Author: unina

Seminar “Conducting transdisciplinary research (PhD)”

Written by unina on . Posted in News.

The Department of Social Sciences of the University of Naples Federico II, in collaboration with Aurora Sustainability & Climate Change Pilot Domain, is glad to invite you to the seminar “Conducting transdisciplinary research (PhD)”.

The seminar can be considered a key step in shaping the Aurora Doctorate Schools.

Research is a collaborative journey; seldom is it undertaken in isolation. In today’s landscape, research funding institutions emphasize the importance of transdisciplinary approaches, urging projects to transcend the boundaries of universities, countries, disciplines, geographies, languages, and places. This shift in focus encourages researchers to engage in a collective effort to address complex challenges. However, the path of a doctoral researcher, especially the thesis defence, remains an individual endeavour.

The seminar, guided by Professor Patrik Zapata (University of Gothenburg), will delve into the intricacies of navigating the research world. With a wealth of experience as a director of doctoral studies and an expert supervisor, Professor Zapata brings valuable insights to the discussion.

The seminar will be held at the Department of Social Sciences (Aula Ovale, vico Monte della Pietà, 1, Naples) on November 28th, at 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM and online on zoom here.

For more information please download the Flyer.

Rethinking Food Systems in the Anthropocene

Written by unina on . Posted in Courses.

The Aurora Hackathon ‘Rethinking Food Systems in the Anthropocene’ – was organised by the University of Naples Federico II and took place in Palazzo Gravina, seat of the UNINA Department of Architecture, from Monday 23 to Friday 27 October 2023. The main goal of the activity was to co-create conceptual solutions to rethink the food economy of a specific area of Naples, drawing inspiration from university seminars, and workshops hosted by representatives of sustainable entrepreneurial local activities and from on-field excursions conducted in the local markets.

The following subjects were covered in the lectures and seminars: Anthropocene/Capitalocene (by Adam Arvidsson); Rethinking the City through Food (by Ramon Rispoli); Service Design in the Food Ecosystem (by Afi Soedarsono); Housing experiments for food collectivization (by Ciro Priore); Jugaad, Informal Economy and Technological Disobedience (by Benedetta Toledo, Cristina Trey). For more info on the program please download the Flyer.

According to the hackathon design challenge, the participants had to develop a design proposal to guarantee ecological resilience, economic sustainability for producers and consumers, and organizational feasibility. The long-term goal would be the generation of new communities involving consumers and producers in a specific area of Naples, around Palazzo Fuga, which was the main building involved in the design proposals.

Moreover, design proposals had to include:
– sustainable and community-based solutions for urban gardening (community gardens, vertical farms, and the like);
– solutions for waste reduction based on circularity (composting, recycling, upcycling, etc.);
– physical and digital spaces able to connect producers and consumers in a direct way (farmers’ markets, consumers’ groups, apps and digital platforms);
– sense-making strategies (promotion of local food and recipes; collective events, initiatives, and campaigns related to food, also as a vehicle for social and cultural integration, community building, and cooperation).

The hackathon involved 54 participants, a strong increase compared to the previous two editions: 12 students from the Copenhagen Business School, 6 students from the University of Iceland and 36 students enrolled in the UNINA Master of Science in “Design for the Built Environment” (DBE). The added value of this experience for the students has been the transdisciplinary learning environment, as students were coming not only from all over Europe but also from different backgrounds (Design; Social Sciences; Business Administration; Service Management; Industrial engineering; Environment and Natural Resources, Renewable Energy Sustainability, Economics, and Policy).

On the final day, the students had the opportunity to showcase their project proposals in front of a jury. The best projects, selected for their creativity, social innovation, sustainability, economic feasibility, and business model, have been nominated for the “Seismic Awards”, a competition held by CBS (Copenhagen Business School) to promote creative and innovative social entrepreneurs.

