What are sister projects and why do they matter?

What are sister projects and why do they matter?

If you’ve seen the term “sister projects” pop up in our communications lately, there is a reason. CATALISI, aUPaEU, and Accelerate Future HEI have been closely collaborating to boost our impact across the European Union. But what exactly are “sister projects”, and why is this collaboration essential? 

What is a sister project?

In the context of EU-funded projects, a “sister project” refers to a related initiative funded under the same EU funding program, in our case, HORIZON-WIDERA-2022-ERA-01-51 – Acceleration Services in support of the institutional transformation of Higher Education Institutions 

Sister projects share common objectives, and target audiences under this thematic focus, and are designed to complement each other by sharing insights, methodologies, and outcomes. Sister projects work together to explore shared opportunities, prevent duplication of efforts and optimise resources, to collectively achieve their shared goal of maximizing impact. 

HORIZON-WIDERA-2022-ERA-01-51- Acceleration Services for Institutional Transformation of Higher Education Institutions

These 3 projects under the same EU program aim to enhance the role of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) as drivers of knowledge and innovation. This includes offering acceleration services such as: 

  1. Coaching and support  
  1. Investment strategy methodology 
  1. Monitoring mechanism  

The projects CATALISI, Accelerate Future HEI, and aUPaEU share a unified vision to  promote knowledge-sharing and collaboration among Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Each project has its unique focus, but together, we address common challenges like enhancing R&I systems, ensuring funding sustainability, and building institutional capacity. 

  • CATALISI: Enhances regional and European R&I systems and promotes sustainable funding schemes. 
  • Accelerate Future HEI: Focuses on capacity building through skills development. 
  • aUPaEU: Facilitates R&I collaboration and develops sustainable tangible technologies via the Agora platform. 

How does CATALISI work with our sister projects?

In certain calls the European Commission expects you to join forces with the projects funded under the same topic and form a cluster of projects aiming to achieve similar goals. In our case, we focused on the communication and dissemination of results to maximise our impact. This is: 

  • Communication actions with sister projects
    • Knowledge exchange events: Meetings for project partners and external stakeholders to share experiences and identify synergies. 
    • Monthly Communication meetings: To develop a joint communication campaign and amplify project impact through a unified identity: 
      • Online campaigns with a common goal 
      • Participate in each other newsletter    
      • Blog articles

  • Dissemination actions  
    • Participation in webinars and, workshops (on and offline) 
    • Joint Policy Briefs to highlight shared achievements, commonalities, and areas for improvement across the projects. 
    • Joint online repository and Zenodo Community to share documents, coordinate activities, and enhance project visibility under the community “Acceleration Services in support of the institutional transformation of HEIs“. 

These initiatives aim to enhance collaboration, use shared resources, and maximise the collective impact of the projects on the institutional transformation of HEIs within the ERA policy framework. 

Coordinating across the three projects comes with challenges like scheduling conflicts and data collection hurdles. However, we’ve tackled these with flexible planning and robust digital tools. 

Looking ahead

Together, CATALISI, Accelerate Future HEI, and aUPaEU are making strides in promoting open science, enhancing research infrastructures, and fostering innovation partnerships. Our combined efforts are part of a broader mission to transform the higher education landscape in Europe. 

We will continue with our shared efforts to drive change in the HEI sector. Over the next few months, we are already planning joint activities so stay tuned for updates.  

Digitalization of​ Higher Education Institutions: Insights from the CATALISI 5th Webinar

Digitalization of​ Higher Education Institutions: Insights from the CATALISI 5th Webinar

In a recent insightful webinar, Dr. Thijs Broekhuizen from the University of Groningen Business School, along with Maddalena Illario and Erminia Attaianese from the University Federico II of Napoli, explored the evolving landscape of digital strategies in higher education. The discussion highlighted key aspects of integrating and implementing digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), and underscored the continuous nature of digital transformation in academic institutions.

Beyond the hype: The ongoing journey of digitalization

Dr. Thijs Broekhuizen kicked off the webinar by emphasizing that digitalization in higher education is not a one-time project but a continuous process. Today, institutions face a new challenge with the integration of AI, which some fear might replace traditional teaching methods. However, Broekhuizen reassured that a balanced approach combining human educators and AI will remain superior for the foreseeable future.

He stressed that universities must treat digitalization as an ongoing transformation, requiring regular updates and a long-term commitment. This involves continuously upgrading infrastructure, training staff, and dedicating resources despite potential political and financial uncertainties. The key is to integrate these technological advancements seamlessly into the educational framework, enhancing both teaching and learning experiences.

Aligning digital and corporate strategies

A significant point made by Broekhuizen was the importance of aligning digital strategies with the university’s core mission and corporate strategy. This alignment helps in clearly defining priorities, whether the focus is on optimizing student performance, enhancing campus experiences, or preparing students for future job markets. For instance, his institution focuses on providing an enriching on-campus experience, leveraging digital tools to enhance learning outcomes and student satisfaction.

