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Seminar “Conducting transdisciplinary research (PhD)”

Written by rostanetek 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.

European Universities Associations Response to Council’s Research Career Recommendations

Written by Anna Klas on . Posted in News.

Based on the outcomes of the European Research Policy Agenda Action 4 on research careers and talents, the European Commission has proposed EU Council recommendations regarding the implementation of activities related to research careers and retaining talent.

As part of the university sector Aurora Universities, together with four university associations (EUA, The Guild, Coimbra Group, and YERUN), supports the proposal. Although this proposal is about recommendations to EU Member States, the actual implementation of the activities and use of tools mentioned in the proposal, including the Research Competence Framework, a revised Charter for Researchers, a pension scheme (RESAVER), and an observatory on research careers (ReICO), may not be optimal for the sector. We recommend further steps to include:

  • The presence of enabling framework conditions for institutions and the stability granted by long-term core funding needed for sustainable research careers;
  • Envisioning a holistic and long-term perspective for flexible and multiple career pathways;
  • The empowerment of universities to offer stable and more predictable research careers;
  • And the need to develop the evidence base for monitoring research careers in an open and sustainable manner.

We also conclude that the Charter for Researchers, the Research Competence framework, the HRS4R label and the Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment are incentives that should remain voluntary and inspirational. Finally, it should be noted that the voluntary status of the Council Recommendations may lead to further divergence in career pathways and talent retainment strategies between countries already having mechanisms in place versus countries not implementing the recommendations.

The full statement can be read here.

Fostering Community Building through Blended Intensive Programme at Universität Innsbruck

Written by UIBK on . Posted in Events, News, Trainings.

Foster community building: This was the overarching theme of the first Aurora BIP Staff Week, which took place at Universität Innsbruck from October 2-6, 2023. Participants from almost all Aurora partners – coming from both academia and administration – exchanged manifold ideas with colleagues from Universität Innsbruck to develop new activities and projects.

With more than 50 members of staff, the first Aurora Staff Week at Universität Innsbruck was a great success. In different formats and settings, the main topics of Transformative Education, Innovation Management, Societal Engagement, and Internationalization were explored in depth over several days. Best practices from Universität Innsbruck and the Aurora partner universities served as the basis for the exchange, stimulating a mutual dialogue in the sense of peer learning and opening space for creativity and new ideas.

“Personal encounters are incredibly important for a network like Aurora to be filled with life,” emphasises Rector Veronika Sexl, who is responsible for international affairs at Universität Innsbruck. “I am very pleased that so many colleagues, both in-house and from the Aurora partner universities, have actively taken up the invitation to exchange ideas and that new projects are already in the pipeline.” The “matchmaking sessions” were particularly fruitful, where concrete new activities, such as the development of joint courses, could be discussed in individual smaller settings.

First Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) hosted by Universität Innsbruck

The Aurora Staff Week, which was funded and organised as an Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP), took place in Innsbruck after a virtual exchange of participants in September. For the first time, the Universität Innsbruck served as a hosting institution for the event. The Aurora Staff Week will conclude with a virtual follow-up meeting at the end of October.

BIPs are teaching/learning formats jointly run by several universities and combine virtual components with physical short-term mobility (“blended”). BIPs are a new mobility format embedded in the Erasmus program, implemented as part of the Erasmus program generation 2021-2027. Within Aurora, the general goal is to develop more joint BIPs between Aurora partners in the coming years. These can be used for training as well as teaching purposes.

Aurora signs Joint Statements on the updated NIH Policy Guidance for Subaward

Written by Anna Klas on . Posted in News.

Over 85 universities and research-performing organisations, including the Aurora Universities Network (and of its member universities, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Federico II Napoli, University of Iceland, and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam) signed a joint statement coordinated by KU Leuven on the updated NIH Policy Guidance for Subaward/Consortium that will become active for grants starting as of 1 October 2023.

According to the new policy guidance, such awardees must provide copies of all lab notebooks, all data, and all documentation supporting the research outcomes described in the progress report at least every six months. For EU awardees, this implies legal obstacles (Personal Data Protection Regulations, Clinical Trial Regulations), IPR constraints, issues with using the transferred data by the Pass-Through Entity, increased costs and administrative burden, and a hampered continuation of ongoing grants.

In this statement, the signatories ask the NIH to reconsider implementing these requirements.

For more information, please read this statement. 

