This half-day event celebrated the progress made by DigiSus projects over the past year while setting the stage for future innovations and collaborations. Through presentations, workshops, and interactive activities, the Winter Feast created a dynamic space for participants to reflect on achievements, share insights, and build meaningful connections. We felt it was an inspiring event that embodied the forward-thinking spirit of the DigiSus community.
DigiSus Winter Feast 2024 spotlighted presentations from Seed Funded projects, reflecting how DigiSus Seed Funding drives interdisciplinary collaboration, international partnership, and multidisciplinary methods, in the inquiry of the intersection of digitalization and sustainability.
SUSTAVIS, presented by Leena Aarikka-Stenroos, Päivi Hökkä, Eetu Lehmusvaara, and Joel Stenroos, showcased the integration of circular economy research, education, and artistic audio & animation design, making complex systemic changes more accessible. HELPDESK-112, led by Anne Koski and Jaana Parviainen, demonstrated how DigiSus funding enables creative approaches to science communication. Their Live Science Theatre performance aims to bring the challenges of digitalizing public services to life, fostering public engagement through compelling storytelling. The shows are in production phase and we can expect to see them on stage in late 2025. The final presentation, Human-Building Interaction for Sustainable Energy Practices, by Nur Samancioglu and Raul Castaño-Rosa, highlighted the role of DigiSus in facilitating international collaboration. Partnering with University College London (UCL), the team leveraged UK empirical data to explore smart energy practices, combining cross-border insights with digital tools to promote sustainable behaviour.
The DigiSus Winter Feast also included workshops and activities designed to engage participants in practical and forward-looking discussions. Wheel of Fortune of Digital Futures session encouraged attendees to consider potential futures shaped by digitalization and sustainability via gamified discussions, while Walk the Talk explored how sustainability can be integrated into teaching, research, and everyday work. In Pitch Away, participants shared early-stage ideas for DigiSus funding and received feedback and suggestions. Several participants also filled in DigiSus Match Cards (digital version here), leaving their wishes to get connected with potential collaborators. These activities aimed to create a collaborative environment, allowing participants to exchange ideas, explore new perspectives, and expanding network within the DigiSus community.
As DigiSus wraps up a successful year, the Winter Feast was a reminder of the initiative’s growing impact and the importance of its mission. The call for 2025 Seed Funding is now open for applications. It aims to accelerate more projects to explore the opportunities and threats in digitalization and sustainability.
With many more events and initiatives planned for the coming year, the DigiSus community continues to grow. We welcome everyone to be part of shaping a sustainable digital future.