From ideas to action: WP4 team meets in Lyon
On 7–8 April 2026, M.A.R.K.E.T. officers and task leaders from WP4 across the alliance gathered at ECAM La Salle in Lyon for a two-day, in-person WP4 meeting. The meeting was highly productive and marked an important step forward in strengthening collaboration, aligning approaches, and advancing ongoing work within WP4. The programme combined structured working sessions with interactive discussions. Key topics included sharing experiences and best practices from M.A.R.K.E.T. Meet-ups, planning joint interregional M.A.R.K.E.T. student activities for 2026, and shaping the future of the Impact Lab, as well as contributions to the Talent Academy. The meeting also provided valuable space for networking, strengthening relationships, and fostering a shared understanding of the M.A.R.K.E.T. officer role across the alliance. Overall, the meeting successfully combined concrete progress on key tasks with meaningful exchange and collaboration, reinforcing the foundations for continued joint work within WP4. Did you know? M.A.R.K.E.T. = Multi-Actor Research+Knowledge Exchange Teams In each of the three selected Smart Specialisation Areas, challenge-and impact-driven M.A.R.K.E.T.s will act as dynamic platforms for transdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and the co-creation of solutions that span digital, green, social, and sustainable dimensions.
Strengthening collaboration within ChallengeEU: LBTU delegation visits SEEU
From 7 to 9 April, South East European University (SEEU) welcomed Prof. Dr Gatis Vitols, Vice-Rector for Science, and Ingus Smits, Lecturer at the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU), for a visit supported by Erasmus+. During the visit, the LBTU delegation had the opportunity to meet with the team from the Max van der Stoel Institute (MVDSI), including its Director, Prof. Dr Veli Kreci. The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss research areas of common interest. The delegation also met with Prof. Dr Veland Ramadani, Pro-Rector for Research and Entrepreneurship, and Prof. Dr Florije Ismaili, Advisor for Academic Planning and Digitalisation. These discussions focused on opportunities for research collaboration, as well as the potential development of double degree programmes between the two institutions. As part of their stay at SEEU, the LBTU team also visited several university facilities, including the SEEU Library, where they met with its Director, Elmedina Abdullahi, as well as the STEM Lab and the VR Lab. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to showcase SEEU’s academic and research environment and to further explore areas for future cooperation. We sincerely thank our colleagues from LBTU for their visit and look forward to future opportunities to work together. As partners in the ChallengeEU university alliance, SEEU and LBTU continue to strengthen their cooperation through academic exchange and ongoing discussions on future collaboration.
Advancing sustainable futures through open innovation. The M.A.R.K.E.T. Meet-Up at Kaleidoscoop Strasbourg
Held on 27–28 March 2026 at Kaleidoscoop Strasbourg, The M.A.R.K.E.T. Meet-Up: Idea Lab x Sustainable Futures 2.0 marked a significant step forward in fostering cross-border collaboration and innovation for sustainable development. Building on the outcomes of the Sustainable Idea Lab held in November 2025, this follow-up event brought together a diverse network of participants, organisations and experts committed to shaping practical, long-term solutions for civil society. Organised within the framework of the ChallengeEU initiative and aligned with its emphasis on open, participatory innovation ecosystems, the meet-up exemplified the principles of collaborative knowledge creation, inclusivity and real-world impact through transnational cooperation and continuity. While the November session focused on identifying key sustainability challenges and generating early-stage ideas, the March meet-up shifted its attention towards transforming these concepts into viable and scalable solutions. Participants worked in interdisciplinary and intercultural teams representing France, Germany, Canada, Iran, Ukraine and beyond. Several promising concepts emerged from the meet-up, including digital platforms designed to boost cultural exchange and immersive intercultural training models. Other ideas focused on developing accessible approaches to circular economy practices aimed at making a positive contribution to the local environment. By connecting participants across borders, disciplines and generations, the initiative has continued to demonstrate its value for civil society participants and to create a ripple effect across the Upper Rhine region and beyond, helping to shape a shared European vision built on open collaboration.
