KTH och Minor Field Studies - resebidrag för exjobb i låg- eller medelinkomstland

Nedan finns några projektförslag från Stockholm Environment Institute, Project Vita och Engineers Without Borders. Skicka ett mejl till fs-info@kth.se  om du är intresserad av något av projekten, så kopplar vi ihop dig med organisationen i fråga.

Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) - bridging science, policy and practice

We are an international non-profit research and policy organization that tackles environmental and development challenges. We connect science and decision-making to develop solutions for a sustainable future for all. Our work spans climate, water, air and land-use issues, governance, the economy, gender and health. Stakeholder engagement is at the heart of our efforts to build capacity, strengthen institutions and equip partners for long-term change. Our knowledge and findings are accessible to decision-makers and civil society: as our own open access material, in leading academic journals, and repackaged for effective decision support. SEI has seven centers around the world – UK, the US, Thailand, Kenya, Estonia and Colombia. Our headquarters is in Sweden.

About the SEI internships
We aim to attract the most competent and skilled students and support their development by offering a professional environment with competent supervision. Recruitments are competitive and based on respect for the individual regardless of gender, gender identity or expression, age, union representation or political opinion, functional variation, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, nationality and marital or parental status.
 
General information on internships
Internship opportunities are directed to students at the master's level. While internships are generally open to all students, priority is given to matriculated university students for whom an internship is either part of their curriculum or a thesis project. Priority is also given to students from universities with whom SEI has collaboration agreements, such as KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm University, and Lund University. We welcome applications from those that have specific interests that are of relevance to the work of SEI. In general, we expect candidates to have some prior knowledge of the research area in which they will be working. The internship is linked to the writing of a master’s thesis. All interns will have an SEI supervisor assigned and are welcome to be part of our research teams and knowledge sharing activities.
 
Internship period
We offer two internship periods per year in alignment with the Swedish academic year: January–June and August–January.

Internship opportunities at SEI Africa

Citizen Science and Community Engagement for Air Quality in Nairobi

Air pollution remains one of the most pressing environmental and public health challenges in African cities, with Nairobi experiencing significant exposure risks for athletes, informal workers, and schoolchildren. Citizen science has emerged as a transformative approach to democratize air quality monitoring, bridge the science-policy gap, and empower communities with evidence to drive local interventions.
Building on SEI York’s prior experience in mobile air quality sensing and SEI Africa’s ongoing partnerships with athletics federations, schools, and local governments, this initiative aims to establish a flagship citizen-led air quality monitoring program. It will combine participatory training, mobile and low-cost sensors, and open data platforms to generate actionable insights for communities, policymakers, and sports/environmental stakeholders.

Emerging collaborations with Haki Data Lab and Data4Change provide a unique opportunity to embed citizen science, advocacy, and creative communication into this work. By combining SEI’s expertise in air quality science, exposure modelling, and policy engagement with local partners’ strong grassroots connections, the project can generate policy-relevant, community-driven evidence to shape urban climate resilience strategies in Nairobi and beyond.

Within this framework, SEI Africa seeks to host two Master’s students from KTH for a 6-month internship to co-design and implement field-based citizen science activities in Nairobi. You can find more information here. (docx 22 kB)  

Student profile:
• Enrolled in a master’s program at KTH in relevant fields (e.g., Environmental Engineering, Sustainable Development, Data Science, Urban Planning, or related).
• Demonstrated interest in air quality, citizen science, public health, or climate change.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with ability to engage across cultures.
• Proficiency in English (spoken and written).

• Student A: Background in community engagement, participatory research, environmental education, or policy. Experience in qualitative research and facilitation is desirable.
• Student B: Strong quantitative skills in environmental data analysis, GIS, or remote sensing. Familiarity with sensor deployment, coding (Python/R), and data visualization is an asset.

Air Quality and Early Warning Systems

SEI Africa has established a strong presence in 12 African countries, enabling real-time air quality monitoring across multiple cities. Through strategic partnerships with governments, research institutions, and civil society, SEI Africa is collecting live PM2.5, PM10, CO₂, and meteorological data from a growing network of low-cost sensors. This network has positioned SEI Africa as a key actor in linking environmental monitoring to early warning systems for climate resilience.