The participants’ comments reflect the value of the initiative.
We asked the students what they appreciated from this experience and all the lectures, and some of their answers were:
“I appreciated that all the lectures were extremely related to what would be our project, giving us a practical approach to problem-solving”
“I appreciated that they presented our photos and cases of food from all over the world and markets in Naples, I was also interested in seeing how cities are organized”
“They provided us with a complex and systemic way of thinking, moreover I was interested in the in-depth knowledge gained of Anthropocene and the problems faced in Naples”
“I enjoyed visiting Neapolitan markets and interacting with people because we had some genuine experience, also we could discover the food system in Naples and the culture from the local perspective and get inspiration”
“Seminars gave me amazing insights to the area of Naples, but also by gathering and visiting the markets I understood more about the big and small markets in the city, I enjoyed getting knowledge by experiencing”
“My favourite activity was when we went in “The Florist Bar” because it was interesting to hear a direct experience of the growth of an activity like that, it was inspiring”

 

Linguistic diversity, intercultural competences & European identity: and Aurora Blended Intensive Program for Europe to come

Written by unina on . Posted in Events.

25 participants from 4 European universities with over 22 languages spoken. Students, teachers, and staff were working together towards a common goal: to train and discuss European linguistic and cultural plurality and the development of intercultural skills. In the background Naples and the Mediterranean Sea, its cultures, its languages.

The Aurora Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) Erasmus+ “Linguistic diversity, intercultural competences & European identity”, was carried out in mid-September to educate teachers, students, and staff for a plurilingual and intercultural Europe. BIPs are blended intensive programs of study and research. The BIP is coordinated by the University Federico II (UNINA) in partnership with the Innsbruck Universität (UIBK), the Universitat Rovira i Virgili of Tarragona (URV), and the Univerzita Palackého v Olomouci (UPOL), was designed as part of the Aurora programme activities and financed with Erasmus+ European funds.

The four thematic sessions addressed the topics of European political identity, European multilingualism, the educational methodologies of linguistic ethnography, and the development of intercultural competencies in multilingual education and training.

The topic of European political identity was addressed in two seminars by Alessandro Arienzo (UNINA), designed to understand how our recent history and culture have shaped our ideas of Europe and how Europe as an idea is the result of stratified historical and political paths closely connected to social and individual experiences. The concept of European multilingualism was addressed in two workshops by Ulrike Jessner-Schmid (UIBK) in which the participants, working in groups, by expressing their linguistic portraits, experienced how their prior (multi)linguistic knowledge can help them in learning a new language or decoding texts in other languages. Two workshops by Lidia Gallego-Balsa (URV) dealt with the topics of pedagogical translanguaging and linguistic ethnography as a tool for developing competencies in an additional foreign language. Finally, intercultural competencies were the subject of three workshops by Markus Öbrink (UPOL) with the aim of discussing intercultural communication and conflict mediation. The group developed a common intercultural basis by practising techniques such as asking questions, listening effectively, communicating clearly, and anticipating conflicts.

Participants were engaged in the co-creation of workshop activities, as well as in small group activities and plenary discussions. All activities were based on teamwork and challenge-based: the participants, divided into groups, tried to tackle specific problems through discussion and debate. The educational experience was enriched by participating in the Erasmus Welcome Day organised by UNINA with a visit to the Paleontological University Museum, the National Archaeological Museum, and the Morra Greco Art Foundation.

With an outstanding 90% of participants responding to be “highly satisfied” with the activities, and willing to continue in some for the experience, and an overall 80% “satisfied” rate for each of the workshops, this Blended Intensive Program was a success!

 

Some comments from the participants:

“The event with the Aurora community was an unforgettable experience. I have learned a variety of new things and skills, both for my professional and my personal development”;

“I will forever be grateful for the many new things I have been able to learn, the people I have met, and all of the great moments lived in this city”;

“Participating in the Blending Intensive Program was a wonderful experience for me. The program’s discussion approach was excellent, and I learned a lot from it. I am now even more motivated to continue researching multilingualism after completing my PhD studies. The BIP program enhanced my understanding of how multilingualism can be beneficial and provide social and cognitive advantages to those who speak multiple languages”;

“This ensured that the course met my expectations of a course focused on Linguistic diversity, intercultural competencies & European identity. It also exceeded my expectations in many ways in terms of meeting new people and learning methods from other universities”;

“Meeting students and professors from different universities and getting to know their opinions on various topics has been an enrichment for me”.