Industrial Robotics in Practice: SEEU, ECAM LaSalle and FHNW at Hochschule Offenburg
The first Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) at Hochschule Offenburg, titled Industrial Robotics in Practice, focused on fostering cross-border collaboration through interdisciplinary training in robotics. Representatives of the universities that make up the ChallengeEU alliance took part in it. On the first day, the 16 participants from South East European University, ECAM LaSalle and FHNW – three partner universities in the European University Alliance ChallengeEU – were welcomed by Prof. Dr Tobias Hagen, Vice-Rector for Internationalisation. Afterwards, Dr Alexander Burdumy and Klara Wehrlein from the International Office gave the guests a brief introduction to the region and Hochschule Offenburg. The programme also included a tour of the laboratories and a safety briefing at the Work-Life Robotics Institute (WLRI). © Hochschule Offenburg, Joerdis Damrath Over the following days, the BIP participants worked together with WLRI staff at the intersection of CAD, additive manufacturing (3D printing), and industrial robotics. They designed components digitally, optimised them for production, and programmed real industrial robots. At the end of the week, the students from North Macedonia, France and Switzerland presented their results during a final session and also visited Hansgrohe. By combining theoretical content, practical application and international teamwork, the Erasmus+ funded BIP offered a unique opportunity to develop skills in industrial robotics while also gaining intercultural experience. For more than half of the students, it was their first stay at a higher education institution abroad. There was also plenty of room for fun: the social programme included a city rally, a pub crawl with Offenburg student ambassadors of the European University Alliance ChallengeEU, a brewery tour with beer tasting, and shared meals. In addition, the guests were able to take part in the World Café and the Easter baking event organised by the International Office for international students at Hochschule Offenburg. © Hochschule Offenburg, Alexander WeigandAlongside the 16 BIP participants, Prof. Florije Ismaili, Vice-Rector for Academic Planning and Digitalisation, and Prof. Xhemal Zenuni, Dean of the Faculty of Contemporary Sciences and Technologies from South East European University, as well as Prof. Guillaume Gibert, Professor of Robotics at ECAM LaSalle, also travelled to Offenburg. In addition to visiting the WLRI, they used their stay to establish contacts at Hochschule Offenburg and discuss possible further cooperation within the framework of the European University Alliance ChallengeEU. Source: HSO
Student Journal: “Passion That Crosses Borders”
“Being a Student Ambassador is about more than representing a university. It is about expanding one’s perspective, nurturing empathy, and creating networks across borders” – writes Mirajete Selami from South East European University in Skopje, North Macedonia. You will find this writing from me, Mirajete Selami, someone who deeply admires the power and potential of students. I am 21 years old, and I study International Relations at South East European University in Skopje, North Macedonia. In 2025, I had the incredible honor of being chosen as a Student Ambassador for the ChallengeEU Alliance, a role that has transformed the way I see my studies, my country, and my place in the wider European community. From the very beginning, this role was more than a title. It was an invitation to connect, to listen, and to represent. I remember preparing for my first encounters with fellow ambassadors from across Europe. Though our first meetings were online, sitting behind screens, there was a sense of anticipation that made every conversation feel meaningful. I realized that even through a virtual space, ideas could travel, perspectives could shift, and friendships could begin to form. One of the most memorable experiences in my journey as a Student Ambassador was hosting representatives from Mid Sweden University, Annacarin Aronsson and Lena E. Burman, in Skopje. I welcomed them to our campus, guided them through our university spaces, and introduced them to the vibrant life of SEEU. We walked through the streets of Skopje together, sharing stories, discussing our academic programs, and exchanging ideas about education, culture, and student engagement. It was a rare opportunity to bridge cultures, to see the world through fresh eyes, and to reflect on how international cooperation can inspire local growth. At the same time, I experienced the ache of absence. Due to personal reasons, I could not attend the larger ChallengeEU meeting, and I deeply felt what I had missed. Looking at the photos of other ambassadors collaborating, learning, and laughing together, I felt both a pang of longing and a renewed determination. It reminded me that being present truly present is at the heart of connection and impact. This experience has shown me that being a Student Ambassador is about more than representing a university. It is about expanding one’s perspective, nurturing empathy, and creating networks that carry ideas and inspiration across borders. As a young woman in International Relations, I see it as a chance to gather knowledge, cultivate meaningful relationships, and bring new practices back to my own community. It has reminded me that leadership is not only about authority, but about presence, curiosity, and the courage to act with intention. Being part of ChallengeEU has also been a journey of self-discovery. It has taught me the beauty of listening, the power of collaboration, and the responsibility we carry as individuals to shape a better world. Every conversation, every shared meal, every walk through the city has reinforced my belief that meaningful change begins with people willing to connect, share, and learn from one another. Looking forward, I carry with me the vision of a world where knowledge, culture, and friendship transcend borders a world where young people like myself can bring the best of global ideas home to inspire local transformation. And in that vision, I find hope, purpose, and the courage to continue shaping my journey, both as a student and as a citizen of a connected Europe. With love and dedication, Mirajete Selami SEEU Campus – Skopje, North Macedonia
