Immersive Learning Across Dubai and Abu Dhabi

From the very first day, students were encouraged to think critically and creatively about people, place and sustainability on a global scale. Their learning extended far beyond the studio, with field visits and cultural experiences that shaped their understanding of the region’s social, environmental and historical landscape.

Students explored key cultural and environmental sites including:

• Dubai Design District (d3)
• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
• Louvre Abu Dhabi
• Burj Khalifa
• Dubai Creek and historic precincts

These experiences enabled students to draw inspiration from diverse cultural narratives, architectural innovation, and the environmental challenges and opportunities unique to the region. These experiences enabled students to draw inspiration from diverse cultural narratives, architectural innovation, and the environmental challenges and opportunities unique to the region.

Through guided tours, site analysis, and multimedia documentation, students connected ideas, captured insights and expanded their perspective on sustainability in rapidly evolving global contexts.

Collaboration With Expert Partners

A core component of the Challenge involved spending time with industry and community partners who provided firsthand insight into ecological systems, sustainable development and social innovation across the UAE. Students participated in open discussions and guided environmental tours, building a stronger understanding of regional sustainability priorities and their implications for design and policy.

This direct engagement gave students both the knowledge and inspiration needed to develop informed, meaningful and future-focused responses to the Challenge brief.

Bringing It All Together: Final Studio Day & Pitch Night

After six days of cultural immersion, research, prototyping and reflection, students entered their final studio session, a day dedicated to refining, validating and elevating their design solutions.

Teams worked collaboratively to:

• Critically review their concepts against stakeholder needs
• Strengthen logic, structure and storytelling
• Validate facts, data and research
• Integrate cultural and environmental insights
• Finalise their visual and multimedia outputs

Working lunches, peer-to-peer critique sessions and last-round revisions filled the day as teams prepared for their final showcase. That evening, students took the stage for Pitch Night, presenting their completed concepts to peers, facilitators, and invited industry guests. Each presentation demonstrated not only creative thinking but also a deep appreciation for sustainability, cultural context and design rigour. Their work reflected courage, curiosity and a strong commitment to shaping more sustainable futures.

Leadership and Support

Beginning on 6 November 2025, the Challenge was led by an experienced team from Curtin Bentley’s Faculty of Humanities including Professor Josh Byrne, Professor Francesco Mancini, Melissa Greenberg, Stephanie Lee, Bayley Simonds and Arlen Brower (Science and Engineering), as well as academics from Curtin Dubai, including Ajita Nayar, Professor Pon Selvan and Professor Anitha Menon.  

Their guidance ensured that students were supported at every stage, from initial ideation through to final delivery.

Looking Ahead

The Global Sustainability Challenge continues to demonstrate the power of global collaboration, experiential learning and interdisciplinary thinking. We are incredibly proud of our students for their energy, resilience and creativity throughout this year’s Challenge.

Watch the Highlights Here

Watch the Student Highlights Here

Gallery

For more information on our upcoming Sustainability Challenges please contact Humanities-Futures@curtin.edu.au

Held from 13 – 30 October 2025 in Fremantle WA and Curtin University Bentley Campus, the challenge brought together students from The Studio School Fremantle, Curtin University Academics, Fremantle community champions, and the City of Fremantle to tackle a live community sustainability brief; William Street ‘Reimagined’. 

Participants worked collaboratively to explore innovative ways to enhance sustainability, livability, and community connection through urban greening within the heart of Fremantle. The challenge provided students with hands-on experience in community-led urban design, sustainability innovation, and collaborative problem-solving, bridging academic learning with real-world application. 

“Through masterclasses with Curtin academics and mentorship from industry leaders, our students have gained practical skills, fresh perspectives and a glimpse into future pathways in sustainability.” – The Studio School Fremantle 

The 2025 challenge once again demonstrated the value of connecting education, industry, local government, and community to drive positive change and reaffirmed the vital role of young changemakers in shaping a sustainable future. 

Watch the Highlights Here

Contact Humanities-Futures@curtin.edu.au for more information on our challenges.

Learn more about William St Reimagined

Sustainable Futures: climate, curriculum and collaboration

What do an urban designer, an electrician and Curtin University have in common? They all want to help humanity prosper. To achieve that, sustainability is key. 

