FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Platform Overview

1. What is the Magis Climate Action Labs platform?
   The Magis Climate Action Labs is an inter-university collaboration platform across Jesuit universities that enables students and faculty to work on climate action projects, accelerate innovation, and develop climate solutions through project-based learning and incubation.

2. Who can join the platform?
   Students, faculty, researchers, and staff from Jesuit universities are eligible to join. Partnerships with external stakeholders, such as local governments, NGOs, and private organizations, are also encouraged.

3. What are the main goals of the platform?
   The platform aims to:

   • Enhance project-based learning opportunities.

   • Facilitate joint climate innovation projects.

   • Develop and disseminate Intellectual Property (IP).

   • Incubate climate-focused startups.

   • Accelerate impactful climate solutions.

Co-Listed Project-Based Learning Courses

4. What are co-listed project-based learning courses?
   These are interdisciplinary courses offered collaboratively by multiple Jesuit universities where students from different campuses work together on shared climate action projects.

5. How can I enroll in a co-listed course?
   Enroll through your home university’s registration system. Course materials and sessions are delivered through online collaboration tools and in-person activities where feasible.

6. What kinds of projects are typically included in co-listed courses?
   Projects focus on practical solutions to climate challenges, such as renewable energy adoption, circular economy models, climate adaptation for vulnerable communities, and carbon sequestration strategies.

7. How is credit awarded for co-listed courses?
   Credit is awarded by your home university, with equivalencies agreed upon by participating universities before the course begins.

Joint Multi-Site Projects

8. What are joint multi-site projects?
   These are large-scale projects where teams from multiple campuses collaborate to implement climate solutions in different locations, sharing data, insights, and outcomes.

9. Can local communities be involved in multi-site projects?
   Yes, local communities are key stakeholders. Students and faculty are encouraged to co-create solutions with communities, ensuring that projects are locally relevant and sustainable.

10. How are multi-site projects coordinated?
    Coordination is achieved through regular virtual meetings, shared digital tools, and local coordinators at each site who oversee project implementation.

11. What are some examples of successful multi-site projects?
    Examples include:

• Mangrove restoration across different coastal regions.

• Community solar energy initiatives.

• Data-driven climate risk assessments for local governments.

Accelerating Innovation

12. How does the platform accelerate climate innovation?
    The platform fosters innovation through hackathons, innovation labs, mentorship programs, and access to funding opportunities for scaling impactful projects.

13. Are there funding opportunities for climate innovation projects?
    Yes, students and faculty can apply for seed grants, external funding partnerships, or support from Jesuit university networks to scale promising projects.

14. What role do faculty play in accelerating innovation?
    Faculty serve as mentors, coaches, and collaborators, guiding students in project development, research, and prototyping innovative solutions.

Joint Intellectual Property (IP) Development and Dissemination

15. How is joint Intellectual Property managed on the platform?
    IP created through the platform is co-owned by the universities involved, with clear agreements on revenue sharing, licensing, and publication rights developed prior to project initiation.

16. What support is available for filing patents or protecting IP?
    The platform offers legal and administrative support, including workshops on IP management, filing patents, and navigating commercialization processes.

17. How are IP outputs disseminated to the public or industry?
    Outputs are shared through academic journals, conferences, public showcases, and partnerships with industry and government stakeholders for scaling impact.

Incubating Climate Solution Startups

18. What is the startup incubation process like?
    The incubation process involves:

• Initial project idea validation.

• Business model development.

• Prototype testing.

• Access to mentorship and funding.

• Scaling through partnerships with external stakeholders.

19. Are there opportunities for students to launch their own climate startups?
    Absolutely! The platform encourages students to transform their projects into startups, offering resources such as funding, legal support, and connections to investors and partners.

20. How can faculty or alumni support the incubation of startups?
    Faculty and alumni can serve as mentors, advisors, or investors, providing expertise and resources to support the growth of student-led climate startups.

General

21. What tools and platforms are used for collaboration?
    Collaboration is facilitated through tools like Google Workspace, Slack, Miro, and video conferencing platforms, alongside a dedicated Magis Labs portal.

22. How can Jesuit values guide climate action projects?
    Projects are rooted in Jesuit principles of social justice, inclusivity, and care for our common home, ensuring that all initiatives prioritize the well-being of people and the planet.

23. How can external stakeholders get involved in the platform?
    External organizations can join as project partners, mentors, funders, or collaborators, enriching the platform with their expertise and resources.

24. What is the long-term vision for the Magis Climate Action Labs?
    The platform envisions a global network of Jesuit universities and partners driving transformative climate action and innovation, creating lasting impact in communities worldwide.

Collaboration Overview

1. Can non-Jesuit schools collaborate with the Magis Climate Action Labs?
   Yes, non-Jesuit schools are highly encouraged to collaborate. We aim to create a broader network of universities and organizations working together to address climate challenges.

2. How can other schools host their own Climate Action Labs?
   Other schools can establish their own labs by using the Magis Climate Action Labs framework, including co-developing project-based learning courses, facilitating multi-site projects, and sharing innovations. The Magis Labs team can provide guidance and resources during the setup process.

3. What are the benefits of collaborating with non-Jesuit schools?
   Collaboration fosters diversity of thought, expands access to resources, and allows for cross-disciplinary approaches to climate solutions. It also strengthens partnerships across institutions with shared goals.

Collaboration Process

4. How do non-Jesuit schools or labs join the platform?
   Interested schools or labs can join by signing a partnership agreement with Magis Climate Action Labs. They can also participate in joint projects, co-host events, or share resources to kickstart collaboration.

5. Can other labs or schools propose joint projects?
   Absolutely! Partner labs and schools are encouraged to propose joint projects. These projects can range from local community-focused initiatives to large-scale international collaborations addressing global climate issues.

6. What tools and resources are available for inter-university collaboration?
   Magis Climate Action Labs provides shared digital tools such as project management platforms, virtual meeting spaces, and knowledge-sharing hubs. These ensure smooth coordination and communication across institutions.

Academic Collaboration

7. Can faculty from non-Jesuit schools co-teach courses with Jesuit universities?
   Yes, faculty from non-Jesuit schools can co-teach or guest lecture in co-listed project-based courses. This fosters cross-pollination of ideas and broadens the learning experience for students.

8. Are non-Jesuit schools eligible to participate in the startup incubation program?
   Yes, students and faculty from partner non-Jesuit schools can participate in the incubation program. The program is open to all collaborators contributing to innovative climate solutions.

Sustainability of Collaborations

9. How are joint Intellectual Property (IP) rights managed across institutions?
   IP ownership is governed by mutual agreements between collaborating institutions. Magis Climate Action Labs ensures that all stakeholders have clear roles and fair access to IP benefits through transparent agreements.

10. What opportunities exist for expanding the collaboration network?
    Schools and labs can organize joint events such as climate hackathons, symposia, and research fora. They can also expand collaborations by inviting new universities, NGOs, and private sector partners to join the network.

These FAQs emphasize inclusivity and encourage cross-institutional partnerships, making climate action a collective effort.