Group: For students

The Aurora Student Council (ASC) introduced its first Open Session, an initiative by ASC President, Simona Gibalová. The objective of this initiative is to provide current Aurora Student Ambassadors an insider perspective on Aurora student representation, and the role and responsibilities for these students in Aurora universities. 

The first part of the online session began with a look into the Aurora Student Ambassador programme, then followed by a second part on a regular ASC work meeting. 

Engagement in Aurora through the Student Ambassador Programme

The Open Session kicked off with a warm welcome by Aurora Student Council (ASC) President Simona Gibalová. She outlined her vision of creating a space connecting alumni and potential future members of the Aurora student community.

“In the Aurora Student Council, we value continuity and cooperation, and we care deeply about the entire project,” said Simona. “Since this year’s theme is inclusivity, there was no better way to approach it than by opening our online doors to former and future members, connecting them, and introducing them to the world of student representation.”

Simona set the tone for the introduction to the Aurora Student Ambassador programme by Niels Hexspoor, Aurora Engagement and Impact Leader at Palacký University Olomouc (UP). He provided a thorough overview of this flagship initiative for the student community within Aurora, emphasising on the impressive year-on-year growth in membership, and engagement activities across Aurora universities.

To illustrate the success of the programme, three former members of the Aurora Student Council shared their diverse experiences of student representation in Aurora. All three started as Student Ambassadors, before taking on bigger responsibilities on the ASC Board in the later years in Aurora:

Mathilde Chaumont, former ASC President of 2024/2025, reflected on her year as President, as an active advocate for students’ rights at the European Students Union, and her team’s work on the Aurora Student Rights Charter.

Sören Dahn, former ASC Vice-president of 2024/2025, spoke of his representation at the European Student Assembly and in the seizmic social entrepreneurship and social innovation project in the Aurora 2030 programme.

Hanuš Patera, former ASC President of 2023/2024, offered insights into his presidency and deep involvement in the work for Aurora at his home university UP, as well as upon graduation at Copenhagen Business School (CBS).

Inside the Workings of the Aurora Student Council

In the second part of the online open session, the ASC held its regular meeting with its members. Among the key topics on the agenda included updates on the Aurora Student Conference in June, hosted by the Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, the trainings organised by the European Students Union (ESU), the ESU Conference of the Alliances in Malta, updates from the FOREU4ALL topical group Student-led Community. Part of the conversation also turned to the Aurora Student Rights Charter, and local events at each of the Aurora universities.

By being involved in the ASC meeting, Student Ambassadors were able to get a first-hand experience of what student representation looks like in Aurora, and the wider European student community. Participants also had the opportunity to learn more about student-led initiatives, work to be done, challenges addressed and achievements to celebrate.

From 16 to 20 February 2026, the European Students’ Union (ESU) organised the study session “SLIDE, Student Leadership Initiatives for Democratic Engagement” at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg, France. The initiative brought together student representatives from across Council of Europe member states, creating a dynamic space for collaboration, learning, and strategic reflection on the future of higher education in Europe. Insights and key learnings from this event by Alexandra Mihaela Valsan, Human Resources Officer and student representative of the Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV) within the Aurora Student Council. 

Alexandra Mihaela Valsan, Aurora Student Council Human Resources Officer and student representative of Universität Rovira i Virgili

SLIDE Study Session, Unpacked

The SLIDE study session aimed to strengthen the capacity of student representatives and national unions to defend academic freedom, promote democratic participation, and safeguard student rights. Through an intensive five-day programme, participants engaged with key themes shaping the European Higher Education Area, combining theoretical input with practical skill-building in advocacy, leadership, and project management.

A central component of the session focused on reinforcing participants’ understanding of fundamental values such as academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and the right to education. These principles were explored not only from a conceptual perspective but also in relation to current political and social challenges affecting students across Europe. A masterclass delivered by an international human rights lawyer provided particularly valuable insight into the legal frameworks protecting these rights and the risks they currently face.

The Role of Youth in the European Higher Education Area

The programme also offered in-depth exploration of the Bologna Process and the broader European Higher Education Area, equipping participants with the tools to critically engage with ongoing reforms and to hold institutions accountable. Discussions extended to the origins and internal functioning of the European Students’ Union, as well as to the historical and contemporary role of student movements in driving change within higher education systems.

