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Annual Hackathon Trains Students To Rethink Food Systems In The Anthropocene

Written by Aniza Pourtauborde on . Posted in News.

The annual hackathon “Rethinking Food Systems in the Anthropocene” is one of the most established activities for social entrepreneurship and innovation within Aurora. The fifth edition of the hackathon took place in October 2025 at the Università Federico II of Naples (UNINA), hosting 47 international students coming from eight European universities involved in the Aurora network.


Group gathering at the 5th edition of the seizmic Hackathon hosted by Università Federico II of Naples (UNINA)

Sustainable and Regenerative Food Systems

The hackathon kicked off with opening remarks by Aurora Institutional Coordinators at UNINA, Alessandro Arienzo and Bruno Catalanotti, followed by an introduction from Ramon Rispoli, Associate Professor of Design at the Department of Architecture at UNINA. Adam Arvidsson, professor at UNINA’s Department of Social Sciences, delivered his lecture “Anthropocene/Capitalocene”, exploring critical perspectives of societal transformation due to human activities, and capitalism. One of the main sessions of the day focused on creative cultural processes, via an insightful talk by Ottavia Semerari, co-founder of Variabile K, a social enterprise based in Ercolano, nearby Naples. Guest speaker Yaiza Agata Bocos Mirabella of Universidad de La Laguna, also gave a lecture on the “Aesthetics of Complexity: Between Art and Life”.

Following a morning of thought-provoking sessions, the afternoon continued with the Design Brief. During this briefing, participants were introduced to the central challenge of rethinking food systems in the Anthropocene. UNINA doctoral candidate Nunzia Ambrosino delivered a lecture on “How to Transform Cities in Regenerative Environments”. Her lecture was followed by an engaging talk with Giulia Sodano, one of the founders of N’SeaYet, and further opened a discussion led by Rosanna Laudanno from Parco Viviani, Comunità del Parco. This discussion emphasised the social and ecological value of community gardens in Naples.

Academics and guest speakers deliver lectures on urban agriculture, circular economy, civic responsibility, and the seizmic tool

After a full day of lectures and a preview of the hackathon challenge ahead, participants had the opportunity to experience the knowledge they had acquired during a field trip to Parco Viviani the next day. Representatives from Aurora universities Isabel Froes of Copenhagen Business School (CBS), and Begoña Alonso-Fernández and Léa Chambaudet from Université Paris-Est Créteil (UPEC), offered insights into ecological regeneration through a talk on permaculture. From the talk to the table, students enjoyed local vegetarian dishes especially made by the amazing cooks of Tavuliata, a female empowerment project by Variabile K.

Day two continued with a lecture on “Seeds of Liberation” by Valentina Gómez Alcade from the seizmic MSCA Doctoral Network. The lecture zoomed in on transition design and the politics of traditional food. Following this talk, UNINA doctoral candidate Benedetta Toledo facilitated an interactive workshop called “Build your toolbox to co-design food systems”, where students worked in groups to learn to recognise the key values for sustainable and social innovative food systems.

Circular Economy and the Role of Society

As the first two days concentrated on introducing students to sustainable and regenerative food systems, day three started with an exposure to themes related to society and societal impact. Martina Bosone from UNINA’s Department of Architecture, gave a talk entitled “The Circular Economy as a Regenerative Model to Reshape Production and Consumption Processes in Cities”. This talk was followed by Vincenzo Capasso, President of Let’s Do It Italy, who presented “Citizen Science: The Role of Civic Responsibility to Regenerate Agricultural Lands”.

Then, UNINA doctoral candidate Edoardo Amoroso delivered “Feeding the City: Rethinking Food Infrastructures for the Smart Land”. The day concluded with a field trip to the Florist Bar and a conversation on urban food production and permaculture with Stefania Salvetti, owner of the bar and gardener.

Field trips for hackathon participants to experience urban food production, permaculture, and sustainable food systems

Transdisciplinary Hackathon to Rethink Food Systems in the Anthropocene

The final two days of the week-long in-person hackathon was fully dedicated to teamwork and the development of final deliverables in response to the Design Brief provided. Through collaboration and practical discussions, participants applied frameworks from the previous lectures and used the seizmic app to refine their design concepts. Mentors guided the process, encouraging each team to integrate ecological, social, and technological perspectives into their solutions.

