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.
UWM Regional Meet-Up
On 11–13 February, the 27th edition of the Techmilk seminar was organised by the University of Warmia and Mazury. The event is devoted to modern technological solutions in the dairy processing sector. During the seminar, science met industry. Techmilk brought together representatives of academia, business, local government authorities, and students – nearly 400 people attended the event in total. Through presentations, debates, and showcases of technical solutions, dialogue was established between scientists, representatives of dairy companies, and suppliers of modern industry solutions. “Techmilk was an excellent opportunity to promote the alliance’s ideas and establish new contacts. During the UWM Regional Meet-Up, we also met with our associated partners – including companies such as Mlekpol and Piątnica. We observed very strong interest in the ChallengeEU alliance, and many companies expressed their willingness to cooperate,” says Dr Adriana Łobacz, Market Officer in WP4. It is also worth noting that students from universities forming the ChallengeEU alliance were not forgotten during the event. Representatives of UWM’s Office for International Cooperation worked together with entrepreneurs to offer students opportunities for internships and traineeships.
M.A.R.K.E.T. Meet-Up on Events and Sustainability in the Region of Valencia
On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, Universidad Europea de Valencia hosted its first M.A.R.K.E.T. Meet-Up dedicated to Events and Sustainability in the Region of Valencia. Organized in collaboration with Meeting Professionals International (Iberian Chapter), this dynamic session brought together local experts representing the Quadruple Helix (Government, Industry, Academia and Civil Society) to explore how events can contribute to sustainability outcomes and create lasting legacies in destinations. This collaborative exercise featured insightful discussions on integrating sustainability into event planning and execution. It focused on identifying local challenges related to sustainable events and generating practical solutions to ensure that sustainability principles are embedded in future event strategies. Participants engaged in a lively exchange of ideas, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between event organizers, destinations, and stakeholders to achieve meaningful sustainability goals. The conversation highlighted actionable steps for reducing environmental impact, promoting local communities, and ensuring that events leave a legacy beyond the experience itself. Key Challenges Identified: Potential Solutions: “Thank you to all attendees and partners for making this event a success. Together, we are shaping a more sustainable future for the events industry in the region of Valencia and beyond,” said the organizers.
ChallengeEU Strategy Board defines next steps in Valencia
The Strategy Board, made up of the Rectors of the nine member universities, holds its meeting at the Turia Campus to take stock of the alliance’s first year and define future directions. On Tuesday (10 February), Universidad Europea de Valencia hosted the meeting of the ChallengeEU Strategy Board. This meeting brought together, at the Turia Campus, the rectors of the nine universities that make up the Alliance in a working session focused on future directions, strategic challenges and the evolution of the project. The day began with a welcome coffee, during which Dr Esther Gómez, Regional Secretary for Universities of the Generalitat Valenciana, gave a few words of institutional greeting to the Rectors of the alliance before starting the programme of activities. During the working session, the Strategy Board addressed the presentation of the results of the alliance’s first year of operation, as well as the analysis of the medium and long-term strategy, focused on consolidating the vision and priorities for the coming years. The meeting also allowed progress to be made on the proposal to create double degrees between member universities, as well as exploring the possible incorporation of a Ukrainian polytechnic university as an associate member, in line with ChallengeEU’s commitment to broader and more diverse European cooperation. The meeting was chaired by Prof. Tobias Hagen, Director General of ChallengeEU, and by the Secretary General, Sofiia Hecker, both from the University of Offenburg (Germany), the institution responsible for the overall coordination of the alliance. Dr Annette Klinkert, director of the technical agency that has accompanied ChallengeEU in its application and development process, also participated in the proceedings. The session also agreed that the Rector of the Universidade Europeia de Lisboa, Prof. Helia Gonçalves, will assume the chairmanship of the Strategy Board during the alliance’s second year of operation, replacing Prof. Stephan Trahasch, Rector of the Offenburg University of Applied Sciences (Germany). Likewise, the Rector of Mid Sweden University (Sweden), Docent Anders Fallström, has been appointed as the new Vice-President of the body. Two Student Council representatives at the Strategy Board – Hannah Rendle from Hochschule Offenburg and Keshini Nistar from ECAM LaSalle – held their final meeting in this role. Throughout their mandate, they actively contributed student perspectives to the Alliance’s highest decision-making body, ensuring that the student voice remained an integral part of strategic discussions. New Student Council representatives will soon be elected to continue representing students at the Strategy Board.
