A total of 56 people from six of the nine universities that make up the European university alliance STARS EU, as well as specialists from other entities, took part between 22 and 24 June in an international workshop on intellectual property, knowledge transfer and commercialisation of research results held at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology of the University of La Laguna.

The First STARS EU Workshop on Intellectual Property and Commercialisation aimed to strengthen the training of young researchers in the protection of research results, intellectual property and market transfer, as well as to update knowledge among staff from the technology transfer offices of partner universities and foster the exchange of best practices in this field.

The meeting brought together 26 doctoral students, most of them from the Cracow University of Technology, along with young researchers, staff from research results transfer offices (TTOs) and entrepreneurs linked to R&D projects from the Silesian University in Opava; the Alexandër Moisiu University of Durrës; the University of Applied Sciences Bremen, and the University of the West, as well as staff from ULL.

According to Rodrigo Trujillo, coordinator of the STARS EU Transfer Office and organiser of the workshop together with the ULL TTO, the commercialisation of research requires “solid structures” that allow results with economic potential to be brought to the market under optimal conditions. “The goal is to ensure a return on public investment in research and to generate impact both in society and in strategic sectors,” he stressed.

Protection of innovation

The session, which was inaugurated by the Vice-Rector for Research and Transfer of the ULL, Antonio Aparicio, began with Violeta Arnáiz, Head of Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence and Software at PONS IP. The expert focused her intervention on the fundamentals of intellectual and industrial property, as well as on the protection of intangible assets derived from research.

In this regard, she highlighted the importance of knowing, from the earliest stages of projects, the legal tools available to avoid “loss of ownership” and to foster a “strong culture” of innovation protection.

Arnáiz presented the main protection instruments, such as copyright, patents, trademarks, industrial designs and trade secrets, and analysed the impact of artificial intelligence on creation and research processes, as well as the management of technological assets and early collaboration agreements.

The second day, led by the Cracow University of Technology (CUT), focused on the management of intellectual property in collaborative research environments and in projects funded by the Horizon Europe programme. The plenary session was delivered by José Manuel Rodríguez, CEO of Wooptix, who presented the success story of this ULL spin-off, which has become one of the most prominent technological spin-offs in Spain and Europe’s innovation ecosystem, achieving international positioning through the development of advanced computational imaging technologies applied to highly demanding technological sectors.

Subsequently, Irena Jakubiec, senior specialist at the Technology Transfer Centre of the Cracow University of Technology, detailed the processes of identifying and managing intellectual property in research projects, in particular the distinction between background and foreground knowledge, models for sharing rights between partners, confidentiality obligations and protection strategies within international consortia.

For his part, Jacek Kasz, director of the same centre, focused his contributions on academic entrepreneurship, value creation models based on research and different funding routes for technology startups, from early stages through scaling and market entry.

Transfer of scientific results

The third and final day was entirely devoted to transforming scientific results into market opportunities. In it, Marlena Marek presented the international SUCRED platform, aimed at training in the commercialisation of R&D activities. This was followed by a block led by Małgorzata Ciesielska and Irena Jakubiec focused on identifying opportunities for the exploitation of research results, market analysis, customer segmentation, competition analysis and the use of strategic tools such as SWOT analysis.

In the afternoon session, the focus was placed on advanced innovation management, with special attention to the technological maturity of scientific developments, the valuation of intellectual property, the identification of risks in commercialisation processes and the key aspects for establishing effective collaboration with industry. Negotiation techniques, preparation of proposals for industrial partners and strategies to maximise the impact of research results in the market were also addressed.

The first edition of the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) Game Development with VR/AR has successfully concluded at Cracow University of Technology, bringing together students and academics from across Europe under the STARS EU Alliance.

The programme combined several weeks of online learning with an intensive on-site week in Kraków, creating a unique international environment where technology, creativity, and intercultural collaboration met in practice.

Opening the on-site week, programme coordinator Adrian Widłak highlighted the spirit of the initiative:

“We are meeting here as part of the Alliance STARS EU, bringing together Poland, France, Germany, and our guests from Slovenia. What I love about this initiative is that it’s not just about mobility. It’s about mixing realities.”

