Research Sara Dewachter

Abstract

Tanzanians in rural areas face challenges from limited access to safe water and the growing impacts of climate change. They must make daily adaptation decisions affecting their future livelihoods and health, yet often rely on incomplete information. Critical data on water quality and climate change remain confined to university labs, while scientists and policymakers lack localized insights. Our project bridges these gaps by: (1) integrating citizen science (CS) into water and climate research, exploring AI's potential; (2) embedding CS in education to build capacity and strengthen interdisciplinary learning; and (3) establishing a Citizen Science Hub to connect citizens, scientists, and policymakers. By enhancing knowledge exchange, the project empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions, ultimately improving public health, well-being, and resilience.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Dewachter Sara
• Co-promoter: Holvoet Nathalie

Research team(s)

• Development processes, actors and policies

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The conflict in Palestine severely disrupted higher education, affecting 214,081 university students, including 90,000 in Gaza and completely or partially destroying nearly all schools (UN, 2024). Amidst the conflict, students and staff try to continue education, not only as a human right, but also as a cornerstone for the future. This project, led by Al-Quds Open University, the Palestinian Evaluation Association and IOB, enhances education quality and access for all students in Palestine through: 1)Building capacity of students and staff in monitoring, evaluation, and e-learning 2)With these students we map the state of education in Palestine, identifying the most urgent needs & effective ways to support education 3)Data and stories collected from and by students steer our research agenda on education in conflict 4)We adapt higher education organisation and curriculum to education amid conflict 5)Finally, involving students as evaluators boasts their work experience and employability.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Holvoet Nathalie
• Co-promoter: Dewachter Sara

Research team(s)

• Development processes, actors and policies

Project type(s)

• Research Project