Digital Nomads Workshop Sparks Collaborative Action

Written by Anna Klas on . Posted in News.

In June 2022, a workshop focused on the growing phenomenon of Digital Nomads within the digital workforce was organised. This collaborative effort between Aurora Universities and the Network Institute at VU Amsterdam served as a forum for European Commission policymakers and early career researchers to discuss how society, employers, and employees can adapt to this new way of working.

The workshop highlighted four key objectives: firstly, to identify the necessary actions from policy-makers and scientists; secondly, to foster connections between researchers and European Commission policy-makers; thirdly, to catalyse research collaborations; and finally, to generate a publicly accessible written report encapsulating the discussions and findings.

The comprehensive white paper titled “Digital Nomads: Opportunities and Challenges for the Future of Work in the Post-Covid Society” emerged as the tangible outcome. This document will inform policy and strategy-making efforts, potentially influencing regulations and Research & Innovation (R&I) calls. It has been shared with policy officers in DG Employment and DG RTD for input and consideration and is scheduled for publication in a semi-scientific journal.

The lessons learnt from this whitepaper underscore the value of engaging early career researchers in EU policymaking related to R&I, given the tangible results that can be derived. However, executing such workshops requires a long-term commitment from organisers and participants alike. While the discussion topic needs to resonate with policymakers to ensure early engagement from the European Commission, the autonomy to choose the topic should lie with the organisers, upholding the principle of academic freedom.

To ensure the participation of early career researchers, a limited travel budget is crucial. In this case, the Network Institute commendably provided about 300 euros per person upon request, facilitating their attendance. This act of generosity highlights the importance of funding in enabling such workshops. As such, a heartfelt appreciation goes out to the Network Institute for their invaluable support and sustained enthusiasm, as well as to all the participants who played a pivotal role in the workshop’s success.

Aurora’s first creative writing residency in Tarragona showcases international collaboration and literary talent

Written by Blanca Maria Ramirez Miralles on . Posted in News.

 

In a bilateral collaboration, the Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV) and the University of East Anglia (UEA) came together to host the first MA creative writing residency within the Aurora alliance. The event held from the 3rd to the 14th of July in Tarragona celebrated literary excellence and cultural exchange.

The residency began with an institutional welcome from URV’s International Centre and Linguistic Service, providing an introductory session on Catalonia’s history and language. Professor Jean McNeil from UEA led an inspiring one-day creative writing workshop at Campus Catalunya, honing students’ writing skills through engaging exercises. UEA students also explored Tarragona’s Creative Writing School, the Escola de Lletres, gaining unique insights into the local literary scene.

The social program allowed UEA students to witness the spectacle of human towers (castells) and a fireworks competition at the city’s beach. The residency’s highlight was the closing event at School House Tarragona, where students presented their literary tapas – a delectable mix of non-fiction, scriptwriting, poetry, and prose, showcasing the talent of the visiting writers.

The success of this inaugural Aurora writing residency was a testament to the dedication and collaboration of all involved parties – the organizers, URV, UEA, and especially, the students.

Looking ahead, URV and UEA are planning a second edition of the Creative Writing Residency for the upcoming academic year involving all Aurora partner universities. This initiative promises to strengthen international ties and provide a platform for budding writers to thrive in a community of literary excellence.

Students of the University of East Anglia with the Commissioner for International Networks of the URV at the first creative writing residency in Tarragona.
Students of the University of East Anglia with the Commissioner for International Networks of the URV at the first creative writing residency in Tarragona.
Students of the University of East Anglia at the introductory session on Catalonia's history and language
Students of the University of East Anglia at the introductory session on Catalonia’s history and language.

Aurora’s European University programme secured continued funding

Written by Anna Klas on . Posted in News.

Aurora is delighted to announce that its European University programme has secured a second round of funding under the 2023 European Universities Initiative Call by the European Commission. This ensures that Aurora can deepen its existing cooperation and continue its mission in higher education transformation.

The upcoming Aurora 2030 consortium, led by the University of Iceland, has been granted a substantial fund of 14.4 million Euros for a four-year period. This programme, which received 90/100 evaluative points from the Commission, builds on the significant progress made during the 2020-2023 pilot phase. Aurora President Jon Atli Benediktsson joyously shares:

“I am delighted that Aurora 2030 has been awarded a four-year continuation grant by the European Commission. This is a strong vote of confidence in Aurora’s mission to equip students with the skills and mindsets needed to address societal challenges. This new grant will allow us to continue working closely with our partners across Europe and beyond.”