However, the full potential of this data remains underutilized. Continuous, high-quality analysis is needed to transform raw sensor readings into actionable insights for decision-makers, researchers, and communities. There is also a need for advanced modelling to address challenges such as missing data, short-term forecasting, and the automation of network management processes.

To address these challenges, SEI Africa proposes to integrate three advanced-level students from the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) into its air quality and early warning programme. These students, selected from AIMS’ pool of top-tier Master’s candidates, bring strong analytical, statistical, and data science skills, including expertise in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and environmental modelling.

The AIMS interns will complement existing SEI Africa capacity and collaborate with two Master’s students from the KTH Royal Institute of Technology to be posted at SEI Africa. Together, they will form a high-capacity, multidisciplinary analytics team focused on and not limited to:
• Developing imputation models to accurately reconstruct missing data from sensors, ensuring completeness and reliability in time-series datasets.
• Creating short-term and seasonal forecasting models for air quality parameters, integrated with weather and climate service information.
• Designing and deploying automated data management systems for the sensor network, enabling efficient quality control, archiving, and dissemination of information.
• Producing monthly data analytics reports tailored for partner institutions hosting the sensors, thereby increasing local ownership, visibility, and value in the monitoring effort.
• Supporting the preparation of knowledge products, awareness tools, and peer-reviewed publications that elevate the profile of SEI Africa’s work regionally and globally.
You can find more information here. (docx 18 kB)  
 

Internship opportunities at SEI Asia

Supporting policy analysis and best practices for finance for climate adaptation for vulnerable communities in the Asia Pacific region

Aim:

• organizing and cataloguing policy and regulatory documents

• gathering additional background information and references to strengthen the policy analysis

• helping compile examples of best practices in climate finance policies and initiatives from the Asia-Pacific and other regions

• assisting with the preparation of briefing notes, presentation materials, dialogues and engagement activities

Student profile: Students should have a background in a relevant field such as development studies, climate change, economics, sociology, international relations, political economy, public policy, law or other related social sciences.

Support Analysis of Incentive Mechanisms (IMs) in Urban Adaptation Finance, and Mapping Active Financial Institutions in Adaptation Finance (Investing in Europe and Asia)

Aim:

1. Through engagement with public authorities and private sector stakeholders in each project city, assess how incentive mechanisms can enhance the bankability of municipal adaptation projects. Key tasks include:

2. Identifying enabling conditions and barriers faced by public authorities in adopting IMs.

3. Integrating validated IMs into specific adaptation projects to improve their bankability.

4. Gathering insights and suggestions from the private sector on how IMs can be leveraged to attract investment in adaptation projects.

5. Conduct research to identify and map private and public financial institutions currently investing in climate adaptation initiatives across Europe and Asia.

Student profile: We are looking for students’ having background in one of the following domains:

• Finance/Economics (with a focus on climate/green finance, development finance, or impact investing)

• Environmental Studies/Sustainability (with coursework or research in climate adaptation, urban resilience, or policy analysis)

• Social Science/Public Policy (with an interest in municipal finance, governance, or climate adaptation strategies, or stakeholder engagement)

• Business/Management (with exposure to sustainable finance, public-private partnerships)

Bankable local scale adaptation solutions

Aim: This internship will focus on the research of bankable local-scale adaptation solutions and offers an opportunity for the intern to support a systematic review of local-scale bankable adaptation solutions in the Asia-Pacific region (specifically in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Fiji, Laos, and Nepal). Based at the Stockholm Environment Institute’s Centre for Finance for Sustainability (CFS), the role will contribute to broader efforts to identify climate adaptation solutions that are both contextually appropriate and financially viable for vulnerable communities in the region.

The intern will conduct literature and document reviews to map existing adaptation solutions—such as climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable water systems, and off-grid renewable energy—categorizing them by type, geographic relevance, and potential for financing. The work will involve synthesizing findings from academic studies, project reports, and grey literature to support the development of a structured, accessible knowledge base on bankable approaches at the local level.

Student profile: This position is ideal for students with interests in climate adaptation, sustainable development, and inclusive finance. It offers practical research experience and exposure to applied work at the intersection of adaptation science and climate finance.”