The programme began with an online phase running from 24 March to 26 May 2026. During this period, participants developed skills in C# programming, 3D modelling, Unity game development, and immersive VR and AR technologies.

The international group then gathered in Kraków from 15 to 19 June for the on-site component. Throughout the week, students transformed theoretical knowledge into practical solutions by working in multinational teams on a common challenge.

Their task was to design and develop an augmented reality experience capable of transforming a traditional computer laboratory into an interactive educational escape room. Using tablets, AR tools, and game design principles, participants created missions, puzzles, and story-driven scenarios that blended digital content with physical space.

The resulting projects demonstrated how augmented reality can enhance learning environments, increase engagement, and create new forms of educational interaction.

One of the key objectives of the programme was to strengthen students’ ability to work in international and interdisciplinary teams. Beyond technical development, participants gained valuable experience in communication, problem-solving, project management, and intercultural cooperation.

Academic staff from partner institutions provided expert guidance throughout the programme. Participants were supported by Frédéric Lassabe (France), Volker Paelke (Germany), and Krzysztof Skabek from the Computer Graphics and High Performance Computing Research Group at Cracow University of Technology. Practical workshops and project sessions were led by Adrian Widłak, Gloria Kuliś, and Wojciech Malik.

Their diverse academic and research perspectives enabled students to explore VR and AR technologies from multiple viewpoints and application areas.

The programme also offered participants the opportunity to experience the cultural heritage of southern Poland.

Students visited the Wieliczka Salt Mine and explored Kraków’s historic city centre, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. These visits provided valuable opportunities for networking, cultural exchange, and discovering one of Central Europe’s most historic regions.

The successful delivery of the programme was supported by members of Visgraph, the student scientific association operating under the supervision of Michał Dolina and Jakub Dec. Visgraph students contributed to event organisation, participant support, media coverage, photography, audiovisual production, and promotional activities. Their involvement played an important role in creating a welcoming and professional environment for all participants.

The Game Development with VR/AR programme demonstrated how modern higher education can move beyond traditional teaching models. Rather than passively receiving information, students learned by designing, building, testing, and refining their own ideas. By combining emerging technologies, project-based learning, and international collaboration, the programme provided participants with valuable technical competencies, practical experience, and professional connections that will continue to benefit them long after the programme’s conclusion.

As a STARS EU initiative, the programme also showcased the Alliance’s commitment to creating innovative educational opportunities that prepare students to work and collaborate in an increasingly digital and interconnected Europe.

Academic staff, researchers, doctoral, and master’s students from across Europe and beyond gathered in Besançon, France, from 15 to 19 June 2026 for the 2^nd edition of the Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) on Pedagogical Innovation, this year hosted by the Marie and Louis Pasteur University (UMLP), Faculty of Law, Political Sciences, Economics and Management (UFR SJEPG) in France.

The BIP combined an online phase, consisting of three international seminars in May and June, with a week-long in-person programme in Besançon. Participants represented STARS EU partner universities from Poland, Czechia, Spain, France, Sweden, Germany, Albania, the Netherlands, and Portugal, along with hosts from Morocco and Algeria.

Rethink learning

The in-person sessions focused on topics such as active and social learning, learning design, diversity, and anti-discrimination awareness. Particularly inspiring were workshops on Wild Pedagogies, which encouraged educators to rethink learning beyond traditional classroom settings, as well as sessions dedicated to creating more inclusive and engaging learning environments.

Considerable attention was devoted to the growing impact of artificial intelligence in higher education. Participants discussed the technical foundations of AI and its pedagogical applications, reflecting on how these technologies can support teaching, assessment, and student engagement while also raising important ethical and practical questions.

The week concluded with a session on Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), during which participants were challenged to design their own COIL and explored how virtual international collaboration can connect students and educators across borders, creating meaningful intercultural learning experiences beyond traditional mobility schemes. It also highlighted new opportunities for cooperation among STARS EU institutions and their international partners.

