ABOUT

Objectives

At the core of the IMP>ACT assessment framework are the concepts of action competence (key observable learning outcome of SCCE) and action-orientation (key qualities of teaching, driving learning in SCCE). IMP>ACT will design and validate the framework in a user-centred, iterative approach through small-scale interventions, followed by six large-scale case studies,selected to cover the lifelong learning scope of SCCE. IMP>ACT brings together an interdisciplinary consortium with partners from SCCE research, policy and practice.

Methodology

IMP>ACT applies a participatory design approach to its research and development activities, including relevant knowledge actors and users by means of co-design, co-creation and co-assessment. Through participatory design research, we aim to engage these stakeholders in the design process of the IMP>ACT assessment framework, to ensure that the framework is effective, relevant, and inclusive of their contexts and needs. Our approach to participatory design research involves identifying and recruiting stakeholders, co-designing research questions, collecting, analysing, and interpreting data, knowledge dissemination, and enacting change.

Consortium

University of Utrecht

At Universiteit Utrecht (UU), we’ve been at the forefront of research and education since 1636, and we’re proud to be coordinating the IMP>ACT project. As the project coordinators, we have the challenging but exciting task of ensuring everything runs smoothly. We’re not only focused on keeping the project on track, meeting deadlines, and ensuring seamless collaboration across our international consortium, but we’re also deeply involved in the academic heart of the project.
From developing the IMP>ACT assessment framework to organizing interventions, we’re driving the academic work that shapes the foundation of the project. Given our legacy as a university that helped shape plate tectonics theory, we know that real change isn’t just incremental—it can be seismic. We believe that impact assessment can drive tectonic shifts in sustainability education, transforming the way students and educators engage with real-world challenges.
UU has always been a place where big ideas take shape. The university was once home to René Descartes, who famously said, “I think, therefore I am.” But in sustainability education, thinking isn’t enough—action is what truly defines impact. That’s why IMP>ACT is about action competence and action orientation, measurable outcomes of SCCE that empower students to turn knowledge into change. So, in the spirit of Descartes, we say: “I think sustainably, therefore I act.” 

U Talent

We are U-Talent (UU-UT), a dynamic partnership between Utrecht University and the University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, dedicated to strengthening science education and creating smoother transitions from secondary school to higher education. Our mission is to spark curiosity, foster talent, and ensure that every student—regardless of background—has the opportunity to engage with science, humanities, and sustainability in meaningful ways.
Through our national network of over 50 schools, we offer masterclasses in science, humanities, and sustainability, as well as targeted programs that promote diversity, gender balance, and inclusion. We focus on supporting underrepresented groups, including first-generation students, ensuring they have the tools and confidence to pursue higher education in science and technology. At the same time, we work closely with teachers, providing professional development opportunities in sustainability education to help integrate these crucial topics into classrooms.
By embedding the IMP>ACT framework in our work, we ensure that SCCEn is not only engaging and inclusive but also equips young people with the knowledge and motivation to tackle real-world challenges. Together, we are shaping a future where education leads to action—and where talent and diversity fuel meaningful societal change.

Karlstad University

At Karlstad University, we’re a young institution with big dreams and an even bigger impact. Founded in 1977, we might not have centuries of history, but what we do have is a fresh, dynamic approach to education, research, and sustainability. And, just like the youth leading today’s green revolution, we’re at the forefront of driving positive change for a more sustainable future.
Our campus, nestled by the stunning Lake Vänern, combines modern innovation with the beauty of nature. It’s the perfect setting for inspiration, collaboration, and a little bit of Swedish fika (because what’s a university without coffee and pastries, right?). It’s here that we nurture the next generation of global changemakers who are ready to take on the world’s biggest challenges, especially climate change.
Karlstad University is proud to be part of the IMPACT project, an exciting international initiative focused on developing an assessment framework for Sustainability and Climate Change Education (SCCE). Our role? Leading the charge in measuring and improving how education systems across Europe approach climate action, empowering students and educators to transform knowledge into action. Just as IMPACT helps shape the future of education, Karlstad University is shaping the next generation of sustainable leaders—youth who will not just study climate change but take real, impactful actions to combat it.

