PhD in Art-Science-Action Integration & Challenge-Based Sustainability Education

The Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development at Utrecht University is offering a PhD position focused on transformative sustainability education. The successful candidate will investigate how the integration of academic knowledge, actionable skills, and artistic expression can prepare university students to address complex sustainability challenges. Working within an interdisciplinary supervisory team, the researcher will design and conduct empirical studies in higher-education settings using qualitative and/or quantitative methods. The role involves collaborating with educators, artists, and societal partners to evaluate challenge-based learning environments and translate findings into academic and practical outputs.

• Develop and execute an independent PhD research program centered on art-science-action integration in sustainability education.
• Design and conduct empirical research within higher-education settings using methods such as interviews, surveys, observations, and focus groups.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data to generate actionable insights and academic publications.
• Collaborate closely with an interdisciplinary supervisory team, educators, artists, and societal partners.
• Contribute to the evaluation and further development of sustainability skills and challenge-based courses.
• Disseminate research findings through international peer-reviewed journals, conferences, and workshops.
• Participate actively in doctoral training activities within the Copernicus Institute research community.