Since students come from different educational backgrounds, such as Design, Business, Social Sciences and more, the hackathon fostered innovation, cooperation, and transdisciplinary dialogue throughout the entire week. During the submission of the final deliverables, participants presented their projects, showcasing their diverse approaches to rethinking food systems in the Anthropocene. The event concluded with final remarks and acknowledgments, celebrating an inspiring week of cross-disciplinary and international collaboration and creative engagement across cities, communities, and nature.

This hackathon is part of the seizmic courses undertaken within the framework of the Aurora 2030 Work Package 3 “Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation”. Discover more about seizmic, its different activities, and its learning impact for students engaging in social entrepreneurship.

Aurora Marked Active Presence at EAIE 2025

Written by Aniza Pourtauborde on . Posted in News.

Aurora joined more than 35 European Universities Alliances to exhibit at the EAIE 2025, the 35th annual conference and exhibition organised by the European Association for International Education (EAIE). Held in Gothenburg, Sweden, from 9 to 12 September, representatives from Aurora universities took part in the conference sessions, and welcomed more than 50 visitors at the Aurora booth.


Representatives from Aurora universities gathered at the Aurora booth at the EAIE 2025

European Universities Unite for Collaboration and Innovation

Under the theme “Go-Create”, the EAIE 2025 showcased how collaboration and innovation between higher education institutions are redefining the landscape of higher education across Europe.

This was especially evident during the World Café session entitled “European Universities Alliances & FOREU4ALL: Creating Value for the Wider Higher Education Sector”. Organised by FOREU4ALL and the European Commission, the session facilitated exchanges about sharing knowledge, expertise and tools developed by the Alliances. Participants also talked about emerging developments like new models of partnerships, joint degrees and micro-credentials, among others.

Through open dialogue between higher education institutions and their stakeholders, this session offered practical pathways for universities, policy makers and quality assurance bodies to tap into a broader ecosystem of cross-institutional innovation and collaboration.


Representatives from European Universities Alliances in the FOREU4ALL World Café session at EAIE 2025

Leadership and Governance in European Universities

One of the key highlight sessions included a roundtable discussion featuring speakers from three European Universities Alliances: Anna Stina Sinisalo from Una Europa, Sabine Sainte-Rose from ENGAGE-EU, and Martin Schwell from Aurora.

Entitled “Who is Driving Your EUI Alliance? Perspectives on Co-creating Shared Leadership”, the discussion explored the complexities of shared governance and leadership structures within European universities. Speakers emphasised the need for co-creation and sustainable collaboration to mitigate the risk of dependency on single individuals or institutions.

Robust shared governance models must have built-in clarity on the roles and responsibilities of each alliance member university, to ensure that decision-making is well-distributed, transparent and inclusive. Such governance models also consider sustainable processes and practices that can sustain the test of time and turnover in personnel or institutional priorities.

Leadership in European Universities Alliances is an evolving ecosystem, in which member universities play a critical part in steering the vision, navigating through challenges, and adjusting the course whenever necessary.


From left to right: Anna Stina Sinisalo (Una Europa), Martin Schwell (Aurora), and Sabine Sainte-Rose (ENGAGE-EU)

Digital Mobility and the European Student Card Initiative (ESCI)

Enabling European mobility opportunities for students is one of the advantages of the European Universities Initiative (EUI) launched by the European Commission in 2019. This topic engaged an insightful panel session “Shaping the future of the European Student Card Initiative” with speakers Victor Aguilar Mendez of the DG EAC at the European Commission, Robert Willems from KU Leuven, and Aurora representative Nanna Teitsdóttir from the University of Iceland.

During the panel, speakers discussed next steps for the European Student Card Initiative (ESCI), zooming in on its digital infrastructure, complementary Erasmus Without Paper (EWP), and real-world experiences of universities – such as the University of Iceland – that have begun implementing these tools.

