Vertically integrated projects for sustainable development : achieving transformational action by embedding research-based ESD in curricula

The University of Strathclyde's Vertically Integrated Projects for Sustainable Development (VIP4SD) programme has grown to become a key vehicle of Research-based Education for Sustainable Development at the institution. The programme enables students from different disciplines and levels of study to work with experienced researchers on diverse projects which address the real-world problems outlined by the Sustainable Development Goals. This paper discusses the challenges encountered in transforming VIP4SD into a mainstream activity, and explores how this has inspired a whole institution approach to embedding ESD throughout Strathclyde's curricula