ChallengeEU in Action: GIS Mapping in Tetovo
Students from South East European University used GIS tools to examine urban and infrastructure challenges in Tetovo. The activity, carried out as part of ChallengeEU initiatives supporting the digital and green transition, showed how spatial data can contribute to sustainable urban planning, environmental resilience and decision-making focused on local communities. Within the framework of the digital and green transition initiatives promoted by ChallengeEU, and in collaboration with the Center for Development of the Polog Region as an Associate Partner of the ChallengeEU Alliance, students from South East European University participated in a GIS-based activity focused on identifying urban and infrastructure vulnerability hotspots in the city of Tetovo. Following a GIS training session and the introduction to spatial data related to Tetovo’s urban planning and water supply infrastructure, students worked on analyzing GIS layers to identify areas with limited infrastructure coverage, lack of greenery, and spatial planning challenges, while proposing potential intervention zones based on observed spatial patterns. Under the mentorship of Lejla Ademi Shaqiri, the students Alime Durmishi, Monika Stojkovska, and Arlind Abdurahmani presented their findings and recommendations, demonstrating the potential of GIS tools and digital technologies in supporting sustainable urban planning, environmental resilience, and evidence-based local decision-making. The initiative also reflected the broader mission of ChallengeEU: to connect universities, regional stakeholders and local communities in addressing real-life challenges. By combining academic knowledge, digital skills and regional cooperation, the activity showed how students can actively contribute to the green and digital transformation of their cities and regions.
Student Journal: Reflections from the ESU Conference of Alliances
“Students should be included as real partners in decision making processes, not only as representatives who are consulted from time to time,” emphasises Gajur Memeti from South East European University in North Macedonia, sharing his reflections after taking part in the European Students’ Union Conference of Alliances in Malta, where he represented ChallengeEU. This year’s conference will focus on the theme “Leading Together: Strengthening Student Communities and Leadership Across Europe”. From 2 to 4 May, I had the opportunity to represent ChallengeEU at the ESU Conference of Alliances III in Malta. The conference brought together student representatives from across Europe to share experiences, exchange ideas, and discuss the role of students within European University Alliances. One of the main topics throughout the conference was student participation and the importance of giving students a more meaningful role within alliances. During the workshops and discussions on governance and democratic participation, we talked a lot about how students should be included as real partners in decision-making processes, not only as representatives who are consulted from time to time. There was a strong focus on creating alliances where students can genuinely contribute and help shape important decisions together with university leadership. As I bring these reflections back to ChallengeEU, there are two ideas from the conference that I believe could have a strong impact on our alliance. The first is supporting student-led initiatives through dedicated funding. One practice that stood out across several alliances was the existence of funding opportunities created specifically for student initiatives. Having dedicated calls for student projects would encourage students to develop their own ideas, collaborate across universities, and become more actively involved in the development of the alliance itself. The second is recognising student engagement more formally. Another important discussion focused on balancing academic responsibilities with alliance-related work. Many participants highlighted the need for student involvement to be recognised in a more structured way, whether through academic credits, financial support, or more flexibility from universities. Proper recognition is important in making student participation more sustainable and accessible for everyone. I am very grateful for the opportunity to attend this conference and represent ChallengeEU in these discussions. I hope we can continue building on these ideas and bring some of these good practices into our alliance in the future. Gajur Memeti
SEEU and Gostivar Municipality Launch Youth Awareness Campaign as Part of ChallengeEU
Within the framework of the ChallengeEU initiative, South East European University, in cooperation with the Municipality of Gostivar as an Associate Partner of the ChallengeEU Alliance, launched a youth awareness campaign in the Medical High School and the Gymnasium in Gostivar. During the event, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shpresa Alija, acting as a M.A.R.K.E.T. Officer, presented the ChallengeEU project, with particular emphasis on its third pillar focused on Mental Health and Wellbeing, highlighting the importance of promoting healthy lifestyles and supporting the wellbeing of young people. The neuropsychiatric expert Prof. Dr. Naser Durmishi delivered an interactive lecture addressing the risks and consequences associated with the consumption of energy drinks and illegal substances among young people. The session emphasized the importance of prevention, awareness and early education in fostering healthier behaviours among adolescents. Representatives of the Municipality of Gostivar also attended the activity, reaffirming the importance of cooperation between local institutions and academia in advancing youth education, mental health and social wellbeing. As part of the ongoing campaign, similar awareness activities are planned to continue in two additional high schools in Gostivar, namely the Economic School and the Industrial School. The students demonstrated significant interest in the discussed topics and actively engaged throughout the sessions through questions and discussions, contributing to a highly interactive and meaningful event. The activity reflects the mission of ChallengeEU to connect universities, regional stakeholders and local communities in addressing real-life challenges that affect society. By promoting cooperation between academia and local partners, the Alliance supports initiatives that contribute to healthier, more inclusive and more resilient communities.