Continuity of infrastructure and the consolidation of processes between higher education institutions will help move the cursor toward digital transformation in student mobility and transnational collaboration.


Nanna Teitsdóttir (University of Iceland) shares the implementation of the digital infrastructure to support student mobility

Showcasing Aurora Developments

Further to the conference sessions, Aurora marked an active presence at the EAIE 2025 exhibition hall, welcoming more than 50 visitors to its booth. Visitors were able to learn more about the initiatives within Aurora, such as the use of seizmic for social entrepreneurship and innovation, implementation of Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), success of the Aurora Call Incentive Research Collaboration, as well as the growth of the Aurora Student Ambassador programme.

The booth was also a space for Aurora member universities to gather and meet with their institutional partners beyond the Aurora network. Over warm cups of coffee and national sweet treats brought in by Aurora representatives, the meet-ups were valuable in-person networking moments to foster tangible relationships for future cooperation.

Reflecting on the event, global collaboration, co-created innovation, and inclusive practices are key to addressing the rising challenges in higher education. As European Universities Alliances look ahead to EAIE 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland, they reaffirmed a shared vision: building a stronger, more connected future for European and international education.

Simon Fraser University Joins Aurora Universities Network As Global Member

Written by rostanetek on . Posted in News.

On 29 October 2025 in Vancouver, Canada, Aurora officially welcomed Simon Fraser University (SFU) as Global Member, marking a key step in Aurora’s growth as a global network of universities dedicated to societal impact through academic excellence.


From left to right: Veronika Sexl, Aurora President and Rector of Universität Innsbruck; Dugan O’Neil, SFU Vice-President Research and Innovation; and Ramon Puras, Aurora Secretary General

Transatlantic Collaboration Engaged To Global Societal Impact

SFU’s membership strengthens Canadian–European collaboration in higher education and research. In times of global uncertainty, this partnership reflects a shared commitment to academic cooperation, democratic values, and societal engagement. Together, Aurora and SFU will advance work on sustainability, equity-driven inclusion, and educational innovation, connecting regional strengths with global impact.

“Strengthening our relationship with SFU is a major milestone in expanding our global partner network,” said Veronika Sexl, Aurora President and Rector of Universität Innsbruck. “We share not only values and visions but also many thematic intersections and opportunities for growth. United by our mission to build bridges and positively shape societal change, we are reinforcing transatlantic cooperation during challenging times.”

“SFU is committed to collaboration across borders as we help build solutions to the global challenges affecting us all,” said SFU President Joy Johnson. “Membership in the Aurora European Universities network allows us to pursue exciting partnerships with leading institutions in Europe. I look forward to strengthening our international engagement while furthering our research and innovation impact.”


Celebrating transatlantic collaboration and commitment to societal impact between Aurora and Simon Fraser University

The Connection Agreement, signed on 29 October 2025 at SFU’s Burnaby campus, formalises the partnership between SFU and Aurora. The signing took place in the presence of Aurora President Veronika Sexl, SFU Vice-President, Research and Innovation Dugan O’Neil, and Aurora Secretary General Ramon Puras.

“This agreement marks an important milestone for Aurora’s global development,” said Ramon Puras, Aurora Secretary General. “It opens new opportunities for transatlantic collaboration and for turning shared values into meaningful societal impact.”

Strengthening Collaboration Between European University Alliances

Written by rostanetek on . Posted in News.

Duisburg, October 24, 2025 

A strategic meeting was held at The Place Beyond the Bytes Startup Incubator, hosted by Professor Dr. Hannes Rothe. The session brought together representatives from two leading European university alliances: Professor Dr. Jan Kratzer and Rozaliia Pait (ENHANCE Alliance/ TU Berlin) met with Professor Dr. Karen Shire, Petra Günther, and Dr. Tomasz Waliczko (Aurora Universities/ University of Duisburg-Essen) to explore new pathways for collaboration in education, research, and innovation.

 Discussions focused on advancing academic mobility, launching joint research initiatives, and developing short-term mobilities that promote innovation and sustainability. Participants shared a strong commitment to connect students, researchers, and entrepreneurs across Europe and to turn today’s dialogue into concrete actions in the near future.

