ChallengeEU Partners Connect at URAI Symposium 2026
On 4 November, researchers, lecturers, doctoral candidates and students from several ChallengeEU partner institutions gathered at the URAI Symposium 2026 at the FHNW Campus Brugg-Windisch, strengthening connections between the European University Alliance and the wider AI research community. Held under the theme “AI and the Human in the Loop: Creation, Application, and Co-Evolution”, the symposium welcomed around 100 participants from Switzerland, Germany, France, Poland and beyond and included contributions from HSO, ECAM LaSalle and FHNW. The event was organised by FHNW School of Computer Science in collaboration with TriRhenaTech, an associated partner of ChallengeEU through Hochschule Offenburg. Additional associated partners, including Hightech Zentrum Aargau, contributed to the vibrant exchange of ideas and experiences across institutional and national borders, reflecting the Quadruple Helix approach that is central to ChallengeEU’s mission. Alongside researchers, students and doctoral candidates, participants included industry representatives, independent entrepreneurs, and members of civil society, reflecting ChallengeEU’s Quadruple Helix approach The presence of business partners, ethics experts, and representatives of religious and community organisations enriched the debate and demonstrating the importance of combining diverse perspectives when addressing the opportunities and challenges of AI. Since its launch in 2019, the URAI Symposium has developed into an important platform for scientific and professional exchange in the field of artificial intelligence across the Upper Rhine region. This year’s programme deliberately placed people at the centre of the discussion on artificial intelligence. Through keynote presentations, scientific talks, poster sessions and networking opportunities, participants explored how AI is created, applied and continuously shaped through human interaction. Discussions highlighted not only technological advances but also the societal, ethical and educational dimensions of AI. A particular highlight of the day was the strong participation of early-career researchers. Many doctoral candidates and young scholars presented their work to an international audience and exchanged ideas with experienced researchers. The conference proceedings will be published in early 2027.
Student Journal: From the Classroom to Creative Practice
Ilham Beqiri, a Digital Design graduate of the Faculty of Contemporary Sciences and Technologies at South East European University (SEEU), completed a one-month internship at the Center for Equal Opportunities “Mollëkuqja,” a civil society organization based in Tetovo that promotes gender equality, human rights, and social inclusion. The organization is an associated partner of SEEU within the ChallengeEU Alliance. During his studies at SEEU, the internship allowed Ilham to apply his creative skills in a professional environment, explore new ideas, and contribute to meaningful projects. Today, he works as a creative director at Eureka Studio and as a creative specialist at Kipper Market, focusing on visual communication, branding, and creative content. A Creative and Supportive Environment Reflecting on what made his internship particularly rewarding, Ilham highlights the creative freedom and supportive atmosphere he experienced: “What I enjoyed most about my internship was the freedom I had to explore my own ideas and the welcoming, supportive environment. Having the space to approach projects in my own way while being part of an environment that encouraged learning and creativity made the experience especially valuable.” Learning through Meaningful Projects Beyond developing his creative abilities, the internship allowed Ilham to engage with projects that offered new perspectives and learning experiences.“What stayed with me the most was the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects through ChallengeEU. Each project brought new challenges and learning experiences, allowing me to gain new perspectives, develop my skills, and learn things I might not have encountered otherwise. It showed me how much you can learn when you are given the opportunity to work on projects with real value and purpose.” Opportunities Beyond the Classroom For Ilham, the internship experience through ChallengeEU provided an opportunity to go beyond academic learning, apply his knowledge in practice, and gain new perspectives through hands-on projects that contributed to his professional and personal development. “I believe these opportunities are extremely valuable for students. SEEU and initiatives like ChallengeEU connect students with different organizations, professionals, and events, creating opportunities to meet interesting people and gain knowledge beyond their field of study. Sometimes, you discover new interests simply by attending an event or talking to someone with a different background. These experiences broaden your perspective and help you grow both professionally and personally.” His Advice to Other Students Drawing on his own experience, Ilham encourages other SEEU students to take advantage of internship opportunities through ChallengeEU and actively engage in the learning process. “I would encourage every student who has the time to pursue an internship and be as active as possible throughout the experience. It is a great opportunity to learn directly from professionals, understand how things work in a real working environment, and gain practical knowledge that you cannot always get in a classroom. The more you engage, ask questions, and take initiative, the more you benefit from the experience. It can give you a valuable head start when entering your professional career.”