In this renewed commitment, Aurora’s focus will narrow down to four priority areas, each carefully selected with the intention of driving meaningful societal transformations through its students, staff, academics, and communities at large:

  1. Aurora Teaching and Learning for Societal Impact

In the first priority area, Aurora will work on teaching, research, and social entrepreneurship, generating synergies and interdisciplinary programs to tackle societal challenges and foster growth in its collective communities– well-aligned with the European strategy for universities. Aurora’s objective is to refine the educational experiences further, focusing on societal necessities and the enhancement of student competencies. We believe in a student-centred and comprehensive method emphasising internationalisation practices to prepare students for a globally diverse integrated world.

  1. Aurora Excellent Challenge-based Research and Innovation

In the second priority area, Aurora aims to cultivate an environment conducive to academic collaboration and build a strong community focusing on supporting early-career individuals. As a consortium of research-intensive universities with significant societal influence, we will promote diversity and inclusion by extending opportunities to academics from underprivileged backgrounds. The alliance’s research support services will act as a catalyst for fostering cooperation, talent development, and facilitating knowledge exchange.

  1. Aurora Collaboration and Engagement through Inclusive Communities

In the third priority area, Aurora 2030 will continue and strengthen our connection with partners across and beyond Europe, aiming to reduce research disparities and to learn from each other. Aurora 2030 will focus on outreach initiatives in Central and Eastern Europe while also creating new global relationships with a diverse array of stakeholders.

  1. Aurora Sustainability Pioneers

In the fourth and final priority area, sustainability will continue to remain at the heart of our mission. Aurora aims to set new sustainability benchmarks through education, research, and collaboration, in line with the EU 2030 Agenda and on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Aiming to reduce the carbon footprints of our universities, Aurora is committed to fostering sustainable practice across its campuses, including measures focusing on Sustainable Campus and footprint reduction.

About Aurora
The Aurora 2030 consortium comprises the University of Iceland (UI), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VUA), University of Innsbruck (UIBK), University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE), Copenhagen Business School (CBS), Palacký University Olomouc (UP), Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), Université Paris Est Creteil (UPEC), and the University of Napoli Federico II (UNINA) as well as seven associated academic and non-academic partners including University of East Anglia (UEA), South-West University “Neofit Rilski” (SWUNR), Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice (UPJSK), the University of Tetova (UT), Kharkiv National University, European Forum Alpbach, Information Centre on Academic Mobility and Equivalence (CIMEA) who together span 13 countries.

From 2020 to 2023, Aurora was one of the 24 European University Alliances funded under the Erasmus+ programme in the 2nd Call. Quoting from the assessment of our Mid-Term-Report:

“This alliance has made remarkable progress and can serve as a model of what is possible to achieve as an alliance. The alliance has delivered exceptional results with significant immediate or potential impact”.

Aurora offers ample opportunities for students, staff, and academics to partake in inclusive university communities.

Aurora in Action: Science with Society Festival at VU Amsterdam

Written by Anna Klas on . Posted in News.

In June 2023, the AURORA in ACTION: Science with Society Festival brought together a diverse group of individuals, including teachers, staff, and students from multiple universities, to address pressing issues related to sustainable development goals. Through collaborative ideation and co-creation, participants discussed solutions for energy transition, food systems transformation, mental strength, and positive psychology.

The festival was held in the bustling city of Amsterdam, specifically at the Public Library, where the first day was dedicated to the students of the Aurorized course – Interdisciplinary Community Service Learning (ICSL). The students were enthusiastic about showcasing their research and engaging in discussions with renowned scientists, experts, and societal stakeholders (residents, community partners, organizations, and policymakers). Attendees were also free to explore the Inspiration Market, where students, welfare organizations, and neighbouring initiatives showcased their work while seeking to gain and share knowledge.

The day was filled with productive discussions and insightful presentations, culminating in a plenary session highlighting universities’ critical role in society. “It was truly refreshing to witness many individuals committed to positively impacting and addressing societal issues. It was a true testament to the power of co-creation and the potential for positive change,” remarked Marjolein Zweekhorst of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

The festival’s second day took place at the VU campus, and it was just as exhilarating as the first. A reflection and co-creation session was held among colleagues, wherein universities’ role in societal engagement and impact was the primary focus. Participants engaged in meaningful discussions, sharing ideas and priorities to enhance societal engagement approaches, including service learning and co-creation, in educational practices across Aurora. Overall, it was an excellent opportunity for everyone to learn from one another and work towards creating a better and more just society.