Erasmus+ Teaching Mobility at Universidade Europeia
As part of the Erasmus+ Teaching Mobility Programme, Sandra Stallmann participated in the International Week at the Universidade Europeia in Lisbon, and she has also taught classes as a guest lecturer for students attending the Bachelor in Hotel Management programme. Prof. Sandra Stallmann delivered a lecture on “English in the Business Environment and Tourism” focusing on the importance of professional communication skills in the hospitality industry. The session addressed topics such as professional communication with customers, formal language use in a hospitality environment, and language use in business situations within tourism and hospitality. The class participated actively in discussions and practical exercises based on real-life situations. The guest lecturers also provided an exchange with academic staff at the university in Lisbon, getting to know their background, their teaching experiences and their insights. Students actively participated in discussion rounds after the lectures, showing interest in international relations, cultural differences, living and studying abroad, and the exchange of international experiences. In addition to her guest lectures, she also attended the International Week at the Universidade Europeia. This included for instance an academic workshop led by Prof. Rodrigo Morais (WP5) on “CBL: Designing, Implementing & Assessing Challenge-Based Learning”, which focused on innovative teaching methodologies and the application of Challenge-Based Learning in higher education, and required an interactive participation of all candidates. In general the international week provided an opportunity for academic exchange and networking with international lecturers and university staff besides from the experience as a guest lecturer.
Blooming partnerships. A new season of M.A.R.K.E.T. Meet-Ups at SEEU
The second day of the Global Digital City event took place at South East European University (SEEU), with the support of ABSL North Macedonia, bringing together key representatives from academia, industry, the diplomatic community, and public institutions. The activities followed the M.A.R.K.E.T. Meet-Up approach of the ChallengeEU Alliance, creating an interactive environment where collaboration moved beyond dialogue toward practical engagement. The event strengthened connections between universities, businesses, policymakers, and young professionals, encouraging the co-creation of innovative solutions. During the keynote session, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shpresa Alija, Market Officer of the ChallengeEU project, presented the initiative’s strategic vision for developing a digital collaboration platform and a sustainable innovation ecosystem. She highlighted how ChallengeEU bridges academia and industry by mobilising students, leveraging academic expertise, and engaging international partner universities to transform real-world challenges into concrete collaborative projects. Hamit Kamberi, designer of the first digital platform developed within the ChallengeEU framework – Impact Lab – then introduced the platform, outlining its key features, benefits, and the stakeholder registration process. He emphasised that Impact Lab serves as a new digital collaboration space connecting universities, industry, and partners at both regional and international levels. The programme concluded with practical workshops and training sessions focused on employability and industry readiness, providing participants with hands-on experience and direct interaction with experts and employers. The event clearly demonstrated how M.A.R.K.E.T. Meet-Ups generate tangible results by turning ideas into action and strengthening long-term partnerships across the broader European ChallengeEU alliance.
M.A.R.K.E.T. Meet-Up on Distance Campus strengthens regional collaboration for MIUN in Östersund
On 24 February 2026, Mid Sweden University and ChallengeEU hosted a M.A.R.K.E.T Meet-Up on the continued development of the distance campus together with Lärcentrum Östersund (Östersund Adult Education Centre). Around 20 participants gathered, representing the public sector, the business community, civil society, and academia. The Distance Campus is a physical space where distance students can study, connect with peers, and network with potential future employers. The meeting provided a valuable and up-to-date overview of the current status of the Distance Campus, which is hosted by Lärcentrum Östersund. Participants also had the opportunity to hear directly from distance students who actively use the facilities, offering important insights into their study conditions and everyday needs. During a well-received facilitated workshop, the group identified key challenges and areas for improvement related to the further development of the Distance Campus and the study environment for distance learners in the Jämtland/Härjedalen region. The discussions enabled participants to exchange ideas, experiences, and expertise, and to outline potential actions with clear regional relevance and impact. Distance students living in the region are increasingly recognised as an important part of the regional talent supply for both the business and public sectors. The event confirmed strong engagement among regional stakeholders and marked an important step forward in strengthening collaboration to create sustainable and supportive conditions for distance students.
