New Eucor Initiatives for Sustainable Transformation
On 2 February 2026, the University of Freiburg welcomed around twenty researchers from the Eucor universitites and its partner institutions. The exploratory workshop “Urban Climate – Sustainable Food” focused on nothing less than the sustainable transformation of cities and food systems.
Researchers from various disciplines discussed how urban spaces can become more climate-resilient and how food systems can be organised in a sustainable and future-oriented way. The aim was not only to exchange ideas, but also to initiate concrete cross-border research projects.
The workshop began with an introduction to the structures of Eucor, information about the mobile participation laboratory MobiLab, and funding opportunities for research projects in the Upper Rhine region.
“Urban Climate”: Towards a Cross-Border Sustainability Campus
Within the “Urban Climate” working group, four project ideas were initially presented: “Sustainable / Clim’Ability Campus”, “TEPUI” (promoting urban biological heritage and climate through blue-green roofs), “Collaborative Housing”, and “City Forests / Food Forests”.
It quickly became clear that many of these approaches are interconnected. The discussion led to a joint project proposal with the working title “Cross-Border Sustainability Campus”. Sustainability is understood in a comprehensive sense – as resilience, well-being, climate protection and a transformative campus approach.
The planned project combines topics such as heat, roof greening and urban forests, and aims to integrate research, teaching and university operations alike. The MobiLab will also be actively involved. A joint funding application is already in preparation.
The detailed planning will take place during a follow-up workshop scheduled for April or May at the University of Freiburg.
“Sustainable Food”: Resilience and Food Security at the Forefront
The second working group also engaged in intensive discussions on forward-looking approaches. Under the heading “Sustainable Food”, participants identified resilience and food security as key research priorities. Discussions addressed circular food systems, bioeconomy issues, and the role of data in sustainable transformation processes.
Another important focus was the societal dimension: how widely are changes in diets and ingredients accepted? What role can new technologies play? And how can the often-lost connection between people and food production be strengthened?
The ideas have been structured and will also be further developed during the follow-up workshop. A project matrix is currently being prepared to systematically align topics, partners and funding opportunities.
Open Call for Participation
The University of Freiburg is organising the upcoming follow-up workshop and will continue to support both groups in developing their project proposals.
“The transformation of our cities and food systems can only succeed collectively and across borders. We therefore explicitly invite additional researchers from the Eucor area to get involved,” emphasises Sofia Ganter, Eucor Officer at the University of Freiburg.
Interested researchers are invited to contact Sofia Ganter directly and become part of a growing network committed to developing sustainable solutions to tomorrow’s challenges.