Taking Stock, Looking Ahead: ChallengeEU in Brussels
On 28–29 October, representatives of the ChallengeEU management team met in Brussels for two intensive and inspiring days of collaborative work. The meeting provided an important opportunity to reflect on our progress so far, discuss key achievements across all Work Packages and identify challenges, lessons learned and areas requiring further attention as we prepare the project’s Midterm Report. Through presentations, interactive group discussions and joint reflection, we explored how our activities contribute to the Alliance’s strategic objectives and long-term impact. We also exchanged ideas on strengthening cooperation across Work Packages, improving reporting processes and advancing shared initiatives such as the ChallengeEU Course Catalogue and Impact Lab. Beyond the formal agenda, the meeting was also about people: listening to different perspectives, sharing experiences, learning from one another and building stronger connections across our European partnership. A sincere thank you to everyone for your openness, commitment and constructive contributions. Every achievement is the result of collective effort, and every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow together.
UEV Launches Talent Academy with an Inspiring Session on Resilience
The Universidad Europea de Valencia (UEV) successfully hosted the pilot ChallengeEU Talent Academy entrepreneurship training session, “When Standing Up One More Time is the Only Option: Adaptation in the Face of Adversity,” delivered by Spanish triathlete Carlos Nevot Gil. The session, held on 27 October 2026 in a hybrid format, marked the launch of a series of Talent Academy entrepreneurship training activities organised by partner universities within the ChallengeEU Alliance. It brought together approximately 95 undergraduate students from Business Administration and Entrepreneurship programmes attending in person, as well as 10 undergraduate students and doctoral researchers from ChallengeEU partner universities who joined online. During his powerful presentation, Carlos Nevot Gil shared his personal journey following a severe cycling accident in 2023 that resulted in a permanent spinal cord injury and the need to use a wheelchair. Reflecting on the profound impact of the accident, he described how the experience compelled him to reassess his life choices and embark on a process of acceptance, adaptation and continuous learning. Drawing on principles of positive thinking, discipline and stoicism, Carlos highlighted how adversity can become a catalyst for personal growth and transformation. Participants were encouraged to reflect on the realities of failure and uncertainty, and to view unexpected challenges not as barriers, but as opportunities to develop resilience, adaptability and determination. The event generated strong engagement from attendees, who gained valuable insights into the mindset and perseverance required to overcome setbacks, qualities that are equally relevant to entrepreneurship, innovation and lifelong learning. The session set an inspiring tone for future activities aimed at fostering entrepreneurial competences, personal development and cross-university collaboration among students and researchers across the Alliance.
