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COVER STORY ECIU University: The future of education Pick & choose your challenge COLOPHON FOREWORD We need to meet and work together in CONTENT order to share both knowledge, skills ECIU is the leading international and cultures. COVER NOT A ‘ONE SIZE FITS ALL’ STORY consortium of research intensive THE DIGITAL 1/4 universities, with collective In the end, maybe the most important 04 UNIVERSITY emphasis on innovation, question is what the students themsel- creativity and societal impact, ves think. The ECIU actually asked that UNIVERSITY ‘COMPANIES ARE EAGER COVER driving the development of a question at a symposium in Brussels STORY knowledge-based economy. last November (see page 8). Students TO PARTICIPATE’ 2/4 (www.eciu.org) How do we make the most of tech- from almost all ECIU institutions work- Stavanger of Photo University 06 nology, while safeguarding important shopped the idea of what the “future fit ECIU Magazine is a publication human values in education? This university” could be in 2040. According ‘YOUR VOICE WILL COVER STORY of the ECIU PR Group and was question has been on my mind recently, to them, a change is needed in higher BE HEARD’ 3/4 created in collaboration with as we keep making strides towards the education. Teaching critical thinking, 08 U-Today, the independent digital university. problem solving and citizenship, will be journalistic medium at the more important than delivering diplo- CHALLENGE-BASED COVER University of Twente. As modern universities, we have long mas for specific degrees. Universities STORY 4/4 since started digitizing our education. should be value driven, and lay the foun- 10 LEARNING Editorial team We are offering Massively Online Open dation for social sustainability. This edition was created by Courses (MOOCs), flipping classrooms, EDUPARK WINS ECIU Maaike Platvoet (editor-in-chief blending digital and analogue learning Input like that will inform our joint poli- at U-Today), Sandra Pool (editor methods, making exams digital and cies for the future. In our application for 13 TEAM AWARD at U-Today), Rik Visschedijk, education more flexible. We have also the European Universities initiative from Michaela Nesvarova, Rense created online platforms for cooperation the European Commission, the ECIU INFOGRAPHIC Kuipers and Jelle Posthuma and exploited the advantages of new emphasises co-creation with students, (editorial team of U-Today), technology together with the students. industry and society. We want to ad- Katrin Dircksen (Secretary dress challenges that the world is facing 14 General ECIU), Hinke Mulder Trying out digital tools in our study tomorrow, today. (Strategic PR Manager of the programmes has actually made us ‘ECIU MATTERS’ University of Twente and Chair more aware of how valuable analogue As we digitize higher education using of the ECIU PR Group) face-to-face social situations really are. technology for the better, we will make 16 Important 21st century skills like litera- sure that we “grow people” in the pro- Coordinated by cy, critical and creative thinking, social cess. As one student put it: “It is not LET’S MEET... THE UNIVERSITY Sandra Pool & and cultural awareness, and abilities to only about work and success; it is about Katrin Dircksen collaborate and communicate in diverse your life as a person”. I may add: “To 18 OF TRENTO societies, are best developed through take part in developing a better digitized Design and layout by physical meetings and social interplay. and analogue world”. ECIU RESEARCH MOBILITY FUND Marloes Jansink, Vanille Design (agency) The digital university is not a place whe- This magazine highlights some of our (www.vanille.design) re the students spend most of their time plans and visions for the university of 20 alone in front of a computer. Quite the the future. Enjoy reading. Printed by contrary, in this university the human OUTSIDE THE LECTURE HALL, SMG Group component should be strengthened, Marit Boyesen, CREATHON (www.smg-groep.nl) developing new sustainable educational Vice president ECIU 22 models, as well as increasing mobility Rector University of Stavanger of students and staff across borders. THE RUNIN PROJECT 13 UNIVERSITIES 7 THEMES 24

Aalborg Universitat Tampere Kaunas University Tecnológico University Innovation Cooperation Education University Autònoma University University of of Twente de Monterrey of Trento MISSION UNSTOPPABLE de Barcelona Technology 26

SUMMER SCHOOLS Hamburg Linköping Dublin City University University University of University Regional University University of Aveiro of Nottingham Technology of Stavanger Science Entrepreneurship Mobility development 28 COVER STORY 1/4 Text Michaela Nesvarova Photo Not a ‘one size Rikkert Harink fits all’ university