Student Journal: “ChallengeEU did more than connect universities”
“Being part of this journey changed the way I see Europe” – writes Gajur Memeti from South East European University in North Macedonia, a member of the Student Ambassadors Team. Representing South East European University as a Student Ambassador for ChallengeEU honestly started as something that simply made me proud. I remember when I first got the role. It felt big. Not just because it was connected to Europe, but because I knew I was carrying the name of my university with me. That realization alone made it feel important. At the beginning, everything was online. We met through screens, squares with names and faces from different countries. Even though it was virtual, there was still this shared excitement. I would sit at my desk listening to students from different parts of Europe speaking about their ideas, their universities, and their expectations. It was strange in a good way, realizing how different we all were, but also how similar our goals sounded. Still, online meetings can only go so far. You connect, but it stays limited. Then December 2025 came, and we finally met in person in Offenburg. That is when everything felt real. Traveling there was not just about attending a meeting. It felt like stepping into something bigger. We had workshops on content creation, photography, and intercultural communication, and those sessions were genuinely useful. I learned practical things. How to communicate better. How to represent something visually. How to think more carefully about the way I share stories. But if I am being honest, the most important part was not inside the workshop rooms. It was the conversations in between. The small talks that slowly turned into deeper discussions. Sharing meals, laughing about cultural differences, explaining traditions, talking about our studies and our ambitions. In just a few days, the dynamic completely changed. We stopped feeling like representatives of nine separate universities and started feeling like one team. What surprised me the most was how fast the connections felt real. We arrived as ambassadors with a title. We left feeling like we had built something personal. Looking back now, I realize that ChallengeEU did more than connect universities. It connected perspectives. It challenged the way I think about borders, collaboration, and leadership. It showed me that real impact does not begin with institutions. It begins with people who are willing to listen, to share, and to grow together. Being part of this journey changed the way I see Europe. It is no longer just a map or a concept discussed in classrooms. It is people, conversations, shared goals, and mutual respect. What started as an honor became something deeper. A responsibility I carry with pride. A reminder that when young people come together with openness and purpose, the future does not feel uncertain. It feels ours to shape. Gajur Memeti
Neurodiversity in focus: ChallengeEU workshop in Offenburg
On 12 February, the first neurodiversity-focused workshop of the ChallengeEU alliance took place at Stadtraum Offenburg, bringing together the M.A.R.K.E.T. approach and ODEI principles (Openness, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion). The event became an inspiring platform for exchanging experiences among academics, students, institutional representatives, and external practitioners. The programme was led by neurodiversity expert Sylvia Drews. The workshop opened with an introduction to neurodivergence in the workplace, including how traits such as ADHD and autism spectrum conditions may present differently in individuals. Participants explored core patterns of neurodivergent functioning as well as the challenges neurodivergent people face in professional and educational environments. A strong emphasis was placed on interaction. Working in groups, participants collaboratively developed ideas for creating more inclusive spaces that genuinely support neurodivergent individuals. Discussions addressed both workplace settings and educational institutions, highlighting that inclusive solutions can – and should – be implemented at multiple levels. An important part of the meeting was reflection on practical steps that can be taken in organisational policies and everyday practices. The aim was to identify actions that help build safe environments where everyone can express themselves freely and confidently, without fear of judgment. The workshop demonstrated how ChallengeEU creates spaces where diverse perspectives meet: academic knowledge, student voices, institutional experience, and expert practice. Bringing these groups together in one room makes it possible to move beyond dialogue toward shared responsibility for inclusive transformation. Participants highlighted the inspiring atmosphere of the event and the value of meaningful exchange and collaboration. The workshop also provided an opportunity to connect these discussions with ChallengeEU’s mission – encouraging unconventional thinking, collective action, and challenging the now, in unity.
