SIF
Sustainability Institute and Forum (SIF)
Mission
The Sustainability Institute & Forum at Reykjavik University is dedicated to advancing research and education in sustainable development, with a strong foundation in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As an institute that engages all departments at RU, SIF fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration and maintains a dual impact, both within academia and in society. Through strategic partnerships with key sponsors, SIF supports and funds high-quality research projects, ensuring a transparent selection process and responsible allocation of resources.
*Despite the inclusion of the term “Institute” in its title, the Sustainability Institute and Forum (SIF) does not constitute an entity that provides internships, research appointments, or external positions of any kind. Rather, SIF serves as an internal framework established and administered by faculty members of Reykjavík University, applied exclusively for internal academic and institutional purposes.
Annual Reports
2026 Annual Report
Presentation by Jóhanna Hlín Auðunsdóttir: Landsvirjun Sustainability Priorities
Presentation by Magni Pálsson: Landsnet and Sustainability
News
Student Sustainability Award
In 2025, the Student Award was restructured to better align with core engineering education. In partnership with Dr. David Finger, the award was linked to the mandatory sustainability course taken by all engineering students.
Student teams were challenged to tackle real-world problems aligned with the UN SDGs, with emphasis on creativity, systems thinking, and practical impact. The winning group was selected by the teaching team and recognised during the final project presentations.
This approach underscored the importance of embedding sustainability thinking at the foundational level of engineering education.
The 2025 winning project, titled Krónan Carbon Footprint, was developed by students Andri Ísak Bragason, Fróði Jónsson, Kjartan Sigurðarson, Kristján Helgi Tómasson, Sigmar Hjartarson, and Sindri Dagur Sigurðsson. The team proposed a carbon labeling system for grocery products aimed at guiding consumers toward more climate-friendly choices. Their research was based on original survey data and emissions data provided by the retail chain Krónan, supplemented by academic and institutional sources. The project stood out for its methodological rigor, clear communication, and practical relevance. It demonstrated strong alignment with SDGs 12 (responsible consumption), 13 (climate action), and 3 (health), and received high praise from the teaching team for its real-world applicability and impact potential.
Dr. Singh Publication of Work
2024 PhD SIF grant recipient Kamaljeet Singh ('25), and his faculty supervisor, Guðrún Arnbjörg Sævarsdóttir (far left), are happy to announce that his SIF-funded research has been published in the prestigious Q1 journal of electrochemistry - Electrochimica Acta.
Titled, Nickel–Iron-based alloy as oxygen evolving anode for sustainable aluminium production, with key findings focusing on:
1. Sustainable aluminium production: A series of inert anodes as replacements for carbon anodes were evaluated for primary aluminium production to eliminate CO2 emissions.
2. New anode material: An optimised anode alloy is identified that meets key requirements, including low cost, long service lifetime, and high aluminium purity.
3. New corrosion mechanisms: A new mechanism governing the formation of a protective oxide scale on inert anodes is proposed.
It can be noted that this article received encouraging evaluations during peer review. It was accepted for publication in its original form without any revisions, within a record time of 27 days. The journal’s Editor has nominated the author for the “Oronzio and Niccolò De Nora Foundation Young Author Award”; results are expected later this year.
The article is open access.
Events and Lectures
No current lectures scheduled at this time
2025 Grant Recipients
Celebrating Our Project and PhD Grant Recipients
We are proud to recognise the outstanding faculty and PhD students who have been selected as this year’s grant recipients. Their continued dedication, curiosity, and commitment to advancing a more sustainable world inspire us all. Through countless hours of research, collaboration, and perseverance, they are pushing the boundaries of knowledge and driving meaningful change across disciplines.
We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the reviewers who generously contributed their time and expertise in evaluating an exceptional pool of applicants. Their thoughtful input was invaluable in helping us identify recipients whose work holds great promise for a better, more sustainable future.
Congratulations to all—your work lights the way forward.
- Guðmundur Kristjánsson - Department of Applied Engineering
- Þórður Víkingur Friðgeirsson - Department of Engineering
- Anna Sigríður Íslind - Department of Computer Science
- Ewa Carlson - Department of Business and Economics
- Ármann Gylfason - Department of Engineering
- María Sigríður Guðjónsdóttir - Department of Engineering
- Svana Helen Björnsdóttir - Department of Engineering
- Haukur Ingi Jónasson - Department of Engineering / Psychology
- Helgi Þór Ingason - Department of Engineering
- Magnús Yngvi Jósefsson - Department of Business and Economics
- Hafrún Kristjánsdóttir - Department of Sport Science
- Helga Kristín Auðunsdóttir - Department of Law
Applications
OPEN TO REYKJAVÍK UNIVERSITY FACULTY AND STAFF
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If there are any issues, please email sustainability@ru.is
Archive: Ongoing and Completed Research
Members
Let's Talk
Share your excitement and ideas by reaching out to us at sustainability@ru.is
Department of Engineering / Iceland School of Energy
