The objectives of SHE Observatory are:
1. Compilation of the scientific production on Sustainability Sciences of partner universities, associated partners and relevant institutions (Deliverable D.2.3. , due date month 22)
2. Compilation of research groups and projects about Sustainability Sciences within partner universities and associated partners.
3. Compilation of undergraduate, and postgraduate degrees, including Distance Learning PhD initiatives on Sustainability within partner universities and associated partners (Deliverable D.2.2., due date month 19).
4. Compilation of activities related to Sustainable Campii within partner universities and associated partners (deliverable D.2.4., due date month 13)
5. Review of the policies implemented at campus level at partner universities and associated partners to promote sustainability.
6. Compilation of public and private calls offering finance for research or development of sustainable actions at universities (partly Deliverable D. 2.2., due date month 19)
7. Indicators measurement of SHE Observatory to sustainability science and SDG´s achievement.
As the world confronts a myriad of complex, multidimensional challenges, it is essential for societies in the 21st century to possess a solid foundation in scientific knowledge and the capacity to integrate this understanding into global, natural, social, and human systems.
These interactions are crucial for comprehending the context of sustainability and promoting sustainable development.
Cooperation between researchers and institutions plays a vital role in facilitating knowledge exchange and fostering collaborative efforts. In alignment with this vision, the SHE Observatory is dedicated to becoming a hub for promoting and showcasing research in Sustainability Sciences, as well as a catalyst for networking and cooperation between research partners.
Our ultimate goal is to establish ourselves as an international reference in this field of study. To accomplish our objectives, the Observatory focuses on three key pillars:
1. Education for Sustainability and Knowledge Transfer to Society
2. Research and Innovation in Sustainability Sciences
3. Promotion of Sustainable Campuses
SHE Observatory takes responsibility for coordinating and leading activities that contribute to the improvement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and addressing Climate Change both within our Campus and beyond.
Our efforts align with the Commission Education for Climate Coalition, mobilizing expertise, providing resources for networking, and supporting creative approaches within the academic community, including students, staff, and faculty members. Working in synergy with the European Climate Pact, the SHE Observatory serves as a bridge between grassroots initiatives and EU-level action.
We support pledges and concrete actions to transform sustainability behavior across the EU, empowering individuals and institutions to make a tangible impact on our shared future. Together, we strive to create a more sustainable world
At the SHE Observatory, we envision a future founded on long-term sustainability, where the Observatory serves as a valuable resource that transcends the project’s lifespan. We strive to be a go-to destination for the academic community, offering access to relevant information on publications, researchers, and inspiration for designing activities. Our design approach focuses on identifying and utilizing existing databases, particularly those related to scientific production, to ensure a constant stream of up-to-date information. Open repositories will be available, and the Observatory’s indicators may include bibliometric data.
To achieve our vision, we will collaborate closely with key stakeholders within universities to produce comprehensive information on SHE objectives, such as undergraduate and postgraduate programs, research teams and projects, activities, and university policies. We will establish a working group to define the information to be collected and the methods for gathering it.
SHE Observatory will leverage a suite of tools to access existing databases and create new ones as needed. We will design methods, search engines, online forms, and other tools tailored to the specific information being collected. Additionally, we will actively engage and encourage the academic community at partner universities to participate in the Observatory, uploading or facilitating the uploading of their information. Ultimately, all collected information will be made available through the SHE Observatory website, integrated into the Sustainable Horizons platform. Our commitment to fostering an appealing, user-friendly, and informative space for the academic community will empower individuals and institutions to contribute to a more sustainable future.
Events 2023
Erasmus tree plantation Day
The Erasmus tree plantation Day took place in Huelva´s green lung, Moret Park. The students received a walk around the park where they could learn about the morphology, botany, and archaeology of the park. They visited a forest plant production nursery, vegetable garden, amphibian ponds and the students were able to see different equipment used to measure temperature, humidity, soil and pH which are used to monitor and control of the forest at Moret Park. After the tour, the students participated in preparation tasks prior to the planting of the trees. The forestation of the park by the Erasmus students had as an objective to help to offset the carbon footprint that they produced in their travel to Huelva from each country of origin. Thanks to the forestation, the ERASMUS FOREST has been created.
