inclusive and sustainable approach.

Three rounds of seed funding will be available to support innovative startups, projects, and pilots that devise new ways to engage people with nature through technologically appropriate interventions. Before the funding calls open for applications, the project partners will host information events and workshops to provide guidance and assistance with the application process.

For more information, please visit the project website.