In this episode, our host David is joined by Professor Josh Byrne and Saf Flatters. Josh is Dean of Sustainable Futures at Curtin (he’s also well-known as a presenter on ABC TV’s Gardening Australia), and Saf is an electrical and energy specialist and third-year Curtin data science student. 

Together, they explore what a ‘sustainable future’ really means, and how a novel Curtin University subject called Sustainability Challenge is bringing together academia, industry, government and community to create real solutions to some of the most pressing environmental and social problems. 

1. What does a ‘sustainable future’ mean? [03:24]
2. Sustainability problems more complex than ever [04:40]
3. Big problems mean big solutions [07:30]
4. Data science brings structure to complexity [08:28]
5. Cultivating hope and optimism [10:11]
6. Sustainability Challenge insights [12:29]
7. There’s no ‘doctor evil’ industry [30:59]
8. Learnings to last a lifetime [35:17]

Learn more

• 2025 Sustainability Challenge
• Sustainable Futures
• Futures Platform at Curtin

Connect with our guests

Professor Josh Byrne, Dean of Sustainable Futures, Faculty of Humanities
Professor Josh Byrne is an environmental scientist, urban design professional and Dean of Sustainable Futures at Curtin. His career bridges academia, professional practice, media and policy, with a focus on advancing urban sustainability through demonstration and collaboration. In 2025, Josh was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to conservation, the environment and public communication.

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Saf Flatters, Bachelor of Science (Data Science) student, Faculty of Science and Engineering
Saf describes her career path as “very twisty.” With more than 15 years of experience as an electrician in the electrical and energy sectors, she’s now studying a Bachelor of Science (Data Science) at Curtin. Saf is passionate about using data to solve real-world problems, and outside her studies, she runs an electrical business, serves on industry boards and spends time bike packing through hidden corners of the world.

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Join Curtin University

This podcast is brought to you by Curtin University. Curtin is a global university known for its commitment to making positive change happen through high-impact research, strong industry partnerships and practical teaching.

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Transcript

Read the transcript.

Behind the scenes

Host: David Karsten
Researcher: Caitlin Crowley
Producer: Emilia Jolakoska

First Nations Acknowledgement

Curtin University acknowledges all First Nations of this place we call Australia and the First Nations peoples connected with our global campuses. We are committed to working in partnership with all Custodians and Owners to strengthen and embed First Nations’ voices and perspectives in our decision-making, now and into the future.

Music

OKAY by 13ounce Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 Music promoted by Audio Library.

Curtin University supports academic freedom of speech. The views expressed in The Future Of podcast may not reflect those of Curtin University.

Over five intensive days, 120 students from across disciplines—engineering, design, construction management, health sciences, communications, business, and more—collaborated with leading industry experts and academic mentors to develop tangible solutions for a more sustainable future. This year’s challenge centred on three key themes: Climate mitigation, adaptation and resilience; Resource efficiency and circularity; and Ecosystem health and wellbeing.

“These aren’t just theoretical global problems,” said Provost Professor Matthew Tonts. “They have very real implications for Western Australia. And they require collaboration across all fields—humanities, science, engineering, law, business. This challenge gives our students a rare opportunity to experience that kind of interdisciplinary negotiation, complexity, and creativity.”

What set this year apart was the breadth of real-world partnerships. Students engaged with representatives from the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, DevelopmentWA, and Austal, along with a powerhouse group of industry leader and researchers.

Among the many contributors were:

• Mark Timson, Western Power
• Ryan Falconer, Department of Transport
• Mia Onorato, Beam Mobility
• Graham Agara, Full Circle Design
• Warren Phillips, St Bart’s
• Michele Blakey, My Home Australasia
• Antonietta Torre, Water Corporation
• Joanna Stegena, City of Canning
• Mandy Bamford, Bamford Consulting
• Laura Skates, Environmental Communications Specialist
• Steve McCabe, Perth NRM
• Nele Johnson, City of Canning
• Nasrin Aghamohammadi, Urban Heat Specialist
• Jeremey Maher, Water Corporation

Projects tackled ranged from decarbonising ferry transportation and greening urban neighbourhoods to low carbon medium density housing and nature based solutions for combating urban heat.

