Europe Day [May 9] — STRATEGIES

On May 9, the general public can get acquainted with Utrecht-based researchers working on innovative projects made possible through European funding. On this day, Joost Raessens will present the research results of STRATEGIES that have emerged from European collaboration. For an overview of European partners, click here.

Europadag: ontdek Europa in Utrecht. 9 mei in Bibliotheek Neude.

Raessens will discuss the recently published report Virtual Reality and Environmental Sustainability (Joost Raessens & Thomas Bjørner, April 2026). This report surveys the global landscape of VR experiences and the institutions operating at the intersection of immersive technology and environmental engagement. It features a catalogue of 79 sustainability-focused VR projects, addressing topics such as ocean acidification, coral reef decline, rainforest conservation, biodiversity loss, and the interconnectedness of human and non-human life. In addition, it outlines the history and key concepts of VR as a medium, and examines how immersive experiences can foster environmental literacy, encourage behaviour change, and promote systems thinking.

Two examples of such VR experiences are Our Future on Earth and SpaceBuzz. Through an immersive 360° space journey, participants can experience the Overview Effect: seeing Earth from space and realizing our planet’s fragility and interconnectedness. By combining inspiring VR footage with discussions on climate, biodiversity, and regenerative futures, the experience empowers participants to take meaningful action toward a sustainable world by 2050.