Each institution’s digital strategy should reflect its unique goals. For some, this might involve using data analytics to reduce dropout rates, while others may prioritize equipping students with 21st-century skills or maintaining flexibility to adapt to fluctuating student enrollments. The underlying principle is to align technological initiatives with the fundamental “why” of the institution’s existence.

Fostering a Collaborative Ecosystem

Broekhuizen highlighted the value of fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, both within and outside the university. He pointed to examples such as the problem-based learning model at Maastricht University, where students play an active role in preparing lectures. 

Moreover, a culture that encourages experimentation and tolerates failure is crucial for innovation. While universities often support grassroots projects through grants and contests, Broekhuizen cautioned against spreading resources too thin. It’s vital to prioritize projects that align with the broader strategic goals of the institution. Overextending into numerous small projects can lead to fragmentation and inefficiency, ultimately diluting the impact of digital initiatives.

As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, these insights provide a valuable framework for institutions seeking to navigate the complexities of digitalization. By staying true to their core missions and placing people at the center of their strategies, universities can harness the power of technology to enhance education and prepare students for the future.

Exploring the role of digital and built environments in promoting active aging

Maddalena Illario and Erminia Attaianese from the University Federico II of Napoli shared their insights on the evolving training needs in healthcare amid digital transformation. Their discussion emphasized the importance of integrating digital tools and reimagining the built environment to enhance the quality of life for an aging population.

Addressing demographic shifts and health challenges

Maddalena Illario highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by an aging population, a phenomenon considered both a success and a challenge for healthcare systems. The increasing number of elderly individuals brings complexities related to healthcare delivery, including a shortage of healthcare professionals and the need for a shift in service models. Illario stressed the importance of adopting a proactive, anticipatory care approach rather than reactive, disease-focused treatment. This involves emphasizing healthy lifestyles from early life stages to prevent frailty and promote well-being in older age.

Only a small portion of health determinants (25%) are genetic, while the majority (75%) are influenced by lifestyle and environmental factors. This statistic supports the need for a holistic approach to health, focusing on early interventions and lifestyle modifications to improve long-term health outcomes.

 

The role of built environment in health and well-being

Erminia Attaianese highlighted the significant impact of the built environment on health, particularly for older adults. Traditional approaches to designing spaces for the elderly often focus on segregated facilities or adapting homes for aging in place. However, Attaianese proposed a more inclusive, life-course approach that considers the needs of individuals at all stages of life.

This innovative approach involves creating multigenerational living spaces that promote interaction and support among different age groups. Such environments are designed to be ergonomic, digitally integrated, and conducive to health-promoting activities. For example, including outdoor spaces for physical activity, safe indoor areas, and digital infrastructure for health monitoring can significantly enhance the quality of life for residents.

 

Practical Applications: Living Labs and Educational Pathways

Attaianese introduces the importance of “Living Labs” as a practical framework for testing and implementing new ideas in real-world setting. These labs facilitate collaboration among students, professionals, and community members, allowing for hands-on experiences and the development of innovative solutions tailored to local needs.  In Italy, the Neot project, supported by the Ministry of Health, is an example of such an initiative, focusing on creating a national ecosystem that connects living labs and promotes the co-creation of health and wellness solutions.

Future healthcare professionals, including those from non-medical fields like architecture and cultural studies, need to be equipped with the skills to engage with older adults and understand their complex health needs. This interdisciplinary training is crucial for developing effective health promotion strategies and integrating digital tools into everyday life.

In sum, the insights provided by Illario and Attaianese offer a comprehensive roadmap for fostering active aging through innovative approaches in healthcare and urban planning. By embracing a holistic, inclusive strategy, we can better support the health and well-being of all citizens.

For those who missed the live webinar, there’s good news. The recording is available on the CATALISI Learning Hub repository. This resource will provide valuable insights and guidance for HEIs looking to enhance their role in local innovation systems.

Stay tuned to the CATALISI Learning Hub for more updates and resources.

Reinforcing the Role of Universities in Local Innovation Systems: Insights from the CATALISI 4th Webinar

Reinforcing the Role of Universities in Local Innovation Systems: Insights from the CATALISI 4th Webinar

The CATALISI project continues to drive transformative change in higher education institutions, and its 4th webinar is no exception. Titled “Reinforcing the Role of Universities in Local Innovation Systems,” this event featured insights from Roberto San Salvador del Valle, Director of Deusto Cities Lab Chair, who shared thoughts and proposals on the UniverCity concept, an innovation ecosystem that blends technological innovation and human values.

Roberto highlighted the importance of moving beyond purely economic innovation. He emphasized the need for societal and democratic values in innovation to address the pressing global challenges we face today. This approach aligns perfectly with the CATALISI project’s objectives of fostering dynamic and collaborative environments for knowledge-sharing and institutional transformation.

Universities as Beacons of Innovation

Roberto’s message is clear: universities must serve as beacons of innovation, making conscious choices about areas to innovate that will genuinely benefit local communities. With their unique insights into their ecosystems, universities are in a prime position to understand and leverage their impact on cities and territories.