New Double Degree Opportunity Connects HSO and SEEU
A new double degree opportunity is now available to Master’s students in Informatics thanks to cooperation between two ChallengeEU partner universities: Hochschule Offenburg (HSO) in Germany and South East European University (SEEU) in North Macedonia. This initiative enables students to spend part of their studies abroad, gain valuable international experience and work towards qualifications from both institutions. South East European University (SEEU), in cooperation with Hochschule Offenburg, is expanding its academic offer with a new second-cycle study programme – a Master’s in Computer Science, which will be delivered through a Double Degree model. The new programme represents an important step towards the internationalisation of higher education and the creation of new opportunities for students who aim to build a career in one of the most dynamic and highly sought-after fields in today’s labour market. Through the Double Degree model, students will have the opportunity to benefit from the academic and professional expertise of both partner institutions. They will follow a study programme with a strong international dimension and obtain qualifications recognised by both universities, in accordance with the academic rules and requirements of the programme. This cooperation is the result of the universities’ joint engagement within ChallengeEU – European Universities Alliance, where both institutions are members of the same European alliance. Through ChallengeEU, partner universities develop joint programmes, new forms of mobility and academic cooperation, as well as opportunities for students to benefit from a more integrated European environment for education, research and innovation. Prof. Dr. Florije Ismaili, Advisor for Academic Planning and Digitalisation at SEEU, emphasises that the new programme is a concrete example of how European cooperation can be transformed into new opportunities for students. “The new Master’s programme in Computer Science is a concrete example of the value that cooperation within ChallengeEU can bring. Through the Double Degree model, we offer students a broader, more international academic experience that is closely aligned with the needs of the labour market. This is an important step in the internationalisation of SEEU’s academic offer and in creating new opportunities for the professional development of our students.” The Master’s programme in Computer Science comes at a time when technology, artificial intelligence, software development, data and digital transformation are creating new demands for professionals with advanced knowledge and international experience. Prof. Dr. Xhemal Zenuni, Dean of the Faculty of Contemporary Sciences and Technologies at SEEU, highlighted the significance of the partnership with Offenburg University of Applied Sciences, particularly in providing students with international learning experiences and opening new avenues for joint research and academic cooperation: “We look forward to welcoming the first cohort of students and with hope to further strengthening this partnership by creating new opportunities for academic development, joint research and innovation activities, and international cooperation.” For SEEU, this programme represents more than an expansion of its academic offer. It is another concrete result of the University’s commitment to digitalisation, innovation, internationalisation and aligning education with the needs of the future. Highlighting the value of this new collaboration, Hochschule Offenburg (HSO) EMI Faculty representatives Prof. Dr. Elke Mackensen and Prof. Dr. Tobias Lauer added: “We are delighted that the new double degree programme in the Master’s in Computer Science offers students an attractive opportunity to gain a second degree through a fully recognised semester abroad and a jointly supervised Master’s thesis. As a campus-based university, SEEU provides an excellent learning environment and the chance to make contacts quickly.” In this way, the cooperation established through ChallengeEU is being translated directly into academic opportunities for students, further strengthening SEEU’s role as a university open to European partnerships and new developments in higher education. Source: Hochschule Offenburg, SEEU
One Sound, Many Perspectives. ChallengeEU Art & Science Day at UWM
For some, sound is a physical phenomenon; for others, a medium of artistic expression. For most of us, it is simply part of everyday life. But how much do we really know about it? On 15 October, the first ChallengeEU Art & Science Day at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn invited participants to explore sound from different perspectives, bringing science and art together. Although we often long for silence, we actually find it difficult to endure. The evidence? Spending just a few dozen minutes in an anechoic chamber proved to be a highly uncomfortable experience for most people. They reported that, cut off from even the faintest sounds, they began to hear the noises made by their own bodies – from their beating hearts to the blood flowing through their veins. This caused considerable anxiety. But, of course, it is not just about the absence of silence. Sound is part of the natural world around us and a medium of artistic expression, while art, as we know, has the power to make our lives better. It was precisely these different perspectives on sound that were explored during the first edition of ChallengeEU Art & Science Day. The event was hosted by the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn and took place during Erasmus Days. Thanks to the live stream, members of the academic communities of all universities within the alliance were able to participate. Science and art complement each other Sławomir Kulesza, Associate Professor at UWM, from the Faculty of Technical Sciences, invited us to look at sound from a physicist’s perspective. “My presentation focused on some of the physical aspects of sound. I showed how sound is produced, how it travels, how it is reflected and how it can be absorbed by different materials,” he explained in an interview with Wiadomości Uniwersyteckie. The researcher demonstrated several