University of Vechta

At the University of Vechta, education isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are. With roots dating back to the 19th century as a teacher training college, we’ve spent generations shaping outstanding educators and pushing the boundaries of social sciences and the humanities. Since becoming a university in 1995, we’ve embraced a forward-thinking approach—championing interdisciplinary learning, applied research, and a deep commitment to social responsibility.
We believe in education that matters—learning that empowers students to become agents of change in their communities and beyond. That’s why our focus on inclusion, critical thinking, and transformative pedagogy makes us a perfect match for the IMPACT project.
As a key partner in Work Package 3, we’re helping lay the groundwork for how Sustainability and Climate Change Education (SCCE) should be taught, evaluated, and improved. From defining quality criteria for action-oriented teaching, to developing innovative ways to measure how these approaches are implemented—and how educators are building their own competences along the way—we’re making sure SCCE is more than just a buzzword. It’s a lifelong learning journey.
At Vechta, we’re not just preparing students for the future—we’re helping shape how education drives climate action, one meaningful learning experience at a time.

University of Antwerp

At the IMPACT project, we’re not just throwing hands—we’re throwing down in the fight against climate change. Inspired by the legendary Hand of Antwerp, where a giant once tossed severed hands to block passage across the river, we’re flipping the script. Instead of stopping progress, we’re throwing hands to spark it—offering a hand to those ready to take bold action on Sustainability and Climate Change Education (SCCE).
In Antwerp, “throwing hands” used to mean holding people back. But today, we’re using it to push things forward. Just like the city is known for its cutting-edge fashion scene, we’re setting trends in climate education—designing innovative, action-oriented strategies that will shape the classrooms and communities of tomorrow.
And let’s not forget Antwerp’s artistic icon, Peter Paul Rubens. His work didn’t just hang on walls—it moved people. That’s the energy we’re bringing to the IMPACT project. We’re creating a framework that educators can use like a canvas to measure, refine, and elevate SCCE into something powerful, inspiring, and lasting. Think of it as painting a better future, one brushstroke of climate action at a time.
At the University of Antwerp, we’re not just part of the conversation—we’re leading the charge. And in this project, we’re proud to be joining hands with giants in SCCE to empower students, inspire educators, and help fight climate change from the classroom out.
Because when it comes to saving the planet, it’s all hands on deck—and ours are already in motion.

Masaryk University

At Masaryk University, we’re excited to take on the challenge of leading the evaluation of the IMP>ACT assessment framework in real-world settings. As an academic partner, our role is to make sure the framework isn’t just a theoretical tool but something that truly works for educators and institutions striving to embed sustainability in meaningful ways.
We are working closely with societal partners to test the framework in six real-life case studies, guiding them through the process and studying how they apply it. Our job is to assess what works, what doesn’t, and how the framework can be refined to support sustainability education. Through surveys, interviews, and hands-on observations, we’ll collect valuable insights, helping to fine-tune the framework so it’s not just assessing impact but actually helping to drive change.
For us, this project is about more than just research; it’s about making a real difference in how sustainability education is understood, implemented, and improved. We take pride in making research meaningful and accessible, and this project is a perfect fit for our approach. As a university known for its commitment to innovation—whether through our Antarctic Mendel Polar Station, the Mendel Museum dedicated to the father of genetics, or our unique student-led film festival—we thrive on bridging academic theory with real-world applications.

INVALSI

At INVALSI, we’ve mastered the art of assessment. Since 2004, we’ve been dedicated to evaluating and improving the quality of education across Italy with a focus on student achievement, educational outcomes, and overall system effectiveness. With millions of students evaluated every year, we’ve become the go-to experts when it comes to understanding what works in the classroom.
But we don’t stop there. We’re constantly evolving, from traditional paper-based assessments to embracing digital innovation, ensuring we stay at the cutting edge of educational evaluation. From testing core subjects like Italian, mathematics, and English to diving deep into student attitudes and competencies, we provide a comprehensive picture of how well Italy is shaping its future minds.
And since we are the masters of evaluation, it’s no surprise that we’re proud to be part of the IMPACT project. This ambitious initiative aims to create an assessment framework for Sustainability and Climate Change education—a natural fit for us as we continue to explore new ways to measure and improve education. Just as we’ve helped transform the Italian education system, we’re now working to ensure that climate action becomes a core part of learning for future generations.
From test scores to climate scores, INVALSI is here to ensure education always meets the highest standards!

Center for Promotion of Science

We are Lena, Katarina, and Lale, a dynamic trio from the Center for the Promotion of Science (CPN) in Belgrade, Serbia. At CPN, we specialize in turning science into stories that inspire. Our passions lie in Science Communication, Environmental Education, and Public Engagement—and we’re all about making complex ideas accessible and actionable for everyone.
In the IMP>ACT project, we wear two hats. First, we’re leading the Communication, Dissemination, and Exploitation work package (yes, we know that sounds like a mouthful).
What it really means is that we’re the storytellers of the project, working tirelessly to share IMP>ACT’s results in creative and engaging ways while building a community of informed and excited users.
Second, we act as a social partner, bringing academic ideas to life. Think of us as the bridge between research and real-world action. We’re teaming up with national partners, from grassroots environmental NGOs to large-scale government initiatives, to create a network of stakeholders. This group will help us test the IMPACT assessment framework and provide.