“This isn’t just about giving students a brief and walking away,” said Professor Josh Byrne, Dean of Sustainable Futures. “It’s about industry and academia coming together to guide and nurture student thinking—and that’s what we saw in full force this week. The creativity and intellect in the room has been formidable.”

Reflecting on the experience, student representative Habiba Rashid shared:

“This wasn’t just an academic exercise. It was a deeply personal opportunity to explore different ways of thinking, build skills, and collaborate with students from all walks of life. We’ve seen that even in one week, it’s possible to plant the seeds of real, lasting change.”

For many students, this was the first time they had worked in a multidisciplinary team or been exposed to genuine industry problems. As Associate Professor Nicole Slatter, Dean of Learning and Teaching, explained.

“This platform brings together brilliant researchers, strong pedagogical approaches, and meaningful partnerships to prepare students not just for a job—but for the future. A future that is shared, complex, and constantly evolving.”

Behind the scenes, academic and professional staff played a vital role in making the challenge possible. “It’s a great example of what happens when the full skills of our university community are leveraged for the benefit of students and society,” said Byrne. “To every staff member who guided, mentored, and supported our students—thank you.”

The 2025 Sustainability Challenge not only showcased inspiring student work—it offered a blueprint for how universities, government and industry can collaborate to tackle the defining challenges of our time.

As one industry mentor put it:

“These students didn’t just meet expectations—they redefined what’s possible when you put real problems in front of bright minds and trust them to lead.” The challenge may have ended, but the solutions—and the relationships built—will continue shaping the future long after the showcase lights dim.

Watch the Student Highlights Here

Watch the Highlights from Our Industry Partners

Upcoming Sustainable Futures Challenges

To learn more about upcoming Sustainable Futures Challenges, please contact humanities-futures@curtin.edu.au

• Climate Adaption and Resilience
• Resource Efficiency and Circularity
• Ecosystem Health and Wellbeing

This program offers Curtin University students the unique opportunity to engage directly with sustainability challenges that matter — working alongside industry partners, academic mentors, and fellow students from diverse disciplines to design real-world solutions. Participants will gain invaluable experience addressing some of today’s most pressing environmental and social issues, from decarbonisation strategies to creating closed-loop systems and restoring natural ecosystems.

By joining the Sustainability Challenge, students will:

• Build a powerful professional network
• Gain hands-on, practical industry experience
• Earn 25 credit points towards their Curtin University degree

Key Dates:

• Applications open: now
• Online pre-learning begins: 16 June
• Intensive face-to-face learning: starts 23 June
• Showcase event: 30 June

Watch the 2024 Sustainability Challenge below to see how past participants tackled real-world sustainability problems and made an impact.

The GSC’s outstanding success was recognised with the Global Impact Award at the Global Curtin Recognition Awards 2024. This prestigious accolade celebrates the challenge’s exceptional contributions to extending Curtin University’s impact and influence across borders, underscoring its role as a global leader in sustainability education and collaboration.

A Global Community of Changemakers

The GSC united students from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to tackle real-world issues. Working in teams, participants focused on sustainability challenges faced by the island of Pulau Ubin in Singapore, such as waste management, energy security, and nature conservation.

Professor Josh Byrne, Dean of Sustainable Futures at Curtin University, emphasised the transformative nature of the initiative.

“This was much more than just an assignment – it was an opportunity to shape the future. Students developed innovative solutions that addressed practical concerns, like reducing transport emissions and improving local energy resilience. Their ideas were both inspiring and actionable.”

Innovative Solutions for Real-World Challenges

Participants collaborated with leading industry partners, including Singapore National Parks Board, Asian Detours, EDP Renewables, and VFlowTech, to co-design solutions aimed at achieving net-zero emissions, promoting a circular economy, and fostering nature-positive practices.

Highlights from the challenge included:

• Resource Recovery Innovations: Practical strategies for waste avoidance and recycling to reduce transport costs and emissions.
• Renewable Energy Optimisation: Tools to enable villagers to monitor and maximise local micro-grid power.
• Electric Transport Solutions: Proposals to transition to electric ferries that could double as emergency energy storage.

These solutions demonstrated not only creativity but also a strong commitment to making a tangible impact on pressing global issues.