Development and implementation of MREAL system for large scale high impact projects

Aims:

• Support in collecting, cleaning, and entering data from ongoing projects and activities.

• Support maintaining online tracking system to tracking performance indicators and helping to ensure the accuracy and consistency of reported data.

• Contribute to gather relevant information for the revising MEL tools such as surveys, feedback forms, and checklists,

• Support the preparation of reports, presentations, and learning briefs used for donor reporting and internal reflection.

• Help coordinate MEL activities such as workshops, stakeholder consultations, and training sessions.

• Provide logistical support, note-taking, and organizing follow-up actions.

• Assist in managing evidence and documentation on shared platforms like SharePoint.

Student profile: Social Science, Political Science, Economics, Business studies, Development studies, Statistics or any other suitable background would be fine.

Horizon scanning of innovative and emerging finance instruments for Nature Based Solutions in the Asia Pacific region

Aim: Support a horizon scanning exercise using internationally standard approaches to map, categorize, and explore innovative and emerging finance instruments for Nature Base Solutions that are being deployed, piloted, and tested across Asia Pacific, with special regards for instruments benefiting vulnerable communities, and small and medium enterprises

Student profile: Economics, Business Studies, Development Studies with Quantitative and Qualitative Research Metods, Understanding of AIAim

Assessing Circular Economy Policy Implementation in Tourism Sector of Labuan Bajo, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara

Aims: To assess the alignment between circular economy policies and their practical implementation in the tourism sector of Labuan Bajo, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara with a focus on the hospitality industry and green accommodation initiatives. You can find more information here (pdf 53 kB) .

Evaluating Indonesia’s Circular Economy Policies to Integrate Sustainability Transitions with ASEAN Regional Frameworks

Aims: To evaluate Indonesia’s national circular economy policies with ASEAN regional frameworks, identifying key opportunities, gaps, and pathways to enhance policy coherence and regional collaboration. You can find more information here (pdf 59 kB) . 

Internship opportunities at SEI Latin America

Spanish proficiency is highly recommended for students who wish to do an internship at SEI Latin America. 

Opportunity #1: Gender and Just Energy Transitions in Colombia’s Extractive Regions

Supervisor: Juan Camilo Betancur, Research Assistant, SEI LA

Project Overview: 
Colombia is facing economic, environmental and social transformations as part of its commitment to a just energy transition. Two critical areas stand out: 
• Coal phase-out regions: As the country reduces its dependence on coal, coal-dependent regions – particularly Cesar – face challenges linked to employment, livelihoods, and gendered social roles. These transitions risk reinforcing existing gender inequalities unless gender-sensitive approaches are integrated into planning and implementation. 
• Copper mining regions: With the global energy transition driving increased demand for copper, Colombia sees new opportunities for copper extraction. However, copper mining can also perpetuate extractive legacies marked by gender inequities, while also offering opportunities to reconfigure gender relations and promote inclusion in decision-making, employment, and benefit-sharing. 
Both processes highlight the importance of analysing the gender-energy nexus to ensure equitable gender relations, and the integration of an intersectional gender lens to avoid disproportionate burdens and gain equitable opportunities from the transition. 
This project aims to understand gendered impacts and opportunities in Colombia’s coal phase-out regions and proposed/operating copper mines, as well as the intersection of gender roles and extractive economies, including bi-directional impacts. The project will also generate recommendations and policy inputs to strengthen gender-transformative approaches within just transition frameworks. 
Objective: Analyse and systematise information on the gender-energy nexus related to coal phase-out and copper extraction in Colombia, with a focus on just energy transitions, to inform recommendations for Colombian policy and practice. 

