ACE2-EU European University

Bringing European Values to Life Across the ACE²-EU Alliance

adminucb — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 09:12:05 +0000

European values are more than principles, they are the foundation of inclusive, democratic, respectful, and connected university communities.

As part of the activities developed within WP6, the ACE²-EU European University Alliance is pleased to present two new practical resources: the ACE²-EU Values Brochure and the ACE²-EU Values Idea Box.

The ACE²-EU Values Brochure provides a clear and accessible overview of the fundamental values that guide our Alliance: democracy, human dignity, freedom, equality, the rule of law, human rights, peace, and solidarity. It also offers practical guidance on how these values can be integrated into teaching and learning, mobility programmes, governance, volunteering, research, innovation, and other Alliance activities.

Complementing the brochure, the ACE²-EU Values Idea Box transforms principles into action. It includes creative ideas and practical activities that partner universities can adapt and implement on their campuses, from workshops, debates, exhibitions, cultural events, and student-led initiatives to volunteering activities and community engagement projects.

Together, these resources encourage students, academic and administrative staff, and local communities to explore, discuss, promote, and actively apply European values in everyday university life.

Each ACE²-EU partner university will select and implement at least one activity dedicated to promoting European values. These initiatives will also contribute to the future ACE²-EU Values Week, bringing our university communities together through shared values, creativity, dialogue, and meaningful action.

Because European values are not only principles we share, they are values we learn, practise, and bring to life together.

Urban Canvas: Community Art & Cultural Volunteering in Târgu Jiu 🎨

adminucb — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 07:22:04 +0000

Our students came with paintbrushes. They left a legacy.

Look closely at this wall. This isn’t just paint, it’s proof of what happens when students from different countries, different cultures, and different languages come together with one shared goal: to leave something behind that matters.

A team of ACE²-EU volunteers from Romania and Portugal took on the main hall of Universitatea Constantin Brâncuși from Târgu Jiu and turned a blank, empty wall into an explosion of colour, character, and creativity. Hours of work. Countless brushstrokes. Zero hesitation.

And now? It’s permanent. Every student who walks past this wall today, next year, ten years from now will see it. They won’t know all the details, but they’ll feel it: something real happened here. Something bold.

This is what real volunteering looks like. Not just visiting but belonging. Not just passing through but leaving a mark that outlasts the programme, the semester, even the years.

Some things fade. This one stays.

Health, Prevention and Solidarity: Community Volunteering with Red Cross Gorj ❤️‍🩹

adminucb — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 19:03:38 +0000

Some skills are too important to keep to ourselves – knowing how to save a life is one of them.

Through this project, our Polish and Romanian student volunteers, guided by one of the most experienced volunteers at the Romanian Red Cross – Gorj Branch, Grigore Richter, didn’t just learn first aid; they became a bridge between knowledge and community.

They trained to help children and adults in emergencies. They learned how to respond to drowning , how to recognize cardiac arrest , how to perform CPR , and which numbers to call when every second counts .

And then they did something even more meaningful: they turned around and taught it to others. In a dedicated session with vulnerable elderly members of our community in Târgu Jiu, our volunteers shared this knowledge with warmth and patience, because prevention only works when it reaches the people who need it most.

This is what real impact looks like: young people stepping up, a community growing stronger, and a partnership with the Red Cross that turned training into action.

We are proud of what our volunteers achieved here and even prouder of what this means for Târgu Jiu going forward. A community that knows how to respond in an emergency is a community that protects its own.

Thank you to the Romanian Red Cross – Gorj Branch for making this possible , and to every volunteer who showed up ready to learn and ready to give back.

Day 3 – Learning Beyond the Classroom: Outdoor Adventure and Mountain Safety

adminucb — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 06:18:51 +0000

The third day of the Flavour School courses, Leisure Sports Activities: From Adventure to Responsibility in Promoting and Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle and Active Aging, brought participants to the spectacular mountain landscape of Rânca, Gorj for a day dedicated to outdoor activities, resilience, and experiential learning.

