A prize for sustainable master's theses

With the FUTUREproef award, we put the spotlight on Ghent University master's theses that offers an answer to sustainability issues.

We seek graduating students who have done (a) qualitative research that (b) has impact, (c) is future-oriented and (d) contributes to the pursuit of a more sustainable society, economy and planet.

Sustainability is one of the most guiding concepts of our time. Its interpretation differs from context to context and from person to person. As a result, many master's theses have a link to sustainability and are eligible for this prize. The laureates of the competition demonstrate a 360° vision on the sustainability issue.

For whom?

• Every student registered at Ghent University can submit their master thesis until the 11^th of October in 2022, provided that the master thesis was completed in the last academic year.
• The candidates obtained a grade of at least 16/20 for the master thesis.
• The master thesis is written in Dutch or English.
• The master thesis may deal with any topic, as long as it contributes to a more sustainable future.
• You can also apply with a confidential master's theses, but please let us know so that we can make proper arrangements.

How to participate?

The submission is fully digital via our application form. We expect the following texts from you:

• The master thesis itself, in a pdf format.
• An accessible written summary of 250 to 500 words about your research. You may use the summary that accompanies your master's thesis.
• An explanation of 250 to 500 words in which you indicate why you deserve the sustainability award. You indicate how innovative and/or future-oriented your master's thesis is and how (potential) impact is created.
• A reflection of 250 to 500 words in which you indicate what the social impact of the research can be and how it can contribute to the pursuit of a more socially just and sustainable society. For this, the SDG framework or the sustainability discussion framework (NL) can serve as inspiration.

We will provide you with an acknowledgement of receipt after submission.

Evaluation criteria

Accepted submissions will be evaluated on four main criteria:

• 360° view on the research topic: to what extent is the topic approached from different perspectives?
• Innovative character: to what extent does the master's thesis provide a forward-looking view?
• Social impact: to what extent are socially-justified sustainable changes encouraged?
• Readability and accessibility of the master's thesis.

Course of the competition

In the course of November the jury will make a preselection based on the submitted files. The accepted theses will gradually be placed on our FUTUREproef platform.

At the latest on the 29^th of November you will be informed whether you are eligible for the public award and whether you are one of the ten nominees

The official award ceremony will take place on the 13^th of December 2022. On this event the ten nominees will have the opportunity to present their research to the general public.

Contact

You can always contact us for further information.