Opportunity #2: Transforming Food Systems for Sustainability, Health, and Equity

Supervisor: Camilo Garzón, Research Associate, SEI Latin America

Project overview:
The climate crisis is accelerating pressures on natural resources, with food production and consumption standing out as major drivers of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and biodiversity loss. Animal agriculture alone accounts for 14.5–20% of global human-caused emissions, while deforestation linked to cattle ranching and feed production is devastating ecosystems. With global meat demand projected to rise by over 50% by 2050, the urgency to transform food systems—particularly protein production—has never been greater. Shifting diets towards sustainable alternatives to animal products is emerging as a promising pathway to reduce environmental impacts while supporting healthier, more resilient societies.
This project explores the potential of alternative proteins to foster sustainable, healthy, and equitable diets in Colombia: cultured meat, plant-based diets, and fermentation (precision and biomass). Unlocking this potential requires a holistic perspective that balances ecological sustainability with the socio-economic realities of local producers and consumers. By examining opportunities and risks, the project aims to generate insights that can support transformative solutions, focusing on the cutting-edge research at the intersection of food systems, climate, and biodiversity.

Objective: To assess the potential opportunities and risks of alternative proteins to promote sustainable, healthy and equitable diets in Colombia.

Opportunity #3: Benefit-Sharing in Renewable Energy Development in Colombia

Supervisor: José Vega Araújo, SEI Latin America

Project Overview:
Colombia has set ambitious goals to expand non-conventional renewable energy (NCRE), particularly wind and solar, to diversify its electricity matrix and accelerate the energy transition. However, large-scale renewable energy projects often raise social and governance challenges, especially regarding how the economic and social benefits of these projects are distributed among local communities. While some countries mandate benefit-sharing schemes, in Colombia such mechanisms are a mix of mandatory transfers and voluntary agreements, which often leave communities at a disadvantage due to limited negotiation capacity and access to information.
SEI Latin America, together with national partners, is conducting research and stakeholder dialogues to identify lessons learned from existing projects, systematize international and regional best practices, and co-produce guidelines for integrating benefit-sharing mechanisms into renewable energy auctions and regulatory frameworks. This work aims to strengthen community participation, improve social acceptance of renewables, and ensure that energy transition processes are more inclusive and equitable.

Objective: The intern will support SEI Latin America in mapping and analyzing international and national cases of benefit-sharing in renewable energy projects (with a focus on large scale wind and solar), including economic transfers, community ownership models, and innovative partnership schemes. The findings will contribute directly to the preparation of case studies and training materials for communities, policymakers, and energy-sector stakeholders. The intern may also contribute to the design of dissemination products, such as briefs, infographics, or presentations, to ensure findings are accessible and impactful.

Opportunity #4: Harnessing Satellite Data to Improve Local Water Management in Colombia

Supervisor: Sebastian Palomino, Research Associate, SEI–Latin America

Project Overview:
Local environmental authorities in Colombia are responsible for planning, managing, and monitoring water resources to ensure equitable access and long-term availability. This is a major challenge given the high costs of monitoring and the limited data coverage across much of the territory. Currently, a wide range of satellite-based products is available, offering valuable information on hydroclimatic variables. However, their effective integration into local institutional agendas remains limited and requires further evaluation.

Objective: The intern will support SEI-Latin America in assessing the feasibility of incorporating satellite-based information into water monitoring plans of local authorities in Colombia. It will provide guidance on the types of data, processing chains, variables, and uncertainty considerations that should be addressed for effective application. At SEI–Latin America, we are developing a strategy to strengthen the capacity of local authorities to generate timely, high-quality information. By integrating state-of-the-art satellite data and Earth observation tools, this work will support improved water planning and decision-making in Colombia.

Opportunity #5: Wetlands in the Spotlight: Linking Ecosystem Services to Sustainability Agendas in Latin America

Supervisor: Sebastian Palomino. Research Associate, SEI-Latin America

Project Overview:
Wetlands are vital ecosystems that regulate water, store carbon, support biodiversity, and sustain the livelihoods of millions of people. Their services are essential for advancing global climate, biodiversity, and sustainability agendas. In Latin America, wetlands are especially significant, forming a diverse mosaic that includes high-Andean bofedales and lakes, vast lowland floodplains, and coastal wetlands that support local livelihoods. Despite their importance, these ecosystems are increasingly threatened by land use change, climate impacts, and resource exploitation.

