Ajman University Joins Global Network to Transform Campus into a Living Laboratory for Sustainability

 Ajman University Joins Global Network to Transform Campus into a Living Laboratory for Sustainability

Ajman University (AU) has cemented its position as a regional leader in sustainability and innovation by joining the Campus as a Living Lab Community of Practice, a prestigious initiative under the International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN). This global community brings together higher education institutions committed to transforming their campuses into dynamic living laboratories where sustainability research meets real-world application.

AU's inclusion in this exclusive community places it alongside some of the world's most distinguished universities, including Harvard University, Yale University, the University of Toronto, the University of Melbourne, ETH Zurich, and the National University of Singapore. As the only institution from the United Arab Emirates represented in this community, Ajman University demonstrates its commitment to advancing sustainability on both a regional and global scale.

What is the Campus as a Living Lab Community of Practice?

The Campus as a Living Lab Community of Practice fosters collaboration among higher education institutions to transform campuses into living laboratories for sustainability innovation and research. This initiative promotes the integration of academic research with campus operations, using real-world challenges to test and implement sustainable solutions.

By sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices, member institutions aim to accelerate the transition to sustainable campus models, empowering students, faculty, and staff to contribute actively to sustainability goals while enhancing institutional impact.

The community is led by two distinguished sustainability experts: Michael Bossert, Manager of Research Innovation and Business Development at Concordia University's Next-Generation Cities Institute in Montréal, and Manfred Braune, Director of Environmental Sustainability at the University of Cape Town. Both leaders bring extensive experience in driving interdisciplinary projects and connecting government, private sector, citizen groups, and academia to address urban challenges aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Ajman University's Commitment to Sustainability

Ajman University's participation in this global community reflects its ongoing dedication to sustainability and innovation. By joining this network, AU will have the opportunity to:

• Integrate research with operations: Use the campus as a testing ground for sustainable solutions, allowing faculty and students to apply their research to real-world challenges within the university environment.

• Collaborate globally: Connect with sustainability leaders from over 45 participating institutions across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and South America.

• Empower the AU community: Engage students, faculty, and staff in active contributions to sustainability goals, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility and innovation.

• Accelerate sustainable campus models: Learn from and share best practices with peer institutions to implement cutting-edge sustainability solutions.

• Enhance institutional impact: Strengthen AU's reputation as a forward-thinking institution committed to addressing global sustainability challenges.

A Global Network of Leading Institutions

The Campus as a Living Lab Community of Practice includes participation from renowned universities worldwide, such as:

• North America: Concordia University, Duke University, Georgetown University, Harvard University, McGill University, Northeastern University, University of British Columbia, University of Michigan, University of Pennsylvania, University of Toronto, Yale University

• Europe: EHL Hospitality Business School, ETH Zurich, Freie Universität Berlin, HEC Paris, Technical University of Munich, University of Basel, University of Genoa, University of Lausanne, University of Leeds, University of Strathclyde, University of Twente, University of Zurich, VU Amsterdam, ZHAW

• Asia and Middle East: HKUST, Hong Kong Baptist University, KAUST, Koç University, National Taiwan University, National University of Singapore, Siam University, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Education University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, VinUniversity

• Africa: Stellenbosch University, University of Cape Town

• Australia: University of Melbourne, University of Tasmania

• South America: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Unicamp, Universidad Veracruzana

As a member of this distinguished group, Ajman University joins a collaborative effort to tackle some of the most pressing sustainability challenges facing higher education and society at large.

Looking Ahead

Ajman University's participation in the Campus as a Living Lab Community of Practice marks a significant milestone in its sustainability journey. By leveraging its campus as a living laboratory, AU is poised to develop innovative solutions that benefit not only its students and faculty but also the broader community in the UAE and beyond.

Through this global partnership, Ajman University reaffirms its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals and its role as a catalyst for positive change. As the only UAE institution in this community, AU is proud to represent the nation on the international stage, contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future for all