The world is changing and universities should be accessing. Such as lifelong learning, which is something that we still struggle changing with it. That is the basic idea behind the to accommodate. We want to provide an environment where you go to help ECIU’s ambitious project, the ‘ECIU University’. It’s the world or a company to solve a real problem. That is a very different star- a joint university involving all ECIU members and ting point from what we offer now. Now you know how your degree will look offering a completely new type of education. like. There is little freedom; in the ECIU University we are creating flexible learn- ing pathways, learning that is mission The ECIU University’s type of education university. Together we co-created the driven. We also believe that this type of is open to everyone, including lifelong idea for the future of education and education could keep people bound to learners, and that is not focused on get- ended up with the plan for a challenge- their home universities.’ ting a diploma, but on solving real life based ECIU University.’ challenges. ‘I dream of a “NETFLIX” sty- When do you think led university, where you pay a fee and What is a ‘challenge-based’ this could become a reality? choose from all the courses available,’ university? ‘This is still a pilot phase. However, we says Sander Lotze, Manager of Interna- ‘It is focused on getting solutions to are working on a challenge-based Mas- tional Affairs at the University of Twente big societal challenges. We are tal- ter programme that could start in the and the ‘ECIU University’ project leader. king about challenge-based learning, next three years. Within this program- research and innovation. We’d like to me, you would still get a degree but ‘We want an Where and why did the idea for the create an arena where people can set not in a specific field. It would allow you ECIU University originate? up challenges, a sort of a database move freely from one ECIU university to Lotze: ‘It originated in a board meeting where anyone - students, members of another during your studies. In the long educational system held about a year ago in Kaunas. We industry, government or citizens - can run, we would also love to have one were discussing the added value of sign up and form teams. These teams European challenge-based Master pro- enhanced collaboration and the future would therefore include a diverse group gramme in a certain UN Sustainable De- based on building blocks ECIU University of education. We can see that there is of people with different expertise and velopment Goal. If it comes to lifelong an increased need for flexibility among background, all working on one challen- learners, the idea is to provide them To start the ‘ECIU University’, the consor- students and an increased need for ge. Because of this diversity, the parti- with a competence passport, which - that you put together tium has applied for funding under the lifelong learning. Moreover, industry is cipants would naturally have different just like a regular passport - needs to call of the DG Education, Sports and Cul- asking for different skill sets than uni- learning needs. Our goal is to deliver be renewed after a certain amount of tures (DG EAC) for European Universities. versities are currently delivering in their modular education. We don’t want time. We believe this could already start yourself’ The plan for the ECIU University has been graduates. Society in general is dealing a “one size fits all” university, but an in the next year. For the more distant co-created with industry, public organi- with larger and larger challenges. The educational system based on building future, I dream of a university where sations, society, academics, future and generation of now is worrying about blocks that you put together yourself.’ you pick and choose your challenge, current students at stakeholder events the problems of tomorrow. All in all, the where you are a life-long member of an all over Europe. All 13 ECIU members world is changing. We asked ourselves: Should this new type of education educational environment, you contri- have been involved in establishing this How can we react to it? And the typical replace the current universities? bute to solving relevant challenges and new joint university. If funded, the ECIU ECIU answer is based on innovation ‘The vision is not to replace the tradi- gain knowledge, skills and competences University project will kick-off in Novem- and a close collaboration with regions tional universities. This should be an rather than a degree.’ ber 2019. The first phase of the project and industry. We organized workshops “add on” that can move to spaces which will last for three years, during which the with our stakeholders at every member traditional universities have troubles concept will be developed further.

4 ECIU MAGAZINE CHALLENGING CONVENTIONAL THINKING 5 COVER STORY 2/4

Text ‘Companies are eager Michaela Nesvarova Illustrations University to participate’ Vanille Design In Out The proposal for the ECIU University has been created in close collaboration with industry. ‘We want to connect the industry’s interests and challenges with our research and education,’ says Màrius Martínez, Vicerector for International Relations at the UAB (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona) and an active member of the ‘ECIU University’ project team.

How did companies react training opportunities and strengthen when you approached them their links with the university. We were for this particular project? positively surprised by their reaction. ‘They were very enthusiastic. Of course, The main issue is to find spaces where ECIU members are already collaborating we can discuss common issues and with industry, and so we approached find “win-win” scenarios.’ companies from our existing network. The challenge was to involve them from The ECIU University aims to bring an the very beginning in a project that in- innovative form of education. How do volves not only industry, but also public the members of industry envision the bodies and other stakeholders. We or- future of universities? Màrius Martínez ganized workshops to discuss key issues ‘They would like to see more open and the companies were very eager to opportunities for them and their em- participate. These included companies in ployees. The traditional courses and the field of water resources, IT techno- curricula are often too long for their logy, chemical manufacturing and so on.’ needs. They don’t always need to ac- quire a Master degree, but only a fast What were the main points training opportunity addressed to their that the companies raised daily or strategic needs. They would during these workshops? appreciate small capsules suited to their ‘They focused on strengthening the training needs. Overall, they are looking collaboration with research in order to for universities that are more open to provide solutions to their challenges, collaboration in research and knowledge whether that is management or manu- transfer. We are doing relatively well in facturing. They also expressed interest that regard, but the companies often in training, such as industrial docto- don’t know that. We haven’t built en- rates or short training opportunities in ough bridges to make this open collabo- order to work on specific issues direct- ration possible, with industries and with ly in the company. Overall, they wish other stakeholders. That is the challenge to increase the knowledge transfer, for the future.’ ECIU University

6 ECIU MAGAZINE COVER STORY 3/4

Text Sandra Pool Photos ‘Your voice Uli Schillebeeckx will be heard’

ECIU organised for the very first And will universities still exist? The fact After all the rounds, ECIU representati- time a discussion with students is, demand for higher education grows ves Sarah Speight and Dag Husebø con- on the future of the university last faster than we can lay the bricks. That’s cluded the event. ‘Everyone agreed that November in Brussels. They held why we are here. If you are not around in 2040 there would still be a physical a brainstorming session with the table, you are on the menu.’ university with lecturers,’ mentioned Sa- representatives of the European rah Speight. ‘The main changes however Commission entiteld Future Fit Via a sort of musical chairs system, will probably lie in student involvement. Universities 2040. students and stakeholders discussed And that means you. You are our future the questions in ten minute sessions leaders. The key thing is that the student Mark Brown, Director of the National per question. When the music stopped: voice must be included in the whole Institute for Digital Learning at Du- change chairs! Among others Diana process.’ Dag Husebø: ‘Your voice will be blin University, is Chair of the Steering Paola (Monterrey), Una Ruzic (Stavan- heard and integrated in our thoughts.’ Committee for Innovation in Teaching ger) and Sverre Daniel Gaupås (Stavan- and Learning that initiated the event. ger) occupied the ‘How and what will ‘This is the first time students have come students be learning’ table. ‘There will together in a formal way. We always be more freedom of choice in what mention education and students in the you’ll learn,’ said Diana. ‘You will be able Five big question on the same breath, but have never actually to take part in education anywhere in heard their voice. It’s time we did so in a the world, so you’ll also learn how to future of higher education: powerful network.’ interact with other cultures.’ Una: ‘We’ll probably move more towards online • How and what will students be learning? ‘The focus on 2040 is extremely impor- courses, but we’ll never lose all our • What role do universities play in lifelong learning? tant,’ Brown continues. ‘That’s the year teachers.’ Sverre: ‘Certainly not. For • How can students be involved in shaping universities? today’s babies will graduate, if they’ve example, think of receiving feedback. • What is the role of universities in 2040? To produce workers or citizens? been lucky enough to be born into the That comes from your fellow students • What will universities’ business model be? right background that is. But what’s the as well as from your teacher.’ point of universities, if we have Google?