Profesional relationships

Beyond the academic sessions, participants enjoyed a range of networking and cultural activities, including a campus tour and a visit to the historic Citadelle of Besançon. These shared experiences provided valuable opportunities for building new professional relationships and strengthening connections among colleagues from different countries and institutions.

The BIP highlighted the importance of international collaboration in higher education, offering participants fresh perspectives, practical inspiration, and opportunities for future cooperation. Building on the success of this edition, the next Blended Intensive Programme on Pedagogical Innovation will be hosted by the Bragança Polytechnic University (IPB), Portugal, where educators from across the alliance will continue sharing innovative practices and developing new collaborative initiatives.

Communication within European Universities alliances was the focus of a technical conference held on June 11 at the Toledo campus of the University of Castilla-La Mancha-UCLM (Spain). The conference was sponsored by the Association of Communication Professionals from Spanish Universities and Research Centers (AUGAC) and the COLOURS alliance. At this meeting, the University of La Laguna participated in the panel on “Innovation in Impactful Formats and Tools,” presenting examples of initiatives developed within STARS EU.

Acaimo González, a technician from the Communication Office of the University of La Laguna, was accompanied by the Communication Officer of STARS EU, Beatriz Medina, and presented some of the formats that the alliance is using to disseminate the activity of its members, including the STARS EU Highlights podcast, about teaching innovation; the STARS Talks expert lectures series and, especially focused on students, the STARS in the series Kitchen, where students prepare recipes from their countries, and the Students Takeovers, an action in which a student “manages” the alliance’s Instagram account for a day to present his or her daily life.

Emphasis was also placed on the importance of both having a strong corporate visual identity to help solidify the brand and organizing in-person events, which facilitate greater community engagement compared to online activities. The session format was designed so that the presentations were short and encouraged audience participation and the exchange of experiences.

Arantxa Castaño, from UCLM (COLOURS alliance), also participated in this panel on innovative communication formats, and the debate was joined by the director of El Español de Castilla-La Mancha newspaper, Alberto Morlanes; the editor of Castilla-La Mancha Media, Ángeles Sánchez-Infantes; and the director of the newspaper Vecinos, Rosa Nogués, who shared some key points for alliances to improve their information presence.

The meeting, which brought together around 100 participants from 53 universities and 48 alliances, highlighted the importance of communication in these types of consortia, establishing, among other challenges, the connection with the university community and positioning strategies.

The day began with an analysis of management models and communication structures in different alliances, with the participation of Marta Calvo, from the University of Deusto (UNIC alliance), and Eva Fernández Silva, from the University of Seville ( Ulysseus alliance ). Initiatives that enhance visibility and connection with students were also addressed, with presentations by Bibiana Bonmatí , from the University of Barcelona (CHARM-EU alliance), and Jorge Hernández, from the University of Salamanca (EC2U alliance).

Conclusions

A common diagnosis emerged from the discussions: communication represents approximately 60% of the alliances’ activities, but it lacks dedicated resources, allocated time, and institutional recognition. According to the participants, this lack of professionalization is one of the factors hindering greater impact.

Among the concrete proposals generated by the event were the segmentation of messages by target groups, student involvement as content creators, mobile information booths throughout university campuses, and the creation of local profiles on social media. The importance of integrating partnerships into each university’s overall discourse was also emphasized, so that they are no longer perceived as a project linked exclusively to the vice-rectorates responsible for internationalization.

The second edition of FutureLab Camp generated specific proposals addressing three key areas of regional transformation: the energy transition, hydrogen innovation, and sustainable student living. The programme, which concluded on 11 June 2026 with the presentation of three projects developed from real-world challenges in collaboration with institutional partners from the Belfort-Montbéliard region, was hosted by Marie et Louis Pasteur University (UMLP) and organised in the Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) format.

One project focused on the creation of an Energy, Artificial Intelligence and Data Innovation Hub for Belfort, developed in collaboration with Grand Belfort Communauté d’Agglomération. The proposal outlined a collaborative space integrating researchers, startups, industry and citizens, including renewable-energy-based infrastructure, AI and data facilities, educational areas and demonstration laboratories.

