Industrial food systems dominate our economies but often harm both people and the planet. Alternative Food Network Rijnmond (AFN-R) explores how local farmers, consumers, and communities across the Rijnmond region can collaborate to build fairer, more sustainable food systems. The project investigates the barriers that prevent rural and urban initiatives from connecting and co-creating stronger, more just food networks. Using participatory action research, AFN-R works directly with local actors such as community food cooperatives, urban farms, and rural producers to map relationships, identify needs, and co-develop strategies for collective transformation. By bridging law, design, agroecology, and everyday technology, the project aims to spark an enduring living lab for food system transition — rooted in justice, collaboration, and resilience.

Who are the researchers?

Led by Daniela García-Caro (garciacaro@law.eur.nl) and Siobhán Airey (airey@law.eur.nl) (Erasmus Law School). Co-applicants and partners: Pooja Boddupalli (TU Delft), Luke Murphy (software engineer and Varia community partner).

The CA-TJT project explores how communities and policymakers can collaborate on climate adaptation and a Just Transition in Rotterdam’s Noordereiland neighborhood. Using Walking as both a research method and engagement tool, residents and governance actors co-explore legal, social, and policy dimensions of climate justice. The project combines legal analysis, interdisciplinary research, and participatory action research to map local challenges, identify opportunities for community-led influence, and develop practical outputs. Deliverables include community information documents, blogs, a public-facing Manifesto, and a guided Walk, aiming to strengthen local capacity, foster inclusive dialogue, and generate actionable insights for equitable, sustainable climate governance in the Rijnmond region. 

Who are the researchers?

Led by Siobhán Airey (airey@law.eur.nl) of Erasmus School of Law, and community partner Ellen van Bodegom (post@iedereenaanboord.nl). Co-applicants and partners: Isabel Awad (Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication, EUR), Fransje Hooimeijer (Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment, TU Delft), Julia Wittmayer (Erasmus School of Philosophy, EUR), Mareike de Wal (Dutch Research Institute for Transitions (DRIFT), Caroline Newton (Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment, TU Delft), and Paul Rabé (Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies, EUR).

As climate change reshapes cities through heat, rainfall, and sea-level rise, new health challenges emerge — including the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. ClimateHUB-ID investigates how climate adaptation measures, such as water-retention projects, may inadvertently create breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Building on the earlier ClimateHUB project, this research connects experts in climate adaptation, health, and ecology to co-create a decision-making framework that integrates disease risk into urban planning. By comparing cities like Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Utrecht, and a smaller South-Holland municipality, the project will assess how municipalities can better align health and climate objectives. The framework will be tested in real-life adaptation projects, supporting the design of healthier, more resilient cities.

Who are the researchers?

Led by Pauline de Best (p.debest@erasmusmc.nl) (Erasmus MC, Viroscience). Co-applicants and partners: Reina Sikkema (Erasmus MC), Maike Tietschert (EUR), Maarten Schrama (Leiden University, CML), Sille Pelser (GGD Rotterdam-Rijnmond).

Between Rotterdam’s highways, railways, and waterways lie forgotten “urban interstices” — neglected green spaces full of ecological and social potential. Everyone’s Land reimagines these overlooked zones as shared environments for humans and non-humans alike. Through collaborative design, storytelling, and community engagement, the project explores how such spaces can foster inclusion, biodiversity, and well-being. Working with local residents, artists, and community groups such as the Stadspark West Foundation, the team will co-create an Atlas of Values, a public exhibition, and a reflective Logbook to document new ways of learning from and designing with nature. By turning “no man’s land” into “everyone’s land,” the project contributes to more just, ecological, and caring urban futures.

Who are the researchers?

Led by Diwen Tan (d.tan@tudelft.nl) (TU Delft) and Yulia Kisora (kisora@essb.eur.nl) (EUR). Co-applicants and partners: Marije van der Kruk (EUR), Monica Veras Morais (TU Delft); Anne Karin ten Bosch (Stadspark West Foundation SPW), Saskia de Wit (TU Delft).

How can communities engage physically and emotionally with the changing Dutch Delta? Open-Air Climatorium the Dutch Delta explores this question through a walking trail on Goeree-Overflakkee — a landscape shaped by both the 1953 North Sea flood and ongoing climate adaptation. By combining environmental history, coastal engineering, landscape architecture, and performance, the project creates an immersive experience that connects people to the realities of sea-level rise and flood resilience. Participants will engage in guided walks, interactive performances, and reflective encounters that bring the delta’s past and future to life. The project bridges science, art, and community, helping residents reimagine what living with water means in a changing climate.

Who are the researchers?

Led by Enrike van Wingerden (vanwingerden@eshcc.eur.nl) (EUR). Co-applicants and partners: Willie Vogel, Bram van Prooijen, Saskia de Wit (TU Delft), Siemco Louwerse (Watersnoodmuseum), Isabelle Gerritsma (Deltares), Maarten Meijer (Hanzehogeschool Groningen), Eileen Stornebrink (Studio Inscape), Alien Kok (Zuidwestelijke Delta 2050); Philip Drontman (Zuidwestelijke Delta). 

Healthy soil is the foundation of resilient cities — yet its role in urban life is often overlooked. Rooted in Soil explores how communities in Rotterdam’s urban food forests connect with the ground beneath their feet, revealing how human–soil relationships shape both ecological and social resilience. Using visual ethnography and spatial design, the project documents how gardeners interact with soil, food, and community, producing an audiovisual portrait of these regenerative spaces. By combining bottom-up insights with planning principles, the team develops soil-inclusive design strategies that can guide sustainable urban development. The research highlights soil not as a technical resource, but as a living partner in creating healthier, greener cities.