Great support for European ENGAGED University from Minister of Portugal and regional stakeholders

Commission meeting with stakeholders

The Commission meeting was attended by the principals of all six partner universities as well as several of their stakeholders from the region. Marinus Tabak, director of RWE Groningen, also participated in the Commission meeting. The RWE in Groningen is the largest energy producer in the Netherlands stationed in the Eemshaven in the Northern Netherlands where ENGAGED partner Hanze UAS is situated nearby. ‘This new European ENGAGED University (EEU) is of great importance. Hanze University has a pivotal role in the energy transition and the hydrogen economy we are aiming at in the region. We test new ideas, train professionals and educate new engineers at Hanze UAS. This counts for the acceleration of green chemistry as well. The triple helix we established here is very well functioning and with this ENGAGED university we have to opportunity to extend this to EU level.’

Manuel Heitor the Minister for Science, Technology and Higher Education of Portugal gave his full support for the initiative of the European ENGAGED University. Portugal has the presidency of the Council for the European Union the next half year and the focus lies on strengthen linkages between science and employment; open collaborative research area (ERA) aiming at more inclusiveness of European universities and development of research carriers. Polytechnical institutes and universities of applied sciences are a changing factor in skilling for employability and contributing to development of knowledge triangle: education, research and innovation. View this Commission meeting.

Webinar ENGAGED challenge based module

The webinar for student and teachers took place in the afternoon. Partners presented regional societal challenges inviting students to contribute finding solutions to tackle them. The ENGAGED challenge based module was further explained and discussed by Pro-President of IPB Vera Ferro-Lebres and moreover it was explained how students are able to apply for this special EEU module. This module is designed by the six partners of the European ENGAGED University. Several challenging assignments were presented by stakeholders and entrepreneurs from the ENGAGED regions in Portugal, Ireland, Germany, Finland, Romania and the Netherlands. View the webinar.

Did you miss it or want to watch it again? You can still watch both events on the IPB YouTube channel.