Keep Sweden Tidy

We are Keep Sweden Tidy (KST), a Swedish foundation dedicated to environmental stewardship and sustainability education. With roots in a nationwide anti-littering campaign from the 1960s, we have grown into a leading force for raising awareness, inspiring action, and creating cleaner, greener communities. Each year, our large-scale clean-up campaigns engage over a million people across Sweden, including around 700,000 children—making it one of the country’s most impactful environmental initiatives.
Our work goes beyond just picking up litter. We focus on long-term behavioral change by promoting environmental education and sustainable practices in schools and communities. As the Swedish operator of Grön Flagg (Eco-Schools), the largest independent education for sustainable development (ESD) program in Sweden, we support approximately 1,200 schools and preschools in embedding sustainability into their curriculum and daily activities.
As a Societal Partner in IMP>ACT, we see this collaboration as an opportunity to strengthen sustainability education and empower young people to take meaningful environmental action. By implementing the IMP>ACT assessment framework, we will help refine tools that measure and enhance action competence, giving schools and communities the means to drive real change. Through our engagement in IMP>ACT, we are committed to making sustainability education more impactful, actionable, and widespread. By working alongside educators, policymakers, and researchers, we help build a future where sustainability is second nature—ensuring that Sweden stays not just tidy but truly sustainable.

DG HochN (Deutsche Gesellschaft HochN

At DG HochN, we’re all about turning sustainability talk into action. As a thriving network of over 70 universities and 1,000+ members across Germany, we bring together educators, researchers, and university staff to embed sustainability at the very core of higher education.
We support institutions in making real change—through collaborative formats, expert exchanges, and open resources like the DG HochN-Wiki. Whether it’s integrating sustainability into teaching, research, or campus operations, we’re here to help turn big ideas into everyday practice.
Represented in IMP>ACT by Daria and Bror, we bring both hands-on networking and research expertise to the table. Daria connects people and ideas around Education for Sustainable Development, while Bror explores how universities can transform systemically—and how peer learning helps educators lead the way.
As a Societal Partner in IMP>ACT, we’re bridging the gap between policy, research, and real-world practice. Our mission? To help tailor and apply the IMP>ACT framework in ways that empower universities to foster action competence and become true engines of sustainability.

The Duurzaam EducatiePunt

We are Duurzaam Educatiepunt (DEP), the driving force behind Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in Flanders. As the ESD expertise center within the Flemish government, we connect policy and practice, ensuring that sustainability education is embedded across all levels of society. Our work supports schools, higher education institutions, and non-formal educators, providing them with the tools, knowledge, and networks to create meaningful learning experiences.
In the IMP>ACT project, we play a crucial role in bridging research and real-world application. We lead the way in embedding sustainability into education, from coordinating MOS Flanders and the Eco-Schools Programme—reaching over half of Flemish schools—to supporting higher education institutions. Our expertise extends beyond formal education, as we engage citizens and professionals in sustainability learning through workshops, publications, and networking events

Skautský institut

We are Jiří, Jan and Dalibor from Skautský Institut, a vibrant community rooted in the values of scouting, education, and environmental stewardship. As one of the largest non-formal educational organizations in the Czech Republic, we believe in shaping young people’s minds, fostering responsibility, and building a deep connection to nature and society. Our work involves engaging youth in hands-on, action-driven projects that cultivate essential skills and a sense of purpose.
In the IMP>ACT project, we are examining the long-term impact of our flagship environmental education program, Patronage. This initiative empowers young people—whether scouts or school groups—to take responsibility for a local green space, working in partnership with conservation managers to protect biodiversity. From maintaining wetlands to safeguarding endangered plant species, our participants don’t just learn about nature—they actively preserve it.

Societal Collaborations

Next to the six societal partners in the IMP>ACT consortium, in each country a national stakeholder group (35 committed organisations) will be actively involved to co-develop and validate the IMP>ACT assessment framework, contributing to its validity and viability beyond the project’s lifetime. The IMP>ACT assessment framework will allow designers and implementers of SCCE policies, curricula and practices to collect information on the impact they achieve, and as such drive improved feedback loops between research, policy and practice. This will ensure that SCCE materials, tools, interventions, and curricula stay relevant, and lead to evidence-based quality improvement of SCCE policies and practices.

This project has received funding from the EU Horizon Europe program under the grant agreement No 101137351