Meet the YUFE4Postdocs: Sustainability

In an era marked by the urgent need to address climate change and its far-reaching consequences, the concept of "Sustainability" has never been more critical. This YUFE4Postdocs program invites postdoctoral researchers to engage in transformative research and innovation aimed at fostering a more sustainable future.

Ali Raza

Host University: Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun

Department: Department of Organizational Behaviour and Marketing, Faculty of Economic Science and Management

Supervisor: Prof. Aldona Glinska-Neweś

Co-Host University: University of Eastern Finland (Prof Hanna Lehtimaki)

Examining the boundary conditions of community social capital and pro-environmental climate between personal values and individuals’ pro-environmental behavior in the urban context

This study examines how personal values (altruistic and biospheric values), pro-environmental climate, and micro-contextual factors like community social capital impact the pro-environmental behavior (PEB) of individuals near tourist destinations in urban settings.

Ana Ricchiardi

Host University: University of Cyprus

Department: SURF (Society and Urban Form research lab), Department of Architecture

Supervisor: Prof. Nadia Charalambous

Co-Host University: University of Rijeka (Prof. Iva Mrak)

MAKING SPACE: Migration and Socio-Spatial Relations in Cyprus

Cyprus has served both as a bridge and an external border for Europe. Increasing numbers of migrants facing strained reception systems and harsh conditions arrive to the island. Focusing on reception centers, neighborhoods, and public spaces, this study examines how migrants navigate and shape their environments within Cypriot cities through space-making practices.

Christina Makoundou

Host University: University of Antwerp

Department: Sustainable Pavements and Asphalt Research group (SuPAR)/ Faculty of Applied Engineering

Supervisor: Prof. Wim Van den Bergh

Co-Host University: University of Maastricht (Prof. Yvonne van der Meer)

Revolutionizing Pavements: low energy produced, recycled and bio-based solutions for Future Cities

Ever wondered what happens to demolished road materials or used frying oil? The AsSuRe Bio project explores the design of low-energy, recycling, and bio-based pavements for sustainable urban roads.

Diana Arbelaez

Host University: University of Eastern Finland

Department: RESOURCE Research Community, Department of Geographical and Historical Studies

Supervisor: Prof. Rauno Sairinen

Co-Host University: University of Maastricht (Prof Frank Boons)

Urban sustainability responsibilities in the electric mobility -energy transition mineral nexus

Energy transition mineral demand for mobility electrification technology has socio-environmental and geopolitical effects. Those shaping the future of urban mobility electrification will access solutions, tools, ideas and an expert network to support them in understanding and addressing those effects sustainably and responsibly.

Dominique van de Klundert

Host University: University of Rijeka

Department: Center for Advanced Studies Southeast Europe Supervisor: Prof. Sanja Bojanić

Co-Host University: University of Eastern Finland (Prof. Suvi-Maria Saarelainen)

Dark Sky Discourse: Tools for Planetary Heritage Futures

This project investigates how eco-discourse around designated ‘dark sky’ island communities combating light pollution in Europe and the UK exemplifies a multi-scalar, relational ‘planetary’ approach to heritage for more-than-human wellbeing and sustainable tourism.

Galina Pankratova

Host University: University of Antwerp

Department: Geobiology Research Group, Department of Biology

Supervisor: Prof. Filip Meysman

Co-Host University: University of Cyprus (Prof. Spiros Skourtis)

New conductive biomaterials for urban mining of e-waste

Drawing on the highly conductive proteins recently discovered in marine cable bacteria, the project aims to develop a biobased, conductive adhesive that enables controlled and environmentally safe disintegration of electronics. This way, it will provide an innovative nature-based solution to clean and reliable e-waste management.

Hesham Ibrahem Fathi Mohamed

Host University: Universidad Carlos III de Madrid

Department: Energy Systems Engineering, Department of Thermal and Fluid Engineering

Supervisor: Prof. Domingo Santana Santana

Co-Host University: University of Cyprus (Prof. George E. Georghiou)

Innovative Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) trigeneration system to produce green hydrogen, electric power, and freshwater water

The project focuses on utilizing Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) to develop a state-of-the-art trigeneration system that simultaneously generates electricity, green hydrogen, and freshwater. By integrating these technologies, the project aims to boost energy efficiency and provide a sustainable solution for sun-rich regions.

Yannis Tzaninis

Host University: University of Antwerp

Department: Department of Sociology

Supervisor: Prof. Stijn Oosterlynck

Co-Host University: University of Maastricht (Prof.Miriam Meissner)

P³: Ports, Periphery and Politics

P³ explores the political-ecological dynamics between the ports of Antwerp and Piraeus and their respective cities. By examining the historical-material evolution of logistics, contemporary urbanization and urban policy, P³ investigates how these ports shape urban life, contributing to sustainable urban futures and addressing current global eco-social crises.

Irene Merino

Host University: University of Bremen 

Department: Geophysics-Geodynamics Research Group

Supervisor: Prof. Marta Pérez-Gussinyé

Co-Host University: University of Cyprus (Prof. Panos Papanastasiou)

Characterizing H2 natural reservoirs At Rifted Margins

Natural hydrogen, produced during the formation of rifted margins, can become a key resource for the energy transition, yet remains poorly understood. CH2ARM aims to estimate natural hydrogen production at two European rifted margins using seismic data and numerical modelling, partnering with Shell, our main stakeholder, to locate reservoirs of this emerging green energy resource.

Jonas Jose Perez Bravo

Host University: Universidad Carlos III de Madrid

Department: Polymer Composites and Interphases, Materials Science and Engineering and Chemical Engineering Department

Supervisor: Prof. Francisco Javier González Benito

Co-Host University: Maastricht University (Prof. Jules A.W. Harings)

Eco-friendly Biofibers: Reinforcing Recycled Plastics for a Greener Future

This proposal aims to tackle the environmental issues caused by non-recyclable glass fibers used in the plastic industry by creating reusable biofibers from shrimp waste using an eco-friendly method.

Maximilian Wagner

Host University: University of Rijeka

Department: Department of hydrotechnics and geotechnics, Faculty of Civil Engineering

Supervisor: Prof Igor Ružić

Co-Host University: University of Antwerp (Prof. Hannes Svardal)

Ecosystem-Based Strategies for Croatia’s Gravel Beach Management

Tourism drives the economy in many Mediterranean countries, including Croatia, leading to short-term, unsustainable coastal management practices. Croatia’s gravel beaches, rich in natural resources, lack sustainable strategies due to limited knowledge of local biota.

Nestoras Antoniou

Host University: University of Eastern Finland

Department: Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology, School of Computing

Supervisor: Prof. Ville Hautamäki

Co-Host University: University of Cyprus (Prof. Marina Neophytou)

Adapting urban microclimates to climate change: Coupling of ML-CFD models

This project aims to enhance sustainable urban environments by addressing climate change’s impact on urban microclimates and human health. It combines machine learning and Computational Fluid Dynamics to predict urban microclimates and outdoor thermal comfort.

Ramya Ambikapathi

Host University: University of Eastern Finland

Department: Environmental Ecology Research Group, Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences

Supervisor: Prof. James Blande

Co-Host University: University of Essex (Prof. Michael Steinke)

EcoBoost: Biochar Solutions for Sustainable Drought-Resilient Urban Green Spaces

This project explores using biochar from urban green waste to mitigate drought stress in urban greenery. Understanding plant-soil-atmosphere interactions in biochar-treated trees will support my project stakeholders Colchester City Council and ArbClimb Oy in sustainable city development and climate adaptation strategies.