AMBITION’s general obj. aimed to contribute to the formation of the future generation of qualified science ambassadors for sustainable innovation in both EU-AU, able to carry out research projects tailored to the different economic, environmental and cultural challenges by providing evidence-based results and informing policymakers. The specific objectives: -1. To co-design and implement a JointHonoursProgramme for PhD talented candidates across the partner university (INSTITUTIONAL LEVEL) as an asset for international cooperation to boost the contribution of multidisciplinary science and competences in the sustainable transition in both EU-AU universities. -2 To enrich the capacity of PhD candidates and provide them with a proper enabling environment in terms of skills and platform (PEOPLE LEVEL) enabling them to act as science ambassadors to boost sustainable innovation in the EU-AU countries partner universities. -3 To consolidate PHD education as a strategic asset (STRATEGIC LEVEL) for countries and regions since it fosters the role of science diplomacy and responsible research with the aim to create an added value for society and policy-makers when dealing with the global challenges and just sustainable transition.
At the application stage AMBITION - AMBassadors for sustainable transITION’s objective was to support the education of a future generation of qualified young professionals trained across Europe and Africa, well equipped with the tools to promote a culture of sustainable development and activate research in this field. This objective aimed to be achieved through the development of a Joint Honours Programme in technical disciplines for talented PhD candidates who wish to become ambassadors for Sustainable Development. COVID-19 has undermined the efforts directed to the internationalization of universities worldwide. This threat has been experienced in a moment when international cooperation should be fostered and supported since the societal challenges require an increased number of actors in Europe and beyond to join forces in science and innovation, to boost long term solutions for the just sustainable transition. This implied strong European cooperation across member states but also engagement with non-member countries in the common effort to meet the climate targets and the SDGs. Africa is a region of high interest for Europe as confirmed by the EU-AU Joint Partnership agreement, and a crucial ground for global sustainability.