Environment and Sustainable Energy
Hugues C. Nana Djeunga
Dr. Hugues C. Nana Djeunga serves as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Translational Research and Development Foundation (TREND Foundation). He obtained his PhD in Molecular Parasitology from the University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon, in 2019. During his doctoral training, he was awarded competitive fellowships from the French Cooperation (SCAC) and the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), enabling advanced training in molecular parasitology, population genetics, bioinformatics, and advanced statistical modelling approaches at the Institute of Parasitology, McGill University (Montreal, Canada), and the IRD Centre in Montpellier, France.
Dr. Nana Djeunga’s research career has been shaped by a strong commitment to understanding complex biological and environmental systems through interdisciplinary and data-driven approaches. His expertise spans disease ecology, population dynamics, molecular epidemiology, and the development of innovative tools and interventions that address health and development challenges at the human-environment interface. As leader of the EDEN Research Group, he promotes research approaches that integrate environmental sciences, sustainability, technology, and public health to generate evidence-based solutions for climate resilience, ecosystem protection, and sustainable development. Through TREND Foundation, Dr. Nana Djeunga champions translational research that bridges scientific discovery, innovation, policy, and community action. His vision for EDEN Research Group is to advance solutions that address the interconnected challenges of environmental change, energy transition, biodiversity conservation, and human well-being, with particular emphasis on sustainable and locally adapted approaches for African contexts.
He serves as a consultant and technical expert to several national and international bodies, including the Cameroon National Onchocerciasis Elimination Committee (NOEC), the World Health Organization (WHO) Onchocerciasis Technical Subgroup (OTS), and the WHO Diagnostic Technical Advisory Group (DTAG) for Neglected Tropical Diseases. He is also an active member of professional networks, including the Cameroon Academy of Young Scientists (CAYS), the Cameroon Society of Epidemiology (CaSE), the African Research Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases (ARNTD), the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH), and the Global Young Academy (GYA).
Background
Climate change, environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, energy insecurity, and unsustainable patterns of resource consumption represent some of the most pressing challenges of our time. These interconnected challenges increasingly threaten human health, livelihoods, food systems, ecosystems, and economic stability, particularly in vulnerable communities. Addressing them requires more than technological advances alone; it requires a holistic understanding of the complex relationships between natural systems, societies, economies, human behaviour, and development pathways. The Environment and Sustainable Energy (EDEN) Research Group was established to address a fundamental question: how can societies achieve sustainable human development while preserving the ecological systems that sustain life? Its mandate is to bridge the gap between environmental knowledge, technological innovation, policy, and practice by translating scientific discoveries into practical solutions that enhance resilience, protect natural resources, and promote equitable and sustainable development. EDEN Research Group advances interdisciplinary research at the intersection of environmental science, renewable energy, engineering, ecology, public health, social sciences, data science, and policy. The Research Group investigates how environmental changes influence human well-being and how human choices, technologies, and governance systems can contribute to a more sustainable future. Through collaborative and solution-oriented approaches, EDEN Research Group works with communities, governments, industries, researchers, and development partners to co-design innovations that are scientifically robust, contextually relevant, and scalable. We recognize that access to clean and affordable energy, resilient ecosystems, responsible resource management, and climate adaptation are essential foundations for healthier, more equitable societies. Through its research and partnerships, EDEN Research Group contributes to global sustainability priorities, including climate action, clean energy transition, circular economy, biodiversity conservation, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while prioritizing solutions that respond to the realities and opportunities of African contexts.
Research Goals
EDEN Research Group aims to become a leading African research platform for generating and translating evidence on environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and clean energy innovation into policies, technologies, and practices that support sustainable development. Our goals are to: i) advance scientific understanding of the interactions between environmental systems, climate change, energy access, and human well-being; ii) develop and evaluate innovative approaches for sustainable energy production, storage, and utilization; iii) generate evidence to support climate adaptation, environmental protection, and ecosystem resilience; iv) promote interdisciplinary research addressing the links between environment, health, livelihoods, and social equity; v) support evidence-informed environmental policies and sustainable development strategies; vi) encourage community participation and locally driven solutions for environmental challenges; vii) strengthen capacity in environmental research, renewable energy, and sustainability science; viii) accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into practical solutions that benefit communities and ecosystems.
