Integrating Sustainability Practices as a Platform to Develop Global Competences in Materials Science and Engineering Education

The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Education 4.0 Framework has identified eight essential characteristics, defined as high-quality learning in education. These characteristics linked to skills and competences have become essentials to fulfil the industries requirements. The characteristics have been divided in two main groups : Group 1: Skills for adaptation: i) global citizenship skills, ii) innovation and creativity skills, iii) technology skills and iv) interpersonal skills and Group 2: Skills of leveraging innovative pedagogies: i) Personalized and self-paced learning, ii) Accessible and inclusive learning, iii) Problem-based and collaborative learning, and iv) Lifelong and student-driven learning. <br/>To ensure graduate fulfil the industries requirements and succeed as professional the responsibility relies in a collaborative effort among universities, industries, and students. A strong partnership between university and industry is essential to develop a robust curriculum design, where academics through their teaching approaches and innovative assessments provide the necessary tools to achieve the skills and competences needed, while they motivate students to achieving specific goals. The aim of this research is to share good practice on a teaching initiative that integrates sustainability in practical laboratory sessions as a platform to develop global awareness in areas such as materials environmental implications and impact, whilst strengthening other skills and competences such as teamwork, communication, and critical thinking. Student engagement was measured through observation and informal feedback. The practical session delivered to joint 4th year and master's students of materials science and engineering degree programs, reinforced the importance of integrating sustainability considerations into material development and selection, whilst providing an innovative approach that increased students' engagement, and enhancement of their learning experience, skills and competences. <br/><br/>