• R 231, Greater Kailash Part I, New Delhi -100 048

To be held from June to August 2025 with In-Person Training in Bengaluru from 22 June to 6 July 2025

The Sustainability Ambassadors Global Exchange (SAGE) program builds a new generation of sustainability leaders who develop essential skills in 
active listening, research management, data analysis, systems thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration through a real-world sustainability boot camp. The SAGE program is a unique initiative that combines classroom knowledge with on-field, community engagement to train participants to tackle real-world sustainability issues while fostering empathy and understanding. The diverse perspectives and networking opportunities of this lifelong program continue to offer participants vital tools for career success and professional growth. The SAGE program reinforces a commitment to sustainable development and collective impact across various sectors.  It builds relationships that will last a lifetime, creating a network of passionate individuals committed to making a difference.

The echo network is a community of over 2500 individuals from 46 countries who have dedicated their lives to building a more sustainable planet.  Each of these members is an expert in their own field - be it a champion farmer, an intrepid filmmaker, or a CEO. Over the past 5 years, over 650 individuals have helped develop the projects and concepts you will be researching during the Sustainability Ambassadors Global Exchange  (SAGE) Senior Ambassadors Program, which was initiated in 2023.

You can find the course reports for 2023 here and for 2024 here.

COURSE INFO

  • Course name: Sustainability Ambassadors Global Exchange Program
  • Educational institutions: Tata Institute for Genetics and Society (Host and knowledge partner), Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (Field Host and knowledge partner). India Nordic Centre of India (course logistics and funding allocation), the echo network in collaboration with Innovation Center Denmark and Danish Academy of Technical Sciences (course development)
  • Course credits: 7.5 or 10 ECTS (estimated 172 hours of interaction)
  • Language of instructions: English
  • 12-week hybrid course: 2 weeks Online introductory lectures in June (8-10 lectures of 2 hours each), 2 weeks in-person training and field visits in Bengaluru starting 22nd June, and 8 weeks total secondary remote research in June-August (10 hours-15 hours per week)
  • Rate of studies: Part-time
  • Maximum number of students: 25
  • Eligibility: 1 year of postgraduate studies (Masters or above) with minimum grades  equivalent to 3.0 GPA on a 4-point scale or grade C according to ECTS.
  • Deep Dive in the Key Topics related to Sustainability: Students will learn about essential topics such as surveillance, circularity, forum, biopackaging, waste, nutrition, production, feedstock, stewardship, digitisation and valuation through comprehensive lectures and discussions with experts.
  • Enhance Problem-Solving Skills: Students will develop the ability to address complex sustainability challenges through interdisciplinary research and systems thinking while gaining experience in collaborative work across disciplines, drawing insights from various fields to inform and enrich projects.
  • Confront Real-World Issues: Our Ambassadors will embody the principles of just transition through inclusive participatory approaches in problem-solving, while applying knowledge to real-world challenges by collaborating with consortium members, key stakeholders, and communities through secondary research projects. Our reports
  • Establish Long-Term Collaborations: The students will have the opportunity to work with and develop sustained partnerships with individuals and organisations in India focused on sustainability-related initiatives.

Upon successful completion of the summer course, the students receive a grade transcript jointly from the echo network, Nordic Centre in India and ATV Denmark along with supplementary documents that can award them 7.5 ECTS at their respective home university. For students who wish pursue 10 ECTS it is also possible to do additional assignments during the same period of time. Since the course is designed to suit students from Nordic universities with European and national credit systems, students are requested to consult the International offices for information about how to translate and register the course credits at their home university.
International Grade Converter online
European Grade Converter online

HYBRID LEARNING

Online Introductory Lectures (June 2025):
The program will commence with two weeks of online lectures, consisting of eight sessions of two hours each. These lectures will cover fundamental sustainability topics, providing a solid foundation for the subsequent in-person training.

In-Person Training in Bengaluru (22 June - 6 July 2025):
Participants will spend two weeks in Bengaluru for immersive training, which will include lectures, field trips, stakeholder interactions, community engagements, and networking events. This component will be co-led by the Nordic Centre in India, with the echo network facilitating training development.

Remote Research (June-August 2025):
Following the in-person training, participants will undertake eight weeks of remote research, dedicating approximately 10 hours per week. This research will enable participants to apply their learning in real-world contexts and further develop their projects in collaboration with consortia.