ChallengeEU 1st Annual Conference Through the Lens: Photo Gallery
The 1st ChallengeEU Annual Conference in Olsztyn (May 6-7) was not only an opportunity for representatives of nine European universities to meet, but also an important moment to reflect on the journey so far, build relationships and define the next directions for cooperation. The event showed that the strength of the alliance lies in people, regions and concrete actions that can have a real impact on the future of higher education in Europe. For two days, the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn became a space for discussions on cross-border cooperation, the responsibility of universities for regional development, and the challenges related to the green, digital and social transitions. The conference brought together representatives of academia, students, regional partners and stakeholders from different parts of Europe, creating a space for dialogue, exchange of experience and the search for shared solutions. However, the significance of the event went beyond the conference programme itself. Its impact lay in strengthening ties between the alliance partners, increasing the visibility of ChallengeEU in the region, and demonstrating that cooperation between European universities can bring tangible benefits to academic and local communities. The meetings, discussions and joint initiatives became an impulse for further actions to be developed within the alliance — from education and research to social engagement and cooperation with the socio-economic environment. We invite you to view the photo gallery, which offers a chance to revisit the atmosphere of the conference, its key meetings and the moments that helped build the ChallengeEU community. Opening Ceremony, Plenary Sessions and Closing Conference (photo by Janusz Pająk/UWM) Working Meetings (photo by Janusz Pająk/UWM) Conversations and integration (photo by Janusz Pająk/UWM, Michał Orłowski) Through the lens of the UWM Student Photo Agency (Studencka Agencja Fotograficzna “Jamnik”)
Science for the Social Environment: UWM Co-organises the Day of Dignity of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities
On 5 May 2026, the Ostróda District Multimedia Library “Przystań z Kulturą”, located at the Public Utility Centre in Ostróda, became a space for dialogue, inclusion and mutual learning. On that day, the event “Science for the Social Environment” took place as part of the ChallengeEU Alliance and was organised as a Public Engagement Activity. The meeting served as a prelude to the ChallengeEU 1st Annual Conference. The date was no coincidence. In Poland, 5 May marks the Day of Dignity of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities. The event in Ostróda therefore formed part of an important social context, highlighting the importance of respect, agency and the active participation of persons with intellectual disabilities in social, cultural and academic life. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn: Katarzyna Ćwirynkało, PhD, Associate Professor at UWM, Agnieszka Żyta, PhD, Professor of UWM; and Monika Chełchowska, MA. The event also brought together members of the local support community, including employees and instructors from the Vocational Activity Establishment, participants and therapists from Occupational Therapy Workshops, parents and other people supporting persons with intellectual disabilities. The main focus of the discussion was cooperation between the university and the local community, as well as ways of building a positive image of persons with intellectual disabilities. Particular attention was given to inclusive research, in which persons with intellectual disabilities are not merely research participants, but co-create the research process as partners. The meeting also provided an opportunity to present the assumptions of the OPUS-26 project funded by the National Science Centre, entitled “Inclusive Research with Persons with Intellectual Disabilities. A Methodological and Analytical Model”. The project is being carried out by Prof. Katarzyna Ćwirynkało and Prof. Agnieszka Żyta. Its aim is to develop methodological and analytical foundations for research conducted together with persons with intellectual disabilities. The event was accompanied by an exhibition of works by co-researchers. The posters on display, designed by Michał Orłowski from UWM, were the result of the research project “Beauty in Our Eyes”, carried out using the photovoice method. In the project, academic researchers and researchers with intellectual disabilities worked together as equal partners, presenting their own perspectives on beauty, everyday life and the world around them. “Science for the Social Environment” demonstrated that academic activity can and should extend beyond the walls of the university. As a Public Engagement Activity, the event in Ostróda served as an example of how a university can cooperate with the local community, share knowledge and, at the same time, learn from people whose experience brings a unique perspective to research. Through dialogue, art and a shared search for solutions, the meeting showed that inclusive research is not only possible, but also necessary. It strengthens the voice of persons with intellectual disabilities, builds relationships based on respect and contributes to creating a more open, attentive and inclusive society.