Objective: The intern will support SEI-Latin America to create a structured overview that shows how wetlands in Latin America contribute to climate, biodiversity, and sustainability goals. The work will involve reviewing scientific and policy literature, mapping ecosystem services of wetlands in Latin America, linking those services to international agendas (SDGs, Paris Agreement, CBD), and building a framework that guides future wetland monitoring and management efforts in the region. This project is part of SEI–Latin America’s effort to strengthen wetland monitoring and management in the region, integrating state-of-the-art satellite data and Earth observation tools with scientific knowledge and policy analysis.

Opportunity #6: Developing tools and methodologies for multi-stakeholder territorial dialogue in the context of extractive activities

Supervisor: Camila García Echeverri, Research Assistant II, SEI Latin America

Project Overview:
Amid the increasing global demand for copper and the projected shortages of this mineral in the coming years, Colombia has emerged as a region of growing interest due to its identified potential reserves. The country is currently in an early phase of copper mining exploration and development, presenting a unique window of opportunity to design territorial planning frameworks that anticipate and mitigate the socio-environmental impacts of extractive activities. However, the need for inclusive and participatory processes extends far beyond the mining sector. In a world facing complex sustainability challenges, from renewable energy expansion to large-scale infrastructure development and land-use transitions, establishing robust multi-stakeholder dialogue mechanisms is essential. These mechanisms must effectively integrate local communities, public institutions, the private sector, and civil society to align diverse visions, needs, and concerns in shared territories.
Within this context, it is crucial to develop and test innovative participation tools and methodologies that enable continuous, constructive, and evidence-based dialogue. These tools should foster collaborative spaces where guidelines and conditions are co-created, not only for mining but for a wide range of territorial activities. This approach ensures that development advances more responsibly, protecting ecosystems, enhancing local well-being, and strengthening long-term socio-environmental resilience across sectors.

Objective: The Intern will develop innovative participation tools and methodologies that facilitate continuous, constructive, and evidence-based dialogue among diverse stakeholders in the context of mining and other extractive activities.

Skills Required:
No prior experience is necessary for the students; however, the following skills will be advantageous:
• A willingness to learn about participatory methodologies and knowledge transfer strategies
• Collaborative mindset to work in multidisciplinary and cross-cultural teams.
• Proficiency in Spanish (especially spoken) to conduct conversations with local stakeholders. 

Opportunity #7: Marine Spatial Planning and Coastal Resilience – Supporting Sustainable Ocean Governance in Colombia and Latin America

Supervisors: Lucia Licero-Villanueva, Research Associate I, SEI Latin America; Sebastián Palomino-Ángel, Research Associate II, SEI Latin America  

Project Overview:
Marine and coastal ecosystems in Colombia and the broader Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region are facing increasing pressures from expanding maritime industries, such as ports, oil and gas extraction, and offshore wind projects. Additionally, these ecosystems are being impacted by climate change and biodiversity loss. In response, the Colombian Ocean Activity and Susceptibility Tool (COAST) project aims to develop an open-access tool that combines data on human activities with an environmental sensitivity analysis to support Colombia's sustainable ocean planning, in alignment with national policies. This tool will generate a marine-coastal susceptibility index, enabling users to identify high-risk areas where proposed infrastructure may pose a threat to marine protected areas (MPAs), biodiversity hotspots, and small-scale fisheries. Furthermore, SEI Latin America is working on a regional Source-to-sea and Coastal resilience strategy to address the critical gap between land-based water management and ocean health. This effort is a key priority outlined in the SEI LAC Strategic Roadmap. An integrated approach is essential for promoting comprehensive and climate-smart marine planning, which can deliver multiple benefits and enhance the resilience of coastal communities that are facing both environmental and human-induced stressors.
 
Objective: The intern will play a key role in the development of the COAST tool by assisting with data processing, geospatial analysis, and the integration of satellite-derived datasets. In addition, the intern will support the foundational work necessary for launching SEI’s source-to-sea and coastal resilience strategy for the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region. The key tasks for this role include compiling and analyzing data related to ecological and maritime activities, assisting in the design of an interactive dashboard for the COAST tool, supporting stakeholder engagement efforts, preparing for workshops, and helping to draft both technical and communication materials. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in marine spatial planning, geospatial analysis, and transdisciplinary research at the science-policy interface. You will contribute to high-impact projects focused on strengthening sustainable ocean governance and enhancing coastal resilience.
 