Aurora Science and Society Team Launches Cycle of Workshops, Trainings and Open Seminars

Written by Aniza Pourtauborde on . Posted in News.

Aurora Science and Society team launches a cycle of workshops, training events and open seminars from November 2025 to May 2026. This cycle of events are designed to foster awareness, skills, and discussion on the practical implementation of Open Science and Citizen Science across Aurora universities.

As part of Aurora 2030 Work Package 10 Impact and Dissemination, this series is organised by Task 10.2 Science and Society, and blends structured learning, hands-on training, and thematic debates. Designed for doctoral candidates, Master students, early-career researchers, and academic staff, these events run for seven months during the academic year 2025-2026. The workshops, trainings and seminars aim to empower attendees with the knowledge, competencies, and ethical awareness needed to integrate Open and Citizen Science practices in research and teaching.

Addressing Key Topics in Open Science and Citizen Science

Co-organised by Università Federico II of Naples and Université Paris-Est Créteil (UPEC), this cycle of events is composed of three types of delivery:

  • Workshop: Offers a comprehensive overview of best practices in Open and Citizen Science, highlighting exemplary projects, innovative community engagement strategies, and the interplay between Open Science, AI, and research innovation.
  • Training: Practical sessions on operational and methodological aspects of Open and Citizen Science.
  • Open seminars: Discussion-based events on broader cultural, ethical, and institutional dimensions.

The events provide attendees exposure to critical topics and skills in FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) data, open-source workflows, ethical and legal aspects, open publishing and peer review, and the role of AI and innovation in Citizen Science.

Save the Dates!

Organised once a month beginning November 2025, the Aurora Science and Society team invites attendees to explore best practices, hands-on tools, and discussion with experts across the Aurora network on the following dates:

Workshop – Best Practices in Open Science and Citizen Science: From Principles to Practice
Date: 4 November 2025 at 09:00 – 11:00 CET
Mode: Hybrid

Trainings (from December 2025 to March 2026)

  • Training 1: Managing and Sharing Research Data; FAIRness; Ethics in Citizen Science.
    Date: 18 December 2025 | Mode: Online
  • Training 2: Open-source software and workflows; open licencing; tools for collaborative Citizen Science; open peer review simulation; OA platforms; integrating CS in academic publications.
    Date: January 2026 | Mode: Online
  • Training 3: Open Access publishing; Open Peer Review; Citizen Science communication and public engagement.
    Date: March 2026 | Mode: Hybrid

Open Seminars (from February to March 2026)

  • Seminar 1: Open Data and Open Access in teaching; Citizen Science in higher education.
    Date: February 2026 | Mode: Hybrid
  • Seminar 2: Legal and ethical challenges; data protection; open licensing for community-driven research.
    Date: April 2026 | Mode: Online
  • Seminar 3: The role of Open and Citizen Science in AI and innovation; practical examples of AI in CS projects.
    Date: May 2026 | Mode: In-person during the Aurora Annual Conference at the University of Duisburg-Essen.

Registration is mandatory for all sessions.

 

The Aurora Science and Society cycle of events is an initiative to build an active, interconnected community of practice within Aurora, strengthening collaboration, mutual learning, and our shared commitment to transparency, inclusiveness, and societal relevance in research.

Aurora Course Design Retreat Strengthens Collaboration and Innovation in Education

Written by Sharon Feijen on . Posted in News.

From 15 to 17 October, dozens of academics from across Europe gathered at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam for the Aurora Course Design Retreat and Academic Matchmaking. Over three days, participants worked together to design new joint educational initiatives within the Aurora universities – from campus-based courses and micro-credentials to a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP).

Welcome by Jeroen Geurts, Rector Magnificus at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

The event was one of the initiatives in the broader Aurora 2030 programme, which is part of the European Universities Initiative launched by the European Commission aimed at achieving high-quality education with societal impact. It offered professors a unique opportunity to co-create, exchange ideas, and strengthen partnerships around key themes such as sustainability, digitalisation, health and well-being, culture, social entrepreneurship and innovation, and peace education.