Bridging Regions – Connecting Universities: ChallengeEU meets at University of Warmia and Mazury
For two days, the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn became the beating heart of the ChallengeEU Alliance. Created within the framework of the European Universities initiative, ChallengeEU brings together nine institutions from different parts of Europe under a shared banner. Together, they are working on solutions that will support not only their own development, but also the future of European higher education and the regions in which they operate. On 6–7 May, UWM hosted the ChallengeEU 1st Annual Conference. The ChallengeEU Alliance’s journey began several years ago. It brings together Hochschule Offenburg, South East European University, ECAM LaSalle, Mid Sweden University, Universidade Europeia, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Universidad Europea de Valencia, Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz (FHNW) and the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn. All these universities took on a shared challenge — quite literally — to create an alliance aligned with the idea of European Universities. Achieving this goal meant meeting not only formal requirements. All the work invested in agreeing on a common plan, developing a strategy and addressing many other issues was rewarded with approval to establish the Alliance, which began its activities in 2025. “Faced with a challenge, we basically have two choices: approach or avoid. The fact that we’re all here today shows clearly that not only have we approached our Challenge, but we have also managed it quite well (…). But our Challenge doesn’t stop here; and this ChallengeEU First Annual Conference is not a grand finale; it’s a stepping stone because there’s still work to be done, there are still challenges ahead. We’ll be spending these two days exchanging ideas on how to implement our strategies not only in the world of academia, but also in the communities around us, bridging the gap between regions in the same way as we have bridged the gap between our universities”, reminded Dr Czesław Kiński, the conference host. He added: “Over these two days, we will exchange ideas on how to implement our strategies not only in the academic world, but also in the communities around us, bridging differences between regions in the same way as we bridge differences between our universities.” “Five kilometres from this room, in a red-brick castle on a hill, a young canon once spent his evenings looking at the stars. His name was Nicolaus Copernicus. He lived here, in Warmia, for over forty years. He was not yet famous. He worked, as we might say in the language of today’s funding bodies, ‘based at a regional institution’. And from that so-called regional institution, he moved to the centre of the universe,” said Prof. Jerzy Przyborowski, Rector of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, during the opening of the conference. He stressed that, in his view, the famous Polish astronomer would have understood the idea behind the ChallengeEU Alliance. “Copernicus understood that ‘the centre’ is not a place. It is a question. And whoever is brave enough to ask better questions becomes, for that moment, the centre of the world.. In this hall today, I see representatives of nine universities who have decided to ask better questions. Questions about how regions and universities can support each other. About how the green transition can also be a just transition. About how challenge-based learning can replace lecture-based forgetting. About what European belonging means when the borders of Europe are once again being renegotiated, sometimes peacefully and sometimes not.” What brings the ChallengeEU community together is not only a readiness to ask questions and push boundaries, but also enthusiasm. This was exactly what Prof. Hélia Gonçalves Pereira, Rector of Universidade Europeia in Lisbon, spoke about when welcoming the conference guests on behalf of the Strategy Board. “When we created this alliance, some said that such an undertaking was impossible; others argued that it was possible, but would be very, very difficult. Today, we can proudly say that we have succeeded — that our dream has come true,” said Prof. Hélia Gonçalves Pereira. “ChallengeEU involves more than 90,000 students, teachers, researchers and partners, working in areas that are crucial not only for the universities forming the Alliance, but also for Europe: mobility and cooperation. As we work to make this ecosystem function as effectively as possible, we are accompanied by great enthusiasm. There is no doubt that in these strange, yet exciting