Hands-On Learning and Mentorship

Unlike traditional competitions, the GSC prioritised teamwork and cross-cultural collaboration, supported by mentorship from industry experts. Students developed leadership, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills while building a global network of peers dedicated to sustainability.

“The Global Sustainability Challenge was an incredible opportunity for Curtin students to apply their knowledge to global challenges, working towards sustainable solutions with real-world implications,” Professor Byrne said.

A Showcase of Innovation

The challenge concluded on 17 November 2024 with students presenting their innovative solutions to key stakeholders in Singapore. This inspiring showcase reflected the participants’ creativity, teamwork, and shared vision for a sustainable future.

Building a Sustainable Future Together

The success of the GSC was made possible by strong partnerships with organisations such as Adobe, Cisco, WY-TO, and Tigris, alongside support from Curtin University’s Faculty of Humanities. Together, they enabled students to turn ideas into actionable strategies for change.

A Global Recognition

Winning the Global Impact Award at the Global Curtin Recognition Awards 2024 solidifies the GSC’s position as a flagship initiative for Curtin University. This recognition highlights the challenge’s profound role in extending Curtin’s influence and impact beyond borders, inspiring future collaborations to address global sustainability challenges.

The Global Sustainability Challenge stands as a testament to Curtin University’s commitment to fostering a new generation of changemakers—leaders equipped to address the world’s most pressing environmental challenges through collaboration, innovation, and action.

For more on Curtin’s sustainability initiatives, visit the Sustainable Futures webpage.

Driving Energy Efficiency in the Global South

A/Prof Atiq Zaman collaborated with UN CEET colleagues and his PhD student, Ms Ayesha Kaleem, on the report Energy Rating Labels and Potential for Energy Savings Across the Global South. The study highlights potential energy savings scenarios of 10% to 40% by 2050, underscoring the importance of adopting Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and Energy Rating Labels (ERLs). These findings provide a framework for countries in the Global South to incorporate energy efficiency measures into their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by 2025.

A/Prof Zaman also shared his expertise during an interview at the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Pavilion, discussing the critical role of energy efficiency in tackling the climate crisis.

Innovative Waste-to-Energy Solutions

Dr Alessandro Sanches Pereira, with his UN CEET colleagues, presented the report Unlocking Low-Emission Energy from Waste: A Sustainable Solution for Shipping and Fisheries in Emerging Economies at the Danish Pavilion. This work highlights the potential of waste-to-energy systems to provide low-emission alternatives for industries in emerging economies, supporting sustainable development.

Curtin University’s researchers continue to drive impactful solutions, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change and build a sustainable future.

Read the full report here: Energy Rating Labels and Potential for Energy Savings Across the Global South

The event featured a range of activities designed to inspire and empower participants. Students engaged in interactive masterclasses led by Curtin academics, where they gained a deeper understanding of sustainability issues and explored innovative solutions. The mentorship from industry leaders provided a valuable perspective on the sustainability practices shaping today’s world, giving students insight into potential career paths.

In addition to academic and industry-led sessions, students had the chance to immerse themselves in university life, experiencing Curtin’s vibrant campus and connecting with like-minded peers. This exposure to campus life sparked new ambitions and ideas, encouraging students to envision futures where they could drive positive environmental change.

By the event’s close, students had not only gained practical skills and knowledge but had also formed meaningful connections with peers and mentors. The Changemakers for Sustainability Challenge proved to be an inspiring journey for all involved, setting the stage for the next generation of environmental leaders.

Curtin University staff who made this year’s Changemakers for Sustainability program possible include our Dean of Sustainable Futures Josh Byrne, Aimee Smith, Tim Keely and Nicole Slatter.

Other leading sustainability offerings at Curtin University include the new Planet Positive Undergraduate Certificate and Specialisation.   If you would like to know more about upcoming Sustainable Futures challenge-based learning opportunities, please contact us at: humanities-futures@curtin.edu.au

Curtin University proudly hosted the 2024 Sustainability Challenge, where students teamed up with academics and industry professionals to create innovative solutions to pressing environmental issues.  

The Sustainability Challenge is an industry-partnered, intensive unit enhancing learning opportunities through challenge-based learning experiences.