experiments that made some members of the audience realise just how fascinating physics can be. “This is more interesting than anything we were taught about it at school!” viewers wrote in the comments during the live stream. The second speaker was Marcin Piotrowicz, PhD, from the Faculty of Arts. “My presentation focused on the visualisation of sound – from sound, through image, to printmaking and laser performance. I spoke about everything that underpins my work as a musician and as an artist involved in printmaking,” explained Dr Piotrowicz. He also prepared a surprise: he sang a song while accompanying himself on a lute he had made by hand, and during his performance the audience could watch on screen how the image of sound was changing. Participants in the event were also able to view an exhibition of the artist’s works. The third speaker in the series of open lectures streamed online was Agnieszka Jaszczak, Associate Professor at UWM, from the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry. She reminded the audience that the sounds surrounding us in a given space influence how we perceive and experience it. She pointed out that exposure to noise (such as the hustle and bustle of a large city) can cause sleep problems, increase stress levels and even affect our metabolism and the brain’s cognitive functions. She also explained why certain sounds (such as flowing water and birdsong) have a positive effect on our wellbeing. Art as a universal language According to Dr Czesław Kiński, who not only moderated the open lectures but also led workshops for Art & Science Day participants, art can create a new, shared space for understanding. “Dr Czesław Kiński encouraged participants in the ‘Building Your Cultural Sixpack’ workshop to engage in discussion and look at art from a different perspective. We began by discussing five questions about culture, art and lifestyle, and then interpreted interpersonal relationships through well-known works of art and created stories inspired by music and images. We also talked about how our experiences influence our interpretation of art, why we choose particular works and what role music and art play in the curriculum,” said Bożena Sumara, a student at the Faculty of Humanities and a ChallengeEU Student Ambassador, describing the workshop. Meet a creative entrepreneur An important part of the Art & Science Day programme was an event organised as part of the M.A.R.K.E.T. Activity (Multi-Actor Research & Knowledge Exchange Teams). University studies provide opportunities to acquire knowledge and skills, but students rarely get the chance to gain a behind-the-scenes look at how innovative companies operate and how personal interests can be transformed into commercially successful products. UWM students visited the headquarters of Polyend, a company that proves how a great passion can grow into an equally great business. Study visits of this kind are particularly important for regional innovation ecosystems, where strengthening connections between universities, students and local businesses can foster entrepreneurship and help retain talented graduates in the region. “At our company, we primarily create innovative devices for creative musicians. We try to identify niches and bring our own ideas to life – designing things that we would like to use ourselves and that reflect our interests,” explained Piotr Raczyński, the company’s founder, who has been passionate about music since childhood. “Over time, I started composing my own music, but only for myself. I followed the work of my favourite artists and took an interest in the equipment they used. I went to Frankfurt Musikmesse, a music trade fair in Frankfurt that is no longer held. That was a turning point. I thought to myself: this is my world, and I want to keep doing this!” Devices manufactured in Olsztyn are used by many world-class musicians, including members of bands such as Coldplay, Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails. Equipment from Warmia was also used in the creation of music for the Oscar-winning film Joker. During the visit, students learned about the company’s origins, its approach to identifying market niches, and the process of developing products for musicians and music producers. They also had the opportunity to ask questions and speak directly with company employees, gaining
New Opportunities Ahead: UWM and HSO Sign Extended Programme Agreement
Prof. Stephan Trahasch, Rector of Hochschule Offenburg, and Prof. Jerzy Przyborowski, Rector of University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, have signed an agreement to implement the Extended Programme for Logistics students. Cooperation between Hochschule Offenburg and University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn goes back many years. One example is their joint study programmes, which give students the opportunity to study at both UWM and HSO. So far, three such programmes have been developed: Process Engineering, Biotechnology and Food Engineering. But the two universities are not stopping there – they are continuing to work on expanding this range of educational opportunities. “I hope we will soon be able to welcome Polish exchange students to our university. They will bring different perspectives on logistics and propose new solutions in our classes, broadening the horizons of both themselves and German students,” said Ingo Dietrich, who is responsible for the International Management Logistics (IML) programme at HSO. Dr Tomasz Wierzejski from the Faculty of Economic Sciences, who heads the Logistics programme at UWM, is also looking forward to the new perspectives and ideas that this collaboration will bring. Thanks to the agreement, four students from the Faculty of Economic Sciences at UWM will spend the summer semester of the 2026/2027 academic year at HSO in Germany, gaining international academic experience, developing their professional and language skills, and exploring the German approach to logistics education. Cooperation within the ChallengeEU played an important role in making this agreement possible. It’s another example of how closer ties between partner universities can lead to joint educational initiatives and new mobility opportunities for students.
