Be part of Europe’s shift toward sustainable cities

Tall apartment buildings in the distance under a clear blue sky, with green vegetation in the foreground and scattered clouds near the horizon.
By Ina-Cristine Helljesen

13 October 2025 09:00

Be part of Europe’s shift toward sustainable cities

Are you a PhD candidate or researcher interested in sustainability, urban development or circular economy?

This is the CELEST project:

  • Short for Circular Economy and Land Europe Sobriety Trajectory. 
  • Originated from the ENGAGE.EU Think Tank at NHH in March 2023. 
  • Explores and promotes circular economy solutions for sustainable land use and soil conservation. 
  • The goal is to bridge the gap between EU policy ambitions and real-world practice by identifying what works in policy, design, and implementation.

Over 60% of Europe’s soil is already degraded due to urban expansion and unsustainable land use. This degradation fuels climate change and biodiversity loss. The ENGAGE.EU CELEST Collaboration Circle is your chance to be part of the solution. 

Launching on 4 December, this three-session hybrid workshop series brings together students, PhD candidates, researchers and external partners from ENGAGE.EU universities.

Participants will collaboratively define practical research questions, tackle pressing challenges in urban land management and explore circular economy solutions to transform brownfields and unused urban spaces into sustainable assets.

Why Join?

  • Hands-on collaboration: Work in groups, map stakeholders, and tackle real-world urban challenges. 

  • Direct impact: Your contributions will inform the CELEST project’s research agenda. 

  • Networking: Connect with peers, academics and external partners like Helsinki City and Toulouse Métropole. 

  • Flexible participation: First two sessions in person at UT Capitole or online via Zoom; the final session is online.

Dates and format

  • Session 1: 4 Dec, 11:00–12:30 (hybrid) 

  • Session 2: 5 Dec, 12:00–13:30 (hybrid) 

  • Session 3: 12 Dec, 12:00–13:30 (online) 

  Each session lasts for 1.5 hours.

 

Who Can Apply?

The Collaboration Circle is open to students, PhD candidates, and researchers at any career stage from any discipline related to sustainable urban land use, circular economy, or environmental management.

How to apply

Submit a short motivation letter (max. 300 words) and your CV in English via at this page:

Application form

Applications are open until 27 October!

 

Don’t miss this chance to influence European research on sustainable land use, collaborate with international experts, and make your ideas part of a groundbreaking initiative.