Throughout the session, particular attention was given to the role of youth in times of economic and political uncertainty. Participants reflected on how crises and global conflicts shape student engagement, potentially both limiting and motivating collective action. These discussions underscored the need for resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking student organisations.

Beyond the academic content, the experience was enriched by institutional visits to the European Parliament and the European Court of Human Rights. These visits provided a tangible connection between student advocacy and the broader European democratic framework, highlighting the importance of active citizenship and participation.

European Students Union SLIDE Study Session workshop on European values

Key Learnings for Aurora

As a representative of the Aurora Student Council, this experience provided a valuable opportunity to present the current state of student participation within the alliance. While recognising areas for improvement, it became evident that Aurora operates within a comparatively supportive environment, where student voices are heard and integrated into institutional processes. This position entails both responsibility and opportunity: to remain critical, ambitious, and committed to continuous improvement.

In line with this, a written contribution was developed and addressed to the Aurora Student Council, outlining concrete and achievable objectives aimed at strengthening its representativeness, efficiency, and overall impact.

Overall, participation in the SLIDE study session has proven to be both transformative and strategically relevant. It has reinforced the importance of equipping student representatives with the knowledge, skills, and networks necessary to actively shape the future of higher education in Europe. The experience in Strasbourg stands as a clear example of how international collaboration can empower student leadership and foster meaningful democratic engagement.

The seizmic Awards 2025 once again demonstrated the power of responsible entrepreneurship. This year’s submissions showed not only creativity and innovation, but also a deep understanding of how business models can address real world challenges.

The seizmic Awards jury carefully reviewed projects from diverse academic and geographic backgrounds. The overall quality was remarkable. The selected winners stood out for their clarity of purpose, feasibility, and measurable impact potential. Each submission reflects the growing commitment among students and young entrepreneurs to rethink business as a force for positive change.

Congratulations to all participating teams for their dedication to social entrepreneurship and innovation for good.

Discover the winning projects for seizmic Awards 2025 and access the full business models on the seizmic APP by following this step-by-step guide.

Winners of the seizmic Awards 2025

Winner: SavEat

See the business model

SavEat addresses one of the most urgent environmental and economic challenges of our time: food waste. A significant share of food produced globally is never consumed, leading to unnecessary emissions, wasted resources, and economic loss. SavEat proposes a solution that combines smart distribution systems with behavioral insight. By identifying surplus food and redirecting it efficiently, the project reduces waste while encouraging more conscious consumption patterns. What makes SavEat stand out is its balance between impact and scalability. The model demonstrates how environmental responsibility and commercial viability can reinforce each other rather than compete.

Runner Up: YUI

See the business model

YUI focuses on strengthening social inclusion through improved access to services and community resources. The project builds a platform that connects individuals, institutions, and opportunities in a more coordinated and accessible way. Many communities struggle with fragmentation and unequal access to support systems. YUI responds to this challenge by creating clearer pathways for participation and engagement. The jury particularly valued the project’s systemic perspective and its potential to generate long term social value while maintaining a sustainable revenue structure.

Runner Up: TerraPulse BioSolutions

See the business model

TerraPulse BioSolutions works at the intersection of biotechnology and sustainability. The project transforms biological waste streams into valuable inputs for agriculture and industry, contributing to more circular production systems. Environmental degradation and resource inefficiency remain central global concerns. TerraPulse BioSolutions addresses these challenges through scientific innovation combined with practical application. The strength of the model lies in its strong technical foundation and its clear pathway toward scalable environmental impact.

The seizmic awards continue to highlight how responsible innovation can shape the future of business. We look forward to seeing how this year’s winners further develop and implement their ideas.

Interested in participating in the next edition of the seizmic Awards? Stay tuned for upcoming calls for submissions.

The Social Business Model Panorama remains available to support you step by step in building your own impactful project.

For further information, please contact the seizmic team at: seizmic@cbs.dk

In June 2025, Aurora Student Council (ASC) members gathered at the Universität Innsbruck for their biannual Aurora Student Conference. During the conference, they voted in the new ASC Board for the academic year 2025/2026. ASC President Simona Gibalovà from Aurora Associate Partner Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, talks about her journey toward becoming president, and expresses the Council’s thematic vision for the year ahead. 