Engineers without Borders (EWB)

About Engineers without Borders (EWB)
Engineers without Borders Sweden (EWB-SWE) is an NGO focused on engineering solutions and sustainable technology at the heart of the green transition. EWB coordinates volunteers from both industry and academia and collaborates with local and international partners to develop innovative, sustainable solutions.

About Build up Nepal
Build up Nepal was founded after the 2015 earthquake in Kathmandu. The organization works to provide resilient, low-cost housing solutions in Nepal by supporting more than 300 Micro-, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) to produce Compressed Concrete Blocks (CCBs). So far, this has enabled the construction of over 10,000 houses across Nepal. Together with EWB-SWE, Build up Nepal has been researching innovative ways to replace part of the cement content in CCBs with rice husk ash, other waste materials, and alternative stabilizers.

About Tumaini Open School
In Tanzania, tens of thousands of adolescent mothers have historically been expelled from school due to pregnancy, leaving them without access to education or support. To address this, the community-based organization Tumaini Education Initiative founded the Tumaini Open School in Tabora in 2021. The school offers a stigma-free and inclusive learning environment where adolescent mothers can complete primary education, receive vocational training, and regain their self-confidence and ability to support themselves and their children. When fully developed, the school will host 450 students and their children, providing not only classrooms but also dormitories, childcare, healthcare, and training in professions such as tailoring, farming, and computer science.

What EWB offers
During your thesis writing with EWB-SWE you will get concrete experience in how international development projects are run. We have experts within different competence areas who will support you throughout the process. EWB-SWE does not offer any additional funds.

Requirements
We want everyone who does their bachelor's or master's thesis with us to commit to providing EWB-SWE with a project report in addition to the academic report that you provide to the university. We also expect students to be active as volunteers before and after their field visit to ensure that they are well-integrated with other volunteers and our systems. From experience, we know that this is the most efficient way to work.

Application: Apply through the EWB website (besides making the application to MFS/KTH FS for funding). The deadline for applications to EWB is October 1.

Comparative Structural Optimization of Interlocking Bricks for Sustainable Housing in Nepal - Build up Nepal

The interlocking bricks feature holes that allow for the placement of reinforcement, thereby enhancing earthquake resistance. This solution is presented as a safer alternative to traditional houses constructed with burnt bricks. However, a structural comparison between these two construction methods using the Nepal Standards has not yet been conducted. (The guidelines for the compressed interlocking bricks are yet to be published, though a draft is available.)

The aim of this work is to confirm the viability of the interlocking brick solution in the Nepalese context and to identify areas for potential improvement. This will be achieved through a structural analysis of both the interlocking brick system and the traditional burnt brick system. The study will examine the structural behaviour of these systems under conditions such as earthquakes, fire, and strong winds. Based on the findings, recommendations for improving the structural system will be provided.

The analysis will draw on real projects and experimental data gathered by BUN. The outcomes of this work will help validate and enhance the quality of the interlocking brick structural system, ultimately enabling BUN to provide safe, affordable homes to more people.

You can find more information about the project on the EWB webiste, including information about how you can apply for the project.

Investigating and Mitigating Shrinkage Crack Formation in Interlocking Brick Houses - Build up Nepal

The issue of cracks appearing in houses built with interlocking bricks is a significant concern, especially since it tends to be more pronounced compared to houses built with fired red bricks. Experts have identified these cracks as shrinkage related. To effectively address this problem, the project will focus on understanding the underlying causes, such as material properties and environmental factors, and developing strategies to eliminate or minimize crack formation. Also, the project may include further developing methods for effective monitoring and control of cracks to ensure long-term durability and quality of the structures. Additionally, it could propose ways of mitigating the risk for cracks developing.

You can find more information about the project on the EWB webiste, including information about how you can apply for the project.