Although the weather was less than ideal, the rain did not stop participants from fully engaging in the planned programme. Equipped with enthusiasm and a positive attitude, they took part in a series of practical activities, including hiking, the zip line, and the ropes course, discovering how outdoor sports contribute to physical fitness, mental well-being, and personal confidence.

A key highlight of the day was the educational session delivered by the Salvamont Gorj rescue team. Participants gained valuable knowledge about mountain safety, risk prevention, first aid for minor injuries, and emergency response, learning essential skills that can make outdoor activities both safer and more enjoyable.

The day concluded with a reflection session, where participants shared their experiences and discussed the importance of resilience, teamwork, and responsible behaviour in outdoor environments.

Day 3 demonstrated that meaningful learning is not limited by weather conditions. On the contrary, overcoming challenges together strengthened participants’ confidence, cooperation, and appreciation for nature, while reinforcing the central message of both courses: an active lifestyle, combined with responsibility and mutual support, is the foundation of healthier individuals and stronger communities.

Santarém Polytechnic University hosts “Train the Trainers – Changemaker Ambassador Programme” from ACE²-EU European University

adminucb — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 19:46:47 +0000

Yesterday, Santarém Polytechnic University launched the “Train the Trainers – Changemaker Ambassador Programme,” which is taking place at the Resource Centre of the Santarém Polytechnic University’s School of Education, bringing together participants from different institutions within the scope of the ACE²-EU European University.

The first day was marked by a welcome session and an introduction to the program, followed by an integration activity that promoted networking among participants and encouraged the sharing of experiences. During the morning, a workshop dedicated to the Theory of Change was also held, addressing methodologies for promoting social change and impact.

In the afternoon, participants completed a self-assessment exercise and took part in a session dedicated to systems thinking and problem-solving, ending the day with a collaborative work session to plan the upcoming editions of the Changemaker Ambassador programme.

#IPSantarém #ACE2EU #HigherEducation #Internationalization

Constantin Brâncuși University Hosts FLAVOUR SCHOOL within the ACE²-EU European University Alliance

adminucb — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 18:09:35 +0000

Târgu Jiu, Romania, 6 July 2026 – Constantin Brâncuși University of Târgu Jiu is pleased to host the FLAVOUR SCHOOL – Active Aging: Pathways to Health and Well-Being, an international educational programme taking place from 6 to 10 July 2026 under the umbrella of the ACE²-EU – Applied, Connected, Entrepreneurial and Engaged European University Alliance.

The five-day programme brings together students, academic staff, and experts from partner universities across Europe to explore innovative approaches to active aging, healthy lifestyles, intercultural learning, and community engagement. By combining academic lectures, practical workshops, outdoor activities, and collaborative learning experiences, the FLAVOUR SCHOOL promotes a holistic understanding of well-being while encouraging intercultural dialogue and international cooperation.

Participants will engage in a diverse programme covering topics such as effective communication in active aging, nutrition and healthy lifestyles, Tai Chi and mind-body practices, intercultural learning, and mental well-being. The programme also includes field visits, collaborative group projects, and cultural activities designed to strengthen teamwork and foster meaningful connections among participants from different cultural backgrounds.

The academic programme is delivered by an international team of lecturers and specialists, including experts from Constantin Brâncuși University of Târgu Jiu, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (Spain), and professionals with extensive experience in Erasmus+, intercultural education, and health promotion. Their multidisciplinary expertise provides participants with valuable perspectives on promoting active and healthy aging within European communities.

Beyond its academic dimension, FLAVOUR SCHOOL reflects the mission of the ACE²-EU Alliance to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, inclusion, and lifelong learning through international collaboration. By bringing together participants from different countries and disciplines, the programme creates an inspiring environment for exchanging ideas, developing practical skills, and building long-term partnerships that extend beyond the classroom.

Flower Meadows in Enhancing Environmental Biodiversity and Safety Begins at the Medical University of Gdańsk

adminucb — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 18:06:12 +0000

Today, the Medical University of Gdańsk welcomed participants to the on-site phase of the Flower Meadows in Enhancing Environmental Biodiversity and Safety course, an Applied Blended Challenge (ABC) Programme delivered within the ACE²-EU Alliance.