The CATALISI project supports this vision by facilitating knowledge-sharing, infrastructure development, and resource mobilization among higher education institutions (HEIs). By encouraging the dissemination of acquired knowledge and best practices, CATALISI promotes institutional transformations that are not only impactful but also sustainable.

 

For those who missed the live webinar, there’s good news. The recording is available on the CATALISI Learning Hub repository. This resource will provide valuable insights and guidance for HEIs looking to enhance their role in local innovation systems.

Stay tuned to the CATALISI Learning Hub for more updates and resources.

Second Mobilisation and Mutual Learning (MML) workshop at Amsterdam UMC

Second Mobilisation and Mutual Learning (MML) workshop at Amsterdam UMC

On April 11th, the CATALISI Amsterdam UMC team organised a Mobilisation and Mutual Learning (MML) event in Amsterdam. With over 70 attendees from various universities across Europe, the workshop aimed at sharing knowledge and ideas on improving the Responsible Conduct of Research and stimulating a positive research culture.

Hosted by the Amsterdam UMC project leader, Miriam van Loon, the day started with an inspiring presentation by Mariëtte van den Hoven on instruments and initiatives for stimulating a positive research culture. Then Krishma Labib elaborated on the SOP4sRI projected more specifically. Additionally, Nathalie Trifkovic, policymaker and scientific integrity coordinator at the Vrije Universiteit, presented on the research culture policy at the university.

After sharing our knowledge, during the co-creation sessions we explored participants’ thoughts and international perspectives on how to improve research culture. Participants were asked to develop a metaphor for explaining research culture. It was interesting to see how defining research culture sparked many different interpretations, ranging from comparing research culture to an ecosystem or a puzzle, to even comparing research culture with the weather in the Netherlands…

An interactive poster session on different topics related to responsible conduct of research further stimulated the further exchange of both existing expertise and new ideas.

The day ended with a closing lecture by emeritus professor Lex Bouter, providing renewing insights into the challenges of scientific misconduct, such as papermills.

Overall, feedback showed that participants found the workshop to be very informative and inspiring, making them (even more) motivated to further stimulate a positive research culture in their own institutions and throughout Europe.  

The need of effective communication and dissemination in European Projects

The need of effective communication and dissemination in European Projects

The European Commission defines communication as the act of informing, promoting, and communicating activities, while dissemination involves making knowledge and results publicly available free-of-charge. 

Communication, dissemination, and exploitation are not just abstract concepts but are mandated legal obligations under Article 17 of the Horizon Europe Grant Agreement. This requirement underscores the critical importance of ensuring that scientific knowledge and research findings are shared widely and made accessible to all.

But why is this obligation so crucial? 

Historically, the field of science has been perceived as elitist, furthermore, the use of complex scientific jargon have often acted as barriers, preventing broader access to information and perpetuating cycles of exclusion. In the past, science communication was characterised by a one-way exchange, where scholars gathered in exclusive circles to discuss advancements, and the complexity of one’s discourse was sometimes equated with intelligence.  

Scientific developments and challenges are often global, rapidly evolving, and uncertain. This landscape paves the way for pseudoscience and misinformation, posing significant challenges to the dissemination of accurate scientific knowledge. 

The digital revolution and the COVID-19 pandemic have transformed the communication of science with a growing recognition of the need for inclusive communication practices that engage diverse audiences and foster accessibility for all. 

It is crucial to make scientific information accessible to all. People should feel empowered and confident to engage with scientific information and feel competent enough to understand the knowledge. Promoting scientific literacy among the general public can empower individuals to critically evaluate information and distinguish between credible scientific sources and pseudoscience. Moreover, science communication should be tailored to the social context of different countries, empowering citizens to navigate scientific knowledge independently. 

To address the communication crisis, scientists must actively engage in public discourse and collaborate with communication professionals. Collaborating with media outlets, educational institutions, and community organisations can amplify the reach of accurate scientific information and foster a culture of science engagement. 

Open science principles, including making research freely available and fostering accurate and accountable scientific communities, are essential. 

 

The CATALISI project serves as a bridge connecting the realms of research and innovation with the broader public sphere. Through its commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and alignment with market demands, CATALISI not only advances scientific endeavors but also ensures that the benefits of research reach the wider community.  

By fostering collaborative partnerships and innovative communication strategies, CATALISI facilitates the dissemination of accurate scientific information to the public, thereby bridging the gap between scientific developments and societal needs. In an era where effective communication is paramount, CATALISI’s efforts contribute to building public trust in science and promoting informed decision-making. Furthermore, by empowering diverse stakeholders to actively engage in the research process, CATALISI paves the way for a more inclusive and impactful approach to research and innovation. 

