Artificial Biology, Robotics and Art (ABRA) is an exploratory project designed to promote knowledge alliances across the research fields of artificial biology, robotics, art and design in the context of sustainability. The project explicitly promotes transdisciplinary knowledge and capacity building in higher education in order to tackle the skills gaps and mismatches in students and educators while addressing environmental and climate goals and promoting excellence in teaching and skills development. Through transdisciplinary teaching and training, ABRA facilitates the exchange of sustainable best practices that foster creativity and innovation while developing a shared language that prepares students and teachers to tackle complex problems and solutions relevant for the twenty-first century. The starting point for ABRA is the recognition of the need to develop a transdisciplinary curriculum and training that keeps pace with scientific research and emerging technologies (artificial biology, robotics, artificial intelligence, material sciences, etc.). The most pressing problems facing human societies will require creative and innovative solutions from experts working jointly and collaboratively across disciplines and sectors, including science, technology, art, design and culture. There is mounting evidence that transdisciplinary research is more likely to produce ground-breaking results when compared to mono-discipline research. At present, curricula and advanced degree programs do not go far enough to promote transdisciplinary thinking and practice. When students complete their education, they are insufficiently prepared to work competently with actors and representatives from other fields. Transdisciplinary education supports learners with transferable tools and methods that enable adaptation required for working across fields and foster the permeability between different education and training pathways. ABRA specifically bridges the fields of art, science, engineering and design through the development of educational initiatives and capacity-building activities that contribute to novel collaborations and solutions that span the fields of artificial biology, robotics and art. The project’s objectives are:- To tackle the skills gaps and mismatches in students/educators/researchers by promoting transdisciplinary knowledge exchange that will lead to synergistic collaborations and research outcomes- To promote and reward excellence in teaching and skills development through the exchange of sustainable best practices that foster creativity and innovation- To address environmental and climate change by establishing an ongoing, multi-sector dialogue about concrete sustainable actions that can produce impactful solutions and practices - To create new pathways for art + science + engineering-driven creativity and innovation for increased sustainability- To promote capacity building for students and researchers and students that empower them to develop new processes, technologies, and methods of applying existing technology towards sustainable solutions.ABRA capitalizes on the significant transdisciplinary experience and expertise of the consortium members. Each of the consortium partners brings deep discipline-specific knowledge and expertise across interrelated areas. Specifically:1 - Aalborg University’s (AAU) Research Laboratory for Art and Technology (RELATE) and Human-Robot Interaction Lab focus on human-centered approaches and solutions for robots across industry, health and the arts. 2 - The Department CIBIO at University of Trento (CIBIO) integrates classical cellular and molecular biology approaches with the new powerful tools of systems and synthetic biology. 3 -Aalto University (AALTO) Art Department offers students access to emerging knowledge and practices at the intersection of multiple fields through an arts-driven engagement with societal, political, ecological and philosophical concerns and artistic approaches to art-science-technology practices. 4 - The Institute of Advanced Design Studies (ADES) in Hungary, a non-profit, independent educational organisation, offers studies in design for sustainability to students from all backgrounds, designed specifically to complement existing education programmes to increase educational diversity for sustainability across disciplines. ADES students are trained to bridge scientific and technological discoveries and developments with the needs in society and environment through design.