Hydrogen innovation

A second project, developed with Pays de Montbéliard Agglomération, explored the transformation of the former Portes du Jura Polyclinic into a public hydrogen innovation centre. The concept combined hydrogen production and storage demonstrators, interactive exhibition spaces, sustainable construction solutions, entrepreneurship areas and outreach activities aimed at citizens.

More sustainable campuses

The third project addressed sustainable student living environments in collaboration with the Université Marie et Louis Pasteur. Students designed inclusive, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly housing proposals aimed at improving quality of life, strengthening community life and integrating innovative technologies into university spaces.

Multidisciplinary teams

Organised within the framework of STARS EU – Strategic Alliance for Regional Transition, FutureLab Camp brought together 34 students from all partner universities, who worked in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, addressing real regional challenges related to sustainability and innovation.

The programme combined challenge-based learning with direct cooperation between students, academic staff and regional stakeholders. Following an intensive on-site phase held in March 2026 in Belfort (France), the teams continued their work online until June, during which they developed and refined their proposals into complete projects.

Reflecting on the results, Prof. Robin Roche from Université Marie et Louis Pasteur highlighted the quality of the students’ work: “The level of commitment, creativity and professionalism demonstrated by the international student teams has been truly impressive. Over the past months, students from different countries and disciplines learned how to collaborate effectively, transforming ambitious ideas into well-developed project concepts. Their ability to combine technical knowledge, sustainability thinking and social perspectives demonstrates the enormous potential of international challenge-based education.”

Dr. Halima Ikaouassen emphasised that the diversity of the teams played a crucial role in the success of the projects: “What makes FutureLab Camp unique is the richness of perspectives brought by students from across Europe. The final presentations clearly showed that international cooperation leads to more innovative and comprehensive solutions than any single discipline or national perspective could achieve alone.”

Next stop: Portugal

The second edition builds on the inaugural edition held in Kraków in 2025 and reinforces the role of European university alliances in regional transformation through international and interdisciplinary collaboration. The next edition is scheduled for 2027 at the Bragança Polytechnic University (Portugal).

The meeting brought together 40 participants who worked over three days within the framework of the Staff Week organised by Hochschule Bremen

A total of 40 people from the nine STARS EU member universities recently took part in the Staff Week Connecting (Virtual) Mobility Across the Alliance, organised by Hochschule Bremen – City University of Applied Sciences (Germany). The event focused on improving student mobility and strengthening international cooperation. While the main emphasis was placed on online mobility and the use of digital tools to support internationalisation processes, a significant part of the work was also devoted to rethinking and enhancing physical mobility.

The meeting provided an in-depth analysis of the entire mobility cycle, identifying common challenges and exploring innovative and effective solutions through collaborative formats such as thematic panels, brainstorming sessions, and participatory activities. All of this aimed to make mobility more accessible, better coordinated, and more centred on the needs of STARS EU students.

The first day focused on intercultural reflection and a comprehensive analysis of the Student Mobility Journey. After an initial session on how cultural differences influence institutional collaboration, participants worked in thematic panels in a World Café format, addressing all stages of physical mobility—from inter-institutional cooperation to promotion, selection, stays abroad, and academic recognition. The exchange allowed participants to compare experiences, identify areas for improvement, and share existing best practices within the alliance.

Physical mobility versus digital mobility

The second day focused on programme implementation and the connection between physical and digital mobility, with particular attention to Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs). Procedures were analysed, and ways to simplify coordination between institutions were explored through brainstorming activities, which generated ideas on how to improve planning, participant recruitment, and the student experience.

The session also included the presentation of digital tools such as the AGORA platform, as well as discussions on the role of virtual mobility as a complement to physical mobility. At the same time, internal and external communication strategies were addressed, highlighting the need to combine clear information with more inspiring and student-oriented approaches.

Working methods

The third day was dedicated to designing concrete solutions through collaborative methodologies. Using structured brainstorming supported by LEGO® Serious Play®, participants first visualised an ideal model of student mobility and then identified barriers in both physical and digital mobility. Based on this work, proposals were developed to improve coordination between institutions, optimise administrative processes, and enhance the quality of the student mobility experience.