In Unity. Winners of the ChallengeEU Student Poster Competition
The aim of the competition was to encourage artistic reflection on unity in diversity, cross-border cooperation and the shared values of the ChallengeEU academic community. We are now delighted to present the winners of the competition and the works selected by the jury: Małgorzata Śpiewak (University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn), Christina Dosse (Hochschule Offenburg) and Andrzej Sadowski (Panda Marketing). Our jurors’ choice 1st place: Jessica Uhl, Unity Starts With U (HSO, Germany) 2nd place: Jasmin Koç, In Peace and Love (FHNW, Switzerland) 3rd place: Philip Kreschek, Beyond Borders (FHNW, Switzerland) The following works were selected for the exhibition: Victoria Herrera, Different Horizons. One Sky (Universidad Europea de Valencia, Spain) Luisa Residi, Our Time, Our Future (SEEU, North Macedonia) Erwane Mokrani, 9 Countries, 2 Words, 1 Journey (ECAM LaSalle, France) Illia Nezheviasov, Translation (FHNW, Switzerland) Reimund Schmidt, 9 countrys 9 universitys ONE Vision (HSO, Germany) Liāna Levdanska, IN UNITY: What Would You Add? (LBTU, Latvia) The competition results were announced during Art & Science Day, an event supporting by project “Strengthening the International Position of the University of Warmia and Mazury through Support for Activities within the ChallengeEU European Universities Alliance” (Agreement No. BPI/WUE/2025/1/00015/U/00001), funded by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange from the European Funds for Social Development 2021–2027 (FERS) under the project “Support for European Universities Alliances”, No. FERS.01.05-IP.08-0219/23.
Strengthening Communication and Collaboration: UWM Delegation Visits SEEU
On 7 October, South East European University (SEEU) hosted a training session on internal communication and dissemination during a visit by a delegation from the University of Warmia and Mazury (UWM). The visit, coordinated by the Max van der Stoel Institute (MVDSI), included institutional meetings, academic and administrative exchanges, as well as training sessions on internal and intercultural communication. The UWM delegation also met with Prof. Dr. Besa Arifi, Advisor for Community and International Relations, Prof. Dr. Florije Ismaili, Advisor for Academic Planning and Digitalization, and Prof. Dr. Veli Kreci, Director of the Max van der Stoel Institute and Vice President of the SEEU University Board. Strengthening communication across the Alliance The training focused on improving communication and coordination among partner universities, strengthening student engagement, and fostering effective collaboration across the Alliance. Led by Marta Śliwa from UWM, who leads ChallengeEU Work Package 6 (WP6), the training brought together SEEU staff involved in ChallengeEU activities, members of the visiting delegation, student ambassadors, and the Checkmate team. The session addressed key aspects of internal communication within the Alliance, including information flow between partner universities, coordination among different work packages, and the effective use of communication channels and tools. Particular attention was paid to the importance of timely and consistent information sharing, as well as improving communication practices to support the implementation of joint activities and initiatives across ChallengeEU. As part of the programme, SEEU ChallengeEU Student Ambassadors Ela Ismaili and Luisa Residi delivered a presentation highlighting their roles within the Alliance, their ongoing engagement activities, and their plans to strengthen student participation. They also shared their approaches to promoting ChallengeEU opportunities, improving communication with students, and increasing the visibility of the Alliance within the university community. Their presentation emphasised the important role of student ambassadors in connecting students with the activities and opportunities offered through ChallengeEU. Understanding intercultural communication In the afternoon, a separate training session entitled “Introduction to Intercultural Communication Parameters” was delivered by Dr Czesław Kiński, a researcher at UWM’s Institute of Linguistics and a member of ChallengeEU Work Package 3 (WP3). The session explored how cultural differences influence communication and collaboration in international academic environments. Participants were introduced to the Culture Iceberg Model, which distinguishes between visible and less visible aspects of culture. The training also addressed differences between high-context and low-context communication, as well as energetic and calm communication styles. The discussions highlighted the importance of cultural