Aims & Scope
The Living Lab Journal is an occasional journal that was established to showcase and communicate high quality and innovative, education for sustainability research. It publishes peer-reviewed articles and short notes across the social, artistic and environmental sciences.
The Living Lab Journal exists as a forum for academics and practitioners to share and critique innovations in thinking and practice in the field of Education for Environmental Sustainably. It invites contributions from scholars and researchers across a diverse field of interest. The Editors particularly welcome articles on theories, techniques, literature reviews and the application of Education for Sustainability Practice. Articles on the sustainable context of education, through nature connectiveness, leadership, pedagogy, health & wellbeing, community engagement and environment are also welcomed.
At its core, the journal focuses on botanic gardens, university campuses, the cities and the bioregions they reside within as “living laboratories”—real-world environments where research, experiments, and innovations are conducted to develop new ideas, technologies, and practices. In this context, the University of Dundee Botanic Garden has served as an ideal prototype living laboratory, aligned with the city to provide a scalable setting for testing sustainable technologies, urban planning initiatives, and ecological leadership practices. Here, researchers, scientists, educators, and other experts collaborate to test hypotheses, analyse data, and create practical solutions to real-world challenges. This innovative model promotes hands-on learning, interdisciplinary research, and the application of theoretical knowledge in tangible ways that benefit both the university and the surrounding community.
One of the unique features of The Living Lab is its commitment to fostering collaboration between diverse fields, such as urban planning, environmental science, healthcare, philosophy, and even the arts. By bringing together specialists and students who are passionate about sustainability and the environment, the journal encourages the development of holistic approaches to addressing environmental and social challenges. The Living Lab journal particularly welcomes contributions from PhD students aligned with the Living Laboratory mission, encouraging them to publish their formative work and engage with cutting-edge research in ecological curation, community engagement, and sustainable education.
One of the unique features of The Living Lab is its commitment to fostering collaboration between diverse fields, such as urban planning, environmental science, healthcare, philosophy, and even the arts. By bringing together specialists and students who are passionate about sustainability and the environment, the journal encourages the development of holistic approaches to addressing environmental and social challenges. The Living Lab journal particularly welcomes contributions from PhD students aligned with the Living Laboratory mission, encouraging them to publish their formative work and engage with cutting-edge research in ecological curation, community engagement, and sustainable education.
The editors of The Living Lab see the journal as an essential hub for research and discussion, one that has the potential to make a significant impact on the global dialogue around sustainability and ecological leadership. By providing a space for these critical conversations, the journal also helps build a sense of community among researchers, educators, and practitioners. This collaborative network is key to advancing the journal’s goals, as it brings together not only scientists and researchers but also artists, poets, philosophers, and educators, all of whom contribute to a more integrated and holistic understanding of the world’s environmental challenges.
The Living Lab is more than just a journal—it is a community and a call to action. It invites readers and contributors alike to participate in a dynamic, evolving conversation about the role of botanic gardens and university campuses as living laboratories for sustainability and innovation. The journal provides an open, accessible platform for the exchange of ideas, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and helping to shape the future of sustainability research and practice.
Journal information & policies
Please see our journal information & policies page for details of the Journal’s peer review process, Open Access policy and other journal information.