With her unwavering commitment to sustainability and education, Climate and International Technology Law master’s student Sofia Zampedri has made a lasting impact at VU. She brings together students, faculty, and policymakers, inspiring them with her innovative ideas.
Her impact extends beyond the Faculty of Law – and it has not gone unnoticed. For her exceptional contributions to the VU community, she has been awarded the VU StudenTalent Award 2024-2025.
An inspiring bridge-builder
The StudenTalent Award is presented annually to a student who excels in social engagement, organizational talent, and bringing people together both within and beyond Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Sofia stood out for her hands-on approach and her ability to create lasting improvements. She was actively involved in the VU Centre for Teaching and Learning, where she led workshops on sustainability and innovative teaching methods and developed the Sustainable Teaching Toolkit. Additionally, she co-founded and served on the board of the International Legal Society, acted as a mentor and student ambassador for the Law in Society bachelor’s program, and worked as a student coach in the Personal and Professional Identity learning track. She also played a key role as the only student member of the faculty’s Sustainability Education Hub.
Sustainability at the core of education
For Sofia, sustainability is about more than just practical measures like reducing printing or recycling paper. 'A sustainable university requires more than that,' she explains. 'Sustainability needs to be embedded in our education, our courses, and the way we learn about interdisciplinary social issues.' Through her projects, she works to raise awareness and structurally integrate sustainability themes into curricula.
Looking ahead
According to the jury, the level of nominees was exceptionally high this year, but Sofia stood out due to her thoughtful and broad vision on sustainable education. Not only did she make an impact within her own faculty, but she also extended her initiatives university-wide. During her interview, she impressed the jury with her ability to listen critically, make connections, and take on a unifying role.
As the winner of the StudenTalent Award, Sofia receives a €2,000 cash prize and will be paired with an inspiring VU alumnus through Alumni Relations. She is still considering how to use the prize money, but one thing is certain: 'It allows me to dedicate even more time to the projects that motivate me, such as redesigning curricula and developing new sustainability courses. I am incredibly grateful.'