European DISC Network: Advancing Education for Sustainable Development
The European DISC Network is a transnational alliance dedicated to advancing Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) through innovative, practice-based learning approaches. Born out of the Erasmus+ project DISC – Developing Innopreneurship, Sustainability and Culture, the network brings together higher education institutions, vocational and adult education providers, and sustainability practitioners to co-create and deliver transformative learning opportunities.
At its core, the DISC Network promotes Design-Based Collaborative Learning (DBCL) and Design-Based Collaborative Research (DBCR) as dynamic, interdisciplinary methods to equip learners with the competences needed to tackle sustainability challenges. The DISC course modules, tools, and validation instruments have been piloted, certified, and successfully embedded into university curricula and civic projects across Europe.
Building on this strong foundation, the DISC Network now serves as a hub for educators, institutions, and learners committed to embedding sustainability into education, research, and local action.
Design-Based Collaborative Learning (DBCL) is a learner-centred, project-based learning approach where students (often from diverse disciplines or institutions) work together to:
- Empathise with real-world problems
- Co-define challenges
- Ideate creative solutions
- Prototype and test concepts
- Reflect and iterate
It is rooted in Design Thinking methodology and emphasises collaboration, creativity, and contextual problem-solving. Unlike traditional classroom learning, DBCL is applied in open, exploratory, and often transdisciplinary environments.
For more information on DBCL, watch our DISC VideoCast: LINK HERE
While DBCL focuses on engaging learners in solving real-world problems through design thinking, Design-Based Collaborative Research (DBCR) uses research methods to study, validate, and improve those learning processes and outcomes. DBCR, as defined in the DISC framework, is an interdisciplinary, practice-oriented research approach that integrates the principles of Design Thinking with empirical scientific methods to solve real-world sustainability challenges in educational and social contexts.
In Simple Terms, DBCR combines:
- Design Thinking: user-centred, iterative problem-solving.
- Collaborative Research: educators, learners, and community stakeholders co-develop and test solutions.
- Empirical Science: applying rigorous research methods (qualitative, quantitative, mixed) to validate and improve outcomes.
For more information, refers to the DBCR Concepts and Activities
Members
Mission
The mission of the European DISC Network for ESD is to build a vibrant European community of educational professionals and institutions that:
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Advance competence-oriented sustainability learning,
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Integrate ESD into diverse academic and vocational disciplines,
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Support the co-development of sustainability projects in partnership with business and community actors,
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Promote recognised and transferable learning outcomes across Europe.
By providing access to proven methodologies, certified learning modules, and practical support, the DISC Network empowers its members to deliver high-quality, impactful education for a sustainable future.
Member Benefits
DISC Project Funding Guidance
Receive support to plan and implement your own DISC-labelled education or mobility project. Our funding information portal provides tools, templates, and expert advice for applying to Erasmus+ KA1 and similar schemes.
Professional Development and Certification
Participate in CPD programmes, design-based learning workshops, and joint teaching activities focused on sustainability. Gain recognition through competence validation using LEVEL5 and ECTS-compatible certification.
Support for Creating or Attending Erasmus+ KA1 Learning Opportunities
Receive support in developing your own KA1 mobility offers aligned with the DISC approach, or in identifying suitable KA1 courses to attend. DISC-labelled offers are featured on the PROVIDE KA1 Matching Platform, connecting you with a European network of sustainability-focused learning opportunities.Collaborate in a European Network
Network and Collaborate
Join a European alliance of like-minded professionals, researchers, and institutions. Co-develop ESD modules, exchange best practices, and connect with the REVEAL and AURORA networks.