times, we need more and better knowledge.” Prof. Stephan Trahasch, Rector of Hochschule Offenburg, the Alliance’s leading institution, drew attention to the goal that had guided the project from the beginning. “When we brought this alliance to life many months ago, we had a clear vision of what we wanted to do: we wanted European universities to cooperate not only on paper, but in practice, and to take on concrete challenges with a real impact on the world around them. What I see today strengthens my belief that the path we have chosen is the right one,” Prof. Trahasch emphasised. The HSO Rector gave a particularly warm welcome to the students taking part in the conference. “You are not guests at this meeting — you are the reason this alliance exists, and you are the heart of this alliance. Every partnership we build and every barrier we overcome is for you and, most importantly, with you. Your energy and commitment are what make this alliance truly European,” said Prof. Trahasch. Universities have an impact The first Annual Conference of the Alliance was held under the motto “Bridging Regions – Connecting Universities”. It referred to the idea from which ChallengeEU has grown, and whose practical expression can be seen in the long-standing partnership between Offenburg and Olsztyn, as well as in the cooperation between Hochschule Offenburg and the University of Warmia and Mazury that emerged from it. This cooperation would not have been possible without Maria and Georg Dietrich, the founders of the foundation which continues to strengthen relations between the two cities and universities to this day. Julia Ritter spoke about her grandfather’s work and her readiness
ChallengeEU take part in the European Student Assembly 2026 in Strasbourg
From 20 to 22 April, the European Parliament in Strasbourg welcomed more than 200 students from across Europe for the 2026 European Student Assembly, including representatives of the ChallengeEU Alliance. During the event, participants worked together on shared proposals and developed policy recommendations addressing key issues shaping the future of Europe. The European Student Assembly gives students from European University Alliances the opportunity to work together on policy proposals, share perspectives and engage in democratic debate. Participants joined several preparatory online meetings before the event and actively contributed to discussions in Strasbourg, bringing student perspectives on European politics, culture, society and the future of higher education. Among the ChallengeEU representatives was Runa Ziegler from Mid Sweden University, a member of the Student Ambassadors Team. She worked in the panel “Educating without borders”, which focused on topics such as joint thesis projects, interdisciplinary skills labs and new ways of learning across institutional and national boundaries. “I am so grateful to have had this opportunity to go to Strasbourg and meet so many inspiring people,” Runa said. Sunil Hela, another ChallengeEU student representative, described ESA 2026 as a motivating and valuable experience. He emphasised the international atmosphere, the professionalism of the sessions and the opportunity to observe democratic processes in practice during policy proposal discussions and voting sessions. One of the most meaningful moments for him was the acceptance of his own policy proposal. “It was a great honour and a rewarding achievement to see my ideas appreciated and supported by the participants,” Sunil said. For the students, the event was not only an opportunity to discuss important European issues, but also to experience teamwork, leadership and international cooperation inside the European Parliament. The programme encouraged active participation, dialogue and the exchange of ideas among young people from different backgrounds. ChallengeEU was also represented at the Village of Alliances fair, where European University Alliances had the opportunity to present their communities, activities and ambitions. Sofia Hecker, ChallengeEU Secretary General, and Laura, Project Officer from Hochschule Offenburg, visited the students in Strasbourg and joined parts of the programme. Participation in ESA 2026 showed how important student voices are in shaping the future of European higher education. For ChallengeEU, it was another step towards strengthening student engagement, supporting international cooperation and building a more connected European university community.higher education. For ChallengeEU, it was another step towards strengthening student engagement, supporting international cooperation and building a more connected European university community.