Plenary Session: “Doing BIPs well!”

One of the highlights of the Course Design Retreat and Academic Matchmaking event was the plenary session “Doing BIPs well!”, presented by Marina Vives Cabré from Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV). Leading the Aurora team working on Enabling Mobility and Exchange, she introduced the new Aurora BIP Handbook – a comprehensive guide for designing and implementing Blended Intensive Programmes.

In her presentation, Vives highlighted how BIPs offer unique opportunities for collaboration among Aurora universities. “Blended Intensive Programmes allow us to bring together students and staff from different countries in innovative short learning formats that reflect our shared values and address global challenges,” said Vives.

The handbook provides practical guidelines, tips, and a timeline for developing BIPs, helping institutions strengthen partnerships and enrich their teaching practices.

 
Marina Vives Cabré launches the Aurora BIP Handbook, a comprehensive guide for developing and organising Blended Intensive Programmes in Aurora universities 

Design, Collaboration and Inspiration

During the Course Design Days, participants worked in thematic groups – such as Sustainability and Climate Change, Digital Society and Global Citizenship, and Peace Education – to develop potential inter- and transdisciplinary micro-credentials and joint courses.

There was also room for inspiration: workshops on teaching methods, presentations of successful Aurora course formats, and a contribution from VU Amsterdam’s own A Broader Mind Course, which exemplifies interdisciplinary learning in practice.

Building the Future of European Education Together

The event marked an important step in advancing the Aurora Educational Hubs and followed earlier gatherings in Tarragona and Paris. Participants left Amsterdam with new ideas, collaboration plans, and concrete course designs.

The Aurora Course Design Retreat and Academic Matchmaking event demonstrated how cross-border cooperation leads to innovative education – and how the Aurora community is jointly building a more connected, sustainable, and inclusive future for European higher education.

A Conversation With Larissa Jenewein and Ramon Rispoli: Continuous Learning and Internationalisation in a Changing World

Written by Aniza Pourtauborde on . Posted in News.

Today, internationalisation in higher education extends far beyond the classical models of mobility. In this Aurora conversation, Marina Vives Cabré speaks with Larissa Jenewein and Ramon Rispoli about how blended opportunities, transdisciplinarity, and co-creation are shaping the future of continuous learning in Europe’s universities.

This discussion was led by Marina Vives Cabré, Internationalisation Projects Officer at the Universitat Rovira i Virgili and Lead for the Aurora 2030 Work Package 8 Enabling Mobility and Exchange. She interviewed Larissa Jenewein, Institutional Erasmus+ Coordinator at Universität Innsbruck, and Ramon Rispoli, Associate Professor of Design, Università Federico II of Naples.

Moving Beyond Traditional Models – Beyond the Classical Perspective

For many years, internationalisation in the European context meant long-term Erasmus exchanges, the use of English and English-language training, and physical mobility. But as Vives notes, internationalisation today must be understood as an institutional intentional and ongoing strategy, one that responds to society’s evolving challenges and students’ and professionals’ requests.

This shift is most evident in the rise of Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs), short-term mobilities, and virtual exchanges.

Larissa: It gives us so much more space to include target groups who were excluded before in the Erasmus Programme. They were not really (represented) in their scheme, so I think that was actually the original idea of the European Commission to have some alternatives for the people who are not able to do a long-term mobility – like a typical classical semester mobility as we all know – because of so many reasons: health issues, a disability, because of caretaking duties, because they have to work. But now we are at the point where it goes even beyond addressing underrepresented target groups. Now it’s really central for the strategic perspective of institutions.

Inclusivity and Flexibility

For Rispoli, these innovations provide vital flexibility for both students and faculty members. In his own teaching, Rispoli has designed blended courses combining online theory with in-person workshops. His students—often already internationally mobile—benefit from these compact, impactful opportunities. At the same time, he and fellow academics gain the chance to collaborate across institutions without committing to months abroad.

Ramon: It’s especially good for Master students. With a short-term mobility like a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP), they avoid spending one semester out of four abroad, which would be a big deal.

