Actions

1. Creation of a Sustainability Network
 A network was established across four locations – the University of Florence, the University of Cologne, Semmelweis University, and Linnaeus University – to share and compare sustainability measures. Monthly online meetings facilitated discussion, collaboration, and knowledge exchange.

Congress Participation: At Eco-Tech 2024, PROMISE activities and sustainability research in biomedical science were presented. A project meeting was hosted during the congress. Presentations included:

• Anna Peired, Microplastics and kidney health
• Kerstin Fredlund, Hidden in Grains, How to promote health and wellbeing
• Qing Zhao. KalmarsundsverketJennifer 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

Lectures: Prof. Bernhard Schermer (University of Cologne) and Dr. Sódar (Semmelweis University) delivered a lecture at the University of Florence.

2. Educational Resources 

Site-specific guides, training modules, and workshops on sustainable practices in biomedical research were developed. Actions included:

• Establishing a Commission on Sustainability at the University of Florence (https://www.sbsc.unifi.it/vp-411-commissione-di-dipartimento-sulla-sostenibilita-ambientale-nella-ricerca-biomedica.html)
• Sharing and discussing the model of Semmelweis University’s course “Sustainability in Healthcare” to explore local adaptation and implementation 

3. Recycling and Resource-sharing Programmes 

A resource-sharing programme was launched at the University of Florence, drawing on the experience of Semmelweis University. Similar initiatives were launched at the University of Cologne and Linnaeus University.

4. Empowering and supporting students to lead sustainability projects

Semmelweis University presented its Green University model, involving over 1,700 students, offering practical insights into student-led sustainability actions and informing discussions across partner institutions https://semmelweis.hu/hok/en/green-university/

5. Competitions and awareness campaigns

A six-month no-cost extension enabled sustainability competitions and awareness campaigns across partner universities, engaging students, researchers, and staff to reduce the environmental impact of education and research and to promote well-being.

The University of Florence organised the competition “Sustainability in the Biomedical Field”, which received 21 high-quality project proposals from students and researchers. Five winning projects were selected, and the first-prize project, “A Touch of Green for a Healthier (and More Sustainable) Environment”, was implemented, distributing more than 110 air-purifying plants across laboratories and offices. The competition concluded with a final event featuring institutional contributions, a keynote lecture by Gabriella Sódar (Semmelweis University), and an award ceremony.

Semmelweis University organised the competition “Green Hospital – The Healthcare Institution of the Future”, which received more than 50 submissions in English and Hungarian. An evaluation guide was developed, and a four-member jury assessed the applications. The first-prize project received €1,000, including a gift voucher, funding for project implementation, and participation in an international event. Second- and third-place projects received €500 and €250, respectively. Winners were announced at an award ceremony, which promoted best practices in sustainable education and research.

Linnaeus University – “Student Contest on Sustainability Project FHL 2025”: open to Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students. Participants submitted two-page proposals for projects improving sustainability in campus spaces, education, or research. The winning idea received €1,500 in laboratory/field materials. Proposals were evaluated anonymously by a faculty jury and were required to align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

University of Cologne – “The “Green-up Your Lab” competition received no participants. The partner redirected the funds to purchase hygrometers and implement a project aimed at turning off the air conditioning at night to evaluate its impact on humidity, with the ultimate goal of saving energy. Preliminary data revealed some malfunctions in the air conditioning system, providing a valuable opportunity to address the issue early.

Outcomes and Impact

PROMISE achieved strong collaboration among universities, promoted sustainable practices, engaged students as advocates, and created a lasting framework for future initiatives. Tangible outcomes include:

• Presentations at Eco-Tech 2024
• Local digital guides and training modules
• Student competitions and implemented sustainability projects
• Establishment of scientific gardens at Linnaeus University (Kalmar campus)
• Ongoing collaboration and discussions for future activities