We have a mission that encompasses a holistic approach to sustainable health, integrating diverse perspectives and interdisciplinary collaboration. This makes grant proposal writing more complex, but also more interesting and fun. To stimulate and encourage this mission, we have established a monthly research workshop to contribute to fostering a robust culture of proposal writing and external funding acquisition at SUSTAINIT.
The vision of sustainable health at SUSTAINIT
Sustainable health, as we define it, is the pursuit of good health for all, both today and in the future, within the context of planetary boundaries. This vision encompasses key areas such as health equity, disease prevention, avoiding overtreatment and overdiagnosis, global governance for health, pandemic preparedness, climate change impacts, and the interplay between human and biological systems. Achieving this vision requires systemic approaches and collaborative efforts across disciplines and sectors including research and educational projects.
Key to succeeding is openness and dissemination. SUSTAINIT’s communication strategy has been further developed with a proactive plan for communication from 2024-26. We look forward to sharing samples of our activities in the annual report for 2024 in the new year.
The monthly research workshop
To support our researchers we have established a monthly research workshop. This forum shall encourage active engagement with the proposal-writing process and provide a structured environment for discussion, feedback, and hopefully celebration. It provides an arena to present various contexts and perspectives in sustainability-related research from diverse areas such as humanities, social sciences, public health, and clinical and basic sciences. The value of these interdisciplinary interactions is highly appreciated at SUSTAINIT as they not only enrich academic discourse but nourish comprehensive and innovative solutions to complex problems in sustainability.
Presenting new calls for funding: Staying updated with the latest funding opportunities is essential for researchers. Each workshop begins with a presentation of new calls for funding, highlighting opportunities that align with SUSTAINIT’s mission and focus areas. The aim is to ensure that researchers are well informed and can plan their proposals strategically.
Discussing potential research proposals: Brainstorming and collaboration is key to developing innovative and impactful proposals. The workshop provides a space for researchers to discuss potential ideas, share insights, and refine their research questions. This collective brainstorming boosts creativity and helps identify interdisciplinary approaches.
Providing feedback on draft proposals: Constructive feedback is invaluable in the proposal writing process. During the workshop, researchers can present their draft proposals and receive feedback from peers and mentors. This iterative process of review and refinement should enhance the clarity and coherence of the proposal, increasing the chances of success.
Celebrating funding successes: Recognizing and celebrating successes is essential for a stimulating and appreciating work environment and culture. The workshops were established quite recently, and we are looking forward to the first opportunity to celebrate and share inspirational success stories.
Learning from rejections: Rejections can be a valuable learning experience. The workshop will provide a supportive environment where researchers are encouraged to share their experiences with unsuccessful proposals. By analyzing these rejections and feedback received, we can identify areas for improvement and approach future calls with enhanced strategies.
Bridging theory and practice
SUSTAINIT’s commitment to sustainable health is reflected in our diverse research and educational activities. Our centers each contribute uniquely to our vision from interdisciplinary projects like establishing a digital twin for vaccination strategies to educational programs like the Honors certificate. SUSTAINIT actively fosters national and international networks and meeting places, which offer invaluable opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and amplification of our research impacts.
Encouraging and supporting the writing of proposals for external funding is a critical aspect of SUSTAINIT’s mission and ability to maintain and develop its role in advancing sustainable health. The monthly workshop as a forum for presenting funding opportunities, discussing ideas, and giving and receiving feedback will hopefully contribute to a collaborative and innovative research culture so that our researchers get the funding necessary to drive important advancements in sustainable health.
In addition, SUSTAINIT has arranged monthly brownbag meetings serving as a low-threshold platform for researchers to present their work and discuss it in an informal setting. We will open the brownbag meetings for a broader audience by launching them as monthly SUSTAINIT Talks from 2025. We welcome everyone interested to join us and encourage you to sign up to receive our invitations.
Research workshops and SUSTAINIT Talks are valuable opportunities for career guidance and meeting places for collaboration, regardless of one’s stage in the academic career. They can offer learning experiences for early- and mid-career scientists and contribute to mentoring perspectives and experience encompassing these activities alongside our core mission in research and education.
Creating platforms for varied disciplines and activities to converge ensures that SUSTAINIT can address multifaceted challenges of sustainable health form multiple angles, driving more impactful and holistic research outcomes.
Season’s Greetings!
As we approach the end of an interesting and productive year, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of you for your dedication, hard work, and contributions to SUSTAINIT. May the holiday season bring you joy, rest, and the comfort of being with loved ones. Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!