SAGE SHOWCASE

Participants present their research at the SAGE Showcase. Scheduled towards the end of the program but well ahead of their final submission, this showcase will allow Senior Ambassadors to receive constructive feedback from experts and peers. This feedback will enable them to refine their projects before the final submission.

EXPERT NETWORKING

Throughout the program, participants will engage with experts from the echo network and partner organisations. These interactions will occur during lectures, in-person training, field visits, and network summits, enriching participants' understanding of sustainability challenges.

HUMAN LIBRARY

Participants will also have the opportunity to engage in a virtual Human Library program, featuring experts who will share their personal experiences and insights from the field. This format encourages open dialogue and deep exploration of sustainability challenges.

You can find the detailed course syllabus and plan here. 

Program Fees (including food, accommodation, training, and summit attendance) will be provided by the SAGE program to all Senior Ambassadors (approx. ₹80,000 or €900 per student).

Travel, insurance, and visa fees will be borne by students. Travel scholarships may be offered based on need.

ASSESSMENT

  1.  Regular Research Updates: The students will present regular updates of their research projects and gathered information at defined intervals. 30%
  2.  Participation: Active participation in course activities and field trips via human library book reports and field reviews 40% These activities include:
  3. Orientation lectures (short questions regarding lecture content)
  4. Human Library (students must attend at least 2 sessions per week and answer a short assignment)
  5. Field Trips (short questions on field experiences)
  6. Presentation: As a presentation at the SAGE Virtual Conference, the students will present their research results to inform the echo network’s larger outcomes. 10%
  7. Final Report: Students will collate their learnings into a report that will be disseminated through academic publication, blog, online report, or other media as determined jointly by students and advisors. 20%

HOW TO APPLY

  1. Ensure you are a postgraduate currently pursuing or have completed your Master’s or early PhD studies, both in India and internationally.
  2. Complete the online interest form By January 17, 2025.
  3. After the announcement of shortlisted candidates on January 24, 2025, you will be requested to submit a full application. This will include:
    • An updated CV
    • A motivation letter (1-2 pages) detailing what truly motivates and inspires you, as well as your inner journey toward the program
    • A research proposal focusing on one of our project interests: circularity, surveillance, waste management, forum, feedstock, biopackaging, nutrition, production, stewardship, digitalization, or valuation
    • Letter of Recommendation
    • Copy of latest transcript
    •  Any additional documentation showcasing relevant research or projects
  4. International Students who are shortlisted will be asked to provide passport information
  5. Final applications are due by February 23, 2025.

REQUIREMENTS

  • Currently enrolled Postgraduates studying at universities in India or an NCI member university who are interested in the echo network's challenges.
  • Able to attend online lectures in June 2025 (2 hours each; 8-10 lectures).
  • Willing to complete remote collaborative research with network experts between June-August at approximately 10-15 hours per week effort.
  • Able to attend 2 weeks in person training and network summit in Bengaluru (22 June - 6 July 2025)

Willing to adhere to all the deadlines of project submissions.

IMPORTANT DATES

  • December 17, 2024: Open Information Q&A for any interested applicants.
  • January 17, 2025: Expression of Interest Forms Due
  • January 24, 2025: First Round of Shortlisted Applicants Announced; Research Proposals Requested
  • February 23, 2025: Submission of Proposals; Final Applications Due
  • March 11, 2025: Program Attendees Announced
  • June 2025: SAGE Program Online Lectures
  • June 22 - July 6, 2025: SAGE Training and Network Summit in Bengaluru
  • June-August 2025:  Project Completion (Approx. 10-15 hours per week)

Dr. Shannon B Olsson,
Global Director, the echo network,
Course Lead
Email: shannon@echonetwork.in

Christabel Royan,
Director of the Nordic Centre in India,
Course Facilitator
Email: christabel.royan@nordiccentreindia.com

Dr. Rakesh Mishra,
Director, Tata Institute for Genetics and Society,
In-person Host
Email: rakesh.mishra@tigs.res.in

Dr. Surabhi Srivastava,
Chief Scientific Ocer, Tata Institute for Genetics and Society,
In-person Host
Email: surabhi.srivastava@tigs.res.in

Dr. Saveetha Meganathan
Senior Scientist, Tata Institute for Genetics and Society,
In-person Host
Email: saveetha.m@tigs.res.in

Dr. Martin Bech,
Senior Advisor, Danish Academy of Technical Sciences,
Collaborating partner
Email: mab@atv.dk