Formal sessions were complemented by informal networking opportunities, which helped strengthen relationships and foster exchange between the member universities represented at the meeting.

STARS EU is bringing May to a close with a series of activities and a call to action to commemorate European Diversity Month, an initiative aimed at raising awareness of the importance of diversity and inclusion both in the workplace and across society as a whole. The nine partners of the alliance are joining this year’s theme, “Building an inclusive labour market for all”, through a range of initiatives addressed to their university communities.

Your voice matters at STARS EU. For this reason, the alliance has launched the survey “Inclusion and Social Justice in your University”, aimed at gathering the opinions and suggestions of all members of our university community. This initiative will help promote more inclusive and diverse academic spaces committed to equality and social justice.

The aim of the survey is to better understand how students, academic staff and university personnel across the alliance perceive inclusion, fairness and participation within their institutions. The responses gathered will contribute to the development of shared strategies, the identification of common challenges and the promotion of evidence-based actions within the STARS EU framework.

To take part, click on Inclusion and Social Justice in your University. Completing the survey will take approximately seven minutes and will provide valuable information to help strengthen and advance a more inclusive and equal academic community.

Diversity beyond the screen

Another of the activities organised to mark Diversity Month focuses on digital detox. This in-person event will take place on Friday, 29 May, at Aleksandër Moisiu University in Durrës (Albania). Its aim is to reflect on life in a hyperconnected society and on the ways in which the digital environment affects mental health, human relationships and social inclusion.

The event, entitled Diversity beyond the screen: Digital detox for a more inclusive campus, will run from 09:00 to 12:00 (CEST) in the G2 building, located on the UAMD Spitallë Campus. The meeting is open to anyone interested in discussing the (excessive) use of digital technologies, an issue about which the World Health Organization (WHO) has repeatedly raised concerns.

Research on diversity and inclusion

Moving towards a more diverse and inclusive alliance also involves exploring and applying new ideas and perspectives that can help foster fairer and more participatory environments. Therefore, if you are developing any research, project or initiative related to Diversity and Inclusion, you can contact Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ekaterina Gjergo or send your proposal to ekaterinagjergo@uamd.edu.al.

Another initiative launched to promote inclusiveness and diversity within STARS EU is being carried out at “Aleksandër Moisiu” University. Focused on bullying prevention, the project is being developed by a group of university students in collaboration with secondary school pupils from different schools in the city of Durrës.

The staff week will be held on June 1-3 in Bremen.

Hochschule Bremen – City University of Applied Sciences (Germany) will host an in-person event bringing together professionals from across the STARS EU Alliance to reflect, exchange ideas, and advance the development of virtual mobility. The event will place particular emphasis on the student experience, digital processes, and organisational challenges.

Over three days the staff week in Bremen will focus on Understanding student needs and strengthening engagement in virtual mobility. Further more Digitalisation, application processes and recognition of mobility as well as Organisational challenges, implementation and structural anchoring will be main points of the face-to-face meeting between representatives of all the Alliance’s work packages.

Day 1 – Understanding, Connecting, Unlocking Potential

June 1 | 09:00 – 16:00

The first day is dedicated to building a shared understanding and establishing a common foundation for the rest of the event. Participants will explore the connections between mobility, teaching, and digitalisation, with a strong focus on the student perspective.

In addition, the sessions will examine how virtual mobility formats can be better designed and communicated to increase their reach and student engagement.

Day 2 – Strengthening Digital Access, Processes and Recognition

June 2 | 09:00 – 14:00

The second day focuses on the role of digitalisation in mobility, addressing key aspects such as the use of digital tools, application processes, and communication strategies. The aim is to identify structural barriers, improve usability, and strengthen recognition mechanisms across the alliance.

Day 3 – Concretising, Aligning and Embedding

June 3 | 09:00 – 15:30

The third day addresses the organisational and structural challenges affecting the implementation of virtual mobility. It also builds on the outcomes of the previous days to prioritise solutions, assess their feasibility, and define the steps needed for their implementation and long-term integration within the alliance.