European Researcher's Night
The European Researchers' Night is a Europe-wide public event, which displays the diversity of science and its impact on citizens' daily lives in fun, inspiring ways. As part of this celebration, the University of Huelva prepared a space for creative stands and workshops for the whole family that took place on September 29 at the University of Huelva. The Sustainable Horizons project was present, with a fun stand for the little ones. Teresa Aceytuno, Virginia Zarco and Claudia Roman were present, who are part of the project team at the University of Huelva. Children and parents were told about the actions carried out within the European Sustainable Horizons project to promote sustainability in European universities. Besides, they were told about the importance of sustainability and the 17 goals of sustainable development. All the children had the opportunity to portray their ideas throgh drawings and by writing about what would be their solution of a sustainable world related to the sustainable development goals.
"Greening Our Future: towards a more sustainable horizon"
On June 6th, the University of Algarve hosted a knowledge-sharing meeting to promote and discuss the European Union's transition to a greener and more sustainable future. The event "Greening Our Future: towards a more sustainable horizon" aimed to create an informal forum for discussion on the current state of the environment and the EU's transition to a greener future, to mobilize all actors to act more broadly and take more sustainable measures based on scientific knowledge. This event hosted panel discussions and interactive events, addressing the role of scientists, policy makers, young people, NGOs, and the general public towards a greener Europe. Including the protection of regional marine and terrestrial ecosystems, waste handicraft, or citizen science, among others. Within this event, the initiative “Connecting Minds in the Scientific Universe on Sustainability” took place. In this session, undergraduate and master´s students, as well as PhD candidates and researchers made a common framework about the main barriers on sustainability sciences, including issues related to research lines, but also addressing some of the main difficulties from the early-stage level until becoming a senior researcher in all the scientific areas.
"Greening Our Future: towards a more sustainable horizon"
The SHEs Consortium participates in international postgraduate fairs in LATAM On October 2-3rd, the SHEs Consortium participates in Bogotá Scholarship Summit and had a total of 22 meetings with postgraduate funding institutions for stablishing potential agreements that foster capacity development in sustainability sciences. On October 7-8th, the SHEs Consortium also participated in Santiago Expo Posgrado Chile. During this event, the SHEs Consortium stand hosted more than 200 students interested on sustainability sciences career. In the upcoming academic courses, the joint PhD programme in Sustainability Sciences was also presented as a new opportunity within several scientific areas.
”Planting a Tree for The Multicultural Green Meeting Point in a Sustainable University"
The University of Life Sciences ”King Mihai I” from Timisoara celebrated the Earth Day, namely ”Planting a Tree for The Multicultural Green Meeting Point in a Sustainable University". The event gathered students and professors, incoming Erasmus+ students from several countries, from different continents. All together enjoyed the planting of an oak, symbol of sustainability and multicultural unity. A very dynamic and animated event, supported by a very good weather.
The World Water
The University of Life Sciences "King Mihai I" from Timisoara celebrated The World Water Day 2023, with an international workshop "Sustainable Water Consumption" . The event reunited attendees, Erasmus+ incoming students from Algeria, Bosnia&Hertzegovina, Haiti, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania, students and PhD students from ULST, having keynote speakers from Aquatim S.A, the main water supplier in the region, Biolchim Spa, Italy, and a local farmer, an Alumni of our university. The presentations aimed to highlight the major importance of one of the most important resource on Earth affected by continuous climate changes, pointing out measures to accelerate change to solve the water and sanitation crisis, to meet Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030! A very attractive, dynamic and professional event! Congratulations to all the participants
Sustainable Finance
On 13 April 2023, a joint virtual keynote lecture by Prof. Dr. Stefanie Hehn from Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society (LUBS), Germany, on Sustainable Finance was held for students from Tomas Bata University in Zlín (TBU), Czech Republic and LUBS, Germany. The lecture brought together 30 students from both universities to work on common challenges in a mixed groups setting. This allowed students to collaborate with their peers from different cultural and academic backgrounds and gain different perspectives. Therefore, it fostered international collaboration within the Sustainable Horizons consortium and promoted knowledge sharing between both institutions.