The AURORA in ACTION: Science with Society Festival brought innovative ideas and solutions to the forefront. The event served as a platform for AURORA universities to come together and demonstrate their commitment to societal engagement and impact. It aimed to foster an inclusive environment where societal stakeholders (residents, community partners, organizations, and policymakers) and Aurora teachers and students (from VUA, URV, UDE, and UPOL) could collaborate to co-create solutions that would benefit everyone.

Professor Florian Freitag receives 2023 UDE Teaching Award

Written by Anna Klas on . Posted in News.

A highly contagious passion for his topics, high-quality lecture slides which engage students, clearly formulated learning outcomes, and topicality with respect to content are just a few reasons why the University of Duisburg Essen (UDE) student council nominated American Studies professor Florian Freitag for the 2023 UDE Teaching Award. The award was presented to him at the Dies Academicus in May.

UDE students praised Freitag‘s interdisciplinary and intercultural approach to teaching, which included collaborations with fellow students from the Aurora University partner Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Catalonia via the COIL (Cooperative Online International Learning) format.

“The nomination itself was a special honour since it came from the ranks of the students,” says Freitag, who has been teaching at the UDE since 2019. “And when not only ‘my’ students, but also my colleague Prof. Dr Barbara Buchenau spoke a few words during the laudatory speech, I was ready to cry. The award motivates me to continue to develop new tools and formats within Aurora.”

Along with this prestigious honour comes an award of 10,000 Euros. Freitag plans to establish a social fund to enable Master’s students in Anglophone Studies with a specialization in American Studies to take part in excursions to North America. In collaboration with colleagues from the University of Innsbruck in Austria, Freitag is also developing a “Survey of Canadian Literature” with instructional videos involving North American colleagues.

“Challenges in Europe” student conference in Amsterdam

Written by Anna Klas on . Posted in News.

From June 7-9, 2023, the Aurora Pilot Domain “Culture: Identities and Diversities” collaborated with Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam to host the inaugural “Challenges in Europe” student conference in Amsterdam. The Student Conference marked the culmination of the hybrid course, which is an integral component of the Understanding Europe module.

Since April, students from various Aurora universities participated in the online course, forming four distinct groups. Each group, led by a professor from an Aurora member university, concentrated on a specific challenge in Europe” connected to a particular Sustainable Development Goal:

  • “Religious Heritage: Claims and Contestations” (taught by Irene Stengs, VU);
  • “Place Attachment in Mobile Europe” (Ólafur Rastrick and Guðmundur Hálfdanarson, UIce);
  • “Sustainable Tourism” (Florian Freitag, UDE); and
  • “Sustainable Language Education and Critical Pedagogy” (Marián Arribas-Tomé, UEA; Ulrike Jessner-Schmid, UIBK; and Spyros Themelis, UEA).

Throughout the online phase, students designed research projects centred on these themes, with topics ranging from “Community-based Tourism in Tyrol” and “The Future of Summit Crosses” to “Place Attachment in Boarding Schools” and “How Can We Teach about Colonisation?” The conference served as a platform for participants to present and engage in discussions about their research with fellow students and instructors from six Aurora universities, spanning various disciplines and countries. Moreover, students had the opportunity to discover the picturesque city of Amsterdam and the state-of-the-art facilities at VU Amsterdam.

Students particularly enjoyed meeting and discussing with their peers during the conference: “I found the conference in Amsterdam absolutely perfect. It was brilliantly devised,” one student wrote in her class evaluation. Co-organizer Florian Freitag thought the conference was an extremely rewarding experience: “Witnessing the enthusiasm and dedication of the students in attendance, their eagerness to learn, ask insightful questions, and contribute their perspectives was genuinely inspiring.” His colleague and co-organizer Guðmundur Hálfdanarson agrees: “The student conference was an extraordinary event that enriched the students’ academic experience and fueled my passion for teaching and research in my field. I am confident that the knowledge on place attachment in Europe and connections gained during the conference will have a lasting impact on the student’s academic and professional trajectories, and I wholeheartedly recommend this event to my fellow educators and students alike.”

The Understanding Europe initiative will continue in Fall 2023 with “Perspectives on Europe in a Global Context.” The “Challenges in Europe” course will return in the Summer of 2024.