Entering its third year, the Sustainability Challenge fosters collaboration and practical problem-solving across three critical themes: Net-Zero Emissions, Circular Economy, and Nature Positive. The 2024 Sustainability Challenge ran from June 24 to July 1 in the Curtin School of Design and the Built Environment, with participating students earning 25 credit points towards their undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.

Professor Josh Byrne, Dean of Sustainable Futures in the Faculty of Humanities at Curtin University, highlighted the significance of this event, emphasising the hands-on experience it offers students and its role in promoting sustainable futures.

“The Sustainability Challenge connected nearly 100 students with academic mentors and industry experts to develop solutions for positive environmental change,” Professor Byrne said.

This year, participants tackled a variety of sustainability concerns, including:

• Shifting transport behaviours.
• Facilitating increased renewable energy integration into the grid.
• Waste avoidance and reducing contamination in FOGO (food organics and garden organics) waste streams.
• Increasing urban tree canopy by addressing the pest polyphagous shot-hole borer and promoting better urban forestry practices.

Among the innovative ideas presented by student groups were an app that tracks carbon emission reduction and encourages the use of public transport and shared scooters, and a video game designed to educate consumers on proper waste sorting. Other teams developed plans to expand urban forests in challenging environments and devised strategies to improve energy reliability and boost renewable energy generation in regional towns.

A cohort of international students from the Eurasia University School of Art and Design (EAaD) also travelled from the Xi’an province of China to join this year’s Sustainability Challenge. This innovative collaboration was initiated by Dr Anne Farren from the Curtin School of Design and the Built Environment. The Sustainability Challenge served as a collaborative platform for both institutions to enhance their global engagement.

The industry partners involved in this year’s Challenge included Ampcontrol, Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council, City of Cockburn, Cleanaway, Beam Mobility, Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, Department of Transport, Botanic Gardens & Parks Authority, Cossill & Webley, GHD, and Curtin University’s Properties, Facilities and Development department.

We wish to thank this year’s partners for the invaluable knowledge and support they provided to our participating students.

If you want to know about our upcoming challenges please contact us

Our Future Platforms

With a focus on global, sustainable, learning and Indigenous futures we enable our students, staff and community in the pursuit of just, ethical and thriving societies.

Read about our Futures Platforms

Curtin University is excited to announce the Changemakers for Sustainability challenge, a dynamic 3-day event designed for Year 10-12 students. This event aims to educate and empower young individuals about the critical sustainability challenges facing our world today. Participants will have the unique opportunity to gain insights into how they can contribute to creating a more sustainable future and collaborate with like-minded peers to tackle pressing environmental issues.

The challenge will take place on the Curtin Bentley Campus from Tuesday, 1st October to Thursday, 3rd October 2024. During this period, students will engage in a variety of activities, including:

Masterclasses with University Academics: Students will attend sessions led by Curtin University’s academics, who will share their expertise on various sustainability topics. These masterclasses are designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of the complexities of sustainability and inspire innovative thinking.

Mentoring from Industry Leaders: Participants will have the chance to connect with and receive guidance from professionals who are at the forefront of sustainability in their respective industries. This mentorship will provide valuable insights into real-world sustainability practices and careers.

Immersion in University Campus Life: Throughout the three days, students will experience life on a university campus, giving them a taste of the academic environment and the vibrant community here at Curtin University. This immersive experience is intended to inspire students to pursue higher education and to learn about the impact sustainability is having on our community.

By the end of the challenge, students will have gained new skills, and formed connections with peers and professionals who share their passion for making a positive impact on the world. This event is a stepping stone for young changemakers to begin their journey towards a sustainable future.

PROGRAM DETAILS

Who:                  Year 10 – 12 high school students

Date:                   Tuesday 1st -Thursday 3rd October 2024

Time:                  9.30am – 4pm

Location:            Curtin University Bentley Campus

Cost:                   FREE, donation to Curtin’s Planet Positive Scholarship program encouraged

Contact:             humanities-futures@curtin.edu.au

To support students and their families, this challenge is free of cost, but a donation to Curtin’s Planet Positive scholarship program is encouraged.

Other leading sustainability offerings at Curtin University include the new Planet Positive Undergraduate Certificate and Specialisation.  

If you would like to know more about upcoming Sustainable Futures challenge-based learning opportunities, please contact us at: humanities-futures@curtin.edu.au