PROMISE - Promoting Sustainable Biomedical Research and Education for Enhanced Well-being and Environmental Responsibility

Ongoing Actions

PROMISE will be executed through a multi-faceted approach that harnesses the strengths and resources of the 4 partner institutions: the University of Florence, Italy, the University of Cologne, Germany, the Semmelweis University, Hungary and the Linnaeus University, Sweden. The project will unfold over a twelve-month timeline, starting in June 2024 and ending in May 2025. Key activities include:

1. Creation of a sustainability network

We have created a sustainability network across our four locations to compare and enhance sustainability measures. Through monthly online meetings, we facilitate discussions, share experiences, and implement improvements.

• Online Presence: We launched an X (formerly Twitter) account (@PROMISE_EU_2024) and dedicated webpages (e.g., University of Florence).
• Congress Participation: At Eco-Tech 2024, we presented research on sustainability in biomedical science, covering topics such as microplastics, agri-food waste, and toxicological monitoring. We also hosted a PROMISE project meeting.
  • Anna Peired, Microplastics and kidney health
  • Kerstin Fredlund, Hidden in Grains, How to promote health and wellbeing
  • Qing Zhao. Kalmarsundsverket
  • Jennifer Gubitosa, Agri food wastes and byproducts
  • Sebastian Lungu, Challenges in retrospective toxicological monitoring
  • Terese Uddh Söderberg, Ecochange, Leachability and transport of metal(loid)s 2024
  • Silvia Kurr, Revealing the Invisible
  • Lilliana Abarca-Guerrero London and Marpol, Challenges for developing countries
  • Ulyana Munoz, Lavender grown in contaminated sediment from Malmfjärden
• Sustainability Lectures: Prof. Bernhard Schermer gave a talk at the University of Florence on “Cilia and Regulated Cell Death (and the Challenges of Sustainability in Kidney Research).” Additional lectures are planned at all four sites in 2025.
• Newsletter: A summary of our activities is in progress.
• Future Initiatives: We are exploring funding opportunities, including COST actions, the EUniWell Well-Being Research Incubator Programme, and ERASMUS+.

2. Developing and disseminating comprehensive educational resources

We are creating digital guides, training modules, and interactive workshops to promote sustainability in biomedical research. These resources will cover best practices in waste management, energy efficiency, and eco-friendly lab protocols, accessible across the EUniWell network.

• Sustainability Commission at the University of Florence: This committee provides information and materials to raise awareness (more details).
• Online Course at Semmelweis University: Launching in spring, this course on “Sustainability in Healthcare” will be shared with all partner institutions.

3. Launching of recycling and resource-sharing programmes

To encourage the reuse of materials and equipment, we are launching resource-sharing platforms in academic departments.

• University of Florence: A dedicated web platform for biomedical researchers was introduced in October.
• Expansion: Other partners are evaluating similar initiatives based on preliminary reports from this pilot programme.

4. Empowering and supporting students to lead sustainability projects

We are fostering student-led sustainability initiatives, including Green Committees responsible for energy audits, recycling, and sustainable laboratory practices.

• Green University Model (Semmelweis University): Building on the success of Semmelweis University’s programme (1,700+ students), we will support student-driven research on sustainability topics such as plastic waste reduction, water conservation and digitalisation.

5. Competitions and awareness campaigns

We are organising sustainability competitions and awareness campaigns across partner universities to engage students, researchers and staff. The competitions will reward innovative, feasible projects that reduce the environmental impact of education and research.

• University of Florence – “Sustainability in the Biomedical Sector 2025”
  Open to students, researchers and technical staff from biomedical areas. Participants are invited to submit ideas to reduce the environmental footprint of education and research. The winning project will be implemented within the university. Prizes include sustainable gift vouchers worth up to €250. Proposals are evaluated anonymously by a faculty jury based on originality, feasibility and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• Linnaeus University – “Student Contest on Sustainability Project FHL 2025”
  Open to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral students. Applicants submit short proposals for improving sustainability in campus spaces, education or research. The winning idea receives €1500 in laboratory materials. Proposals are evaluated anonymously by a faculty jury and must align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• University of Cologne – “Green-up Your Lab”
  Open to research teams at the University of Cologne and University Hospital Cologne. Participants submit proposals for greener laboratories, focusing on waste reduction, energy efficiency and resource use. The top prize rewards up to €5000 to implement the project, plus local gift vouchers worth up to €500.
• Semmelweis University – “Green Hospital: The Healthcare Institution of the Future”
  Open to students of Semmelweis University. The competition aims to collect ideas and innovative solutions that contribute to making hospital and outpatient infrastructures more sustainable. Submissions will be evaluated by a professional jury. The first prize is a package valued at €1000, including participation in an international event, a gift voucher and financial support for project implementation. The projects awarded second and third place will receive prize packages worth €500 and €250.

Winners will be announced at an award ceremony, which will also serve as an awareness campaign to highlight best practices in sustainable education and research.
 

6. Monitoring and evaluating activities and outcomes

We will assess the effectiveness of our initiatives through surveys, using the Hogg Eco-Anxiety Scale (HEAS) to measure eco-anxiety levels. A custom-designed questionnaire will track changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours regarding sustainability.

Expected Outcomes

PROMISE aims to achieve several clear and impactful outcomes across academia, the environment, and society. These outcomes include stronger collaboration and knowledge sharing among universities, significant reductions in waste and carbon emissions, greater student involvement and advocacy for sustainability, and the creation of a lasting framework for future sustainability efforts. Ultimately, PROMISE seeks to tackle current challenges and build a sustainable and resilient future for biomedical research and education.