Optimising the Mix of Interlocking Bricks - Build up Nepal

In 2024, an exam work by Linn Bogren revealed that increasing the water content in the brick mix could significantly enhance strength due to improved workability. A specific change from 6% to 10% water content demonstrated a doubling of strength. In response, BUN has decided to set a new target mix of 8% water with 7% cement, down from the previous 10% cement. BUN has also begun retraining enterprises on this new method, which will be followed by continuous monitoring to ensure consistency. The key question is whether more water can be added to the mix while considering potential risks such as bricks breaking during production, alterations in surface texture and changes in other performance parameters. The compressive strength must be maintained at the target level with minimal variation. The ultimate objective is to reduce cement content further without compromising brick quality, primarily measured by compressive strength.

You can find more information about the project on the EWB webiste, including information about how you can apply for the project.

Partial Replacement of Cement in Interlocking Bricks - Build up Nepal

Cement is the main driver of cost and emissions in the interlocking bricks promoted by BUN. The primary objective of this work is to partially substitute cement with alternative binders or supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), such as brick dust and Rice Husk Ash (RHA), which are readily available in Nepal. Cooperation with a private laboratory for grinding brick dust using a ball mill and initial testing has commenced. Testing will be conducted in BUN’s workshop, equipped for compressive strength testing. The scope of work includes determining the extent of cement substitution that maintains effective performance, assessing variability in quality and evaluating the economic viability of these substitutions based on available data. This effort aims to achieve cost reduction while ensuring quality control and performance of the interlocking bricks.

You can find more information about the project on the EWB webiste, including information about how you can apply for the project.

Designing a Sustainable Agriculture and Irrigation System to Achieve Food Self-Sufficiency at Tumaini Open School

Background: Tumaini Open School in Tabora, Tanzania, currently provides meals for 65 people daily and expects this number to double in the coming year, (with an end goal of serving 450 people daily). With the increase in annual food costs, establishing a sustainable farming system could drastically reduce expenses and even create a surplus for market sales. However, an inadequate access to water and ineffective agricultural practices pose major challenges.

Research Aim: To develop a comprehensive plan for a sustainable agricultural system, including crop selection, irrigation design, and a business model that supports the school’s food self-sufficiency and financial independence.

You can find more information about the project in the ​​​​​​​proposal document (docx 20 kB) ​​​​​​​.

Integrated Waste Management Strategy for Resource Recovery and Environmental Sustainability at Tumaini Open School

Background: Despite the school’s commitment to sustainability, Tumaini currently lacks an organized waste management system. Most greywater is discharged directly into the environment, and animal and food waste is not sufficiently managed. As the school grows, so does the volume and complexity of its waste, posing environmental, health, and economic risks.

Research Aim: To develop a sustainable, low-cost waste management strategy that reduces environmental contamination, reuses valuable resources, and supports school operations through integrated recovery systems.

You can find more information about the project in the project proposal (docx 20 kB) ​​​​​​​.

Sustainable Greywater Treatment and Reuse Systems for Irrigation and Construction at Tumaini Open School

Background: Tumaini Open School discharges most greywater (from laundry, showers, dishwashing) untreated into the surrounding environment. With no formal sewer connection and limited water access, greywater reuse presents a valuable opportunity for non-potable uses, especially irrigation during dry seasons.

Research Aim: To evaluate and propose feasible, low-cost greywater treatment systems suitable for Tumaini’s needs, enabling safe reuse while minimizing environmental contamination.

You can find more information about the project in the project proposal (docx 20 kB) ​​​​​​​.

Designing a Social Enterprise Model for Tumaini Open School – Integrating Sustainable Farming, Vocational Training, and Income-Generating Strategies

Background: Tumaini Open School in Tabora, Tanzania, offers education and support to adolescent mothers. However, sustaining daily operations, including meals, water, and infrastructure, requires long-term financial solutions. With limited external funding, the school seeks self-reliance through sustainable farming and vocational programs.

Aim: To develop a viable, replicable business model for Tumaini Open School by leveraging sustainable agriculture, vocational training, and local enterprise, informed by successful NGO precedents.

You can find more information about the project in the project proposal (docx 20 kB) ​​​​​​​.

Creating a Holistic Learning Environment for Adolescent Mothers – Architectural, Educational, and Environmental Design for Tumaini Open School

Background: A safe, functional, and empowering school environment is critical for adolescent mothers to thrive academically and emotionally. Tumaini Open School has a unique opportunity to set a new standard for inclusive, learner-centered infrastructure in rural Tanzania.

