What we do?

SONYA is a research center that brings together different perspectives and disciplines to study the relationships between society and the environment. Our work contributes to both empirical and fundamental research on socio-environmental dynamics, with the aim of supporting a transition toward a sustainable society, through teaching and participation in public debates. We use a wide range of methods (both quantitative and qualitative), and approach problems from a systemic and holistic perspective that connects the micro and macro levels. Our research focuses in particular on environmental governance, transitions toward just and sustainable societies, environmental mobilizations, life cycle analysis, environmental impact, and ecological economics. We collaborate with numerous research centers in both the Global North and South, and strive to create a reflective, open, and supportive environment within the University, promoting decent and collaborative work.

Les membres de SONYA organisent le Master en Sciences et Gestion de l’Environnement – finalité Gestion (FR & EN) à l’ULB, qui forme des acteurs et actrices capables d'analyser et répondre aux défis actuels et à venir en matière d'environnement. Résolument interdisciplinaire, nos méthodes d'apprentissage mélangent théorie, exercices et projets, ainsi que confrontations avec la pratique (intervenants extérieurs, visites de terrain, projets commandités, stage...). Cette formation, dont les origines remontent à 1975 et qui est la plus importante formation universitaire sur les questions environnementales en Belgique, accueille chaque année une 50aine nouveaux et nouvelles étudiant.e.s aux parcours universitaires diversifiés et qui poursuivent des objectifs d’enseignement variés.

Beyond its scientific output, SONYA also maintains an active presence (see our news and agenda on the home page) in a wide range of social and political debates, collaborating with various print, audiovisual, and social media outlets in Belgium and beyond. With the aim of fostering and guiding social, political, and scientific debates, we regularly organize events for audiences including researchers, citizens, policymakers, and practitioners. These interactions, collaborations, and debates actively connect us to the socio-environmental dynamics we seek to understand.