Science4Regions Opening Webinar successfully marked the conclusion of the INVEST4EXCELLENCE project, bringing together experts and stakeholders from across Europe to discuss the future of regional sustainability and higher education cooperation.
The event began with an opening session led by the moderators Ekaterina Arabska and Delyan Plachkov, setting the stage for a day filled with insightful presentations and discussions.
Key presentations included:
- INVEST Alliance: Transforming Regional Sustainability
Prof. Drahoslav Lančarič, Vice-Rector of the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, highlighted the achievements of the INVEST Alliance in promoting regional sustainability and advancing the research dimension of the European University initiative. - European University of Technology
Assoc. Prof. Hristian Panayotov and Assist. Prof. Stela Stoykova from the Technical University – Sofia, Plovdiv Branch, presented their insights into the transformative potential of technological advancements in European higher education. - UNIgreen – The Green European University
Prof. Dimo Atanasov, Vice-Rector of the Agricultural University of Plovdiv, discussed the role of green initiatives in shaping the future of European universities. - Aurora European University Alliance
Prof. Maria Stankova, Head of the Department of Tourism at South-West University “Neofit Rilski”, Blagoevgrad, emphasized the significance of sustainable tourism within the European University framework. - European University of Islands Ports and Coastal Territories (EUNICoast)
Prof. Milen Baltov, Rector of Burgas Free University, Bulgaria, shared the vision of integrating island and coastal territories into the European university landscape. - ENGAGE.EU, the European University Engaged in Societal Change
Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov, Rector of University of National and World Economy, Sofia, presented the important issues of sustainability, common European diplomas, European professorship, additional value, potential for growth, common leadership, formalizing the relations, etc.
The webinar continued with a session on Capacity Building Tools for European HEI Cooperation, presented by Dr. Kristiina Väänänen from Karelia University of Applied Sciences, Finland, followed by a compelling discussion on Living Labs and Stakeholder Involvement by Prof. Rik Eweg from Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences, the Netherlands.
Dr. Omiros Iatrellis from the University of Thessaly, Greece, explored the Role of European Universities in Advancing Data Interoperability in Higher Education, highlighting the importance of data interoperability in higher education and the key role European universities can play in driving this effort forward..
The webinar concluded with a session on EU Alliances: The Way Ahead, presented by Dr. Ivana Radonova from the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Bulgaria, and a discussion on Project Synergies – Examples and Good Practices, featuring Eng. Velizar Petrov and Aleksandar Tonkov from the Regional Development Agency with Business Support Center for SMEs in Plovdiv.
The closing session, led by Assoc. Prof. Ekaterina Arabska, Rector of the University of Agribusiness and Rural Development, Bulgaria, wrapped up the event, leaving attendees inspired and motivated to continue working towards a more connected and sustainable European higher education landscape.
The webinar highlighted the collaborative spirit and commitment of all participants to enhance regional sustainability through innovation and cooperation, setting a strong foundation for future initiatives.
https://www.invest4excellence.eu/Home/NewsInfo?link=66-conclusion-of-the-science4regions-webinar