 

The scientific and educative collaboration initiated in Naples will continue next year in Olomouc, with a new Blended Program dedicated to the study of European multilingualism and educational perspectives for Europe to come.

 

Linguistic diversity, intercultural competences & European identity

Written by unina on . Posted in News.

Are you a Bachelor, Master or PhD student in the fields of Education, Humanities or Social Sciences?

This unique opportunity suits you!

The University of Naples Federico II, University of Innsbruck, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, and Palacký University Olomouc, participated in the first Blended Intensive Programmes (BIP) call for applications and received funding for the course “Linguistic diversity, intercultural competences & European identity”.

Visit the Course Catalogue to find out more.

AWARD CEREMONY: Micro-credential “Sustainability & Climate Change”

Written by unina on . Posted in News.

On 2 February 2023 at 11:00 a.m., the UNINA Department of Chemical Sciences will hold the “Micro-credential “Sustainability & Climate Change” award ceremony to celebrate the outstanding achievement of the student Giusi Merola, enrolled in the “Molecular and Industrial Biotechnology” degree course at the University of Naples Federico II.

Giusi is the first student in the entire Aurora Alliance to have acquired micro-credentials (10 ECTS) as part of the Aurora Joint Programme Sustainability & Climate Change (https://aurora-universities.eu/sustainability-climate-change/).
During the ceremony, the student will be officially presented with the programme completion certificate issued by the University of Innsbruck.

It will be possible to attend the ceremony in person or online via the link on the poster.”

award ceremony_FINAL

Aurora workshop on “Digital nomads: living in a society of digital enterprises”

Written by unina on . Posted in News.

Together with the VU Amsterdam Network Institute Aurora universities central office organised the workshop on Digital Nomads – Living in a Society of Digital Employees at the Neth-ER premises in Brussels on 14 June 2022. The workshop addressed how society, employers and employees may deal with the new way of working in the digital society, and how to contribute from a scientific perspective. It has been attended by policy-makers from the European Commission, 12 scientists from Aurora universities and its central office and three people representating employees, policy making and digital nomads.


Background: The Covid-19 pandemic has inspired an increasing number of employees to work from a different country where their organisation is located. There are several structural factors in society that may further spur the number of digital nomads in Europe, such as an increased desire among employees for autonomy and flexibility in balancing professional and private life, and the advent of digital technologies and intermediary companies that enable a nomadic lifestyle. The digital nomads trend provides scientists, strategists and policy-makers with new technological, organisational, legal, ethical, economical and socio-cultural challenges.

 

Question: How can current and future research provide input to strategies and policies, and vice versa?
Aim: The aim of this workshop was to bundle expertise from ambitious and excellent scientists from various disciplines to discuss challenges related to digital nomads with European policy-makers, and provide directions for the European Commission’s Research & Innovation programs.


Results: Certain actions have been identified that are needed from policy-makers and scientists. This will result in a white paper and policy input for the European Commission. The workshop also aimed to foster new contacts between researchers and policy-makers from the European Commission and to provide opportunities for research collaborations. The academic attendees expressed their interest to create an Aurora network of experts related to this topic.

Time to register to the 2022 Spring School in Transferable Skills!

Written by unina on . Posted in News.

Are you thinking about the next step in your career? This 2-day online Spring School in Transferable Skills will focus on developing skills in grant and CV writing and how to get a faculty position. The school will provide the participants with an overview of the breadth of interviews that can be expected on your interview journey and will provide a space to practise interview questions. Also, topics such as team management, public engagement, gender equality and communication in academia and research will be discussed.

The Spring School is free and will be held online on Zoom on the 4th and 5th of May 2022. The School is open to all Aurora universities’ undergraduate, master and PhD students from the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) area.

To register, please email internationalfarmacia@unina.it by the 1st of May. A link to the event will be sent to all participants.

For more information, please download the School flyer.