For more information, visit: Hochschule Bremen

Hochschule Bremen (HSB) – City University of Applied Sciences, Germany, and Marie and Louis Pasteur University (UMLP), France, both partners in STARS EU, will launch a new academic collaboration within the Business Administration/International Management (BIM) degree programme, which will enable the development of a double degree programme between the two institutions.

Thanks to this agreement, students will be able to complete their studies following the so-called “two-plus-two” model: four semesters in Bremen and four at the partner university abroad, allowing them to obtain two official bachelor’s degrees.

The collaboration will take place within the framework of STARS EU, of which both universities are members alongside seven other European institutions. With UMLP joining the BIM programme as a new partner university, STARS EU moves closer to one of its key objectives: promoting joint degrees and greater academic integration across Europe.

“We are delighted to welcome UMLP as another strong partner university to the BIM network,” says programme director Leena Pundt. “This collaboration strengthens our international profile and opens up further attractive opportunities for our students to gain a truly binational education.”

Powerful linguistic approach

Julie Beugnot, professor and programme director at the French university, explained that UMLP has been working for several years to internationalise its academic offer. The university’s proximity to the German border, together with the existence of an ABIBAC double qualification programme (German Abitur and French Baccalauréat) at one of the largest secondary schools in Besançon, played a decisive role in UMLP’s decision to establish a double degree with HSB.

Ulrich Krüger, professor in the BIM degree programme and responsible for negotiating the new double degree agreement with UMLP, highlighted the importance of finding a partner university capable of helping further develop the integrated international programme. “As a member of the STARS EU alliance, UMLP is an ideal institution for offering a multilingual Franco-German double degree,” he said.

For her part, Célia Berger-Tarare (UMLP), who negotiated the agreement on behalf of the French university, explained that professors from both institutions already maintained strong links in research as well as in short-term training programmes. “We needed to build on this momentum through a long-term collaboration that would also involve students,” she noted.

This new partnership not only expands the international exchange opportunities available through the double degree programme but also brings the alliance closer to its main objective: facilitating joint study programmes throughout Europe. At the same time, it strengthens the programme’s distinctive language-based approach, as students will complete their studies bilingually in German and French while also receiving additional training in English, providing them with the foundation for a trilingual international career.

European students and academics are addressing sustainable innovation and bioeconomy during the Blended Intensive Programme “Circular Bioeconomy and Sustainable Innovation”, taking place this week at the Cracow University of Technology (Poland) within the framework of the STARS EU Alliance. The training initiative enables international teams of students to work together on projects tackling real-life sustainability and circular economy challenges, while developing innovative and practice-oriented solutions.

The initiative has brought together 28 students and 12 lecturers from seven STARS EU partner universities: Cracow University of Technology (Poland); University West (Sweden); Hanze University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands); Hochschule Bremen-City University of Applied Sciences (Germany); Polytechnic University of Bragança (Portugal); Silesian University in Opava (Czech Republic); and Aleksandër Moisiu University of Durrës (Albania).

The programme, who’s in-person phase is taking place in Krakow from 18 to 22 May, includes interdisciplinary collaborative work sessions, mentoring activities, expert lectures and a study visit to the company KLGS, located near the city. In parallel with these activities, participants also have opportunities for intercultural exchange, networking and collaboration among students and academic staff from across the STARS EU alliance.

Over the past weeks, participants have attended international lectures and workshops focused on circular economy, sustainable business models, life cycle analysis, biomaterials, biotechnology, renewable resources and sustainable innovation strategies. Following the mobility week in Krakow, teams will continue working online until the end of June, when the final presentations of the projects and reports prepared by each group will bring the activity to a close.

“Circular Bioeconomy and Sustainable Innovation” is coordinated by Katarzyna Matras-Postołek, Associate Professor at CUT, together with academics and experts from STARS EU partner universities, including Annabella Loconsolo (University West), Pavel Adamek (Silesian University in Opava), Daniela Hendrikse (Hanze University of Applied Sciences), Anja Noke (Hochschule Bremen), as well as representatives from the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança and other partner institutions.

This BIP is yet another example of how the STARS EU Alliance connects students, researchers and universities around shared European values, innovation and sustainable development.