Hamidakhanim Huseynova

What is your background?
I am a master's student specialising in “Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science” at Lund University, where I am deeply engaged in exploring innovative solutions for a more sustainable future.

Why did you choose the LUMES programme?
With an academic background in Geography from my bachelor's studies, I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of building more sustainable cities. When I discovered the LUMES programme, it immediately felt like a natural next step - a place where environmental thinking and sustainability come together in exciting and meaningful ways. Choosing LUMES turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made, and it continues to inspire me every single day.

What academic and personal skills have you gained?
LUMES has been a true turning point for me, especially in developing critical thinking skills. Coming from a different educational background, I learned what it means to craft independent ideas - and more importantly, to stand behind them with confidence. It gave me the courage to see myself not just as a student, but as a researcher ready to take on real-world challenges.

On top of that, working within diverse teams became a big part of my experience. Through countless collaborations, I learned how to navigate different perspectives and contribute effectively to group efforts - a skill that I believe is essential for anyone hoping to drive change in the field of sustainability.

How would you describe the courses and the study environment?
The courses are dynamic, thought-provoking, and built around a strong spirit of collaboration between students and faculty. Rather than sitting through long and tedious lectures, we are encouraged to dive into lively debates, share ideas, and challenge each other’s perspectives. This creates an atmosphere that keeps your mind constantly engaged and makes learning feel active and alive.

One of the most inspiring aspects is that we often have guest lecturers from outside our immediate field, who skillfully connect their expertise back to our core topics. It opens up entirely new ways of thinking about sustainability and pushes us to approach our discipline from unexpected and refreshing angles.

What did you write about in your thesis?
The idea of sustainable cities has always been at the heart of my passion for sustainability. For my thesis project, I opted to bring this vision to life by focusing on a real-world case: imagining urban reconstruction in a post-conflict context through the lens of sustainable development. This work has allowed me to combine critical thinking with creativity, envisioning how cities rising from conflict can become models of resilience, innovation, and hope.