Kula: Library Futures Academy co-hosted with the Faculty of Fine Arts, the Climate Disaster Project, and Department of Geography a transdisciplinary presentation and discussion with visiting Swiss glaciologist Dr. Andreas Linsbauer, whose work is situated at the intersection of art, science, and community engagement. Dr Linsbauer presented on his public educational work that allows viewers to see glacier change over time using VR.
After the presentation, Prof. Sean Holman and Matt Huculak curated a conversation with Dr. Linsbauer and attendees to discuss how we can cultivate a transdisciplinary community of practice that brings together artists and scientists for education and engagement.
“It was a pleasure to host Dr. Linsbauer on campus in collaboration with the Geography Department, Kula, and with support from the Consulate General of Switzerland. It was exciting to hear about and experience Andreas’ work, which lies at the intersection of art and science with a focus on climate change and climate action. Our diverse audience included leaders from across campus and the wider community who are engaged in this area. Their presence and the conversation we had underscored that climate change is, without a doubt, one of the most urgent challenges facing our society. Both scientific evidence and the natural world are showing us, often in profound and increasingly traumatic ways, the pressing need for change and solutions.” – Kirk McNally, Associate Dean Creative Activity, Research and Administration, Fine Arts.
Dr. Andreas Linsbauer is a glaciologist at the University of Zurich. He leads research and immersive science communication initiatives—such as virtual reality—that bridge science, art, and education. He actively contributes to the Swiss Glacier Monitoring Network and has extensive field experience in the Alps and Central Asia. His work focuses on making glacier and climate change phenomena understandable through interactive, accessible formats that engage broad audiences and foster awareness, dialogue, and action.
We would like to thank Tamara Shtanova, Science and Technology Officer at the Consulate General of Switzerland, who helped facilitate this transdisciplinary event.
Organizers:
David Atkinson, Chair, Department of Geography, Social Sciences
Sean Holman, Associate Professor, Wayne Crookes Professor of Environmental and Climate Journalism, Fine Arts
Matt Huculak, Director, Kula: Library Futures Academy, UVic Libraries
David Leach, Department of Writing, Fine Arts
Kirk McNally, Associate Dean Creative Activity, Research and Administration, Fine Arts
Tamara Shtanova, Science and Technology Officer at the Consulate General of Switzerland
John Threfall, Communications and Special Projects Officer, Fine Arts.