Bragança Polytechnic University (IPB) is preparing the first edition of the International Challenge-Based Semester, a 30 ECTS international learning experience developed within the framework of the STARS EU Alliance and designed for students who want to learn beyond traditional classrooms.

Planned for the second semester of the 2026/2027 academic year, the programme will bring together students from different countries and academic backgrounds to work on real-world challenges through multidisciplinary, project-based learning.

Taught entirely in English, the semester will combine academic learning, applied research, field experience and collaboration with external stakeholders. Students will work in international teams, developing innovative solutions to challenges connected to local and regional contexts while strengthening their research, communication and problem-solving skills.

Key features of the programme include:

• International and multidisciplinary teams

• Real-world challenges

• Applied research and innovation

• Collaboration with stakeholders

• 30 ECTS taught in English

The International Challenge-Based Semester is being developed as a pilot initiative and represents an important step towards new forms of European collaboration in higher education. By connecting students, research, innovation and regional impact, it reflects the STARS EU vision of creating transformative learning experiences that empower people and contribute to the development of regions.

Bragança Polytechnic University (IPB), Portugal, received a delegation from the University West (UW), Sweden, on a strategic visit focused on strengthening institutional cooperation in applied research, doctoral training and work-integrated learning, within the framework of STARS EU.

The visit aimed to consolidate new avenues of academic and scientific collaboration between both institutions, with special emphasis on joint doctoral programmes, mobility, educational innovation and knowledge transfer, thus reinforcing their commitment to a structured and sustainable cooperation model at European level.

Research, innovation and knowledge transfer at the core

One of the central axes of the program was the reinforcement of collaboration in applied research and its connection with social and regional needs. During the visit, the delegation toured several IPB research centres and units, including LiveWell, CITeD, UNIAG, CeDRI and GICoS, where they learned about projects in areas such as health and well-being, education and development, applied management, digitalisation, smart robotics and sustainable construction.

The Swedish delegation was led by Per Assmo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Internationalization at University West, and included heads of research, doctoral training, program coordination, and implementation of STARS EU. During their stay, the representatives held various working meetings with management teams, researchers and academic managers of the IPB.

 Advancing doctoral education and Work-Integrated Learning

Doctoral cooperation was high on the agenda, especially in areas such as Production Technology and Work-Integrated Learning (WIL). The sessions addressed models of joint and double doctoral degrees, thesis co-supervision mechanisms, incorporation of doctoral students funded by third parties and governance frameworks compatible with the regulations of both institutions.

The WIL model, one of the distinctive elements of University West, was analyzed as a strategic opportunity to strengthen the connection between higher education, research and the labor market. Discussions focused on conceptual alignment, practical tools, expected outcomes and transferability of this approach within the context of STARS EU.

In addition to the planned activities, University West representatives visited other academic units of the IPB, such as the Higher School of Public Management, Communication and Tourism (EsACT) and the Higher School of Health (ESSa), expanding their vision of the training and scientific ecosystem of the Portuguese institution.

Towards a shared roadmap within STARS EU

The visit concluded with a strategic meeting in which both institutions defined priority areas for action, next steps and a timetable for future cooperation. This roadmap will serve as a basis for promoting joint initiatives in education, research, mobility and innovation, in line with the objectives of STARS EU as a European alliance committed to regional development, applied knowledge and social impact.

With this meeting, the IPB and University West reinforce their role as active partners within STARS EU and underline the value of international cooperation to generate concrete opportunities for students, researchers and communities across Europe.

Bragança Polytechnic University (IPB) represented the STARS EU Alliance at the Forum of Portuguese Higher Education Institutions in European University Alliances (FOR.UE.PT), an event that brought together more than 60 representatives from universities across the country to discuss the challenges and opportunities of higher education internationalisation in Europe.

