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.

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