 

CATALISI Kick Off Meeting

Further read:

Reimagining Higher Education Research Financing -A Living Lab Approach

Reimagining Higher Education Research Financing -A Living Lab Approach

The horizon has changed, higher education research is experiencing intense new demands and priorities to act upon and contribute to global transformation processes such as the green and digital transition. While operating in an increasingly unstable geopolitical environment, they must also strategically experiment with new forms of international collaboration, such as European University Alliances. These trends are affecting all dimensions of university life, but in particular their funding context, suggesting a need for innovative approaches and begging the following questions: Is innovation in HEI research funding possible? How can HEI funding adapt to the rapidly evolving globalising context HEI’s find themselves in? What implications do changes in the funding landscape have on governance and leadership? What is the capacity of universities themselves to think ahead and develop financial strategies? Which investment priorities are needed to future-proof activities? 

University College Cork (UCC), a partner in the EU Horizon Europe CATALISI[1] initiative, aims to reinject some re-imagination into this discussion and outline possible future paths for university research finances. A Living Lab at University College Cork is focusing on a cross-cutting target intervention area under the working title ‘Financial Sustainability for Research & Innovation’. In line with the Living Lab methodology embraced by CATALISI, a transformation approach has been adopted, prioritising participatory and iterative co-creation actions with stakeholders including university staff and students and external partners.

[1] The primary goal of the CATALISI project is to support seven Higher Education Institutions (so-called ‘Implementers’) in successfully implementing a strategy and individual pathway for Institutional transformation. CATALISI Higher Education Institutions (Implementers) are located in seven European countries, more specifically: Greece (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki – AUTH), Lithuania (Kaunas University of Technology – KTU), Ireland (University College Cork – UCC), Poland (University of Gdańsk – UG), Spain (Jaume I University – UJI), Italy (Luiss Guido Carli University – LUISS), and Netherlands (Amsterdam University Medical Center – AUMC).

 

The CATALISI model focuses on three main domains for institutional transformation (Research careers and talent support, Open science and public engagement, and Sustainable research and education) composed by different intervention areas and intersected by seven targeted and innovative acceleration services (Living Labs, Design Lab for transformational pathway, and Counselling, Reinforce Human Capital; Predictive study on skills anticipation; Marketplace; Community of practice (CoP)). These are designed to facilitate and catalyse institutional transformations in the field of Research and Innovation which will strengthen HEI’s collaborations and alliances as lighthouses of European values.

While framing its Living Lab and the intervention area it is targeting, UCC recognised that financial sustainability is an integral and requisite part of realising sustainability in broader terms and within the context of a research and innovation ecosystem that interacts at local, regional, national, and international levels. Institutionally UCC is committed to continually strengthening its research and academic excellence. This intervention area is therefore strongly aligned to the university institutional strategy, leadership commitment and ambition around UCC’s Research and Innovation agenda. This is articulated under Goal 1 of the UCC Strategic Plan 2023-2028 which sets out to ‘deliver impactful research and innovation that addresses global grand challenges in signature areas of excellence’.

The role of the UCC Living Lab is to collaboratively engage with stakeholders to explore the current state of affairs and to co-design, develop and pilot new models and practices, thus accelerating transformation, a key goal of CATALISI, towards a more financially sustainable research and innovation ecosystem. The Living Lab approach to collaboratively examine and plan for financial sustainability is particularly relevant to the institution considering the complexity and scale of the issues to be addressed. Participants in the Living Lab have highlighted the following issues:

Firstly, in Ireland, there is a relatively low level of Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD), one of the lowest investment in R&I of OECD countries. In addition, a high proportion of total research income to UCC comes from a small number of large-scale research centres, with an over reliance on one single state funding agency, presenting a need for more balance to ameliorate risk.

Research income for the most part, solely covers direct research project costs. In many cases, the small institutional overhead provided (indirect costs) by a research grant does not sufficiently support the full cost to the institution of supporting a funded research project. For example, additional needs include support from staff in the research office, finance office, legal office, human resources department, Library, and many other support services over the lifetime of the grant.

As there is no mechanism currently for retaining overhead institutionally to invest in strategic initiatives or capacity building initiatives, an enhanced strategic model of income allocation is required for longer term financial sustainability, as without the ability to invest strategically, the institution is compromised.

For example, increasingly UCC, as a local regional institution, is experiencing issues related to brain drain, talent retention and attraction. It needs to unlock mechanisms to better retain, attract and sustain a pipeline of research talent. This requires identifying and unlocking financial mechanisms that enable institutional development in this area.

In addition, staff have identified Pre and Post Award grant support as an issue for researchers outside of research centres. Staff have identified a range of support needs for College and School based researchers, in particular – grants involving complex community partnerships (co-hiring, co-financing, co-researching etc.) which require deeper research supports than are currently available. UCC’s research and innovation context is also one of rapid pace of change with respect to Open Science. Currently, there is an ad-hoc fragmented approach to Open Science because of financial constraints with regard to planning for future needs.

Secondly, UCC Living Lab stakeholders are concerned about a context where research priorities are increasingly set by external funding agencies, with a narrowing of research topics and a need for greater diversity and more institutionally determined topics. With regard to institutional autonomy, UCC finds itself relatively constrained regarding its ability to fund and support an institutionally determined and driven research agenda – within a wider context of a funding policy and culture determined nationally and at European level.