Held at the University of Algarve (Faro, Portugal), the forum featured the participation of Luís Pais, Vice-President of IPB and member of the STARS EU Steering Committee, who emphasised the alliance’s commitment to interuniversity cooperation and to promoting a more connected, inclusive, and sustainable higher education system.

The FOR.UE.PT aims to coordinate common responses to the challenges faced by European university alliances, promote academic mobility, and strengthen the sustainable funding of international projects. It also serves as a platform for sharing best practices and fostering collaboration among Portuguese institutions that are members of European university networks.

The meeting included the roundtable “The Future of Europe – Skills Union and European Alliances”, moderated by Carla Ruivo, coordinator of the Erasmus+ Programme in Portugal, which addressed the role of universities in building a European Skills Union focused on talent retention, innovation, and inclusive education.

The discussion featured Manuel Heitor, former Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education and author of the report “Align, Act, Accelerate”; Daniel Aragão, President of FAIRe; and Rodrigo Carlos, President of the Academic Association of the University of Algarve.

Challenges of internationalisation

In the afternoon session, Cristina Perdigão, Director of the Portuguese Erasmus+ National Agency for Education and Training, presented “Challenges for Internationalisation – The Next Erasmus+ European Financial Framework”, highlighting Portugal as a European benchmark in the implementation of the Erasmus+ programme.

Following this, Vanessa Vargas, from CAPES (the Brazilian Federal Foundation for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel), delivered the presentation “Beyond Europe: Partnerships with Global Institutions”, reflecting on international cooperation beyond the European area, particularly with universities in Brazil and Latin America.

The forum’s conclusions underlined the need to strengthen communication and student engagement within the alliances, as well as to expand funding and reduce economic inequalities that still limit access to international experiences for many students.

The initiative, held at the Polytechnic University of Bragança, promoted dialogue on the role of technology in education and its social impact

The Polytechnic University of Bragança (Portugal) hosted the first edition of the Combined Intensive Programme (BIP) “Critical Thinking in the Age of Generative AI – A Transformative Learning Experience”, which brought together 35 participants from nine European universities, several of them from the alliance, to reflect on critical thinking in the era of artificial intelligence.

The programme, developed from 13 to 17 October within the framework of STARS EU, promoted the development of analytical, argumentative and ethical skills in the face of the challenges posed by AI in education and contemporary society. Through several interactive sessions, attendees explored tools such as ChatGPT and image generators, and discussed key issues such as transparency, privacy, misinformation, and fairness in the use of these technologies.

Organized by the Transdisciplinary Center for Research in Education and Development (CITeD), the BIP was structured in three complementary modules that combined theory with practice and interdisciplinary discussion. The participatory approach fostered intense collaboration between teachers and students, in an open and multicultural learning environment.

Immersive experience

Beyond the academic field, the program offered an immersive experience in the north of Portugal, with visits to the Graça Morais Contemporary Art Center, Bragança Castle, Casa da Seda – Science Center and Montesinho Natural Park, highlighting the connection between education, culture and territory.

This BIP brought together students and teachers from universities in nine European countries, including the STARS member institutions: Cracow University of Technology (Poland), University of La Laguna (Spain), Silesian University in Opava (Czech Republic), and Hochschule Bremen – City University of Applied Sciences (Germany). Beyond the alliance, participants came from the University of Vigo (Spain), University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest, Stefan cel Mare University of Suceava, and University of Oradea (Romania), Kajaani University of Applied Sciences – KAMK (Finland), Budapest University of Technology and Economics (Hungary), and the University of Zadar (Croatia).

STARS EU will explore how Joint Programmes — degree programmes jointly designed and managed by universities from different countries — can strengthen international collaboration and open new opportunities for both students and academic staff.

The online workshop, led by several experts from member universities, will guide participants through all stages of developing and implementing a Joint Programme, from defining the initial concept and selecting partners to completing formal approval procedures. Its aim is to provide teaching staff and programme directors with a clear and practical understanding of the entire process.

In addition to theoretical insights, participants will receive practical information about the support services and resources available within STARS EU to facilitate the creation and management of such collaborative programmes.