From left to right: Simona Gibalovà (ASC President 2025/2026), Mathilde Chaumont (ASC President 2024/2025, and Veronika Sexl (Rector of Universität Innsbruck and Aurora President) 

My Path to Becoming the Aurora Student Council President

The first time I considered running for president was during the European Students Union (ESU) meeting in Timisoara, Romania in November 2024 after a conversation with the former Aurora Student Council (ASC) President, Mathilde Chaumont. At the time, I was about a year into my student representation in Aurora and finally felt comfortable understanding the inner structures of the alliance as well as the wider concept of European Universities Alliances. This meeting was very evocative and thought-provoking, and sparked the first idea of working towards the Aurora Student Rights Charter and more concrete goals and aspirations for the future of the ASC.

The work on this Charter really exposed me to some fundamental questions, such as what Aurora values are and what they mean to students, and also how important it is to have clear goals and aspirations formulated for the future of Aurora and next student councils to come. Inspired by this momentum and a very progressive moment within the Council, I was determined to keep this idea going for the next Student Council in the role of a president.

Inclusivity as the ASC Theme of the Year

The uniqueness of this presidency comes from two major distinctions in comparison to past Student Councils: the fact that I come from an associate partner university Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, and also the fact that we have an all-female Aurora Student Council board for the first time. Since both of these moments originated very naturally but represent a striking moment of progress and inclusivity, we only thought it logical to frame our focus on this phenomenon. I have to give credits where credits are due, for the phrasing of the theme of the year, “Inclusivity is the key”, this is the doing of our ASC Vice-president, Eliška Karasová. She is amazing with bringing ideas into concrete wording.

I was advised at first by some people to not bring much attention to the fact that I come from an associate partner university, however I decided to go against it. I believe the advice was made in good faith, to protect me from possible doubts that people may have about students like me, and to make sure my voice is heard as strongly as the full-member university representatives, which unfortunately both proved to be an issue in the early stages of my presidency.

I do feel a significant importance in the fact the the Student Council chooses to blur the line between what student comes from which university, because in the end, our goal as the Student Council, and I believe the goal of Aurora as well, is to ensure a better future for students across as many parts of Europe and the world as possible. As students, we believe there are many creative ways to make an impact regardless of what university or what project receives a certain cut of funding or not, and it is particularly interesting to take a look of how creative the associate partner universities have been in these past years in their collaboration with Aurora despite certain obstacles.

I feel very inspired by painting a spotlight to this unique side of Aurora collaboration and we do believe that this creativity is something to nourish and celebrate despite what your sending institution is, which is what this academic year and its theme has been about for us.

Simona Gibalovà
Aurora Student Council President (2025/2026)

The Aurora Student Conference is an annual event for students to exchange ideas and collaborate on improving student experiences across Aurora universities. Together, the Aurora Student Council and Aurora Student Ambassador programme support student engagement by increasing awareness, sharing opportunities and fostering connection within the alliance. Andy Li, student from the first cohort of European Joint Master Degree DIGISOC, shares his experience during the Aurora Student Conference hosted by University of Iceland.

Aurora, viewed from the sky. Photo credit: Klaudie Simeckova (fellow Aurora Student Ambassador)

As our plane drifted toward Reykjavík, a pale movement outside the window caught the corner of my eye. At first, it looked like the sky was breathing. A moment later, lights unfolded beyond the glass. Aurora had greeted us midair.

I first heard about Aurora through my study program DIGISOC. It is a joint master program made possible by Aurora, carrying Aurora values of innovation, inclusion, and societal impact. Enthusiasm led me to explore further and applied for an Aurora Student Ambassador role. What began as a simple interest turned into a meaningful journey, taking me beyond the classroom to a wider community built on openness, trust, and shared purpose.

