Three new projects were successfully acquired: NEWW, AI@Smile and SUSTAIN.

NEWW - Network for Labour-Market oriented Education in Waste and Water Management for the Sub-Saharan Region

DAAD, 01.06.2023 until 31.12.2026

Jorge Marx Gómez and Leena Karrasch have successfully acquired the NEWW project. In cooperation with the University of Ghana (UG) and the University of Arts and Technology Byumba (UTAB) in Rwanda as well as practice partners, the network will address obstacles, market failures, but also potentials that influence the stability of the labour market in the water and waste sector in Ghana and Rwanda. The country-specific findings will be incorporated into practice-oriented teaching and training activities on the overarching topic of the circular economy in waste and water management.

AI@Smile - Artificial intelligence and sustainable educational tools for the prevention of teenage psychological disorders

Erasmus+, 01.09.2023 until 31.08.2026

Jorge Marx Gómez and Leena Karrasch have successfully acquired the AI@Smile project. AI@Smile aims to maintain the mental health of teenagers and prevent suicidal thoughts. This involves the support of AI tools as allies for the early detection of signs of deteriorating mental health, the direct involvement and training of teachers, educators and parents, and the introduction of nature-based activities to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression and other mental disorders.

SUSTAIN - Sustainable use of salt-affected lands

COST, 03.10.2023 to 02.10.2027

Following on from the SALAD project and with the participation of Leena Karrasch, a COST Action was successfully acquired. A global transdisciplinary network of scientific experts and committed stakeholders in the field of salinised soils and in the context of food security, sustainability and the worsening climate crisis will be established. Activities include (i) understanding responses to heterogeneous soil salinisation; (ii) building a knowledge base to improve water and soil management and crop production on salt-affected soils; (iii) demonstrating the overall value of salt-affected soils and saline landscapes; (iv) Networking different stakeholders involved in saline agriculture; and (v) Developing targeted policy frameworks for the appropriate management of salinisation to include saline agriculture as a complementary component of the European food security agenda in salt-affected coastal and inland areas.