Nottingham Trent University

NTU European Cities Challenge

A student-led extracurricular activity that has engaged more than 250 Nottingham Trent University (NTU) students since 2019.

Participating students travel to and around Europe sustainably, undertaking research on effective and innovative sustainable practices that they can bring back to their own communities with the engagement of local councils. Sustainability and communities are at the heart of the challenge with each iteration of the challenge focusing on a different theme shaped by council needs.

Students from all discipline areas collaborate in small research teams led by an academic mentor. Students plan their journey to visit locations they have identified as demonstrating good sustainability and inclusive community practices with the support of NTU’s network of university partners. On their return recommendations are presented to councils and other stakeholders for local implementation to support the regeneration of target areas. The journey has been described as “life changing” for some participants.

Top 3 Learnings

1. We discovered that, with support, students can provide excellent and viable local policy recommendations.
2. We, the university, could act as a valuable conduit between academic, civic, and business spheres.
3. Staff and student challenges offer opportunities for knowledge exchange, mentorship, and strengthening of transferrable skills.