Sustainability research

UM supports interdisciplinary sustainability research through seed funding, fostering cross-faculty collaborations on climate, circularity, and community wellbeing. The seed fund enables researchers to initiate new and expand existing research areas and strengthen networks for larger national and international research grants. The yearly research call has granted seed funding to several projects in 2022, 2023 and 2024. Click here for a complete overview. 

Winners Sustainable UM Research Seed Fund 2025-2026

We are delighted to announce the winners of the research seed fund grants and extend our warmest congratulations to the project leads and their team members. Three projects have been successfully selected for funding through the Seed Fund 2025-26 “Path to a Sustainable UM: Research Call for Transformative Solutions.” Each awarded project will be granted the maximum requested funding, capped at €75,000. Click here to read more.

Winners of the Circularity Research Seed Fund 2025–2026

We are delighted to announce the winners of the research seed fund grants and extend our warmest congratulations to the project leads and their team members. Five projects have been successfully selected for funding through the Seed Fund 2025-26: “Transition to a circular economy in Limburg through Material Flow Analysis.” Four awarded projects will be granted the maximum requested funding, capped at €75,000, while one pilot project will receive €20,000. Click here to read more about the granted projects.

Maastricht University has developed a framework to evaluate whether research projects and collaborations support or hinder the transition to a fossil-free society. This tool helps researchers assess the nature of their project and the role of the partner involved. If risks are identified, advice is sought from a dedicated Fossil Assessment Committee. The framework ensures that UM aligns its academic partnerships with its climate goals and values. It also increases transparency and encourages dialogue on the responsibilities of universities in tackling the climate crisis. The tool is now fully integrated into UM’s research approval processes.

Read more about this framework on the following page.

UM is taking the lead in setting up an Expertise Centre for Regional Circular Economy (ERCE) to accelerate the transition to circular systems in Limburg and beyond. To drive the circular transition, ERCE brings together multi-level stakeholders from industry, government, and civil society to co-create practical solutions. ERCE connects UM’s expertise from all academic fields to regional initiatives, building a knowledge base that tackles the unique challenges and opportunities of circular transitions in Limburg. By linking local efforts to national and international dynamics, ERCE enhances the impact of circular economy innovations. It builds on UM’s strengths in interdisciplinary research and regional engagement. By fostering cross-border collaboration and applied knowledge exchange, ERCE aims to support systemic change and strengthen circularity as a driver of regional innovation and resilience. ERCE was launched in September 2025.

The Sustainability Office and the Expertise Centre for Regional Circular Economy (ERCE) established a university-wide research community on the circular economy at Maastricht University. Its aim is to bring together researchers from all UM faculties to connect, share ideas, and explore opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration around the circular economy. Researchers share their areas of expertise, and discuss what they hope to gain from such a network. The group also exchanges ideas on how future meetings could be organised and developed. UM researchers are invited to join. On UMployee you can join the group 'Circular Connect UM'.