Learning to Unlearn: From the Classroom toward a Living, Collaborative Space

At the Aurora Student Conference, the idea of learning to unlearn became reality. Students from across Aurora universities came together to represent their peers, share concerns, and support each other. Despite our different backgrounds, there was a shared enthusiasm and more importantly, a shared respect. What stood out was not just the diversity of voices, but the way each one was genuinely heard. At my first Aurora event, I realized that this was more than an international gathering, it was a space for stories, perspectives, and genuine listening.

Through discussions, intercultural workshops, and social activities, I learned to step back from my carried perspective and engage to listen openly, as every moment offers a chance to see the world through someone else’s eyes. There was no pressure to be the loudest voice or to give the best answer, only a space to pause, listen, reflect and collaborate. Beyond the conference, Aurora has evolved into a living, collaborative space shaped by the people within it.

Moments from the DIGISOC class and Aurora Student Conference

A Community Beyond Borders

What makes Aurora special is its strong sense of community, bringing together the unique perspectives and strengths of university alliance members.

Being an Aurora Student Ambassador gave me the chance not only to increase awareness about Aurora initiatives to more students, but also to listen to what students were looking for in their learning experience. What mattered most was not just sharing information, but initiating conversations. It is the conversations that made Aurora feel approachable and open to everyone. During intercultural activities, each student brings something unique: a way of thinking, a cultural value, or a personal story which together enrich the community. Within and beyond classroom activities, stories shared during conferences find their way into conversations, and connections made during the event continue to grow at home.

In-class and beyond-class conversations that bring us together

Looking Ahead Together: Cross-University Collaboration

Looking forward, I imagine Aurora as a space where these connections that were formed continue to grow. Peer learning and joint projects build understanding across differences and strengthen a sense of belonging within the alliance. Through initiatives like Blended Intensive Programmes and hybrid classes, students remain connected across universities while pursuing their own paths. Borders may still exist, but they no longer divide. What remains is a shared journey, shaped by dialogue, respect, and the willingness to listen.

A snapshot of collaboration today, with more to come in the future

I am ready to move forward with gratitude for the people I met, the conversations we shared, and the reminder that Aurora is not just a network of universities, but a shared journey built on connection, respect, and the courage to navigate across border, together.

The Winter School ‘Generative AI in Academia’ is an Aurora winter course within the Digital Society and Global Citizenship hub at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Open to students and faculty across all disciplines and nationalities, it focuses on integrating generative AI into academic work and research.

Hosted at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the programme teaches participants how to use models like GPT and Llama for tasks such as data analysis, hypothesis generation, and literature summarisation. The curriculum is divided into a lecture-heavy first week followed by a collaborative second week where teams design a formal scientific study. Beyond technical skills, the course emphasises ethical responsibility, addressing concerns like bias, fairness, and the transparency of AI-generated results. Students are ultimately evaluated through a project pitch and a written proposal, ensuring they can apply these transformative tools to their specific fields of study.

Bridging the Gap in the Use of Generative AI

This insightful video documents the experiences of both the participants and the teacher. This course, a collaborative effort within the Aurora network, was born out of a necessity to bridge the gap between researchers using Generative AI tools and understanding how to use them properly, systematically, and considerably.

Course coordinator Dr. Ivano Malavolta, Associate Professor in Software Engineering and Director of the Network Institute, is joined by two PhD students from the University of Iceland, and a PhD student from VU Amsterdam to discuss the transformative nature of the programme.

Key highlights of the discussion include:

• The Power of Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Xin Chen (a sociologist) and Ahmed Hamdi Abdrabou Moghazi (a geologist) moved beyond their individual “bubbles” to co-design a project exploring the link between past climate change and human migration. In addition, Niels van der Heijden expresses the value of interdisciplinary composition of the participants.
• Moving Beyond the Basics: The participants reflect on how the course shifted their perspective from randomly writing prompts to a systematic A-Z approach for gathering information, verifying data, and structuring research proposals.
• Learning by Doing: Dr. Malavolta explains the deliberate design decision to combine theoretical lectures with intensive hands-on labs. This approach allowed researchers—even those without technical backgrounds—to use AI for coding, statistical analysis, and creating complex data visualisations.
• Ethical and Technical Depth: The group discusses the intense first week of lectures, which covered everything from the technical machinery of Large Language Models (LLMs) to critical debates on the ethics and perceived risks of AI in society.