Transdisciplinarity and Co-Creation

A recurring theme in the discussion is transdisciplinarity, and highlights the crucial distinction from interdisciplinarity. As Rispoli explains, BIPs open up new ways of designing courses.

Ramon: It’s almost impossible to build real transdisciplinarity within a traditional curriculum, while an intensive week of a BIP plus the online part really gives you the possibility of overcoming traditional disciplinary boundaries.

In interdisciplinarity, you put your expertise on the table. In transdisciplinarity, you build new knowledge by learning from others and questioning your own assumptions. BIPs make this possible by bringing together students from diverse fields—design, engineering, social sciences, medicine, and more.

Larissa: Co-creation enriches the experience even further. When we’re thinking about the BIPS for instance, it’s not only about the exchange of students or professors, but also about the co-creation process of the event, lecture or the seminar itself. So, you also gain intercultural skills, for example.

Transforming Institutions and Looking Ahead

Vives links this to the broader concept of comprehensive internationalisation, where governance, staff, academics, and students all play vital roles in creating more connected, flexible universities. For internationalisation to continue evolving, keywords like flexibility, boundary crossing, co-creation, and openness remain essential.

 

This conversation is part of a series called “A Conversation With…” undertaken within the framework of the Aurora 2030 programme supported by the European Commission. It is an interview format that focuses on a specific topic and is meant to inspire its readers to reflect on and catalyse positive impact. The exchange is available in its original format on the Aurora YouTube channel.

Aurora Showcased at Conference on the Impact of European University Alliances in Prague

Written by Niels Hexspoor on . Posted in News.

Collaboration and open exchange are central to progress in European higher education. Opportunities for alliances to share experiences, both nationally and internationally, help strengthen their collective impact. Engaging with governmental bodies together also enables more constructive and aligned dialogue about the future of education and research in Europe.

On Tuesday 7 October, Aurora presented at the Conference on the Impact of European University Alliances, organised in Prague by the Czech National Agency for International Education and Research. The event brought together speakers from several European University Alliances with members in the Czech Republic. Each speaker highlighted the unique strengths and best practices of their alliance.


Marie Jadrnickova, Aurora Research Officer from Palacký University Olomouc, presenting best practices from the Aurora Research and Innovation project. ©Photo credit: Petr Zewlakk Vrabec

Representing Aurora, Marie Jadrnickova, Aurora Research Officer from Palacký University Olomouc was asked to present the alliance’s strong commitment to supporting scientific and research collaboration. Pleased with the recognition for Aurora’s contribution to research and innovation, Marie shared, “It was a pleasure to present Aurora’s best practices and achievements in research collaboration with colleagues from across the Czech Republic and European university alliances.”

Czech governmental representatives — including the Ministry of Education and Youth and the National Accreditation Agency — emphasised the vital role of European university alliances as drivers of change. They also reaffirmed their continued support for these initiatives at both national and European levels.

During the closing panel, representatives agreed that “the European university alliances are changing the perception of international cooperation in the Czech academic sphere — thanks to alliances, for example, there is growing demand for support for joint study programmes, greater flexibility within standard study programmes, and innovative approaches to teaching.”

Events like this conference show the power of shared learning and joint engagement with policymakers. By presenting a unified voice and exchanging practical insights, alliances such as Aurora help shape a more connected, innovative, and forward-looking European higher education area.

Universität Innsbruck Awards Honorary Senatorship to Professor Dr. Jón Atli Benediktsson

Written by UIBK on . Posted in News.

On 17 October 2025, during the “Dies Academicus” celebration at Universität Innsbruck, Professor Dr. Jón Atli Benediktsson, former Rector of the University of Iceland, was awarded the title of Honorary Senator. The distinction recognises his outstanding contributions to academic cooperation and his strong commitment to Aurora. 

Beyond his remarkable academic career, Professor Benediktsson has been a leading voice in shaping the European Higher Education Area. As President of the Aurora network (2020–2024), he played a pivotal role in defining the alliance’s strategic direction. During his presidency, Universität Innsbruck joined the Aurora alliance, greatly enhancing its European and international visibility.

