BEHAVGREEN: Green Behaviours and Diversity in Research Ecosystems

This project investigates how demographic characteristics (gender, age, academic rank, discipline and staff role) shape the adoption, barriers and psychological dynamics of green behaviours within research ecosystems. Green behaviours are defined as sustainable actions related to mobility, laboratory practice, digital use, procurement and logistics, and students’ life that directly align with the MSCA Green Charter. Despite institutional commitments to sustainability, behavioural engagement varies widely across demographic groups due to differences in climate concern, eco-anxiety, perceived control, workload, mobility expectations and digital habits. Building on Sofia University’s expertise in environmental psychology, eco-anxiety and digital stress, and (partnership university)’s strengths in social psychology, wather/climate mediation and risk perception, the project will produce the first cross-European demographic mapping of sustainable practices across scientific careers and research environments.

Using a mixed-methods approach, the project will develop and test targeted behavioural interventions and tailored training formats designed for specific demographic segments. Targeted groups will be PhD students, postdocs, professors, technical staff and administrators across both universities. It will deliver a set of evidence-based tools, micro-credentials (bite sized “green knowleadge” sessions) and policy guidelines that universities can integrate into doctoral education, academic staff development and sustainability governance. Beyond academia, the project leverages ocean-wather/climate mediation and environmental psychology to engage diverse publics and produce transferable toolkits for broader societal impact. Ultimately, it aims to create a scalable model for building demographically inclusive, psychologically informed and scientifically robust green research cultures capable of delivering measurable reductions in environmental footprint and improving well-being across the research community.