In addition, Funders are also increasingly encouraging societal engagement as an aspect of research proposals, but without consideration of the collaborative design, planning and ongoing partnership over many years needed with external partners to enable meaningful and impactful research. Systems and supports are needed to realise truly transformative rather than transactional relationships between higher education and society. In this regard, there is currently a disconnect between university research systems, societal actors, funding instruments, policymakers and the public, presenting a need and opportunity for advocacy to funding bodies and policymakers to address these issues.

With the launch of CATALISI’s acceleration service, a Living Lab, UCC finds itself more equippedto identify the issues and progress innovation towards the ‘Financial Sustainability of Research & Innovation’. Its capacity to think strategically and to also think ahead as an organization has been enhanced through identifying and partnering with its stakeholders, internally and externally. We are now positioned to gather valuable insights into the local context, barriers, and the framework conditions that impact our potential for institutional transformation. The involvement of quadruple helix stakeholders – Academia, Business, Public Administration, and Civil Society – has added a mosaic of perspectives, needs, and expectations to our thinking. Our determination now is to progress action plans, informed by our stakeholders, and indeed with our stakeholders, ultimately accelerate and drive an effective transformation.

CATALISI second Webinar “Mainstreaming of Open Science and Digitization of Research”.

CATALISI second Webinar "Mainstreaming of Open Science and Digitization of Research”.

The second Webinar was hosted by EY on February 8th: Mainstreaming of Open Science and Digitization of Research”.

The objectives of the webinar include:
🔹 Sharing best practices and research findings on Open Science
🔹 Fostering dialogues and collaboration among experts in this sector
🔹 Identifying Multilingualism as a Catalyst for Open Science

We had the pleasure to count on two incredible speakers:
Tycho Hofstra is a data steward at the University Library of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. He Provided good information on open science can become a chore for both researcher and data professional, but doesn’t have to be. Perhaps we can sneak in some fun to make the principles and good practices stick better? In this talk, we’ll look at some of the challenges in getting researchers to talk and think about open science and the ways Dutch university libraries try to break the ice.

Johanna Havemann,Dr. is a trainer and consultant in Open Scholarly Communication Research Project Management. She is also the co-founder and lead coordinator at AfricArXiv – the publishing platform to increase the discoverability of African research accomplishments. With a focus on digital tools for science and her label Access 2 Perspectives, she aims to strengthen globally inclusive science communication and research management through the adoption of Open Science practices. Her speech focused on how to analyzation and encourage a different approach to Open Science through multilingualism.

Make sure you don’t miss out on the chance to listen to the recording in the Learning Hub: https://lnkd.in/dUXaahkb

Discussing transformational changes with the international community of researchers and practitioners

Discussing transformational changes with the international community of researchers and practitioners

Kaunas university of technology has started CATALISI project in January 2023. Within one year of the implementation, the contours of transformations are already seen. Starting with intensive discussions with university stakeholders and university staff, within 3 big domains of intervention – namely, Human Recourses, Research Modus Operandi and Finances – the project core team identified 5 intervention areas such as Supporting talent circulation/mobility, Accurately addressing lifelong learning, Strengthening of human capital, Public engagement with and outreach to society to solve social challenges, and finally, Sustainability in research.

Addressing on of project objectives which aims to improve methods by which research is conducted and perceived at the regional and European level by ensuring that the R&I systems across Europe are promptly and effective in sharing research outcomes not only to academic actors but also to the broader informed society, project team targeted international community of researchers and practitioners to discuss initial findings and projected pathways towards transformational changes. The project team offered a panel discussion at IASIA 2023 conference, focusing discussion on human resource transformations in VUCA environment. VUCA environment is described as having the characteristics such as volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity.

 

In order to better understand acceleration services, the discussions included such questions as what is the role of coaching and support mechanism that higher education institutions might apply? What is the role of the environments to foster transformational changes?

Two focal  points emerged in the panel discussion:

  • The role of community of practice. Community of practice is usually understood as group of people who share common interests, concerns, problems, and challenges, exchange knowledge on a common basis while meeting face-to-face or/and online. Several aspects of communities of practices, that are very important for transformational changes, were crystalized at the panel: Interaction on regular terms makes it possible to follow up the transformations, exchanging practices might help seeing intervention areas and the challenges in the different light or from the different angle, developing solutions that are beyond of the “usual suspects” category.
  • The role of the environment. The contemporary world is described as unpredictable and rapidly changing. Thus, the transformational changes is not a innovation but rather a necessity to be in line with the last developments in working culture, technological environment, socio-economic situations. Organizations need novel approaches to leadership, performance and developments. Thus, the discussion covered environmental transformations and the ways organizations innovate adapting to new environments.
By Egle Butkeviciene, Kaunas University of Technology
Horizon Europe project “Catalysation of institutional transformations of Higher Education Institutions through the adoption of acceleration services” (CATALISI), project number 101094917

Transformation of the University of Gdansk towards Sustainable Development – Selected Activities and Initiatives.

Transformation of the University of Gdansk towards Sustainable Development - Selected Activities and Initiatives.