8 ECIU MAGAZINE CHALLENGING CONVENTIONAL THINKING 9 COVER STORY 4/4

Challenge-based

ECIU UNIVERSITY Text Rik Visschedijk learning Infographic Description Vanille Design challenge-based

No. No. It is a ground-breaking and highly innovative educational model: model No. challenge-based learning. The main idea is to get the outside world People all around Europe are asking to obtain relevant and state-of-the- SEND NEW CHALLENGE art knowledge and skills in order to in the curriculum. ECIU University is completely built on this unique CHALLENGE CHALLENGE solve global challenges. Learners, CHALLENGE form of education. Linköping University can be seen as a pioneer. Jan Axelsson researchers, industry and society can pose challenges on the ECIU PUBLIC ORGANIZATIONS University platform where challenges TEAM ‘Students tackle societal questions and 21st century skills Competence development are listed according to the sustainable problems, brought in by our partners The model brings a whole new dynamic Kristina Ukvalbergienė, Director of development goals of the United and stakeholders,’ says Jan Axelsson, in the curriculum. ‘With challenged-ba- Academic Affairs at Kaunas University Nations.

Director of Valorization at Linköping sed learning there is no set outcome of Technology (KTU), shares the expe- TEACHERS LEARNERS COMPANIES University. ‘Collaboration with society for the project,’ Axelsson says. ‘We rience of challenge-based learning at The challenges will be worked out by TEAMCHER around us is a cornerstone of the suc- really have to tackle the unknown. That Kaunas University of Technology. KTU teams in which learners and employees cess of our university. We link our edu- means we value the exploration of the provided the theoretical and practical from industry and society will work CHALLENGE No. cation to the labour market. This way we challenge, the decision making and the concept for the challenge-based learn- together, supported by training teams of strengthen the relevance of our rese- teamwork. These are 21st century skills. ing model of the ECIU University. ‘Firstly teamchers. MICRO-CREDENTIALS JOIN OUR TEAM arch, and we put our knowledge directly Today’s students, especially in the engi- at KTU, we started working with challen- back to society. It’s a win-win situation.’ neering domain, need those skills. When ges at a smaller scale with the students During the project, the team members a student leaves university, the societal at the Talent Academy,’ ‘During the chal- notice that they lack certain skills to The educational model is relatively new, challenges differ from those when the lenge, business companies intensively continue the project. Therefore, they but Linköping university has over twenty student started. So it’s all about adap- cooperate with students for four months take micro-credentials which are offered years of experience with problem-based ting to the circumstances. This pedago- and mentor them in solving the challen- by all 13 ECIU universities. They can CHALLENGE learning. ‘Challenged-based learning is gical method offers students just that.’ ge. The main objective of this initiative range from online courses to study really a step up,’ he says. ‘We do more is to develop practical entrepreneurship packages at a university to summer than accepting a problem from our The future graduates will bring much and research competences through real schools to research projects. partners. We ask them for challenges. needed skills to an ever-changing so- life research or business cases.’ To solve these challenges, our students ciety. Employers will benefit from their After the successful completion, have to work interdisciplinary. But also abilities in communication, creative thin- This year KTU launches a new educati- all learning will be documented in interprofessional, as we expect the king, work ethics, teamwork, networking, onal study model of the curriculum that a European competence passport. people who handed in the challenges time management, flexibility, critical includes a product development project. Micro-credentials, as well as all skills to stay involved. By doing this, we really thinking and motivation. ‘Up to now, the ‘Competence development approach obtained through the project are listed raise the level of ambition.’ reactions from both students and our will be at the heart of teaching practice,’ in the passport and can be renewed partners have been very positive,’ Axels- ‘Students will learn to generate ideas and complemented at any time. son says. ‘It’s the best thing I’ve ever and develop products based on these Every challenge ends with a specific ‘There is no set outcome for done, is often the feedback from our ideas, and they will go through a cycle outcome, which can be spin-offs, new students. Our partners are also happy of creating innovations. Researchers and research questions, new challenges and the project. We really have with the outcomes. Moreover: they get representatives of business and public most importantly a better and more the chance to scout talent, which they sector will participate as mentors. sustainable world. to tackle the unknown’ actually do.’ (text continues on page 12)

