Students as agents for inspiring and building capacity for sustainability research
Authors: Bobeva, M., Cownie, F., Vijayakumaran, R., Tan, V.P.S., Ng, T.F., Chalk, I. and Awawdeh, I.
Conference: 12th Change Agents' Network (CAN) Conference
Dates: 27 May 2025
Abstract:This workshop aims to engage fellow academics in a constructive discussion on effective strategies for inspiring and empowering students to actively participate in sustainability research. We will explore contemporary approaches to fostering a sense of agency among students, enabling them to drive meaningful change both within Higher Education and in the broader community. We will introduce three sustainability-related projects involving UK and international partners: - SUNRISE, funded by British Council Malaysia, leverages student online and hybrid mobility (Malaysia-UK) to build capacity for sustainability research and practice. It celebrated student research addressing local and global challenges generating a virtual exhibition to inspire other students and staff to engage in similar sustainability-focused endeavours.
- SPROUT is a student led collaboration which facilitates Postgraduate Research (PGR) engagement with sustainability. PGRs from three UK institutions (Universities of Cardiff, Newcastle and Bournemouth) are empowered to share PGR expertise within this evolving community.
- The SUNRISE Student Sustainability Champion award recognises students’ engagement with the sustainability agenda and enhances their employability prospects. It celebrates student expertise and success in inspiring peers and academics to connect learning and extra-curricula practice with sustainability.
Whilst we are excited to share with fellow scholars the students' experiences as partners in these three projects, we are also looking forward to exploring ideas for further innovation in shaping and inspiring the next generation of student-experts in education and research for sustainable development.
Source: Manual