European researchers visited the UAB to learn about open innovation methodologies that could boost the circular economy
From 26 to 29 May 2025, the UAB hosted a teaching and learning training event as part of the Erasmus+ SustainEd project. The project aims to improve the sustainability and circular economy skills of university and doctoral students.
The conference, organised by the CORE for Smart and Sustainable Cities, CORE for Education and Employability, and the UAB Open Innovation Labs, brought together twenty researchers, PhD students, and postdoctoral researchers from several European universities, including the Technical University of Sofia (Bulgaria), Milton Friedman University (Hungary), the University of Padua (Italy), the Cyprus University of Technology, and the NOVA University Lisbon (Portugal).
During the four-day event, participants gained first-hand experience of the UAB's open innovation strategy and the vital role of the UAB Open Innovation Labs as spaces for co-creation and experimentation. They also learnt how to use the SustainEd project's tools, particularly the webquests — interactive educational resources that promote understanding of sustainability and foster critical environmental skills through practical, experiential methodologies.
Participants were also able to apply methodologies such as design thinking to the challenges of the circular economy, and take part in training activities designed to have an impact in educational and social environments. These activities were led by lecturers from the Faculty of Education and Psychology and the UAB Research Park.
The programme also included visits to important UAB campus sites, including the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology (ICTA-UAB), the UAB Research Park, and the Open Innovation Laboratories. There, participants had the opportunity to share experiences and explore potential collaborative projects.
These conferences served to strengthen the links between SustainEd project partners, share best practices, generate shared knowledge, and promote innovative educational methodologies to address global environmental challenges.