Carinthia University of Applied Sciences (CUAS), 18th June 2026 – The ACE-SCHOLAR Workshop #1 reached its climactic finale today, as participants presented their co-created research pitches, received peer feedback, and reflected on four days of intensive learning, collaboration, and ethical exploration. Hosted by CUAS as part of the ACE2-EU Alliance, this workshop has not only strengthened researcher capacity but also fostered a network of ethical, interdisciplinary scholars ready to tackle global challenges.
Day 4: Pitches, Discussions, and Closing Reflections
The final day began with teams putting the finishing touches on their pitches, which combined participatory research methods, ethical frameworks, and innovative study designs. The Pitch and Discussion Session was a showcase of creativity and rigor, with each team presenting their research aims, target groups, and methodologies to an engaged audience of peers and facilitators.
The peer feedback sessions were a highlight, with participants offering constructive, interdisciplinary insights that enriched each project. The diversity of perspectives—from Latvian Academy of Culture to Medical University of Gdansk—demonstrated the power of the ACE2-EU Alliance in driving innovative, ethical research.
Reflection and Closing: A Workshop to Remember
The day concluded with a reflection session, where participants shared their key takeaways, personal growth, and commitments to applying ethical co-creation in their future work. The closing remarks emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement, research integrity, and interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing complex societal issues.
Here are some of the testimonials we received from our participants,
“I really loved the feeling that Europe is getting smaller inside those rooms, because we know each other now, and I think that’s the purpose of these actions.” – Peter Shubert Researcher at CUAS, Austria
“We’ve had similar experiences before, but never in such a serious, focused way. Coming from completely different areas yet finding common topics to explore was fascinating. Broadening our perspectives on ethical dilemmas was also very valuable to me.” – Magda Stoltmann, Student at MUG, Poland
“First of all, well done, and thank you for organizing this. I’ve really enjoyed these days—I’ve learned a lot, and most importantly, I’ve created a new network. I hope we’ll cooperate in the future, wherever we are. You’ve delved deep into ethics and participatory research, and in such a short time, you’ve moved us forward on many things. And you always take a practical approach.” Mentor Shala, Student at UGD, North Macedonia
What’s Next for ACE-SCHOLAR?
While Workshop #1 may be over, the journey of capacity building, co-creation, and ethical research continues. Participants will take their newfound knowledge, networks, and inspiration back to their home institutions, where they will apply participatory methods, ethical frameworks, and interdisciplinary approaches to their work.
A huge thank you to all participants, facilitators, and the CUAS team for making this workshop a resounding success. Special recognition goes to all our teachers, organization and internal support teams for their time and support, and to Abenteur Affenberg for the memorable Day 1 excursion.
Stay tuned for future ACE-SCHOLAR workshops and initiatives—this is just the beginning!