World Association of Professors on Sustainability Science and Research (WASP-SSR)
The area of sustainability sciences is rapidly expanding and, along with it, the need to gather and
deploy a wide range of expertise in order to assist in efforts to cope with the environmental and socio-economic changes related to sustainable development as a whole, and in the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals in particular.
There are many university professors round the world working in the field of sustainability science, but a number of them do so in an isolated manner, and not as a part of an organised effort. Much can be gained by linking university professors working in this field, any many advantages can be attained by providing a platform for them to communicate, interact, share information on research, funding and publishing opportunities and, ultimately, to work together.
It is on this basis that the World Association of Professors on Sustainability Science and Research (WASP-SSR)
has been created. The Association is an inclusive organisation, and pays a special emphasis to gender equality
and a balanced participation from members from industrialised and developing nations.
Mission
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The mission of the World Association of Professors on Sustainability Science and Research is: "To foster the implementation of principles and practices of sustainable development, by means of scholarly research, joint studies, publications and training of the next generation of sustainability researchers."
Operations
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WASP-SSR will provide a platform for high level discussions on current and future trends on sustainability sciences. It will also gather a comprehensive body of expertise to allow members to team up in applying for research grants, undertake joint studies to be published in peer-reviewed journals, organise joint events, and support the training of doctoral students undertaking studies on matters related to sustainable development. A particular emphasis will be given to joint project applications to national and international agencies. WASP-SSR is a unique, world class researchers group. Consistent with this characteristic, the slogan of WASP-SSR is "going beyond the trivial: bringing sustainability sciences to the next level ".
Nature of Membership
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Membership to WASP-SSR is open to holders of professorial posts such as Associate Professors and Full Professors, working in the field of sustainability sciences.
Membership Fees
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There are no membership fees to WASP-SSR. However, it is expected that members support the mission of the Association, are actively engaged, and committed to make concrete contributions to the work of WASP-SSR.
Governance
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WASP-SSR is chaired by Professor Walter Leal, Head of the European School of Sustainability Science and Research, European Alliance for Sustainability Research and Inter-University Sustainable Development Research Programme. He is the founder of the International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, now on its 22nd year and is Editor-in-Chief of the World Sustainability Series, the leading peer-reviewed book series on sustainability. Professor Leal has over 30 years experience on matters related to sustainable development, and holds Professorships at the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences in Germany, and at Manchester Metropolitan University in the UK. The operations of WASP-SSR are overseen by a 10 members-strong Management Board, composed by the following scientists:
- Professor Luciana Brandli University of Passo Fundo, Brazil
- Professor Mark Mifsud, University of Malta
- Professor Elisabeth Price, Manchester Metropolitan University
- Professor Ulisses Azeiteiro, University of Aveiro, Portugal
- Professor Sidat Yaffa, University of The Gambia
- Professor Rudi Pretorius, University of South Africa
- Professor Izael da Silva, Strathmore University, Kenya
- Professor Usha Iyer-Raniga, RMIT, Australia
- Professor Halima Begum, University Utara, Malaysia
- Professor Clara Ines Pardo Martinez, University of Rosario, Colombia
The work of the board is supported by a Secretariat, whose details may seen below (please click on "Secretariat").
How to apply for membership
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Applications for membership are now open. Colleagues interested to become members should prepare and submit an expression of interest, consisting of a motivation letter describing how they may contribute to the work of WASP-SSR, along with their CVs and full contact details. Applications should be submitted to the Secretariat of WASP-SSR at: esssr (at) ls.haw-hamburg (dot) de. There are no deadlines.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Secretariat
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The Secretariat of WASP-SSR is at the European School of Sustainability Science and Research at the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences in Germany. A professional team manages its activities and liaises with members and funding agencies, hence ensuring the high quality of its operations.
Contact
Dr. Kalterina Shulla
World Association of Professors on Sustainability Science and Research
European School of Sustainability Science and Research
Hamburg University of Applied Sciences
Faculty of Life Sciences
Ulmenliet 20
21033 Hamburg
Germany