What is a living lab?
Living Labs aims to put research and teaching into practice to deliver real world impact that benefits staff, students, the University and external partners.
A Living Lab isn’t just about technical solutions, it’s about a collaborative way of working, researching and learning.
The Living Lab Programme is designed to:
- Provide students with real-world experience through projects embedded in the formal and informal curriculum through the Liverpool Learning Framework and Liverpool Advantage
- Use our campus as a test bed, with a focus on sustainability performance linked to goals set out in our Sustainability Strategy
- Work with local communities and organisations to address shared sustainability challenges
- Draw upon the University's academic expertise
- Support delivery of objectives within the University's Sustainability Strategy
Benefits for staff and the University:
- A landmark programme delivering real world experience for students
- An opportunity to support our civic mission and strengthen ties with the city region
- Practical support and potential funding streams to address sustainability challenges on campus
- More efficient use of resources: cross-disciplinary projects can streamline efforts and produce productive, shared research and education environments
- Interdisciplinary collaboration: work with academics and students from different fields to tackle shared challenges using interdisciplinary research and teaching
Benefits for students:
- Real-world experience focused on environmental and/or social sustainability
- Opportunities to work with the University’s professional services, and/or external clients on a practical challenge in Liverpool
- Real world learning contributing to your degree or Liverpool Advantage Award
Benefits for sponsors:
- Practical support from university students to address key sustainability challenges
- An opportunity to draw on the University’s research expertise
- A pipeline of future graduate employees who have already engaged with your organisation
By taking part in a Living Lab, students build skills, gain experience, and help make a lasting impact on campus and in the City.