With EUR 400,000 in Erasmus+ funding, the Sustainable Health Sciences & Humanities project will establish a master's-level Honours Certificate in Sustainable Health. Led by the University of Oslo in partnership with Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and the University of Belgrade, the initiative will equip students to address complex challenges at the intersection of health, the environment and public policy.
Strengthening Circle U.'s educational portfolio
The proposal received an impressive score of 90 out of 100 points. Evaluators highlighted the partners' extensive experience within Circle U., noting that this provides a strong foundation for successful implementation.
By combining Oslo’s expertise in planetary health, Berlin’s leadership in systems thinking and ecology, and Belgrade’s competence in One Health and toxicology, the project creates a learning environment that no single institution could provide alone.
Innovative pedagogy and Artificial Intelligence
The certificate consists of three course packages (5 ECTS each), distributed across the partner universities. Students will utilise cutting-edge digital tools, including:
- A digital sandbox: a virtual environment for interactive, problem-based collaboration.
- Datathons: intensive workshops where students use AI and other digital tools to analyse large datasets, policy documents and media narratives.
- Responsible AI practices: training in the ethical and critical use of AI when developing solutions to complex health and environmental challenges.
Transnational collaboration and real-world impact
While much of the teaching is digital to minimise the carbon footprint, the project emphasises social and academic community building across borders. A central feature is the Blended Intensive Programme (BIP), culminating in a five-day student conference and hackathon in Belgrade. Here, students from across the alliance will present their solutions to experts from industry, NGOs, and the public sector.
Long-term vision
The project aims for 80 students to complete the certificate during the 36-month funding period. Additionally, a "Train the Trainer" module will be developed to train 30–40 educators in sustainability pedagogy, ensuring these innovative methods persist within the alliance well beyond the project's conclusion in 2029.
Through this initiative, Circle U. takes a significant step towards breaking down academic silos and strengthening European higher education, creating a truly integrated learning experience that equips students to address complex sustainability and health challenges.
About the project funding
- The project Sustainable Health Sciences & Humanities is funded under Key Action 2 (KA220) Cooperation Partnerships, which supports transnational cooperation, innovation and exchange of practices between organisations across Europe.
- KA220 is a decentralised action, meaning proposals are submitted to and managed by national Erasmus+ agencies rather than directly by the European Commission.
- Cooperation Partnerships typically bring together at least three organisations or higher education institutions from three different Erasmus+ programme countries.
- Projects may receive lump-sum grants of €120,000, €250,000 or €400,000, depending on the scope and ambition of the project.
- Universities, research organisations, NGOs, public authorities and other eligible institutions can apply through annual Erasmus+ calls.