Conference on energy independence of municipalities and cities
On April 13, 2023, a conference on energy independence of municipalities and cities was held at the Faculty of Management and Economics of Tomas Bata University in Zlín. The conference introduced projects implemented or in progress at the municipal and city level that strengthen energy security and independence from fossil fuels, thus enhance sustainability, which is the focal point of the Sustainable Horizons project approved by the European Commission.
Scientific conferences for PhD students and young researchers "Progressive Approaches in Management & Economics of Organisations
In mid-September 2023, the Faculty of Management and Economics at Tomas Bata University in Zlín was dominated by a scientific atmosphere thanks to the traditional International Bata Conference for Ph.D. Students and Young Researchers. The conference offered a unique opportunity for young researchers, PhD students and academics to present and discuss scientific topics in management, marketing, finance, economics and other fields. This year's theme was the very topical Progressive Approaches in Management & Economics of Organisations. Dozens of participants did not miss the unique chance to share their knowledge and experience, network with experts and discuss progressive approaches in the management of organizations. This year the conference was again open not only to students of Master's and Bachelor's programmes, who are looking for inspiration for their future scientific work, but also to the public. The DOKBAT conference is organized in cooperation with the Faculty of Materials Technology Trnava (MTF) and offers a number of opportunities for professional growth. Participants had the opportunity to present their research papers, consult ideas with experts and participate in workshops aimed at developing scientific skills.
Events 2024
Celebration of the The World Environment Day, in Timisoara
The World Environment Day was celebrated at the University of Life Sciences "King Mihai I" from Timisoara by the students of the Engineering and environmental protection in agriculture study program, with the theme "Green planet" within the SHEs project "European Universities designing the Horizons of Sustainability ", financed by the European Commission. The discussions with the students were centered on the directions of sustainability of our actions as a university of life sciences, but also as individual active involvement in local civil society actions. The students' increased interest in protecting the environment was also revealed by the sustainable proposals they made, both for the protection of natural resources and their sustainable use.
Research Speed Dating, in Algarve
PhD students from University of Algarve (Portugal) and University of Huelva (Spain) participated in a thrilling "Research Speed-Dating" event! This Networking Building at the “Research Speed-Dating” Event provided an informal meeting for young researchers to exchange ideas, share insights and foster collaborations in various fields of Sustainability Sciences. In this context, our PhD students networked, learned and connected with peers from diverse research backgrounds.
A Step Towards Sustainability, in Huelva
From April 22-26 the University of Huelva celebrated their International Week with more than 80 participants from around the world. One of the activities organized by the Sustainable Horizons Project called “A Step Towards Sustainability”, allowed the participation of master´s and PhD students and professors from the partner universities of the project. During this activity we had a seminars section and posters exhibition about their research with topics related to sustainability. The aim of this activity was to hear the student´s voices and learn about the work they are doing to advance towards sustainability in our universities.
Plastko Conference, in Zlin
The PLASTKO 2024 conference focused on Polymers and Technologies in the Context of Sustainable Development was held at Tomas Bata University in Zlin from 17th to 18th April 2024. The primary focus of this year’s conference was on eco-innovation in the field of plastics production. Significant attention was also paid to legislation related to plastics recycling and ecological transformation, which is now a very topical issue for both research and practice. Over two days, the conference featured interesting lectures on news and trends in the plastics sector and discussed research and development in scientific and commercial spheres.
