Branding, or building identity. Workshops in Poland
Representatives of the nine universities forming the ChallengeEU alliancemet at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (Poland) to discuss how to communicate and disseminate the alliance’s activities, which aim to open new opportunities for members of the academic community. To discuss the image of the ChallengeEU alliance and strategies for reaching various target audiences, representatives from all partner universities gathered in Olsztyn. Among them, the largest group consisted of those responsible for communication within the project. Also present were leaders of other work packages and the Secretary General of the alliance. All had the opportunity to connect with UWM staff involved in other parts of the project. The workshops were also attended by Prof. Paweł Wielgosz, UWM’s Representative for European Universities. Branding – Building the Identity of the Alliance The identity and future of ChallengeEU will be shaped by those who co-create it and seize the opportunities it offers. However, its image—especially in the eyes of individuals or companies potentially interested in collaborating with the universities—will also play a vital role and should be considered from the very beginning. Working on the alliance’s identity means also working on its visual communication and messaging—key elements that ChallengeEU will use to connect with others. Learning from One Another and Combining Our Strengths The second day was equally productive, featuring workshops and a working meeting held at the UWM Center for Marketing and Media. “A very important part of the visit was the opportunity for our guests to explore various units of UWM — including the editorial offices of the university media, the Office for International Cooperation, the Student Affairs Office, the Center for Cooperation with the Socio-Economic Environment, as well as selected faculties,” explains Dr. Marta Śliwa. “It was a great opportunity to present UWM’s educational offer and scientific potential, but also for our community to learn more about the ideas and objectives of the ChallengeEU alliance.” – “The meeting in Olsztyn was very highly rated by all participants, which is a great joy for us. We feel that thanks to this event, ChallengeEU has truly found its place within our university’s academic space.” Participants of the workshops in Kortowo also emphasized how meeting in person made them realize how strong their relationships have already become — and how positively this strengthens their collaboration. Together with all those involved in the project, they are gradually building the foundation for a shared, open, and inclusive campus.
LBTU hosts programme “Media Literacy for Future Leaders”
The Institute of Social and Humanitarian Sciences of the Faculty of Economics and Social Development (ESAF) at the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU) has successfully completed the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) project “Media Literacy for Future Leaders”. Among the participants were students and lecturers from ChallengeEU partner universities — Hochschule Offenburg, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, and South East European University (SEEU) — joined by representatives of the Estonian University of Life Sciences. The program was led by an international team of lecturers, including five LBTU faculty members from ESAF and guest lecturers – professor Edlira Palloshi Disha from North Macedonia, media science professor Urszula Doliwa, and associate professor Magdalena Szydłowska from Poland. The programme focused on media literacy, critical thinking, and intercultural communication — equipping students with tools to analyze digital content, detect disinformation, and craft meaningful messages. Following an initial online seminar, participants gathered for a vibrant study week in Jelgava, featuring hands-on workshops, cultural visits to Riga and Rundāle Palace, and student presentations during the international conference “Students on Their Way to Science”. It was a great experience, as reflected in the words of one of the participants: “I would like to sincerely thank you for the wonderful experience during the Blended Intensive Programme in Latvia. It was an incredibly enriching opportunity, both academically and personally. I am truly grateful for the chance to participate, to meet inspiring peers, and to learn from outstanding professors. The organization and hospitality throughout the programme were exceptional. I truly appreciate all the efforts that made this an unforgettable experience”. >>> More information
UWM Celebrated Joining the ChallengeEU Alliance
The University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (UWM) has officially joined the ChallengeEU alliance, marking a significant step in its international development. The official celebration took place on Wednesday, 5 March 2025, at the university’s main campus in Olsztyn. During the event, Prof. Jerzy Przyborowski, Rector of UWM, formally presented appointment certificates to the university team members engaged in the project. As he emphasized, participation in the ChallengeEU alliance represents a strategic opportunity not only for the university itself but also for the broader development of the region. The meeting served as an occasion to introduce the vision and objectives of ChallengeEU to the university community and regional stakeholders. Prof. Paweł Wielgosz, UWM’s Coordinator for European Universities, highlighted the several years of intensive preparations that led to the university’s inclusion in the alliance. He also underlined the significance of this achievement, noting that currently, fewer than 10 percent of higher education institutions in Europe are members of university alliances under the European Universities initiative. The event brought together representatives from local government, business sectors, and non-governmental organisations, who expressed their enthusiasm and support for this international academic collaboration. Joining ChallengeEU opens new paths for innovation, mobility, and excellence in education — and UWM is proud to be part of this shared European vision.