10 ECIU MAGAZINE The main aim of KTU educational mo- del is to educate graduates as socially responsible members of civic society. ‘Student develop competences of en- EduPARK wins trepreneurship and research in solving real and relevant business and research situations,’ she explains the benefits. ECIU Team Award ‘The participating organization can ap- ply the latest knowledge and solutions, but also show their social responsibility The EduPARK project has won the 2018 Award for Innovation in through the education of talents. And Teaching and Learning. Lúcia Pombo, the EduPARK coordinator we as a university can reveal the poten- from the University of Aveiro and researcher Margarida Marques tial of talents, develop joint projects with received the prize at a special ceremony, held at Hamburg University business and research organizations and of Technology last November. thereby integrate real cases in the study process. This way, we train specialists to meet the real-life market needs.’ EduPARK is an interactive application The project had won the award becau- The ECIU Team Award has the purpose with augmented reality that includes se the team is composed of specialists of promoting, celebrating and dissemi- four educational games, three of which from different academic fields who nating innovative projects in teaching are dedicated to teaching levels from worked together in a multi-disciplinary and learning developed by interdiscipli- primary school teaching to higher edu- setting, says the jury. And the integra- nary groups. It is an initiative of the ECIU cation plus one for tourists, in Portugue- tion of Augmented Reality in a day-to- members, who share a commitment se and in English. day technology, like the smartphone, towards high quality educational prac- was considered to be very innovative. tice and who seek to give visibility to According to the jury, the EduPARK According to the jury report the project exemplary, innovative pedagogical prac- project (Mobile Learning, Augmented is a good example of how an everyday tice. Each ECIU university nominates one Reality and Geocaching in Science Edu- object can be used as an educational candidate for the Award. cation), which involves 15 researchers of tool and, last but not least, the project is the University of Aveiro, offers original an excellent example of what the ECIU and attractive inter-disciplinary learning is all about: challenging conventional Kristina Ukvalbergienė strategies that bring together educatio- thinking in education. nal practice and mobile devices in green spaces in Aveiro city park.

From left to right

Margarida Marques, (researcher from EduPARK), Towards a Lúcia Pombo, European University (coordinator of EduPARK project) both from the CIDTFF Research The ECIU is determined to change the Centre for Didactics and Technology way of delivering education from degree in Teacher Education, based to challenge-based. In the EU’s European Universities call, the 13 mem- And Artur Silva bers and partners proposed a concept (Vice-Rector Research, Innovation and focusing on exactly that: solving challen- Doctoral School of the University of Aveiro). ges provided by industry and society.

12 ECIU MAGAZINE CHALLENGING CONVENTIONAL THINKING 13 SINCE SINCE SINCE 1965 1922 1974 SINCE 2004 KAUNAS UNIVERSITY AALBORG UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF STAVANGER TAMPERE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

24.000 STUDENTS 5.000 STAFF 12.000 STUDENTS 1.600 STAFF 19.000 STUDENTS 4.000 STAFF 9.818 STUDENTS 2.112 STAFF

Ranked as the best European Produces more business ideas per researcher From the beginning of 2019 Tampere University of Return on Investment of business university for engineering. than any other university in Norway. Technology and University of Tampere constitute incubator Startup Space is 600 % - taxes Finland’s most diverse university community. paid by startups in 5 years exceed the investment of the KTU 6 times.

SINCE 1989 The 13 universities SINCE SINCE 1962 1975 DUBLIN CITY UNIVERSITY of ECIU UNIVERSITY OF TRENTO LINKÖPING UNIVERSITY Infographic made by 17.000 STUDENTS 3.000 STAFF Marieke Abbink 17.000 STUDENTS 1.320 STAFF 27.000 STUDENTS 4.000 STAFF Ireland’s University of Enterprise, leading for licensing and innovation partnerships Leading University in Italy for quality of research Produced the highest number of with SMEs and multinational companies. and education. At the center of the economic and innovative spinouts in Sweden during social innovation in the Trentino region. the last decade.

SINCE SINCE 1978 1948

Mexico, Monterrey HAMBURG UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM OF TECHNOLOGY

44.520 STUDENTS 8.293 STAFF 7.620 STUDENTS 708 STAFF

Has a £1.1bn economic impact Offers one of the top 5 combined on the UK every year. Management and Engineering study degree programs in Germany.

SINCE SINCE SINCE 1968 1943 1973 SINCE 1964 UNIVERSITAT AUTÒNOMA TECNOLÓGICO DE MONTERREY UNIVERSITY OF AVEIRO DE BARCELONA UNIVERSITY OF TWENTE

89.641 STUDENTS 10.117 STAFF 15.000 STUDENTS 1.650 STAFF 34.080 STUDENTS 10.314 STAFF 11.000 STUDENTS 2.950 STAFF

Is in the Top 25 Undergraduate Schools Best practice by the National Strategic Led the UAB-CIE Sphere, comprising of scientific, Europe’s most entrepreneurial (NO. 14) of the Princeton Review’s Top Reference Framework Observatory, technological and business parks, multinational university with more than Schools for Entrepreneurship Studies for 2018. for its close cooperation with the region. companies, SMEs, foundations and city councils. 700 spin-offs.

14 15 ‘ECIU matters’ For more than a year now, Olga Wessels has been Text managing the ECIU office in Brussels. Ever since she Sandra Pool Photo was appointed, she has been pleasantly surprised by Jean-Yves Limet the great commitment of the involved universities to the consortium. ‘There is a lot of trust.’

It is not in the Belgian capital, but at when, for example, we are writing a U-Today’s editorial office that we speak position paper. We receive a lot of with Wessels. Exactly one year after we input, and then I can put it into a paper first met in Brussels. ‘I then expressed without everyone having to read it and the ambition that all of Brussels will give an opinion. That is rather unique know ECIU. Well,’ she says, ‘we worked and really nice.’ really hard on that, and we matter now.’ In the coming year, a lot is going to ‘Whether the year This is partly the result of organising happen in Europe. ‘Cooperation with events and submitting so-called position other universities is essential to us. The has brought me papers. ‘It all contributes to our visibility. approaching Brexit is of fundamental We wrote a paper on universities as importance. We have to do something what I expected it to? a key to unlock Europe’s innovation with that, as it turns everything upside powerhouse. And we shared ten criteria down. The European Parliamentary More than that!’ to maximise the impact of European elections are coming up, which could Universities Networks. I noticed from the mean new parliamentarians and responses to them that our ideas were rebuilding a network.’ She continues: embraced.’ As the cherry on the cake, ‘The new commissioners will take up Jean-Eric Paquet, Director-General of office in November 2019 and then it will Contact details the Research & Innovation directorate, be important to establish good contacts dedicated one and a half hours of his again. Finally, the European research Olga Wessels, time to talking with and about ECIU and training programmes 2020 will Head of ECIU Office during one of our meetings in Brussels. expire. What is next then? We will be Brussels, Avenue de ‘In the next few years, Paquet will right on top of that as well.’ Tervueren 35, 1040 be playing a key role in determining Brussels, Belgium. the European research agenda. An ‘Whether the year has brought me +32 483680182 appointment like this proves that we what I expected it to? More than that. [email protected] are taken seriously in Europe.’ All these visits made it very intense, but it was so good to see that the According to Wessels, the commitment commitment to ECIU is so great. I hope of the member universities to ECIU is we will be able to keep it that way. huge. She visited nearly all members And now I am off to the University of over the past year. ‘That was very Trento in Italy, Dublin City University in positive. There is a lot of trust in each Ireland, and to Monterrey, Mexico: the other, and in me as well. I can see this universities I have not visited so far.’

