The SENSE Research School is dedicated to supporting the development and dissemination of cutting-edge disciplinary, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary scientific knowledge in the field of environmental and sustainability sciences. The scientific research of the participating SENSE research units covers a broad range of topics, focusing on:
- Environmental contaminants and nutrients: behavior, exposure and effects of environmental contaminants and nutrients on ecosystem and human health
- Natural resource management: ecosystem dynamics; ecosystem services; biodiversity; sustainable management of natural resources
- Global environmental change: integrated assessment of global and climate change at various spatial and temporal scales; risk analysis; mitigation and adaptation policies; sustainable climate, water and land-use policies and management
- Sustainable technologies and innovation: development of sustainable environmental, water, energy, and transportation technologies; renewable energy systems; critical material supply chains; Life Cycle Assessment (LCA); Material Flow Analysis (MFA)
- Sustainable development and social change: economic valuation of the environment; economic, social and policy instruments to change human behavior
The SENSE research efforts contribute to the solutions for the big global challenges, such as climate adaptation, energy transition, agricultural transition / sustainable food production, circular economy, biodiversity conservation and environmental & human health.
Moreover, the SENSE research contributes to the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
3: Good health and well-being
6: Clean water and sanitation
7: Affordable and clean energy
9: Sustainable industry, innovation and resilient infrastructure
11: Sustainable cities and communities
12: Responsible consumption and production
13: Climate action
15: Life on land