The workshop (Thursday 23 November, from 14:00 to 15:30 h CEST) will also include interactive components, allowing participants to discuss specific questions, share experiences, and address the challenges associated with transnational academic cooperation.

If you are a member or STARS EU and want to register, click here

STARS Talks returns with a new session focusing on the advantages that STARS EU offers to academic staff, students, and local stakeholders. “Challenges and Opportunities of Integrating STARS EU Activities into Local Research and Teaching Activities” will take place tomorrow (Tuesday, 21 October) from 1:00 p.m. (CET). Martin Holi of Hochschule Bremen–City University of Applied Sciences will present it, and will discuss the integration of European cooperation initiatives into local academic practice.

During the session, Holi will draw upon more than two years of experience in various alliance projects, providing concrete examples of how teaching and research teams can connect European initiatives with the dynamics of their own institutions. Topics to be addressed include strategies for fostering interregional collaboration, linking research with European priorities, and creating synergies between universities and local actors.

The lecture is intended for teaching and research staff, students, and regional partners interested in deepening their engagement with STARS EU and taking full advantage of the opportunities offered by the European inter-university cooperation framework.

The event, to be held online in the form of an interactive webinar featuring a presentation and question-and-answer session, forms part of the monthly STARS Talks series—an initiative of the alliance’s Challenge Lab, designed to share good practices, promote academic innovation, and strengthen the connection between universities and their regions.

Following this first autumn session, STARS Talks will continue with talks scheduled for November and December: “The European Campus: A Living Laboratory” in November, and “Regional Innovation Strategies and Perspectives on Interregionalisation.”

Want to join? Click here

STARS EU has launched its second seed grant call, aimed at promoting collaborative research and innovation projects among the nine partner universities of the alliance. This initiative seeks to facilitate the preparation of competitive proposals for European programmes such as Horizon Europe and the upcoming FP10, through specialised advisory services and financial support.

The purpose of these grants — available from May 2025 until March 2026 — is to support researchers, early-career researchers, and PhD candidates in building international consortia and drafting project proposals. The projects must be aligned with the STARS EU Priority Areas and include a minimum of three alliance partner universities. Preference will be given to multi- and cross-disciplinary research initiatives.

Each participating university may receive up to EUR 3,000 for RIA, IA and Cofund calls, and EUR 2,000 for CSA actions. The funding may be used to cover costs related to international consortium meetings, travel for external partners, external consultancy services, support for specific proposal writing, proofreading, and document design.

To address any queries, the alliance has organised a series of informative activities, including several webinars and explanatory documents. The first webinar will be held on 17 June at 12:00 (CET) and will be led by Carl-Fredrik Miles, member of the STARS EU Steering Committee and project manager for STARS EU at University West. Interested participants can join the event via the following link: https://hv-se.zoom.us/my/carlfredrikmiles

Application process

Applications may be submitted on a rolling basis, up to three months before the submission deadline of the targeted European call. Proposals must be sent in PDF format, not exceeding four pages, and must include a detailed budget. Submissions should be emailed to: starseu@org.hanze.nl

The STARS EU Funding Expert Group will evaluate the submitted proposals based on specific criteria, including clarity of the project idea, relevance, feasibility, and multi-disciplinarity, among other aspects. Once the proposals are assessed, the committee will notify applicants of its decision within a maximum of three weeks.

Funding will be disbursed only after the official submission of the proposal via the relevant Horizon Europe or FP10 portal, together with a financial report and a copy of the submitted application.

With this second call, STARS EU reaffirms its commitment to promoting research excellence, international collaboration, and access to European funding, in line with the alliance’s priorities on energy transition, digitalisation, and sustainable regional development.

For further information and to access the full call guidelines, click here: Guidelines for STARS EU Seed Grant.