16 ECIU MAGAZINE CHALLENGING CONVENTIONAL THINKING 17 Let’s meet… the ‘We open our doors to suitable partners’ University of Trento

The University of Trento is the newest addition to the Text Rense Kuipers ECIU family. According to Trento’s Vice-Rector for Photo Luisa Saviori International Relations Maurizio Marchese, the Italian university shares the same traits as the other universities within ECIU: young, innovative and eager to collaborate.

Let’s meet the University of Trento! And what should other universities Marchese: ‘We started in the sixties, as a expect from you, if they are looking faculty of social sciences. Soon after, we for collaboration? became a more generalised university ‘We are very eager to collaborate. As in the seventies, when we also founded any other university, we are capable of a faculty of science and a faculty of law. making it on our own. But why should Then other faculties followed. Like other we, when we can work together? We universities within ECIU, we’re still relati- believe internationalization is part of the vely young. Nowadays, we are what you answer. And as the University of Trento, could call a more generalised university. we open our doors to suitable partners. We educate about sixteen thousand stu- They will quickly find we are strongly dents and we are known as one of most present in all modern research areas: innovative universities in Italy, especially cognitive and brain sciences, biology, when it comes to education.’ physics, you name it.’

What are you looking for What are you hoping to within the ECIU consortium? get out of this collaboration? ‘New possibilities to grow as a univer- ‘We hope that young entrepreneurs sity. We have a strong attitude towards and young professionals will find fertile internationalization, with over 300 colla- ground in Trento to develop themsel- borations within Europe alone. We think ves. One of our goals is therefore to these collaborations are important to also start more double degree and joint strengthen our research network and to degree programmes and to strengthen learn from other universities. In the case our active collaborations. If we work of ECIU, it helps that we share the same together strategically, we can find characteristics: we are young, relative- solutions to both big and small pro- ly small-sized universities that offer a blems. After all, that’s what a strong high quality in research and education. network is for.’ And I think we also face similar socie- tal problems within our regions. If we strengthen our network, we could tackle those problems together.’

18 ECIU MAGAZINE ECIU Research Mobility Fund ‘The old school way of visiting someone

Text is great’ Rense Kuipers

To Professor Esa Räsänen from Tampere University, visiting another scientist is the best way to boost a collaboration. In October 2018, he made use of the ECIU Research Mobility Fund and visited his colleague, Professor Philip Moriarty, at the University of Nottingham. As both scientists and avid musicians, they’ve started working together on researching the science of drumming.

Eglė Butkevičienė Ulla Saari

What was the reason for How was your experience move around, and is able to measure the Vice-Dean for Research at the Faculty Postdoctoral Researcher from your visit to Nottingham? in Nottingham? electronic pulses in the brain. While we in of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts Tampere University in Finland, ‘I’ve got to know Professor Philip ‘It was one of my personal highlights Tampere are strong in numerical and data at Kaunas University of Technology, was a visiting researcher at the Moriarty three years ago, when he posted of last year. I was there for one week in analysis. That way, we can combine our visited Tecnológico de Monterrey Technical University of Hamburg a YouTube video about the science of October. In such a short amount of time, respective strengths.’ at the end of 2018. (TUHH) for six months. drumming. In that video, he was also we had to make it a very efficient week. ‘KTU’s membership in ECIU is beneficial ‘The mobility program provides a great praising our work in Tampere. Since then, Now, we have many ideas for joint publi- So, 1+1=3? for every researcher of the University. It opportunity to establish international we stayed in touch and I was planning cations on the science of music that are ‘Exactly. I love the multidisciplinary benefits our image and opens new op- contacts and build research networks,’ to visit him in Nottingham.’ likely to get a lot of media attention.’ approach.’ portunities to disseminate information,’ says Saari. Together with Professor says Butkevičienė. Her main focus of the Christian Ringle and doctoral students And you thought the Sounds interesting, What are your plans for the future? visit to Monterrey was distance learning. at the TUHH, she has been working ECIU Research Mobility Fund the physics of drumming… ‘We have already started to involve ‘During virtual lectures in Tecnológico with the statistical software tool was the right tool for that? ‘It is! One of our main findings was that an students in our project and we hope de Monterrey, teachers are filmed in SmartPLS. Now, she would like to ‘Indeed! The possibility was advertised audience likes it when drummers make we can also start sending students to such a way that the students during the establish the software tool also at her at my university last year. And from a “mistakes”. So, fractal fluctuations in the Nottingham. Vice versa, that’s already lecture can see them walking, showing home institution. ‘The use of methods meeting in Brussels, I was already familiar beats of musical rhythms make the music happening, as the first group of students the slides and communicating full size, and software leads to co-operation in with the ECIU network. To me, this looked sound more “human”. Now, we’re taking from Nottingham is visiting us in Tampere naturally. I believe that this is technology common research projects,’ she says, like the most optimal tool to meet up with that idea a bit further and are studying already in April. So there’s a clear educa- of the future, which will be also available referring to the mutual benefits from Philip. Applying to this fund was very what happens in the brain someone is tional gain that we’re working on. And we at KTU soon. This will definitely enhance the ECIU Research MobilityFund. straightforward and easy, by the way.’ drumming. So, the question is: how does also hope that our collaboration leads to students’ involvement and study quali- information travel from the brain to the more joint publications. In the end, one ty’, says Butkevičienė. ‘We are in a way hands? What’s fascinating is that Notting- week in October was a great start, which fighting for students’ attention – there is ham has a very cool and “hands free” MRI reminded me that the old school way of so much information around. Lectures tool – a sort of a hat that still allows you to visiting someone is great.’ have to be very attractive’,

