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 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 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

Under the theme “European Innovation Experience: a dynamic co-creative dialogue on how regional innovation boosts the Union of Skills and the twin transition”, three practical innovation labs from University West, Hochschule Bremen City University of  Applied Sciences and Hanze University of Applied Sciences —three of the nine partners that make up STARS EU— presented in Brussels concrete examples of co-creation workshops, robotics and virtual reality-based learning.

The STARS EU workshop, held as part of the activities programmed within the Workshop of the European Week of Regions and Cities, promoted by the European Commission (EC), highlighted that it is possible to develop skills (with and for students) capable of connecting education with industry to build more resilient regional ecosystems.

During the presentation, Felix Rohn, Policy Officer at the European Commission, underlined the need for Europe to strengthen its skills systems and collaboration through initiatives such as the Pact for Skills 2.0, which promote better coordination and faster adaptation to technological change.

Each speaker then presented practical examples of regional innovation and collaboration. The first to do so was the representative from Bremen University, followed by the Swedish and Dutch teams:

• Svenja Tams (Hochschule Bremen – City University of Applied Sciences) presented co-creation workshops with students designed to develop future-oriented skills. She invited stakeholders from regional career ecosystems to tackle the challenge: “How can we design strategic experiments that enable sustainable and human-centred futures in response to the talent challenge within our regional career ecosystem?” Her approach emphasised active collaboration between students, educators and industry partners, reinforcing the integration of skills development with real-world innovation.
• The Swedish team, Stefan Nilsson and Daniel Sjölie (University West), focused their presentation on training trainers using virtual reality (VR) in high-risk scenarios, such as threatening situations on trains. Their work, carried out in collaboration with government partners, is highly relevant for Work Integrated Learning (WIL), demonstrating how immersive technologies can enhance safety training, professional development and pedagogical approaches in applied education.

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  Rix Groenboom (Hanze University of Applied Sciences) showcased how the use of robots and artificial intelligence can detect crop diseases, illustrating collaboration with SMEs and regional foundations to address practical challenges in rural environments. His presentation highlighted pre-competitive collaboration at lower Technology Readiness Levels (TRL), where research and business partners worked together to ensure continuity and scalability within the innovation labs.

The session held today, as highlighted by STARS EU members, served to demonstrate how hands-on innovation labs, cross-sectoral partnerships and educational integration can help address Europe’s skills challenges while promoting sustainable, people-centred solutions across regions.

The success of this fully booked event reflected the strong interest generated by European cooperation in the field of skills and innovation. Participants agreed in valuing the dynamism of the workshop and its ability to link policy perspectives with tangible examples of innovation across European regions.

STARS EU ALLIANCE is advancing the preparations for its next Project Meeting to be held at the University of La Laguna (ULL) on November 25 and 26, 2025. The working meeting, which will bring together around 180 people from the nine partner universities in Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain), is a further step in the strategy that the alliance has been developing since the end of October 2023, the date of its official consolidation.

The event will be held at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology (ESIT) and will feature plenary sessions, thematic workshops, meetings of the different working groups and networking spaces aimed at coordinating strategies and advancing in the projects and objectives of the alliance. The agenda also includes social activities, designed to strengthen integration between participants and create synergies that result in the work dynamic. These include a guided tour of the city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a gala dinner.

Registration for the meeting is open until 30 September 2025 and can be done through the official registration form, accessible from the following link: https://sites.google.com/ull.edu.es/stars-eu-project-meeting-2025/home?utm_source=chatgpt.com, where you can consult the planned work agenda, as well as useful and interesting information about the city and the island.

Work dynamics

This event is in addition to the working meetings that the alliance has been holding at the different partner universities, located in Spain, Sweden, Albania, France, Germany, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Poland and Portugal. All of them are aimed at intensifying scientific collaboration, strengthening academic networks and advancing the great common objectives: digital transformation, green transition, social value and well-being and educational innovation.

Some of the most recent examples are the last Project Meeting at the Hochschule Bremen-University of Applied Sciences  (Germany), which took place in November 2024, or the STARS EU Annual Congress hosted by the Aleksandër Moisiu University of Durrës (UAMD), located in Albania, held in March of this year.

Appointment in Tenerife

This is the second time that the STARS EU partners have met at the University of La Laguna. The first was in March 2023 ─ when it was still aspiring to achieve the European University seal ─ on the occasion of its annual conference, which meant “a clear strengthening of the network and its working groups”.

