Positive Impact Challenge in Freiburg
Hochschule Offenburg just concluded three inspiring days at the Positive Impact Challenge in Freiburg—an experience that reflects the core of ChallengeEU’s mission to drive challenge-based, impact-oriented education across Europe. The programme began with an onboarding Design Sprint, equipping students with design thinking tools to engage in collaborative, solution-driven processes from the outset. Building on this, teams developed social impact projects addressing real societal challenges—ranging from digital community engagement to inclusive everyday systems—demonstrating how student-led initiatives can contribute to regional innovation ecosystems. Throughout the challenge, participants were supported by our Seekers, whose expertise helped translate ideas into sustainable, scalable solutions with long-term impact. This mentorship process embodies ChallengeEU’s approach to fostering open innovation and knowledge exchange between academia and society. What stood out most was not only the diversity of project outcomes, but also the process itself: teams applied user-centred, emotionally intelligent methods, reflecting the shift towards challenge-based learning as a driver of societal transformation. In doing so, students actively became agents of change, contributing to more inclusive and responsive innovation practices. The collaborative environment—bringing together local and international perspectives—highlighted the strength of transnational cooperation within the ChallengeEU Alliance. It is through these shared experiences that we build a connected European learning community capable of addressing complex challenges beyond institutional and national boundaries. This activity is more than a standalone event—it is part of a broader ambition to reshape higher education towards impact, participation, and social innovation, strengthening Europe’s capacity to respond to the triple transition and future societal needs. As we close this chapter, we carry forward the momentum generated in Freiburg, looking ahead to the continued development and real-world implementation of these ideas. Stay tuned for the final project launches on June 24.
Hochschule Offenburg Represents ChallengeEU at the University Alliances Coordinators Meeting in Brussels
As part of the ChallengeEU Alliance’s continuous commitment to sustained transnational cooperation and impact-oriented governance, Hochschule Offenburg participated in a high-level Alliance Coordination Meeting in Brussels, represented by Vice Rector for Internationalisation and Managing Director, Prof. Dr. Tobias Hagen. Joined by other European University Alliances, the meeting outlined an array of strategic objectives set by Erasmus+ partners, with particular attention given to the long-term financial and structural roadmap for the alliances under the future Erasmus+ programming period. The programme emphasis was placed on the role of alliances within strategic sectors for European competitiveness, as well as their contribution to strengthening and completing the European Research Area. ChallengeEU was actively involved in the University Alliances Coordinators’ “Working Retreat” in Brussels on 14 April 2026, organised by the European Commission. Prof. Dr. Tobias Hagen participated alongside coordinators from all University Alliances and high-level representatives of the European Commission and Erasmus+ national agencies. Discussions centred on the future of University Alliances, including a shift towards long-term funding models rather than project-based funding as an integral part of Erasmus+ in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the role of alliances as a model for the European higher education system, and their contribution to the Union of Skills and Europe’s competitiveness. Further exchanges shed light on the optimisation of reporting and review processes to enhance overall efficiency and measurable impact, reinforcing the importance of streamlined governance and performance monitoring across alliances. The meeting concluded with a plenary session reflecting on the consolidation of alliance structures, contributing to a more resilient and integrated European research and education landscape. Discussions between the Commission and Alliance representatives will continue at a rectors’ meeting on 10 June. Prof. Dr. Tobias Hagen further stated: “The Commission clearly recognises the importance of alliances and acknowledges the drawbacks of the current four- or two-year funding periods. We also had excellent networking opportunities with other alliances. All in all, it was a day full of information and opportunities to actively contribute to the future of European University Alliances.”
The ChallengeEU Student Ambassadors Team gathers in Offenburg to build skills and connections
Between 4th and 5th of December Hochschule Offenburg hosted first official meetup of ChallengeEU Student Ambassadors Team. The first official gathering of the young people who represent the alliance across Europe was a great opportunity to strengthen relationships and develop the skills they need in their everyday work as ambassadors. “It was great to talk with my colleagues and learn about their cultures and different perspectives on studying. I really appreciate the fact that I could discover the differences between us,” says Marion Angsthelm, student ambassador from FHNW. “Through photography, social media, cultural intelligence and inclusion workshops, we learned how each tool can amplify our voices and help us create meaningful impact across Europe. But beyond the academic side, we realised that our stories, backgrounds and experiences are powerful — and when we unite, we can inspire real change. This meetup reminded us that each one of us has a voice that matters and that we are capable of shaping a better, more inclusive future for young people,” adds Jana Zaher Eddine from Universidad Europea de Valencia. “I come from Offenburg, so I was at home, but I really appreciate the fact I could get to know other ambassadors. I also learned a lot about the media, social media, how to use them to promote the ideas of our alliance,” says Hendrik Kirchoff, student ambassador from HSO. The student ambassador meeting focused on connecting our international student ambassadors from the nine universities together. The goal was to train them on how to carry out their responsibilities efficiently and deliver the alliance’s message accurately. The official agenda was full of interesting and engaging activities e.g. social media and photography training or communication exercises. Other workshops explored inclusivity and ODEI principles, complemented by practical strategies for intercultural communication skills that are particularly valuable for ambassadors when engaging on social media “We are committed to fostering collaboration, innovation, and intercultural exchange among students across Europe. Welcoming our ambassadors on campus allowed us to see this vision come to life: engaged students, motivated teams and inspiring sessions designed to help ambassadors to improve skills that will help them carry on with their mission within the alliance,” Hochschule Offenburg, host of the meetup and leader of the ChallengeEU alliance, writes on their social media. People who are responsible for the communication in the alliance have no doubts that the meeting was a success. “Ambassadors expressed a strong desire to connect with their peers in person and move beyond the limitations of virtual interaction, and this event provided the perfect opportunity to do so. They reported gaining a clearer understanding of ChallengeEU and their role within it,” says Lynn Summerfield from Universidad Europea de Valencia, who took part in the meeting. „Organizing the Student Ambassadors Meeting in Offenburg was an inspirational project. It was great to see how many students from different backgrounds and stories were able to relate to each other so closely and so fast. Seeing them work together proactively was merely a visual manifestation of what ChallengeEU is all about – centered around cooperation and cultural openness,” adds Zina Qabbani from HSO. Complementing the learning sessions were cultural experiences such as a visit to the local Christmas market and a dinner at a traditional restaurant renowned for its regional cuisine.
Together for the European Cross-Border Region on the Upper Rhine
Thanks to the ChallengeEU project, Hochschule Offenburg (Offenburg University of Applied Sciences) played a leading role in bringing together representatives from business, academia, civil society, and different generations from across the Upper Rhine region. In an open and appreciative atmosphere, participants took the time to jointly identify key issues – particularly in the context of reimagining tourism. The aim of the activities undertaken by the members of the ChallengeEU alliance is to closely link research and innovation with regional stakeholders and, as a first step in a creative process, to collaboratively identify regional challenges. These identified challenges are then categorized into key thematic areas: Health & Wellbeing, Smart Digitalisation, and Sustainable Development. The ideas and solutions developed are subsequently integrated into further research and innovation activities to create sustainable and practical outcomes for the region. Students benefit especially from this European network: they have the opportunity to connect internationally and collaborate on innovative solutions. In addition to exciting projects and win-win situations for both regional businesses and students, valuable partnerships and friendships are also formed across national borders. Together, we are committed to a strong, innovative Europe and a sustainable future for the Upper Rhine region. The first workshop in the ChallengeEU Meetup Mission series was made possible thanks to the collaboration with Black Forest Innovation, an associate partner of the alliance, who hosted the participants at their premises.
