Joint development of student projects and implementation of joint research areas in the field of sustainability and energy management in Austria and Lesotho

Cooperating countries: Lesotho and Austria

Coordinating institution: University of Applied Sciences Kufstein, Miriam Lettner, miriam.lettner@fh-kufstein.ac.at

Partner institutions: National University of Lesotho

Project duration: 1 July 2023 - 30 June 2025

Abstract:

This project aims to establish a sustainable partnership for the development and implementation of sustainability projects between the two project partners in Austria and Lesotho. The overall goal is to develop a high quality research network in the field of sustainability and energy management. The proposed project includes the co-creation of supervised student projects and joint development of research questions, seminars and conferences. These activities will contribute to the SDGs supporting knowledge exchange, developing sustainable thinking for various questions, creating networks and bridging the gap between global issues and local solutions in the field of sustainability and energy management. 

In order to achieve a strong sustainable collaboration and network between the partner institutions, joint workshops and seminars will be held, with at least one per annum at each institution. The purpose of these workshops will be for partner staff members to enlighten the other partner on their research areas and expertise to enable:
- Joint development of research questions to pursue further collaborative teaching and research projects.
- Joint development and implementation of seminars and conferences.

In case of the student’s project masters students from the partner institutions will work together in projects, supervised by coaches from both institutions. The implementation of the students’ projects is expected to take place between November and February 2023/2024 and 2024/2025. 

Overall this project is intended to provide a starting point for further cooperation and exchange, thus enabling long-term collaborations between Austria and Lesotho as part of Africa-UniNet.