Applications open for exciting Intensive Field Course in Iceland!

Written by unina on . Posted in News.

Practical training in the use of geospatial technologies in hazard research and response 

This Aurora-supported intensive graduate-level field course is offered by of the Department of Geography and Tourism Studies of the University of Iceland, in collaboration with colleagues from the UI Science Institute and Palacký University Olomouc, Czech Republic.
Graduate students from Aurora universities are encouraged to apply, especially those with a background in human or physical geography, geology, environmental sciences or environmental engineering. Applicants are expected to have some basic knowledge of geographic information systems.

The course provides students a first-hand experience with state-of-the-art geospatial technologies that are becoming important for both basic research and practical response planning in locations exposed to natural hazards. The focus is on two methodological innovations, understanding physical processes that contribute to landslide hazards and enabling meaningful participation of local publics in hazard research and response.

The course gives students the chance to explore Icelandic nature, gain a practical experience in the field, and to work on projects in international teams.

Download the flyer for more information!

Intensive Field Course in Iceland

Educational and Scientific Digital Infrastructure should be exempted from the Digital Services Act

Written by unina on . Posted in News.

Brussels, 5 April 2022

 

European Research organisations, libraries, repositories and university networks call for the exclusion of not-for-profit repositories, digital archives and libraries from the obligations of the Digital Services Act (DSA).

Not-for-profit scientific and educational repositories, digital archives, and libraries that allow for the upload of content by students, researchers, and third parties, are likely to fall in the scope of the current version of the Digital Services Act. This is in spite of the fact that the legislation is devised for and targeted at commercial platforms. As a result, not-for-profit educational and scientific digital infrastructures would incur additional administrative and financial costs.

In addition, the signatories consider that the inclusion of not-for-profit scientific and educational repositories, digital archives, and libraries in the DSA scope would create inconsistency in EU legislation. ‘Not-for-profit educational and scientific repositories’ are already excluded from the scope of the Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market (Article 2(6)). The signatories consider that legal coherence between the DSA and Digital Single Market Directive should be ensured to avoid confusion within our institutions.

The negotiation position adopted by the European Parliament provides a procedure to exempt not-for-profit repositories from the obligations imposed on online platforms. However, it is overly long and complex and will result in administrative and financial burdens that not-for-profit scientific and educational repositories, digital archives, and libraries will not be able to meet.

For these reasons, the undersigned organisations, including AURORA,  which represent most universities, research performing organisations, research funding organisations, research libraries and repositories in Europe, call for the exclusion of not-for-profit repositories, digital archives, and libraries from the obligations of the Digital Services Act.

20220404_Statement_DSA_Final

Aurora Student Council Statement on the Russian War in Ukraine

Written by unina on . Posted in News.

The Aurora Student Council stands with Ukraine in the face of the devastating and appalling invasion of Russia. This invasion is in direct violation of international law and benefits no one. We condemn the inhumane attack of the Russian government on the people of Ukraine and Ukrainian democracy.

Aurora is working with our Ukrainian associate partners at Karazin Kharkiv National University to identify areas of need and offer the necessary support. Our respective universities are working on supporting the Ukrainian Universities Association and are exploring how they can best offer support.

Our thoughts are with all students in Ukraine whose lives have been severely disrupted by the war. We urge our own respective governments to take action and support those seeking refuge from the war as quickly and in as direct a manner as possible.

Despite current events, we urge you to remember that we should not equate the actions of governments with their respective citizens. Our solidarity goes out to all Russians who bravely protest their own government and condemn their government’s action as much as we do. War is not a game in which we cheer for either side.

This is not the only ongoing humanitarian crisis in the world. We appreciate the efforts of Aurora and our institutions towards aiding in the crisis in Ukraine. Still, it is important to remember that students are experiencing conflict in various areas that have not been given the same amount of attention. We hope that in the future Aurora and our individual institutions will do better when it comes to recognising the aid that students in other war-torn regions require and providing the support needed.

As Aurora Student Council, we call for peace everywhere!

With love and solidarity,

Aurora Student Council