About SUSTAIN
Strategic Partnership for Sustainable Competencies in Sensor Technologies
Project Overview
SUSTAIN (Strategic Partnership for Sustainable Competencies in Sensor Technologies) is a collaborative initiative between Chemnitz University of Technology (Germany) and University of Sfax (Tunisia), supported by the DAAD program "University Cooperation with Tunisia" in partnership with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Project Coordinator: Prof. Dr. Olfa Kanoun, Technische Universität Chemnitz
Vision & Mission
SUSTAIN aims to empower students, researchers, and professionals to become agents of change in sustainability and innovation. Through comprehensive training programs, research conferences, and international collaboration, we bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world impact in the field of smart biomaterials and sustainable technologies.
Objectives
- Build essential soft skills in design thinking, communication, and project management
- Foster innovative thinking and problem-solving for sustainability challenges
- Develop competitive research proposals and access European funding opportunities
- Create partnerships between academic institutions internationally
- Advance materials science for sustainable development
- Promote knowledge exchange through conferences and workshops
- Support the next generation of sustainability leaders and researchers
Program Structure
SUSTAIN 2025 consists of three main components:
1. Soft Skills Training Workshop (November 3-4, 2025)
Comprehensive training in essential professional competencies including design thinking, pitching, communication, project management, and conflict resolution.
Learn more about Soft Skills Training →
2. Project Proposal Writing & European Projects (November 20, 2025)
Intensive training on developing competitive research proposals, understanding European project structures, and strategies for successful international collaboration.
Learn more about Proposal Training →
3. SmartMat 2025 Conference (November 21, 2025)
International conference on Smart Functional Materials and Sustainable Technologies, providing a platform for presenting research, poster sessions, and networking.
Learn more about SmartMat Conference →
Academic & Institutional Partners
- Chemnitz University of Technology (Germany) - Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology
- University of Sfax (Tunisia) - Faculty of Sciences of Sfax
- DAAD - German Academic Exchange Service
- BMZ - German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development
Capacity Building & Impact
- Staff trained through workshops, seminars, and conferences
- Inclusive education and gender equality promoted
- Soft skills training in project management and communication
- Stronger connections between industry and education
- Materials science for sustainable development
- Partnership between Tunisia and Germany strengthened
- Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Who Should Participate?
- University students from all disciplines
- Graduate students and PhD candidates
- Researchers and academics
- Young professionals in science and engineering
- Anyone passionate about sustainability and innovation
Participation
All SUSTAIN events are open and free of charge.
We believe in making quality education and training accessible to all. Participation in SUSTAIN events requires registration but there are no fees. Certificates of participation will be provided for completed training sessions.