20 ECIU MAGAZINE CHALLENGING CONVENTIONAL THINKING 21 Outside the lecture hall

A question, a quantity of data

and lots of food and drinks

Ever heard of a Creathon? The University of Twente the same time, the Creathon is not (yet) suitable for the educational curriculum, hosted the first ECIU Creathon. In this weekend event since we do not know what a participant will learn during a weekend’ over a hundred people worked together to tackle various InGenious societal challenges in the respective regions of the ‘Creathons are extra-curricular events, which make it a flexible tool for student participating ECIU member universities. Initiator Wilbert engagement, international collaboration and student exchange. If students do Pontenagel, project manager at Novel-T, explains not receive ECTS credits for the creative marathon, they will not choose for this the idea behind the ‘creative marathon’. type of education for a long time – it Text is simply not affordable. Therefore, we Jelle Posthuma developed an additional formula called Photos ‘A Creathon is a further development of kind of challenges might be interesting InGenious. This program includes similar Enrico Bertolotti the hackathon concept that originated to work on for a weekend.’ Participants values ​​as a Creathon, but at the same Ivette Tamez more ten years ago in America,’ Ponte- of the first Creathon held last Septem- time provides a regular educational nagel says. ‘A hackathon is a meeting of ber came from Stavanger (Norway), program. The new ECIU University, the “nerdy” people who can solve a problem Linköping (Sweden), Aalborg (Den- university 4.0, is a wonderful environ- for the business community. They get a mark), Hamburg (Germany) and several ment to experiment with this form of The winners: question, a quantity of data and a lot of regions of the Netherlands. education. I think the world has become pizzas and cola. After the weekend, they so fast and dynamic that our traditional App for the most present an answer to the question.’ ‘We used the United Nations Sustainable grading principles need to be reviewed Development Agenda as a guide. From and revalued. Creathons and InGenious suitable kindergarten ‘In my view, the mechanism of a hacka- these big goals, the participants defined projects can help us to learn about the thon is very interesting and could also local challenges. The event aimed to possibilities to innovate higher education Jungwon Seo (28, Master Computer is common to interrupt when someone the children back home after day care. be used to develop solutions for more bring together international and multi- and lifelong learning principles. Science, University of Stavanger): else speaks and I am not used to that. But in most European countries the general challenges, for instance in the disciplinary teams to find out-of-the-box ‘One of the main reasons for me to What I realized, is that I should be parents pick up their children. Still, the field of digitization, urbanization, climate solutions to societal problems using participate in the Creathon was the prepared for these kinds of difficulties most important general requirement for change and sustainability. This is why we data,’ says Pontenagel. ‘At least one location of the event. The Netherlands and make sure I know something about selection is the location of the kinder- transformed hackathons into Creathons: expert from every participating city had seems to be a startup hub, and the cultural differences beforehand. ‘Our garten. So we decided to make an ap- creative marathons. to tag along. This expert could explain therefore I wanted to visit the country. winning idea was about kindergartens, plication in which the users can put their what the local situation looked like and Although we won the competition, the or day care. We wanted to improve the home address and workplace and the Smart cities must provide input at the request of the experience of the Creathon was quite way young parents choose their kinder- way they are travelling. Furthermore, we For the 2018 ECIU Creathon we took students, but they must not be the dom- stressful. The main reason for this were garten. During the Creathon our team gave an option to import other criteria, the development of smart cities and inant actor. The student team needs to the cultural differences. I am not an realized that countries have different like religion or flexible working hours. smart regions as a starting point and figure out that they miss certain knowl- English native, which made the criteria of selection for a kindergarten. This resulted in an app that showed the we invited ECIU member universities to edge and therefore need the help of an communication with other participants For example in my home country, South best route and the most suitable kinder- discuss with their regional partners what expert. That is a real academic skill at difficult. Moreover, in some countries it Korea, it is common that a bus delivers garten on that route.’ Wilbert Pontenagel