EDEN conducts interdisciplinary research addressing the environmental and energy challenges that shape the future of societies and ecosystems. Our research approach combines scientific investigation, technological innovation, policy analysis, and community engagement to develop solutions that are sustainable, scalable, and adapted to local realities. Our research activities are organized around four (04) interconnected strategic Research Axes.
Research Axis #1 - Climate change, environmental health and resilience
This Research Axis investigates the impacts of climate change and environmental pressures on ecosystems, communities, and human well-being. It focuses on understanding vulnerabilities, developing adaptation strategies, and strengthening resilience among populations and natural systems facing environmental change. Research areas include Climate change impacts and adaptation, climate resilience and vulnerability assessment, environmental determinants of health, climate-sensitive diseases and One Health approaches, disaster risk reduction, ecosystem resilience, environmental monitoring and modelling and community-based adaptation strategies.
Research Axis #2 - Renewable energy, energy access and sustainable technologies
This Research Axis focuses on advancing clean, affordable, and reliable energy solutions that support sustainable development, particularly in underserved communities. Research explores innovative technologies and approaches for improving energy access while reducing environmental impacts. Research areas include renewable energy systems, solar, biomass, and other clean energy technologies, energy efficiency and conservation, sustainable energy access, off-grid and decentralized energy solutions, energy innovation and technology transfer
Low-carbon development pathways, and sustainable infrastructure.
Research Axis #3 - Sustainable ecosystems, natural resources and circular solutions
This Research Axis examines approaches for protecting ecosystems, managing natural resources sustainably, and promoting environmentally responsible production and consumption systems. Research areas include biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, sustainable agriculture and food systems, water resource management, waste management and circular economy, pollution prevention and environmental remediation, land restoration, and nature-based solutions.
Research Axis #4 - Environmental governance, behaviour and societal transformation
Environmental sustainability depends not only on technology but also on human choices, institutions, policies, and collective action. This Research Axis explores the social, behavioural, and governance dimensions required to accelerate sustainable transitions. Research areas include environmental behaviour and decision-making, sustainability education and awareness, environmental policy and governance, community participation and social innovation, sustainable lifestyles, environmental justice and equity, stakeholder engagement, and science-policy translation.
Dr. Hugues C. Nana Djeunga
Prof. Martí Orta
University of Barcelona, Spain
Expertise strengthens international research networks and advancing interdisciplinary approaches to environmental challenges and sustainable development. His collaboration contributes to scientific exchange and joint research perspectives that enhance understanding of the complex interactions between environmental systems, health, and society.
Prof. Cristina O'Callaghan
University of Barcelona, Spain
Contribution to EDEN Research Group’s commitment to multidisciplinary research exploring the relationships between environmental factors, human health, and sustainable development. Her collaboration promotes knowledge exchange, scientific cooperation, and the development of innovative approaches to address environmental and public health challenges.
Dr. Guilherme Queiroz
Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Spain
Collaboration with EDEN Research Group by strengthening the group’s global health and environmental research perspectives. His contribution supports integrated approaches that combine environmental science, health research, and evidence-based strategies to address emerging sustainability challenges and promote healthier, more resilient communities.
Prof. Nadia Yousfi Steiner
University of Franche-Comté/FEMTO-ST Institute, France
Expertise in hydrogen technologies, fuel cells, energy conversion, and sustainable energy systems. Her collaboration strengthens EDEN Research Group’s capacity in clean energy innovation, supporting the development of efficient, reliable, and low-carbon energy solutions that advance energy transition and sustainable development.