New Study Shows How to Create Durable Student Movements

A photo of Bo Couvreur (left) and the title page of her thesis (right).

In May 2026, Bo Couvreur, a Master’s student in Human Ecology at Lund University, completed a new study titled Creating Durable Movements: Case-Study of the Plant-Based Campus (PBC) Campaign in Lund, Sweden. This research looked closely at how the PBC Lund, a student led nonprofit campaigning for Lund University to adopt 100% plant-based food catering, runs its campaigns and takes care of its volunteers. Through interviews and firsthand observations, the study explored how Plant-Based Campus shapes its public-facing and internal strategies to ensure both campaign efficiency and the emotional resilience of its members.

This study is the very first of its kind to focus specifically on the Plant-Based Campus movement. It shines a light on a powerful new wave of student activism pushing for sustainable food systems. The research found that PBC’s deliberately uses inclusive climate-focused messaging which prioritises nonviolence, community-building and institutional-level change. This fosters a welcoming environment and maintains high levels of well-being and engagement among members. Plant-Based Campus was found to normalise plant-based eating and set pragmatic and achievable goals by reducing perceived threats to individuals’ lifestyles, and by establishing strong legitimacy over environmental claims within an academic environment.

While the public frontstage focuses strictly on environmental arguments, the backstage community provides an educational and social environment where members discuss intersectional issues. Students who initially join the group for social connections are gradually exposed to these political ideas in a judgment-free, supportive environment and frequently transition into becoming active campaign organisers.

Internally, the group's focus on building a kind community keeps volunteers motivated and hopeful. Plant-Based Campus functions as a "counterspace" to the feelings of grief, anxiety, and isolation which activisms often experience. This Plant-Based Campus community transforms feelings of helplessness into agency, hope, and sustained engagement and maintains long-term morale by actively celebrating smaller stepping stones, such as student union motions or minor sub-campaign victories.

Bo Couvreur, author of this study comments:

“Collaborating with PBC Lund on this thesis research has taught me about the importance of social relationships and community to bring about change. PBC shows that when dealing with stigmatized topics like diets, intentional and nonviolent communication are crucial to avoid polarization and stand together for a shared goal. Beyond learning about interesting and elaborate organisational strategies, the time I shared with PBC was characterized by overwhelming kindness and a welcoming energy. A big thank you for everyone that makes this community so special!”

The study also noted that fighting for a better world can be emotionally draining. It highlighted that to prevent volunteer burnout, the movement needs to build even stronger internal support systems where members can openly share their feelings and talk through the challenges of activism, as well as more clearly explore the intersection between environmentalism and other social justice issues.

Kevin Linton, Stockholm/Uppsala Region Coordinator at Plant-Based Campus says:

"We are incredibly grateful for Bo’s groundbreaking research! It is amazing to see proof that our focus on community and positive change is working and keeping our volunteers inspired. This study also gives up opportunity to reflect and develop our strategy and communication so that we can build a larger group of student activists working together for a better future."

Plant-Based Campus welcomes more researchers to study its work. Academic insights give the movement and its volunteers a chance to reflect, celebrate their wins, and identify areas where they can improve. By understanding what works and what doesn't, the movement can build stronger, long-lasting campaigns to bring 100% plant-based food to universities everywhere.

A copy of Bo Couvreur’s thesis is available [here]

Plant-Based Campus is a democratic student-led campaign working with universities and higher education institutions to transition to 100% plant-based catering in response to the climate and environmental crises. Join us to drive the plant-based transition!