22 ECIU MAGAZINE CHALLENGING CONVENTIONAL THINKING 23 The RUNIN Project some of the main questions addressed in her work. In order to provide answers, the doctoral candidate is conducting three case studies: one in Aveiro, one in The world of Catalonia and one in Twente. Based on her first two studies (at Universidade de Aveiro and at Universitat Autònoma de universities, policies Barcelona), she is able to share some preliminary results. Text Liliana Fonseca and regional practices Michaela Nesvarova ‘Aveiro is a comparatively less develo- Photos ped region and Universidade de Aveiro RUNIN is the only university in the area. Be- More about RUNIN: The project ‘Role of Universities in Innovation and Host institution cause of that, it tends to take on a more Universidade de Aveiro prominent and interactive role when RUNIN is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Regional Development’ (RUNIN) aims to train PhD together,’ says Nieth. ‘I have worked in designing new policies together with Actions Innovative Training Network Twente, Aveiro and in Northern Den- Secondment institutions the regional government – particularly involving regional development agencies researchers on how universities contribute to innovation mark, at Aalborg University. I’ve con- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona in the formulation phase,’ says Fonse- and seven universities, six of which are ducted interviews with stakeholders in & University of Twente ca. ‘Universitat Autònoma de Barcelo- ECIU partner universities: and economic growth in their regions. Two of them all these regions to see what their goals na, on the other hand, is one of many and challenges are. I’d like to see how Topic of PhD research universities in the region. There are at • University of Stavanger (coordinator) tell what they have found out so far. the individual universities perform and The role and impact of universities’ least seven other universities in Cata- • Aalborg University how they could become more effective participation and engagement in the lonia involved in policy making. Which • Linköping University in their contributions to their regions.’ design of regional innovation policies is why the university doesn’t have the • Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona academia with the private and the public and strategies. possibility of being directly involved in a • University of Aveiro sector, three completely different wor- Even though Nieth’s research is far new strategy, but can be more active in • University of Twente lds’. A topic she finds so important that from complete, she has already drawn Liliana Fonseca is yet another ‘atypical the implementation phase. Overall, you • Lincoln University it made her decide to leave her job at some conclusions on how we can make PhD student’ within the project. ‘To could say that in Aveiro the university (not a member of ECIU) the German-Chilean Chamber of Com- regional collaboration more fruitful. ‘If it tell you the truth, I didn’t even think of has the role of a planner, while in Cata- merce – and to study regional develop- comes to European policies, it’s usually doing a PhD,’ she says. But once she lonia it is more a beneficiary.’ It currently includes 14 PhD candidates, ment full time. ‘Yes, my story is not the expected that the stakeholders – such learnt of RUNIN, she applied – because distributed across the seven participating traditional PhD student story. I worked as companies, universities, municipali- of her interest in regional development. Fonseca hopes that her doctoral rese- institutes and all starting the final year of in Chile for several years after my Master ties – come together and jointly defi- ‘I didn’t know what RUNIN would bring arch helps us look at the role of univer- their doctoral research. Lisa Nieth studies. I moved back to Europe just for ne different strategies for the region. me, but the network it offers is very sities in a slightly different light. ‘So far RUNIN. I wanted more theoretical know- However, it is not taken into account helpful. You are so close to people in so research has focused on the link bet- ledge on regional innovation and this how challenging it is for these partners many fields and countries. You have a ween the university and industry, but program allows me to work not only at a to find common ground. They have big potential to grow and the intensity there are many other aspects in which Host institution university, but also in an applied setting, different priorities, and so it’s difficult of the program makes us grow much universities contribute to the regional University of Twente directly with the region.’ for them to just say “Oh yes, this is what faster than a regular PhD trajectory.’ development. When universities engage & Regio Twente we all want.”’ Fonseca belongs to the same ‘working in the policy-process, they often emer- package’ as Lisa Nieth, which means ge as mediators and they bring unique Secondment institutions ‘It is not taken into Lisa Nieth therefore believes it’s crucial that their research topics complement resources to the table. That is why it’s Universidade de Aveiro for the regional stakeholders to first each other. Fonseca’s PhD work also important to understand exactly what & Aalborg University account how challenging it learn about each other. ‘They need to focuses on ‘the world of universities, roles they can play, especially in diffe- understand each other’s point of view policies and regional practices’. She is rent institutional or geographic contex- Topic of PhD research is for these partners to find and be open to compromises before exploring how universities interact with ts. I’d like to reflect on that in my work.’ The role of universities in contributing they try to combine their knowledge local and regional government in mat- to processes of economic development a common strategy’ into common long-term strategies,’ ters of innovation policy. and innovative growth through their says the research fellow. ‘Innovation ‘In Aveiro the university participation in regional partnerships as policy makers should take this more ‘Are universities more involved in certain well as the design and implementation ‘In my research I focus on how univer- into account and possibly include an phases of the process? What is the ex- has the role of a planner, of development strategies. sities collaborate with regional stake- “in-between” step in the process, so tent of their engagement? And what are holders. I look at what the challenges that the partners can first get to know they actually bringing to the table that while in Catalonia it is As Lisa Nieth puts it, her doctoral of such partnerships are and how we one another and understand the point can benefit the policy process and re- research concentrates on ‘connecting can make it easier for them to work of view of their counterparts.’ gional innovation overall?’ Fonseca lists more of a beneficiary’

