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 is structured as a comprehensive 5-day event combining professional development, research training, and scientific exchange:
1. Soft Skills Training Workshop (November 3-4, 2025)
Day 1 (November 3): Research Valorization & Public Speaking - Led by Dr. Donia Louizi Feki, Dr. Imen Maaloul, and Dr. Souhaila Ben Ayed Njeh. Learn how to transform your research into sustainable and innovative projects, master confident and impactful public speaking for scientific communication, and engage in interactive exercises and group discussions.
Day 2 (November 4): Building a Successful Professional Career - Led by Dr. Mohamed Rafik Ben Ayed. Explore effective career planning and self-development strategies, identify professional growth opportunities in academia and industry, and learn from practical case studies and mentorship experiences.
Venue: La Villa du Savoir, Rte Mharza Km 0.5, Sfax | Time: 09:00 - 17:00
Learn more about Soft Skills Training →
2. Project Proposal Writing & European Projects (November 20, 2025)
An intensive full-day session led by Prof. Olfa Kanoun and Dr. Slim Naifar at Amphi Al-Quds. This workshop focuses on developing competitive research proposals, understanding European project structures (Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, and other funding opportunities), and strategies for successful international collaboration.
Learn more about Proposal Training →
3. SmartMat 2025 Conference & Debate (November 21-22, 2025)
November 21: The 1st International Conference on Smart Functional Materials and Sustainable Technologies features presentation sessions chaired by Prof. Olfa Kanoun, Prof. Anouar Njeh, and Prof. Ahmed Fakhfakh, covering the SUSTAIN Project, previous schools, joint papers, and biomaterials potential. This is followed by a debate session on "Potential of Biomaterials in Education and Research," and concludes with a poster session showcasing cutting-edge research.
November 22: Closure ceremony with keynote speakers and awards presentation, including the Best Poster Award. Registration starts at 08:30 at Amphi Al-Quds.
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.