Aim: To design and propose improvements for educational spaces and support facilities that optimize learning, thermal comfort, privacy, and dignity, especially for adolescent girls.

You can find more information about the project in the project proposal (docx 20 kB) ​​​​​​​.

Project Vita

Om Project Vita: Project Vita är en ideell förening med rötterna i Sverige och Moçambique. Föreningens mål är att förbättra levnadsvillkoren för människor i Moçambique. Föreningen bygger tillsammans med lokala samhällen upp de resurser och verktyg som krävs för att familjer själva ska kunna ta sig ur fattigdom. För att skapa verklig och hållbar förändring är det avgörande att förstå människors vardag, vanor och de lokala förutsättningarna. Genom mötet mellan människor och engagemang på gräsrotsnivå, så kan man utveckla lösningar som faktiskt fungerar och gör skillnad i längden.

Genom fältstudier tillsammans med Project Vita får du möjlighet att arbeta nära lokalsamhällen, lyssna, lära och bidra. Du får använda dina kunskaper i praktiken, samtidigt som du får en djupare förståelse för utvecklingsarbete, kulturmöten och globala utmaningar. 

Projekt: Hållbar energi på landsbygden i Moçambique

Land: Moçambique
Område: Energi/ Produktutveckling
Beskrivning: På landsbygden i Moçambique saknar en stor del av befolkningen tillgång till tillförlitlig energi. Även om staten och externa aktörer arbetar med att bygga ut elnätet eller erbjuda alternativa lösningar, lämnas många samhällen utanför dessa satsningar. Project Vita samarbetar med just dessa samhällen för att hitta lokalt anpassade energilösningar – särskilt för att driva viktiga samhällsfunktioner som skolor, hälsoinrättningar eller vattenförsörjning. 

Vissa av dessa projekt har varit i samarbete med studenter. Deras arbete ligger till grund för nya lösningar som vidareutvecklas av kommande studenter – i takt med att behoven förändras, system utvecklas och nya samhällen inkluderas.

Projekt:Matförsörjning på landsbygden i Moçambique

Land: Moçambique
Område: Energi/ Produktutveckling/ Jordbruk
Beskrivning: Moçambique har en lång kustlinje som präglar livet i många av landets byar. Här är fiske en avgörande källa till både mat och inkomst. Men det varma klimatet gör att fisken snabbt förlorar sin kvalitet, och långa avstånd till närmaste marknad tvingar fiskare att sälja sin fångst lokalt – ofta till låga priser. Utöver fisket är det svårt att bedriva jordbruk längs kusten, då marken till stor del består av sand. Kokosnötter utgör därför en viktig inkomstkälla, men även dessa säljs ofta till underpriser på grund av bristande möjligheter till förädling och försäljning på större marknader.

Tidigare studenter har utforskat lösningar kring hållbart jordbruk och alternativa försörjningsmöjligheter i dessa områden. Men behoven kvarstår – och det finns stort utrymme för vidare arbete med att utveckla lokalt anpassade och långsiktiga lösningar.

Projekt: Sjukvård för alla på landsbygden i Moçambique

Land: Moçambique
Område: Sjukvård/ Produktutveckling
Beskrivning: Tillgången till sjukvård på landsbygden i Moçambique är begränsad, till följd av långa avstånd, utbredd fattigdom och brist på utbildad vårdpersonal. För att möta dessa utmaningar har Project Vita under en längre tid samarbetat med sjukvården i en av landets provinser, med målet att förbättra vården för befolkningen i avlägsna områden. Insatserna har bland annat omfattat byggandet av en förlossningsklinik och bostäder för sjuksköterskor, installation av energilösningar i vårdbyggnader, inköp av sjukvårdsmateriel samt förbättring av rutiner och arbetsflöden på lokala sjukhus.

Studenter har tidigare deltagit i flera av dessa projekt, och deras arbete har bidragit till konkreta förbättringar. Samtidigt finns fortsatt stora behov – särskilt när det gäller energiförsörjning, effektivisering av vårdrutiner och utveckling av hållbara lösningar för tillgång till material och utrustning.