From 17 to 24 October 2026, Technische Universität Ilmenau hosted its Sustainability Days, bringing together students, university staff and, for the first time, members of the SUNRISE European University Alliance. The week-long programme combined international knowledge exchange, scientific perspectives and hands-on activities, highlighting how universities can work together to promote sustainability.

Exploring Sustainability Through SUNRISE Walks

The Sustainability Days began with two SUNRISE Walks through the forests surrounding Ilmenau. Led by city forester Matthias Wetzel and Prof. Jens Wolling, the walks attracted 61 participants, who covered a combined distance of 652.5 kilometres.

Despite the autumn weather, participants explored the local natural environment, learned about forest restoration and discussed the challenges facing Thuringia’s forests. The walks also provided an opportunity to introduce the SUNRISE Alliance and encourage informal exchanges among participants.

The programme continued with scientific presentations exploring how research and innovation can support climate-resilient forestry. Participants discovered new technologies, including sensor systems for monitoring water balance, and learned about research initiatives developing solutions for the forests of the future.

Learning from SUNRISE Partners Across Europe

One of the highlights of the week was the online symposium “Sustainability Transformation at HEIs in the SUNRISE Alliance Network.”

Representatives from SUNRISE partner universities shared their approaches, experiences and initiatives related to sustainability in higher education.

The symposium provided an opportunity to exchange good practices, reflect on existing activities and explore possibilities for stronger cooperation across the Alliance.

As Prof. Jens Wolling from TU Ilmenau’s Sustainability Task Group emphasised, connecting the Sustainability Days with SUNRISE created valuable opportunities for mutual learning. The exchange is expected to continue in spring 2027, when sustainability representatives from partner universities are planned to meet in Ilmenau.

Turning Sustainability into Everyday Action

Beyond discussions and scientific presentations, the Sustainability Days encouraged participants to put sustainable principles into practice.

A wide range of activities demonstrated how individual actions and community initiatives can contribute to positive environmental change.

Participants took part in creative clothing recycling workshops, explored second-hand fashion opportunities and engaged in activities promoting reuse and responsible consumption.

The campus itself became a space for collaborative action. Students and staff worked together on the university garden, planted flower bulbs to support pollinators, created new habitats for wildlife and continued the tradition of planting a tree for graduating students.

The programme also included bicycle registration and repair workshops, promoting sustainable mobility and extending the lifespan of everyday items.

These initiatives demonstrated that sustainability is not limited to institutional strategies or research projects. It is equally reflected in the everyday decisions and collective efforts of university communities.

Building a More Sustainable Future Together

The Sustainability Days at TU Ilmenau demonstrated the importance of combining local engagement with international university cooperation.

By bringing SUNRISE partners into the programme, the event created new opportunities for sharing knowledge, connecting initiatives and identifying common challenges.

Many of the activities launched or developed during the week will continue beyond the event, contributing to the university’s long-term sustainability efforts.

For the SUNRISE Alliance, the initiative offered another example of how collaboration between European universities can strengthen sustainability practices, encourage community participation and support positive change at both local and European levels.

Read the original article published by TU Ilmenau.