This event in Tenerife “represents a key opportunity to continue consolidating the progress made in these almost two years of activity, share good practices and strengthen ties between partner universities”, as pointed out by the coordinator of STARS EU at the University of La Laguna, José Sigut.

Sigut also remarked that the boom and consolidation experienced by European university alliances in the last two years has made them a “strategic pillar for the European Higher Education Area, especially in the promotion of transnational cooperation, academic innovation and the creation of joint degrees”, an aspect on which STARS EU is already working.

The STARS-Health Project, part of the STARS EU framework, recently presented its roadmap to guide older adults in the use of digital health management services, thereby contributing more effectively to reducing health inequalities among the senior population.

Led by Hanze University of Applied Sciences, together with the universities of La Laguna (Spain), West (Sweden), Silesian (Czech Republic) and Bragança (Portugal), STARS-Health officially began its journey with a workshop held in Groningen (the Netherlands). The event also included an online launch, joined by patient organisations, healthcare professionals, educators and researchers.

Opening the session, Rima Dijkstra, STARS EU coordinator, highlighted the importance of collaboration in initiatives of this kind, which are so vital to society. This was further emphasised by Prof. Dr Hans Hobbelen, researcher and professor at Hanze University of Applied Sciences, who warned about the growing number of older adults against a backdrop of a progressively shrinking healthcare workforce — a challenge that underlines the urgent need for projects such as this.

The session continued with presentations, follow-up and updates on the project — developed within the framework of the Thematic Interest Group (TIG) Healthy Ageing — led by the different Work Package leaders. Throughout, participants reaffirmed their strong commitment to the shared mission: to empower older adults with low health literacy by improving access to and use digital services.

Project phases

The first phase of STARS-Health focuses on analysing the current situation of older adults, informal caregivers and healthcare professionals struggling with digital tools. The second phase involves conducting interviews in Sweden, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Spain and Portugal.

The project will only select digital applications that meet strict usability criteria for older adults, co-create a digital environment in which users and professionals can jointly select the most suitable apps, and develop training programmes to support professionals in guiding both older adults and their caregivers.

In addition to the professionals involved, students will play an active role by identifying and classifying apps in their own countries — a clear example of co-creation in action. STARS-Health will also collaborate with @Label2Enable and other European initiatives such as #Care about IT, #Health Noord, #HealthTech in Society and #Proeftuin Toegankelijke Digitale Zorg, which work towards more accessible and inclusive digital healthcare. These synergies broaden the project’s reach and reinforce its impact across Europe.

Research team

The project’s research team, comprising five of the nine partners of STARS EU along with the Canary Islands Health Service (SCS), is led by Prof. Dr Johannes Hobbelen and Dr. Sandra Jorna-Lakke (Hanze University of Applied Sciences); Margareta Karlsson (University West); Rui Pedro Lopes (Polytechnic Institute of Bragança); Sara Darias-Curvo (University of La Laguna); Markéta Skalná (Silesian University in Opava); and Lilisbeth Perestelo-Pérez (Canary Islands Health Service).

STARS-Health will run for three years with funding of €912,060, granted by the European Partnership on Transforming Health and Care Systems (THCS). This is a co-funded action under the Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Framework Programme (2021–2027) of the European Union.

Over 40 researchers and leading academics from the different STARS EU universities took part in the international research workshop of STARS EU, held on 8–9 September at University West in Trollhättan, Sweden. The meeting aimed to intensify scientific collaboration in two areas of excellence: Production Technology and Work-Integrated Learning (WIL).

During the two days, participants shared experiences, presented research lines and explored potential joint projects in fields such as robotics, electrical engineering, artificial intelligence, health sciences and pedagogy. The working environment fostered the emergence of new academic networks and the design of common strategies to address challenges in higher education and industry.

The programme included presentations on advanced production technologies, campus visits, networking sessions and an official dinner. The second day focused on the research environment in WIL, with special emphasis on the application of innovative methodologies in artificial intelligence, information systems and applied local development.

Synergies and collaborations

The workshop made it possible to identify synergies and pave the way for strong and competitive collaborations between universities, as highlighted by Per Assmo, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Internationalisation at University West: “The member universities of STARS EU collectively offer both breadth and depth, providing the potential for strong and competitive transdisciplinary research partnerships.”

The event coincided with the annual EAIE conference in Gothenburg, making it easier for researchers to attend both meetings and broaden their contacts within the European academic space.