Workshop on paradoxes sparked creative proposals for new research projects
Discussions on paradoxes in the introduction of new technology. The method used for the workshop was the so-called "Open Space methodology." Photo: Erica Magnusson
Introducing new technology to promote sustainability does not always yield the expected results. Sometimes, paradoxes arise—negative consequences that create problems we cannot always foresee. This is why research that deepens our understanding and knowledge of these paradoxes is essential. The workshop held at the Ångström Laboratory on August 26 focused on such paradoxes and resulted in several constructive and intriguing research proposals.
Klas Palm instructs the group on the day's agenda. Participants were asked to write down suggestions for focus areas, which were then used as starting points for the discussions that followed. Photo: Erica Magnusson
One of the research projects funded through UUniCORN focuses on how new sustainability technologies can lead to unforeseen consequences. The aim of the project is to investigate the goal conflicts that may arise in the wake of emerging technologies. The goal is to deepen understanding, generate actionable insights, and inform both decision-makers and practitioners.
Klas Palm is the principal investigator of the project and the organizer of the workshop held on August 26. The workshop centered on the paradoxes that emerge when technologies intended to promote sustainability are introduced.
“We want to deepen our understanding of the contradictions that cannot be avoided, only managed. It’s an interesting phenomenon that we sometimes describe things as paradoxes—when they are actually just difficult problems. A true paradox is unsolvable and contains an inherent contradiction. That’s fascinating,” says Klas Palm.
Five new research themes
The purpose of the August 26 workshop was to form working groups that will jointly develop research projects and apply for external funding. The method used during the workshop was the “open space” approach—an open, unstructured conversation where participants freely discuss a given topic. As a starting point, each participant wrote down suggestions for interesting focus areas, which then served as the basis for the discussions that followed. Several new research project ideas were formulated during the morning:
- The benefits and drawbacks of AI
- Risks and opportunities in chemistry-based technologies
- Strategies for managing land-use conflicts
- Paradoxes in sustainable food production
- Society’s control and governance of technological development
Klas Palm and Johanna Lindahl, state veterinarian at SVA and adjunct professor in global infection biology at Uppsala University, in conversation about one of the proposals developed during the workshop. Photo: Erica Magnusson
More expertise welcome
The research funded through UUniCORN is interdisciplinary, and many fields were represented at the workshop. However, Klas Palm hopes more researchers will join—particularly those working in chemistry, ethics, and law.
“Working with ethical challenges and people’s attitudes toward societal development is crucial, as these attitudes are key to unlocking the potential of many smart technological solutions. So research expertise in ethics, culture, system complexity, and human behavior is especially welcome,” says Klas Palm.
Next steps
The next phase of the project involves concretizing the research ideas and exploring the conditions for applying for funding. Klas Palm describes it as a two-step process: first applying for smaller grants to further develop the research concepts, and then preparing larger applications.
“I’m pleased with the outcome of the workshop. It’s also interesting how this approach brings us closer to sustainable societal development—not by starting from a specific sector like energy, education, or healthcare, but from a theoretically intriguing question: the paradox. Working from a theoretical perspective opens up opportunities for rich interdisciplinary dialogue. Our theoretical approach provides a valuable breadth,” says Klas Palm.
Facts about the workshop
Twelve researchers from Uppsala University participated, along with one researcher from SVA, the National Veterinary Institute.
Participants represented a wide range of disciplines, including the Disciplinary Domain of Medicine and Pharmacy, the Department of Chemistry, the Division for Research and Collaboration Support, the Department of Government, the Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, and the Department of Earth Sciences.