Born in Reykjavik in 1960, Professor Benediktsson earned his PhD in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University (USA) in 1990. He began his career at the University of Iceland in 1991 and became Full Professor in 1996. From 2009 until his appointment as Rector in 2015, he served as Pro-Rector for Science and Academic Affairs.

One of Iceland’s most productive researchers, Professor Benediktsson has published over 400 scientific papers in the fields of remote sensing, image analysis, pattern recognition, machine learning, and biomedical signal processing. He is a Fellow of the IEEE (since 2004) and SPIE (since 2013) and has received numerous awards, including the IEEE Millennium Medal and the Highest Impact Paper Award of the IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society.

Driving Force Behind Collaborative Initiatives in Aurora

Within Aurora, he has been a driving force behind the creation of joint European teaching and study programs, collaborative research initiatives, and higher education policy positions. Under his leadership, the University of Iceland took on the consortium leadership of Aurora 2030 funded by the European Commission with approximately €15 million, and led the Horizon Europe project Aurora Research & Innovation.

A memorable moment in his collaboration with Universität Innsbruck was his participation in the Aurora Spring Biannual 2022, held in Innsbruck from 10 to 12 May 2022. Together with the then Rector of Innsbruck, he opened the event that brought together over 200 participants from across Europe to shape the future of the alliance.

During his presidency, he also championed Aurora’s solidarity with Ukraine, notably with V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University. He played a central role in a fundraising campaign that raised €51,000 to support the continuation of the university’s operations during the war and in establishing the Aurora Karazin University Peace Hub – a platform for peace education and conflict transformation.

This collaboration culminated in the Aurora International Peace Conference, hosted by Universität Innsbruck in February 2025. The high-level event gathered international experts from academia, politics, and civil society to advance dialogue on peacebuilding and further strengthened Innsbruck’s international profile.

Nine Innovative Projects Selected After Second Aurora Call for Incentive and Collaborative Research Projects

Written by Aniza Pourtauborde on . Posted in News.

Launched in December 2024, Aurora’s second Call for Incentive and Collaborative Research Projects received 29 high-quality applications from Aurora universities , gathering the expertise of at least 129 researchers from diverse disciplines. Nine projects were selected to receive funding over the next two years.

The 2025 Call for Incentive and Collaborative Research Projects was undertaken within the framework of  Aurora 2030 Task 5.2 on Academic Collaboration and Community Building.  The objective of this annual call is to further grow research cooperation within Aurora universities, for both young and established academics.

Research proposals were evaluated  based on a challenging list of criteria, which includes  scientific quality, originality and feasibility. In addition, projects must reflect  their added value in their potential to build  scientific communities, and, if relevant for their topic, to contribute to the Aurora Research-driven Educational Hubs.

Innovative Projects Take Center Stage

Following a thorough evaluation process, the Aurora Research Council (ARC) selected nine innovative research projects for a total available funding of €125,000, counting an average of €14,000 per project. Results of the ARC’s evaluation were then confirmed by the Vice-rectors for Research from Aurora universities.

Funded projects will begin in autumn 2025 and run for the next two years. Below is the list of successful projects. Detailed information for each project will be made available soon on this page.

Reinforcing Future Collaboration in Research and Innovation

The results for the Call for Incentive and Collaborative Research Projects 2025 demonstrate the continuous effort to foster tangible, robust and durable scientific and academic collaboration in Aurora universities. Success of these projects and the value of researchers’ scientific work, will enrich the Aurora community, contribute to progress within the Aurora hubs, while also sparking positive impact in response to societal challenges.

Following the success of the two calls, Aurora hopes to secure more funding for this action in the future. The Board of Rectors, with strategic input from the Vice-Rectors for Research and the Vice-Rectors for Education, is actively exploring options for continued institutional support, including the potential allocation of university resources to finance future calls.

Furthermore, strengthening the integration of research and education has been identified as a priority in line with Aurora’s mission. To this end, the next call, planned for 2026, will be more closely aligned with the Aurora Research-Driven Educational Hubs, reinforcing Aurora’s commitment to research-informed teaching and sustainable institutional transformation.

Contact the office of the Aurora Research Council