Today’s societies are confronted with a number of challenges, which are recognised and defined in the United Nations resolution “Transforming our world. 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), with the capacity to educate graduates aware of contemporary civilisation challenges, have been involved in supporting the implementation of the Agenda’s goals.

The University of Gdańsk pays particular attention to sustainable development, the social responsibility of the university and its role in social impact. This is reflected in the development strategy and mission of the University of Gdansk, which is to provide education, scientific activity and shape civic attitudes by addressing challenges and problems oriented towards supporting sustainable development, i.e. one that takes into account the well-being of future generations.

As the largest university in the region, it educates more than 21,000 students in 89 fields of study and conducts research in 24 scientific disciplines at 11 faculties and two International Research Agencies, undertaking institutional activities in science, teaching and cooperation with the socio-economic environment in these areas. In 2023, the university maintained its first position in the Times Higher Education Impact ranking among Polish universities.

This article presents the most important activities undertaken by the university in recent years in the field of sustainable development focusing on university-wide activities and those undertaken by the Faculty of Economics of the University of Gdańsk, which has significant achievements in this area.

The Centre for Sustainable Development of the University of Gdańsk (CZRUG)

The institutional transformation of the university towards greater sustainability can be divided into several areas. The first involves the university’s commitment to social engagement. In 2017. The University of Gdańsk was one of the first Polish universities to sign the Declaration on the Social Responsibility of Universities and, as a consequence, has its representation in the working group operating at the Team for Sustainable Development and Corporate Social Responsibility – a subsidiary body of the Minister of Funds and Regional Policy. It reports and disseminates its activities in this area in the Catalogue of Good Practices of Universities in ESG areas, which are published annually.

In 2019, the Commission for Social Responsibility was established at the University of Gdansk with the task of pursuing the strategic objective included in the “Strategy of the University of Gdansk for 2020-2025”, formulated as “Openness, social responsibility and engagement of the University”, building an academic community based on an academic culture of equality and developing and implementing a coherent monitoring system for gender equality.

Over the past few years, university-wide units have been established within the organisational structure of the University of Gdansk, which have taken and are taking action for sustainable development within the scope of their competences. On the area of cooperation and development, these include the Office of Analysis and Expertise, the Centre for Sustainable Development, and the Centre for Marine Research. The decisions to establish them have affected not only the university itself, but also its environment, by promoting education and disseminating knowledge for sustainable development through the exchange of scientific knowledge and experience between researchers of social and economic phenomena and strengthening cooperation between representatives of various scientific disciplines with business.

Established in 2017, the Centre for Analysis and Expertise, now the Office of Analysis and Expertise, as part of its activities initiates and builds collaborative networks for the implementation of research and expert opinions on issues such as: good quality education (objective 4), clean water and sanitation (objective 6), clean and accessible energy (objective 7), innovation, industry, infrastructure (objective 9), climate action (objective 13), life under water (objective 14), life on land (objective 15).   An important aspect of the Bureau’s activities is to bring together researchers representing different scientific disciplines of the University of Gdansk and to obtain commissions for research, expert opinions, opinions on topics relevant to sustainable development. Recently, the Office of Analysis and Expertise has managed complex projects concerning pre-investment studies and environmental impacts of the construction and operation of artificial islands in the Baltic Sea. These studies covered a wide range of parameters including: noise, marine mammals, ichthyofauna. The Office of Analysis and Expertise coordinates the CALALISI project on the part of the University of Gdansk, paying particular attention to ESG and SDG issues.

In view of the increasing priority given to sustainable development issues, a unit dedicated to the SDGs  – the Centre for Sustainable Development (CSD) – was established at the University of Gdansk in 2021. In addition to conducting research, the Centre carries out projects to educate and promote the idea of sustainable development among the academic community and in the socio-economic environment. It operates on the basis of 7 substantive programmes: Research and Projects, International Cooperation, Education for Sustainable Development, Green University, Cooperation with the Social Environment, Culturally about Sustainable Development, Conversations about Sustainable Development and one practical one: the Internship Programme. The Centre undertakes specific educational activities for sustainable development by creating or co-creating, among others, postgraduate programmes on sustainable development such as: Education for Sustainable Development: offshore wind energy, Outdoor Education, Mitigation and Adaptation to Climate Change. Centre’s activities also focus on raising awareness of sustainability through cultural activities, e.g. through the implementation of projects, a virtual bookshelf; the organisation of meetings on the challenges of the modern world: “Difficult migrations. On the refugee crisis once again’, ‘For Ukraine, with Ukraine. Experiences and perspectives’, “Good education in times of crisis” or active participation in international events: Global Crusade e-culture for all (Latin America-Europe Cultural Ring). The Green University programme, in turn, implements initiatives to reduce the university’s carbon footprint by: using green energy from renewable sources, implementing procedures to reduce electricity and heat consumption and waste generation, applying CSR (cooperate social resposibility) procedures in public procurement.

