Ecological transformation is not possible only by technological advancement but requires also changes in the way of governance in the fields of science, technology, administration, education etc. It requires a transformation of human behaviour by deeper knowledge in all action fields of individual and institutions. However, different studies have shown that mere knowledge does not provide sufficient motivation for changing human’s  behaviour. Rather, 4 factors have been identified, which would play a crucial role in this respect. Accordingly, any ecological engagement 

1. Must create joy and satisfaction,
    
2. Must make sense,
    
3. Must strengthen self-confidence and a sense of meaning for the persons concerned,
    
4. Must obtain a higher goal that transcends the horizon of the individual.

The Winter School 2020 starts with the mental and emotional motivation on the one hand and the social and economic incentives on the other hand, mediated by the media which have such an enormous influence on the strategies of action by individuals, companies and governments.  Investments, capital flow and other far-reaching decisions direct the economic incentives and production as well as consumption processes. Government regulations and tax systems set frames for rational choices. Transforming these systems locally and on a worldwide scale might work only if this transformation fulfils the 4 factors mentioned. So, in projects designed to create a creative learning experience to students and faculty together, students would have to ask which changes could be implemented locally and globally so that these 4 factors might be addressed properly.

The Winter School 2020 will be built upon the experiences and feedbacks of the Winter school 2019. It will develop the topics discussed into more detailed directions. There will be a focus on 3 dimensions of the Ecological Transformation:

1.  Mental and Emotional Factors for Decision Making on local and global levels
    
2. New Communication Strategies
    
3. Incentives for Changing Behaviour – Social and Economic Reward Systems

All these dimensions will be dealt with by internationally leading specialists, their findings and suggestions shall be combined by interdisciplinary approaches in 4-5 Project research groups which will develop suggestions for concrete solutions for Ecological Transformation. Topics and Strategies for the Group Projects will be determined in cooperation with all the members of the Faculty, Advisors and Students during the first days of the Winter School.

Structure of Panels:

• Panels will be introduced by the respective speakers (5-10 min each), 
• followed by a controversial panel discussion (20 min) and 
• an open space discussion (plenary), inviting comments and suggestions from the students, leading to questions and proposals for themes of the Project Groups (40 min).

Papers:

Students accepting our invitation agree to write an academic paper after the Winter School in due time. On that basis they will be given a certificate, issued by the Human Science Centre at the University of Munich, Germany.

Faculties:

Prof. Dr. Michael von Brück, Human Science Center, Ludwig Maximilians University

Dr. Tadeu Caldas, Global Expert on Sustainable Development, Ecotropic Consulting GmbH

Prof. Dr. Peter Edwards, Chairs of Sustainability Research Initiative of Swiss Academy of Natural Sciences

Ms. Elisa Facchini, Project Manager, Lampi Marine National Park, Myanmar 

Prof. Dr. Nay Htun, Founder of Green Economy Green Growth, Former U.N. Assistant-Secretary-General, (UNDP, UNEP), USA

Prof. Kenneth Pugh, President and Director of Research at Haskins Laboratories, Yale University and University of Connecticut

Prof. Dr. Eva Ruhnau, Scientific Director, Human Science Center, Ludwig Maximilians University

Ms. Tammy Turner, Permaculture Institute, Taiwan 

Prof. Dr. Ovid Tzeng, Chancellor, Taiwan University System

Prof. Dr. Anastasia Zabaniotou, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessalonik

Advisors:

Dr. des. Alexander Benz, Human Science Center, Ludwig Maximilians University

Prof. Dr. Ruben Habito, Southern Methodist University Dallas, Texas

Prof. Dr. Myint Thu Myaing, Dept. of Law, University of Yangon, Myanmar

Dr. Maria Reis-Habito, Program Director Museum of World Religions, Taiwan

Prof. Dr. Khin Khin Soe, Dept. of Geography, University of Yangon, Myanmar

Dr. Larry Wong, Senior Advisor in various institutions Myanmar