Call Engaged UniBE 2026 – Transdisciplinary Projects for Sustainable Development

Together for a sustainable future

With the Engaged UniBE Call, the University of Bern supports innovative, transdisciplinary projects that make a concrete contribution to the Climate Roadmap 2030 and advance the sustainable transformation of science and society.

We are looking for projects that…

• work transdisciplinarily: Societal and university actors are equally involved from the very beginning – with clear roles, contributions, and responsibilities (e.g., time, expertise, resources).

• demonstrate a clear contribution to climate action: A simple impact model (e.g., Theory of Change) shows how the project contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, climate adaptation, or social innovations for sustainability.

  • Direct impacts (e.g., CO₂ reduction, soil de-sealing, energy savings) are given particular weight.

  • Indirect impacts (e.g., awareness raising, networking, governance impulses) are welcome, provided they are plausibly supported by qualitative or quantitative targets.

• use innovative approaches: e.g., real-world experiments, living labs, new teaching, dialogue, or participation formats.

• connect science and practice: Results should be applicable in societal or political contexts.

Funding Framework

Funding amount: Up to CHF 80,000 per year (max. 3 years) per project Total maximum funding per project: CHF 240,000
Project duration: Minimum 1 year – maximum 3 years
Eligibility: Researchers, lecturers, and students of the University of Bern in partnership with at least one societal actor; or a societal actor in partnership with at least one university actor.
Funding period: 2026–2028
Submit project idea by 30 April 2026