New Leadership Elected for ChallengeEU Student Council
The ChallengeEU Student Council has elected its new leadership, marking an important step in strengthening student representation across the alliance. Rebeca Rocha from Universidade Europeia in Lisbon will be President for the second time. The newly appointed President and Vice-President will guide the Council’s work, coordinate activities, and ensure that student perspectives are effectively reflected in key discussions and decisions. The new leadership will also represent students within the alliance’s governance structures, contributing to dialogue with academic and institutional stakeholders. Their role will be crucial in fostering collaboration, amplifying student voices, and supporting the development of inclusive, student-centred initiatives across ChallengeEU. Position Elected Representatives President Rebeca Rocha (UEL) Vice-President Reik Herrmann (HSO) Secretary Mustafa Yawer (UEV) Strategy Board Alketa Mustafi (SEEU) Capucine Carrier (ECAM) Management Board Larissa Josephine Biernacki (UWM) Iwona Pająk (UWM) Academic Council Linda Priede (LBTU) Emil Thors (MIUN) Social Media Axel Cadart (ECAM) Emil Thors (MIU SC Members Anna Harter (HSO), Liāna Gailite (LBTU), Filipe Crisóstomo (UEL), Ella Päffgen (UEV), Alicia Devaux (FHNW), Marija Kosovljanovic (FHNW), Tina Adili (SEEU)
From challenges to Solutions. UWM Hosts M.A.R.K.E.T. Meet-Up on Water Innovation and Resource Recovery
On 22 April 2026, the M.A.R.K.E.T. Meet-Up titled “From Water Challenges to Solutions: Innovation, Treatment and Resource Recovery” took place at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn. The event brought together representatives of regions and institutions from across Europe, who engaged in joint discussions on modern solutions in water management, environmental protection, and resource recovery. Participants included representatives of: the Region of West Flanders (Belgium), the Region of Lower Austria – Business Agency of Lower Austria, the Tampere Region (Finland) and the Baltic Institute of Finland, TUA West – Technical University Alliance for Economic Transformation in West Flanders (Belgium), the City of San Sebastián (Spain) – Formento, the municipal economic development agency, the Emilia-Romagna Region (Italy), the City of Bremen (Germany), the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina (Serbia), and the Warmia and Mazury Regional Development Agency in Olsztyn. Among the participants was also a representative of an associated partner of ChallengeEU from the Marshal’s Office of the Warmia and Mazury Voivodeship. The programme featured presentations on innovations in lake protection and restoration, sludge management in the context of reducing eutrophication, and advanced environmental technologies such as anaerobic digestion and microalgae cultivation. The meeting concluded with a visit to the technological laboratory of the Department of Environmental Engineering at UWM, where participants had the opportunity to explore ongoing research and scientific infrastructure. The M.A.R.K.E.T. Meet-Up served as a platform for the exchange of experiences and good practices among European regions, fostering cooperation between academia, public administration, and economic partners. “One of the topics that attracted particular attention during the meeting was lake restoration. This is a highly relevant issue not only for our region, but across Europe, especially in areas with a long history of intensive agricultural and urban development. As highlighted during the discussions, the current state of many lakes is largely the result of historical pressures — decades of nutrient inflows, insufficient wastewater treatment in the past, and land-use practices that have led to the accumulation of pollutants in sediments. These legacy effects mean that even if external pollution sources are reduced today, lakes often continue to degrade due to internal loading. In this context, innovative restoration approaches are gaining increasing importance. Among them, the use of phosphorus inactivation compounds (salts of iron and aluminum) was presented as a particularly promising method. These technologies can effectively limit phosphorus release from sediments, which is one of the key drivers of eutrophication. What makes them especially valuable is their potential for relatively rapid implementation and measurable environmental impact, supporting the recovery of aquatic ecosystems,” said Dr Paulina Rusanowska, ChallengeEU Project Implementation Specialist at UWM. “The strong interest from international participants confirms that lake restoration is not only a scientific challenge but also a strategic priority for regional development, water management, and environmental protection. Sharing experiences and solutions in this field creates real opportunities for scaling up effective practices and building long-term resilience of water resources across Europe,” she added.
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.
