Making sustainability an essential part of education. Dr Ginie Servant-Miklos of the Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences (ESSB) has achieved this through the Bildung Climate School (BCS), a collaboration between mbo (secondary vocational education), hbo (higher professional education) and university level education. She was awarded the Erasmus University Education Prize 2026 for this achievement.
Servant-Miklos is the director and founder of the Bilding Climate School. Here, students from Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, the Willem de Kooning Academy and Albeda work together on real-world sustainability issues. And that is unique in the world of education. Nowhere else do students from different levels sit together in the same classroom.
'BCS’s main aim is to bring together creative and diverse talents, transcending the divisions within the Dutch education system. Together, they explore how we can build a sustainable future for Rotterdam,' says Ginie Servant-Miklos.
On to a full-time programme
The BCS was founded in 2024 by Servant-Miklos, building on the educational vision she sets out in her book "Pedagogies of Collapse", and Rutger Engels. Since then, various study programmes have been set up and undertaken by students. The aim for 2027 is a full-time, six-month, accredited programme covering mbo, university of applied sciences and university education.
Students are enthusiastic. 'For me, The Bildung Climate School is a place to step out of my comfort zone. I’ve met people I would never otherwise have got to know and took part in a workshop where I learnt how we can express ourselves through our bodies,' says EUR student Yorrick. Albeda student Dilara is delighted with the collaboration between vocational, higher vocational and university education: 'We learn from each other’s perspectives, and that exchange fosters creativity and a deeper understanding of sustainability.'
From the jury’s report:
'The Bildung Climate School is an exemplary educational innovation that combines academic excellence with social relevance, contributes to the EUR’s strategy and has the potential to influence the future development of higher education both within the university and beyond.'
A unique collaboration and an important topic
The jury commends Ginie Servant-Miklos in two areas: the unique collaboration with mbo and university (of applied sciences) education, and the important topic of climate change. 'The social relevance of the project is very clear, as it helps to bridge the gap between higher education and vocational education in a positive way. The theme, climate change, adds a societal impact dimension that is at least as important,' said a jury member.
For Servant-Miklos, the subject is also personally important: 'Coming face to face with the gravity of what lies ahead has set me on this path.' In an earlier interview, she explained that this is why she is focusing on education and no longer pursuing a 'traditional' academic research career. Her reasoning is simple: 'There are no professors on a dead planet.'
About the Education Prize
Every year, the Education Prize is awarded to a lecturer at Erasmus University Rotterdam who has distinguished themselves in a special way. For example, through their passionate approach to teaching or by employing an innovative teaching style. The Education Prize is made possible in part by the Erasmus Trustfonds. Last year, the prize went to Dr. Anderson Mora Cortes for organising Brain Awareness Week.
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Press enquiries? Marjolein Kooistra, communication / press relations Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences
email: kooistra@essb.eur.nl | +31(0)6 83676038- Related content
- Related links
- Website van Bildung Climate School
