Despite growing scientific knowledge and political attention, progress towards agreed climate goals remains insufficient. Incremental or isolated interventions are not enough when climate change is produced and sustained by interconnected systems. 

Achieving meaningful progress requires transformative change: interventions that address underlying structures, feedback loops and power relations, rather than symptoms alone. SEVEN’s work is driven by the conviction that climate solutions must be both systemic and just. 

SEVEN develops research and interventions that address the underlying structures driving climate change rather than focusing solely on symptoms. We combine systems thinking with inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration — bringing academic insight into dialogue with policy, industry, civil society and communities. 

Our work spans research, education and societal engagement. We focus on areas where systemic leverage is high and where the University of Amsterdam has strong expertise, including the energy transition, the protein transition, sustainable healthcare, and the fairness of climate solutions. 

To contribute to systemic and transformative change, SEVEN consistently adopts a systems perspective and an inter- and transdisciplinary working method. 

This means that we: 

• connect insights from across the humanities, social sciences, law, economics, natural sciences and health disciplines; 

• examine how technologies, institutions, behaviour, regulation and social norms interact within broader systems; 

• work with societal partners — including policymakers, industry, civil society and communities — from the early stages of research. 

This allows us to address systemic barriers in ways that are scientifically robust, practically relevant and oriented towards long-term impact. 

The name SEVEN reflects both the structure and the ambition of the institute. It refers to the seven faculties of the University of Amsterdam whose expertise is brought together within SEVEN. 

It also draws on the principle of thinking seven generations ahead, inspired by the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) tradition: considering how today’s decisions shape the lives of those who come after us. This long-term perspective reinforces SEVEN’s commitment to climate solutions that are sustainable, fair, and resilient over time. 

SEVEN actively seeks collaboration with researchers, public institutions, private organisations and civil-society actors who share an interest in systemic and just climate solutions. 

If you are interested in joint research, policy-relevant analysis, education, or professional training, please contact Denise Li at d.w.k.li@uva.nl