InterUniversity Sustainability Challenge

The Interuniversity Sustainability Challenge is a transdisciplinary, challenge-based learning course in which bachelor students from Utrecht University, Wageningen University & Research, Eindhoven University of Technology, and Nelson Mandela University collaborate in international teams. Students work on real-life local sustainability challenges and co-create "Opportunities for Change" by integrating disciplinary, interdisciplinary, and extra-academic perspectives. The course emphasises managing complexity, stakeholder engagement, ethical reflection, and intercultural collaboration. Rather than traditional lectures, learning is guided through coaching, workshops, and expert sessions, supporting on-demand and self-directed learning. Students develop academic, professional, interpersonal, and intrapersonal competencies, including critical thinking, collaboration, creative communication, and systems analysis. Assessment combines group products (reports and presentations) with individual reflections and written assignments. Overall, the course prepares students to address complex sustainability issues from a global and intersectional perspective while strengthening skills relevant for future academic and professional careers.

The course is structured around interactive workshops, expert sessions, and coached project work rather than traditional lectures, with learning taking place in a hybrid and on-demand format. Evaluation is based on a combination of group assignments (reports and presentations), individual written reflections, and active participation.

• Apply evaluative tools, including stakeholder analysis, to assess local contexts and unsustainable practices

• Combine individual knowledge and expertise within a transdisciplinary team to design an integral solution to a local sustainability challenge

• Recognise and manage inclusive, interdisciplinary, and intercultural ways of working, integrating diverse perspectives and ethical considerations in group processes

• Develop a global and intersectional perspective on sustainability and critically analyse synergies and trade-offs among the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• Communicate creatively and effectively to a diverse audience using a variety of media, clearly explaining the rationale, results, and strengths and weaknesses of the work

• ? (75%) Problem portfolio, Opportunities for Change Report, Final presentation.
• ? (25%) Individual reflection paper.

Sustainability problems as defined in https://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/sustainable-development-goals.html and awareness of the relationship with your study programme, your personal skills and expertise.

• Literature provided via Brightspace.