Overview
The student-led Climate Action Research Living Laboratory (StAR Lab) at the University of Lincoln connects undergraduate students with local organisations to tackle real-world sustainability challenges. Rooted in the University’s ‘Student as Producer’ ethos, StAR Lab empowers students to apply academic knowledge to meaningful, organisation-focused projects, helping businesses progress on their sustainability journeys.
2024/25 Highlights
In the 2024/25 academic year, StAR Lab delivered four impactful projects:
- Lincoln City Foundation: 1. Travel surveys and 2. Printing solutions
- Ruddocks: Assessing solar feasibility
- Doddington Hall: Exploring options for waste cooking oil reuse
These collaborations provided students with hands-on experience in sustainability research and offered valuable insights to partner organisations.
Student Impact
Students from various disciplines began their projects in early 2025, engaging with host organisations and presenting findings in May. What students said:
- All students had improved understanding of how to conduct a research project
- All students agreed they had developed new knowledge or skills
- All students felt their employability had improved from participating in StAR Lab
- Organisational Feedback
Feedback from participating organisations was enthusiastic:
‘I would highly recommend using the StAR Lab project for anyone wishing to carry out independent research.’
‘Excellent project from start to finish, really positive engagement with staff and students.’
All organisations surveyed said they would recommend StAR Lab to others.
Conclusion
StAR Lab continues to be a win-win for students and local businesses – fostering innovation, building skills, and driving sustainability forward in Lincolnshire.