awareness and adaptability in preventing misunderstandings, improving interpersonal communication, and facilitating cooperation among colleagues from different cultural backgrounds. Exploring digital tools for collaboration The visit also provided an opportunity to explore digital tools and initiatives supporting collaboration. Hamit Kamberi, Software Engineer at the Max van der Stoel Institute (MVDSI), presented the Impact Lab concept and platform, while Hakan Rexhepi, also a Software Engineer at MVDSI, introduced a newly developed project management tool. The programme included an exchange of experiences and discussions among participants, providing an opportunity to reflect on communication practices and identify ways to further improve collaboration within the Alliance. The visit contributed to ChallengeEU’s broader objectives by strengthening internal communication, encouraging active student participation, fostering intercultural understanding, and supporting effective cooperation among partner universities.
Towards a Broader Alliance: New Memorandum of Understanding Signed
ChallengeEU is taking another step towards broader international cooperation. The Alliance universities have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic National University, that is expected to join ChallengeEU in the future as an associated partner, opening up new opportunities for collaboration in education, research, innovation and academic exchange. Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies hosted meetings of the ChallengeEU Strategy Board and Academic Board. Regular dialogue between the Alliance’s governing bodies was essential for turning shared ambitions into coordinated actions and strengthening cooperation across institutions. During the meetings, ChallengeEU representatives are discussing the Alliance’s achievements to date, as well as current risks and challenges, and future priorities for cooperation and development. Board members are being informed about the progress of the Alliance’s implementation, its key results, and issues requiring joint attention and solutions. A key moment of the day is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the ChallengeEU and Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic National University, a modern, multidisciplinary, innovation-oriented scientific and educational complex in the southeastern region of Ukraine. The agreement reflects a shared commitment to strengthening international academic collaboration and creating new opportunities for joint initiatives in education, research and innovation. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding adds an important international dimension to these discussions and opens the way for exploring new forms of academic cooperation beyond the current Alliance structure. The universities intend to develop cooperation in areas aligned with their respective priorities, capacities and applicable rules, including in particular: The decision to cooperate with Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic National University reflects the shared belief that stronger links between universities create real added value. It also builds on the close working relationships that several alliance members already have with Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic National University, whose academic profile and institutional priorities are well aligned with the mission, goals and activities of the Alliance. Closer cooperation will open up further opportunities in education, research, innovation and academic exchange. The Memorandum also provides for the possibility of Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic NationalUniversity joining the ChallengeEU at a later stage as an associated partner, in line with the applicable rules and procedures of the Erasmus+ Programme and the European Universities initiative. Let’s get to know each other better! Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic National University is a university with more than 13,000 students, including international students from around the world. Prospective students can choose from 12 faculties, 47 departments and 161 study programmes at Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD level. The university sees its mission as contributing to the development of the Ukrainian state and society, as well as the south-eastern region of Ukraine, by educating highly qualified and nationally conscious professionals, creating new knowledge and technologies, providing opportunities and conditions for personal development, and conducting applied research, expert analysis and consultations to support public authorities, local governments, enterprises, institutions and organisations.