Contact: starseu@hv.se

One of STARS EU’s priorities is to promote open science through the extensive use of open data. In fact, these topics are part of one of the work packages of the European project that the alliance has been developing since July 2023, when it was designated European University.

For this reason, it has launched an online training programme on these topics, which will take place on 19, 22, 24 and 26 April, given by two renowned specialists in the field of open data: Eloy Rodrigues, form University of Minho (Portugal), and Ángel Delgado, from University Pablo de Olavide (Spain).

This training is specifically designed for STARS EU members responsible for Open Science and Open Data, although the sessions will be streamed, so they can also be followed by people from the allied universities interested in these topics. Details on how to follow the sessions are available on the STARS EU website.

Among other topics, the training will cover general aspects of open sciecne and open data; research data management; legal and ethical issues; models of publication and communication; and a practical session as a closure of this programme.

Speakers

Eloy Rodrigues is the Director of the University of Minho Libraries. Has been working on repositories, Open Access and Open Science for almost two decades, having established University of Minho institutional repository in 2003, and coordinating the UMinho team which works on RCAAP (Portugal Open Access Science Repositories) since 2008.

At international level, he has being working on several EU funded projects (like OpenAIRE and FOSTER) related with Open Access and Open Science and is member of the European University Association Expert Group on Open Science. Eloy was the Chair of the Executive Board of COAR, the Confederation of Open Access Repositories from 2015 to 2021, and in that role contributed actively to Next Generation Repositories initiative, the Pubfair conceptual model and the ongoing Notify Project, in which he is one of the Principal Investigators.

Eloy is currently member of the Executive Board of OpenAIRE and of the Advisory Committee ofSciELO Portugal.

Ángel Delgado holds a degree in Humanities from the Universidad Pablo de Olavide and a degree in Documentation from the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya. He holds a Master’s degree in Libraries and Digital Information Services from the Universidad Carlos III. He works as Head of Learning and Research Support Services at the Library/CRAI of the Universidad Pablo de Olavide.

He trains and provides support on issues related to digital research methods, open science, and scientific evaluation and publication, both to researchers, researchers and publishers of academic publications. He provides advice on scientific evaluation tasks to evaluators and decision makers. He has given numerous courses on these subjects to researchers and professionals of research support services in various institutions. He is an assistant professor in the Library and Information Science Department at the Universidad Pablo de Olavide, in Seville, where he is also Coordinator of the Official Master’s Degree in Digital History and Humanities.

He also directs the University Expert Degree in Research Support Services: information, data, evaluation and scientific publication.

STARS EU has opened a call aimed to researchers of the nine allied universities, to provide seed funding to develop collaborative research and innovation projects. The complete guidelines can be download using this link, and also visiting the “Calls” section of the STARS EU website. This is a pilot call that starts in April 2024 and runs until March 2025, and afterwards it will be evaluated and improve for future editions.

This grant will provide financial support up to € 3,000 per partner involved in each project. So, if there are three partners, the grant will be 9,000 EUR. This funding can be used for several purposes related to the start-up of a project (hence the denomination “seed”), such as costs related to international meetings or writing sessions; or external consultancy services including writing proposals, proof reading or designing duties, among others.

STARS EU partners can submit a proposal for a seed grant related to researchers, early-stage researchers, innovators, PhD students and other profiles. The envisaged project must have a clear link with the STARS EU strategy and priority areas and must include, at least, three alliance partners. Each university will finance the expenses of its participants.

This is an open call, which means that there is not a closed date for receiving proposals, but in order to be eligible, the application must be submitted to starseu@org.hanze.nl at least three months before the deadline of submission of the envisaged Horizon Europe or FP10 call.

All projects will be evaluated by an assessment panel consisting of representatives of STARS EU Steering Committee, which will have in consideration the criteria expressed in the guidelines document to measure its relevance, clarity and feasibility.

This guidelines document also includes information regarding the main content of the application and the budget, and offers the possibility of reaching the STARS EU Funding Expert Group for support at starseu@hv.se.