The Centre coordinates or participates in national and international research, teaching and development projects:

 We zero emissions – knowledge transfer from the University of Gdansk

The project includes activities to popularise anti-emissions, aimed at students and teachers of primary and secondary schools in Pomerania, as well as students and university staff. 

TOWNSHIP – Towards Sustainable Beautiful and Inclusive Cities  

The project will result in three Intensive International Training Programmes (IMPK) to increase the internationalisation of UG’s educational offer. 

CIR-CO-WAY – Polish-Norwegian way to the circular cooperation in industrial, science and technology parks  

The project is about Polish-Norwegian cooperation to increase the competence and role of science, industry and technology parks in green transformation, especially in the context of a circular economy. 

REGIONS2030: Monitoring the SDGs in EU regions – filling the data gaps

The aim of the project is to develop indicators for monitoring the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the NUTS II level of the European Union.

RE-WIRING – Realising Girls’ and Women’s Inclusion, Representation and Empowerment

The aim of the RE-WIRING project is to analyse the prevailing legal, political, social and cultural and educational approaches that contribute to discrimination against women and girls with a view to change, by redesigning existing legal, policy and institutional approaches. 

The Faculty of Economics at the University of Gdansk is one of 11 faculties at the University of Gdansk that stands out for its SDG and ESG activities. Many departmental initiatives have inspired representatives of academic disciplines other than economics and finance. 

The selected sustainability activities of the Faculty of Economics of the University of Gdansk are:

SDG 1: Individual support in the form of suspension of university fees in special cases, such as a pandemic or war in Ukraine. Participation in activities at local and regional level to combat poverty in all its dimensions.

SDG 2: Actions to disseminate knowledge on food security and rational use of food. Participation in collections organised as part of World Food Day.

SDG 3: Launching the first degree course in Telemedicine and projects in health care Health Care Technology. Participation in the preparation of a study on efficiency problems in the functioning COVID-19 vaccination system. Organisation of a collection of daily necessities for the Hospice House (Student Business Club). Participation in the #StudentsForUkraine campaign.

SDG 4: Organisation of events open to the community environment, including primary and secondary schools. Interactive lectures and workshops, science cafés and competitions for young people as part of the project “Science Clubs at the University of Gdansk – known and unknown faces of science”, Fridays with Logistics, World Entrepreneurship Day, Sustainable Development Day, Open Days of the Faculty of Economics.

SDG 5: There are two public drinking water dispensers in the faculty building. Toilets are installed with water saving valves, mixer taps with water mixers.

SDG 6: Since 2021, the lighting in the faculty has been successively replaced with nergy-efficient lighting (replacement of fixtures and fluorescent lamps with led lamps). Development of study offerings in the field of renewable nergy sources. A specialisation in offshore marine sectors has been launched in the economics faculty, which fits in with the concept of the blue economy and responds to market signals.

SDG 7: Establishment of the HR Excellence in Research Strategy Implementation and Monitoring Team. Its tasks include analysing the needs in relation to the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for Staff Recruitment in the implementation of the HR Strategy and monitoring the needs and corrective actions taken.

SDG 8: Introduce facilities for people with disabilities. Elimination of architectural barriers.

SDG 10: Implement community education campaigns on climate change risks, mitigation and reduction.

SDG 11: Undertake research and educational activities to support the protection of marine ecosystems.

SDG 12: Conduct research on inland navigation and maritime and road transport that will take into account the protection of ecosystems and their diversity.

SDG 13: Collaborate with local, regional and national authorities by providing their expert support and delivering research results to, among others: Pomeranian Investment Council for Reimbursable Instruments, Task Force for Integrated Development Policy of Poland and Europe of the Committee for Spatial Planning of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Mobility and Transport Council at the President of the City of Gdańsk, Expert Council for Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans at the Minister of Infrastructure.

SDG 14: Involvement in educational activities on sustainable development that are socially relevant and addressed to all students, e.g. an Oxford debate tournament for secondary schools on the topic of social responsibility of science. Organisation of a Congress of Economic and Environmental Student Circles on sustainability with the participation of students, pupils and their parents.

There is an ESG Working Team in the department. This is a research team that has formed at the Pomeranian ESG Forum. The first activity of the team is the creation of an ESG report for one of the Tri-City non-profit organisations. This provides the basis for a research analysis of the problems that small and medium-sized enterprises that have decided to report on sustainability and those in the supply chains of reporting companies may encounter. The Directive requires large companies to review their supply (value) chains for ESG compliance. As a result, ESG reporters will require a lot of data from their collaborators that was not previously required. These relate to issues such as employment or greenhouse gas emissions.

The initiative of the Faculty of Economics also includes the Pomeranian ESG Forum. These are cyclical meetings organised for entrepreneurs with the aim of creating a space for business and academics to jointly exchange experiences in the field of ESG and support each other in implementing sustainability criteria in business practice. The 2nd meeting of the Pomeranian Forum will take place later in 2023. And will be dedicated to raising finance for sustainable business. The first Forum was about an introduction to ESG and attracted a lot of interest from companies – a total of more than 90 people signed up, more than 70 actively participated. Our main success is that businesses want to build such a space together with us and are themselves volunteering to present their concept of ESG action as part of the Forum. We, in turn, get the opportunity to define real economic problems faced by entrepreneurs. 

