Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Sustainable Horizons (European Universities designing the horizons of sustainability)
Okres sprawozdawczy: 2022-09-01 do 2024-08-31
The Sustainable Horizons Project (SHEs) was initiated in response to the growing recognition of the urgent need for sustainable solutions to the Agenda 2030 global challenges. These challenges are critical not only for Europe but for the global community, as they impact the well-being of societies and the health of our planet. The project is rooted in the understanding that higher education institutions (HEIs) have a crucial role in addressing SDG through education, research, innovation, and outreach activities.
At the heart of the project is the goal of transforming HEIs into engines of sustainability, capable of driving societal change by integrating sustainability into every aspect of their operations. The project seeks to create a comprehensive framework that embeds sustainability into the curricula, research agendas, and institutional practices of the participating universities in Europe but also bridges the associated HEIs in other continents. This approach ensures that graduates and Early Stage Researchers (ESR) are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to lead the transition to a sustainable future, while also generating innovative research that addresses key environmental and social challenges.
The project’s impact lies in creating systemic change within HEIs and beyond. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, the project aims to break down the traditional silos between disciplines, encouraging a more holistic approach to problem-solving. This is particularly important in sustainability, where solutions must be multifaceted, including environmental, social, economic, cultural, and political dimensions. Furthermore, the project is committed to inclusivity and the integration of social sciences and humanities (SSH) with natural sciences, engineering, and economics. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that the solutions developed are technically viable, socially acceptable, and culturally sensitive, addressing the needs of diverse communities.
The expected impact of the SHEs Project extends beyond the academic community. By establishing strong partnerships between academia and civil society, including NGOs, companies, and other institutions, the project seeks to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices across diverse sectors. The project’s outcomes are expected to serve as a model for other HEIs in Europe and beyond, demonstrating the potential of education and research to drive the transition to a sustainable future.
At the heart of the project is the goal of transforming HEIs into engines of sustainability, capable of driving societal change by integrating sustainability into every aspect of their operations. The project seeks to create a comprehensive framework that embeds sustainability into the curricula, research agendas, and institutional practices of the participating universities in Europe but also bridges the associated HEIs in other continents. This approach ensures that graduates and Early Stage Researchers (ESR) are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to lead the transition to a sustainable future, while also generating innovative research that addresses key environmental and social challenges.
The project’s impact lies in creating systemic change within HEIs and beyond. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, the project aims to break down the traditional silos between disciplines, encouraging a more holistic approach to problem-solving. This is particularly important in sustainability, where solutions must be multifaceted, including environmental, social, economic, cultural, and political dimensions. Furthermore, the project is committed to inclusivity and the integration of social sciences and humanities (SSH) with natural sciences, engineering, and economics. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that the solutions developed are technically viable, socially acceptable, and culturally sensitive, addressing the needs of diverse communities.
The expected impact of the SHEs Project extends beyond the academic community. By establishing strong partnerships between academia and civil society, including NGOs, companies, and other institutions, the project seeks to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices across diverse sectors. The project’s outcomes are expected to serve as a model for other HEIs in Europe and beyond, demonstrating the potential of education and research to drive the transition to a sustainable future.
First, integrating sustainability-focused research into undergraduate and PhD programs across the consortium has facilitated updating curricula, emphasizing interdisciplinary learning and encouraging students to approach sustainability challenges from multiple perspectives. Establishing the Sustainable Horizons Observatory (SHE) became central to coordinating research and promoting collaboration, especially with HEIs outside Europe. It has fostered the exchange of best practices and solutions to pressing sustainability issues, including Gender Balance Policies. Gender equality in academic careers has been another focal point. The development and implementation of Gender Equality Plans (GEP) across consortium universities, and their promotion with HEIs in Africa, Asia, and South America, gave visibility to this theme. SHE’s project has also promoted open science practices, training undergraduates, ESRs, and senior researchers on available resources within the SHE consortium. The Sustainable Campus Initiative has driven societal and environmental impact, building a robust network of collaborators implementing sustainable practices across sectors. The Joint European PhD program in Sustainability Sciences, accessible via distance learning, provides PhD candidates with advanced education, expanding the project’s global reach. The Sustainability Knowledge Co-Creation Model, part of the SHEs project, enhances collaboration between European HEIs and non-academic partners, emphasizing co-creation to address local sustainability challenges.
The Sustainable Horizons Project has made significant strides in advancing sustainability education, research, and entrepreneurship, setting a new standard in these areas. The SHE Observatory has been crucial in coordinating activities across universities, engaging communities, and assessing contributions to Agenda 2030.
The project developed an analysis of research contributions to sustainability sciences, showing how the consortium's work aligns with specific SDGs and guiding future initiatives to maximize global impact. It also fostered innovation and entrepreneurship in sustainability, creating a digital platform to support student and ESR initiatives, enhancing employability, and promoting sustainable business practices.
The Sustainability Knowledge Co-Creation Model has strengthened collaboration between HEIs and non-academic partners, driving local sustainability aligned with the UN’s SDGs. Key outcomes include stronger regional partnerships, better community engagement, and policy influence. The project has demonstrated the need for further research, funding, and partnerships to scale these initiatives.
The project successfully established partnerships between academic institutions and non-academic stakeholders, broadening the societal reach of academic research. Initiatives like “Montanha Verde” and “Together We Protect” have reduced CO2 emissions through native species plantation. The Sustainability Knowledge Co-Creation Model ensures these partnerships are sustainable and scalable.
Finally, the project recognizes the need for continued research in real-life environments, stronger partnerships with industry, and supportive regulatory frameworks to encourage sustainable practices. These efforts will ensure the project's ongoing impact on global sustainability goals.
The project developed an analysis of research contributions to sustainability sciences, showing how the consortium's work aligns with specific SDGs and guiding future initiatives to maximize global impact. It also fostered innovation and entrepreneurship in sustainability, creating a digital platform to support student and ESR initiatives, enhancing employability, and promoting sustainable business practices.
The Sustainability Knowledge Co-Creation Model has strengthened collaboration between HEIs and non-academic partners, driving local sustainability aligned with the UN’s SDGs. Key outcomes include stronger regional partnerships, better community engagement, and policy influence. The project has demonstrated the need for further research, funding, and partnerships to scale these initiatives.
The project successfully established partnerships between academic institutions and non-academic stakeholders, broadening the societal reach of academic research. Initiatives like “Montanha Verde” and “Together We Protect” have reduced CO2 emissions through native species plantation. The Sustainability Knowledge Co-Creation Model ensures these partnerships are sustainable and scalable.
Finally, the project recognizes the need for continued research in real-life environments, stronger partnerships with industry, and supportive regulatory frameworks to encourage sustainable practices. These efforts will ensure the project's ongoing impact on global sustainability goals.