24 ECIU MAGAZINE CHALLENGING CONVENTIONAL THINKING 25 Mission Unstoppable

How did it go? What did you learn along the way? ‘I would say the bike tour had two dis- ‘In my view, ECIU is like the “naughty” kid tinct phases. The first two weeks, 1800 in the class. We do things differently and km from Denmark through northern we are definitely not the “usual suspect”. ‘Sometimes you need Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and That is what we need in today’s socie- then back to southern Germany, where I ty. Too often, we look a lot to the same could focus mainly on cycling; and then cities and same universities for solutions to make a statement’ the final two weeks, 2000 km through and inspiration, but this gives a very limi- Switzerland, France, Spain and onwards ted worldview. There may be fifty “usual What was the purpose of your tour? to Portugal, where things were – shall suspects” – the Copenhagens, the Paris’, A 30-day biking journey from Denmark to Portugal: ‘To get from Aalborg to the final gradu- we say – less simple. The first part of the Amsterdams – and five thousand ation ceremony of the JEMES CiSu pro- the tour, I was able to follow the original unusual ones. We must embrace the full last year Martin Lehmann embarked on his ‘Mission gramme (The Erasmus Mundus Mas- plan and travel with colleagues, gradu- spectrum and that is where ECIU – and ter Course - Cities & Sustainability); it ates and students. They followed me in their city partners – come in with their in- Unstoppable’ to promote ECIU’s work on sustainability. happened to take place in Aveiro. While an electric vehicle and supported me novative take on research, education, en- the travel was one part of the tour, the on the route. After my stop in Freiburg gagement, and collaboration. Together Lehmann started his bike tour from Aalborg University, main purposes were on the one hand to in Germany, I had no one to drive the we are stronger, both on the education thank colleagues at ECIU institutions for EV, and things thus became logistically and research level. That is why ECIU is where he works as an associate professor of sustainable the close collaboration we had had over quite difficult. From then on, I had to so important, showing that both the the past 10 to 15 years, and on the other both drive the car myself, complete the usual suspects – such as Barcelona and development and, after 3900 km long trip he arrived to seek out opportunities to continue average of 150 kilometers per day on Hamburg – join up with the more unusu- our work on sustainable development. my bike, and meet daily with colleagues, al, small giants like Aalborg, Enschede, in Aveiro, Portugal. Hence the title, “Mission Unstoppable”. partners and stakeholders for a dialo- Aveiro and the other partners.’ While our collaboration in the Erasmus gue about future collaboration.’ Mundus Master Course would officially come to an end by December 2018, the- Was it difficult? ‘To realise sustainable Text re is still a lot to do, a lot of opportuni- ‘I trained several months for this tour, so Jelle Posthuma ties to continue working together and a physically I was well-prepared. Mentally, transport modes, Photo strong need for the approach that ECIU however, especially the last two weeks Martin Lehmann partners have.’ were very challenging. You can compare we need efforts on the bike tour to our study programme, Why by bike? where one of our mantras is “embrace international, national ‘The simple version is that I needed to uncertainty”. I certainly had to do exactly get to the graduation in October any- that. You have a goal, and you need to and regional levels’ way, because of the finalization of the figure out along the way what to do to cohort. However, I also wanted to make succeed even if things do not exactly go a statement about the ways of transport, your way. That is also what I did during which was the reason to combine the my bike tour. I needed to make my de- bike with an electric vehicle for support. cisions on the fly, reaching destinations We need to be more sustainable, and while at the same time not foregoing both cycling and EVs are everyday al- on the promise of cycling 4000 km in a ternatives. To take your bike is of course month, and ensuring new opportunities. extreme, but sometimes you need to Don’t get me wrong, though, I had a lot make a statement and ‘’walk the talk’’. fun and a lot of great experiences; espe- To realise sustainable transport modes, cially the social aspect was very inspiring we need efforts on international, natio- with great dialogues and engagement nal and regional levels, but this is not an along the way. It was a very distinct ex- excuse to not start with yourself first. perience that will stay with me for quite some time.’

26 ECIU MAGAZINE CHALLENGING CONVENTIONAL THINKING 27 Summer schools

Contact your International Are you looking for an inspiring way to spend your summer? Office about free tickets and The ECIU Summer Schools offer you several high-quality courses to choose from. Go abroad, celebrate the summer and discover Mexico, discounts for ECIU students! Sweden, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Finland or Spain!

University of Twente, Kaunas University Tampere University, the Netherlands of Technology, Lithuania Finland CuriousU PhD Summer School Tampere Summer School

Date Date Date 11 - 20 August 26 – 30 August 1 – 16 August Fee Fee Fee €750 regular price, tent accommodation Early bird and ECIU doctoral students €250 All courses are free of charge included, valid until 10th June 2019 Regular €300. Participation fee is paid only for degree and exchange students €875 after 10th June until 9th August when the registration is approved. of Tampere Universities 2019, tent accommodation included What to expect? What to expect? What to expect? PhD Summer School provides the oppor- Tampere Summer School offers inspiring The CuriousU experience is a one of a tunity for intellectually curious doctoral courses covering various academic fields kind combination of a European summer students to explore new knowledge, to ex- and up-to-date topics. Our course teachers school and a festival. Excellent academic pand cultural awareness and to exchange are top professionals in their fields, and the courses, music, sports, theatre and experience. De PhD Summer School will: courses employ multidisciplinary and inspirational speakers at one place. The Equip participants with essential skills that experimental approaches. Tampere is a broad range of courses that are given are necessary in all fields of science, provi- compact-sized active and vibrant city with are based on the hottest research fields, de them valuable networking opportunity a relaxed atmosphere, and the beautiful which include Blockchain Tech, Water, with participants from other countries and lake surroundings display the amazing Robotics and eSports Analytics. create and share friendly social environ- Finnish nature at its best. ment in the historical town Trakai.

Tecnológico de Monterrey, Universitat Autònoma University of Stavanger, Mexico de Barcelona, Spain Norway i Summer Mx UAB Barcelona Summer School The Conductor’s Week

Date Date Date 1 July – 26 July (4 weeks on Late June to early August 2019, 5 – 9 August 4 different campuses in Mexico) two 3-week periods Fee Fee Fee 300 euro 3600 USD for independent students €840 each course (6 ECTS) 1600 USD for exchange students €280 afternoon courses (2 ECTS) What to expect? nominated by partner institution The Conductor’s Week is Norway’s What to expect? largest conducting course, hosting over What to expect? Most courses are taught in English, with 100 participants and a teaching staff Students will learn how to improve their an option to learn and improve your of 15-20 acclaimed conductors and skills as professionals. You can expect Spanish as a foreign language. The 6 educators. The Conductor’s Week is held company visits, conferences with experts, ECTS credits are transferable to your at the Faculty of Performing Arts at the workshops and trips. Attendees can degree programme. The school provides University of Stavanger, and located in choose between aeronautics, business a Buddy Programme: meet local students Bjergsted Culture Park – the heart of or marketing. who can show you around Barcelona. Stavanger’s cultural district. Courses contain more than 15 subjects in a range of fields.