The department organises the competition, under the auspices of the Ministry of Education and Science, which attracts more than 6,000 students from schools across the country every year. One of the main thematic areas is the sustainability of the TSL (transport, forwarding and logistics) sector. This year, the first-level competition (the competition is a three-stage event) took place on 17 November 2023.

In terms of staff training, the postgraduate course in ESG – ESG Manager, which responds to the needs of businesses in relation to non-financial reporting, deserves particular attention.

The activities of the Faculty of Economics in the field of sustainable development are reflected in the coordinated and ongoing international research, development and teaching projects.

CE4CE “Public Transport Infrastructure in Central Europe – facilitate transitioning to circular economy”

The CE4CE project is reducing the environmental footprint of public transport by using circular economy principles. 

SPINE “Smart Public transport Initiatives for Climate-Neutral cities in Europe”  

SPINE’s vision is to accelerate progress towards climate neutrality by strengthening public transport systems through their smart integration with new mobility services, sharing schemes, active transport modes and micromobility. 

SUMPs for BSR “Enhancing effective Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning for supporting active mobility in BSR cities”  

The project supports cities in changing their planning practices towards people-centred sustainable urban mobility planning, promoting active modes of transport and supporting active and healthy lifestyles of citizens, while reducing traffic emissions. 

The CATALISI team from University of Gdansk is involved in many of the above sustainability activities.

Adamczuk Monika, MSc; Director of the Cooperation and Development Office

Borkowski Przemysław, PhD, DSc; Vice Dean for Science ans Internationalization, Faculty of Economics

Czerepko Joanna, PhD; Assistant Professor, Department of Transport Market, Faculty of Economics, Member of the ESG Working Team, Organiser of Pomeranian ESF Forum, Member of SPINE project

Disterheft Izabela, MSc; Employee of the Office for Analysis and Experice,

Markiewicz Katarzyna, PhD; CATALISI technical manager, Employee of the Office for Analysis and Experice,

Mrozowska Sylwia, PhD, DSc; Vice-Rector for Cooperation and Development

Susmarski Sebastian, PhD; CATALISI project manager, Director of the Office for Analysis and Experice,

Szmelter-Jarosz Agnieszka, PhD; Assistant Professor, Department of Logistic, Faculty of Economics, Member of C4CE project, SPINE project, SUMPs for BSR project

Tłoczyński Dariusz, PhD, DSc; Head, Department of Transport Market, Faculty of Economics

How to boost open science in Spain: the new National Open Science Strategy (ENCA)

In 2023 the National Open Science Strategy (ENCA) was published in Spain. This strategy sets a series of measures and goals (promotion and strengthening of transparency, quality and reproducibility of research results) that have been promoted in the European Union for years, most recently through the European Research and Innovation Area. These issues are addressed by the ENCA with the aim of facilitating and promoting the creation of a national open science policy in Spain, also adapted to the international context. The ENCA has been developed by the Ministry of Science and Innovation through the General Secretary for Research, which created the Open Science Commission (OSC) at the end of 2018, coordinated by the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT).

The importance of this strategy lies in the current way the scientific publication system functions. Currently, an important part of the gold open-access journals in which researchers have been encouraged to publish offer the possibility to do so in open access on the condition that researchers pay up to EUR 9,500. Money that has been generally covered by public funding. In addition to this, peer reviews are done by the researchers themselves for free. This way, researchers, and ultimately universities, have been moved to participate in a system where private entities are paid to allow access to knowledge that universities themselves produce, often, at least in Spain, with public funding. However, it is increasingly common for universities to have their own repositories where researchers upload their articles in open access.

The way in which scientific journals are being financed makes access to academic knowledge difficult. The ENCA seeks to alleviate these problems through a multidimensional approach to open science. Thus, six dimensions are distinguished around the concept of open science and its strategic implementation: open access to research results; open data, protocols and methodology; the creation of open source platforms; open peer review; the promotion of citizen science and the creation of new indicators for research assessment.

This way, the aim of ENCA is to address the question of researchers’ access to previous results and reflections so they can contrast and enrich their own studies. The actions promoted through this strategy can also derive into a transformation in the logics governing the assessment system within the research community: not only will it matter the journal’s impact factor when evaluating the worth of an article, but also how the reflections and results provided can contribute to generating knowledge with a positive impact on society.

The CATALISI project, in its implementation at Universitat Jaume I, seeks to develop interventions along the lines of ENCA. In addition to the funding of diamond journals[1] already being done at UJI, CATALISI aims to: promote the recognition of the use of public repositories as a good research practice and add peer reviewing in open access journals as a good practice in researcher assessment. Here it is worth highlighting the importance of mutual learning in the promotion of a sustainable open science, something promoted among CATALISI partners.

 

By: Carlota Carretero García, UJI

 

 

[1] Journals where all papers are open access and neither the readers or the authors need to pay for the publication.