From 6–10 July 2026, students from partner universities across Europe will take part in an intensive programme combining workshops, field activities, laboratory classes and interdisciplinary discussions focused on biodiversity, urban sustainability and human well-being.

The course explores the role of flower meadows in urban environments and their contribution to environmental health, climate resilience and psychological well-being. Participants will investigate the relationships between plants, soil ecosystems, biodiversity and public health, while developing practical solutions to contemporary urban challenges.

Hosted by the Medical University of Gdańsk as the lead institution, the programme brings together experts from Poland, Lithuania and Austria. Academic sessions are led by Anna Hering, PhD, alongside lecturers from the Medical University of Gdańsk, LIK (Lithuania) and Carinthia University of Applied Sciences (Austria).

One of the highlights of the programme is the Psychology of Nature session, which explores the impact of green spaces on mental health and introduces participants to mindfulness practices in natural settings.

The course also benefits from the involvement of external stakeholders, including primary schools and representatives of the housing management sector, enabling students to address real-world challenges through collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches.

Upon successful completion, participants will receive 3 ECTS credits and a certificate of attendance.

We are delighted to welcome students to Gdańsk and wish them an inspiring week of learning, discovery and international collaboration.

Shaping Europe’s Digital Future: KCTW #4 Launches in Târgu Jiu

adminucb — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 18:02:48 +0000

Târgu Jiu, Romania – 6–8 July 2026

Constantin Brâncuși University (UCB) is hosting the 4th Knowledge Creation Team Workshop (KCTW), bringing together researchers from the ACE²-EU Alliance universities to develop innovative solutions for Cybersecurity & Digital Sovereignty.

Setting the Stage

The workshop opened with a warm welcome from Rector Prof. Luminița Popescu, followed by keynote speeches from Mircea Șcheau (Cyber Security Alliance – Romanian Chapter) and Alexandru Stoica from NCC-RO.

In his keynote, Mircea Șcheau set the tone:

“No solution should be considered infallible. We must eliminate elements of instability so that scenario analysis can deliver results as close to reality as possible.”

Researchers then presented their project ideas, pitching innovative solutions to pressing cybersecurity challenges. The day concluded with team matching and brainstorming.

A Collaborative Journey Day 1 focused on getting to know the participants—their backgrounds, expertise, and how their skills can drive collaborative research to address Europe’s future needs. With 20 participants, including 4 external stakeholders, the workshop began with presentations and networking.

Over the three days, attendees will:

Share knowledge and refine project concepts
Develop comprehensive proposals
Create work packages and posters
Present ideas for peer feedback

The day ended with an inspiring city tour of Târgu Jiu, offering researchers a taste of Romanian culture and history.

Voices from the Workshop

“We have a smart younger generation. We must guide them to protect the future by deeply understanding our greatest need: cybersecurity. It begins with action—going out, speaking up, and ensuring people grasp its reality. There is no alternative but to act.” — Robert Maxwell, Researcher, University Francisco de Vitoria, Spain

The momentum generated in Târgu Jiu will continue beyond the workshop. In the coming days, participants will refine their project ideas, laying the foundation for future ACE²-EU projects. This process strengthens collaboration across the Alliance and expands international opportunities for students, researchers, and stakeholders in cybersecurity.

9th ACEploration Mission: Academic Staff Co-Create Future Learning Opportunities at THI

Franziska — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 08:23:59 +0000

On 1–2 July 2026, Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI) hosted the 9th ACEploration Mission, bringing together academic staff from across the ACE²-EU Alliance for two days of intensive collaboration and co-creation.

Held under the overarching theme “Towards Circular Intelligence: Shaping the Future for Quality of Life”, the event aimed to transform innovative research ideas into joint international learning opportunities. Through collaborative workshops and interdisciplinary discussions, participants worked on developing transnational educational formats that connect teaching, research, innovation, and societal challenges.

The ACEploration Mission provided a platform for professors from the partner universities to present their project ideas before refining them together with international colleagues. The collaborative sessions focused on identifying synergies, strengthening partnerships, and designing innovative educational formats such as Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs), MOOCs, Impactathons, and other joint learning opportunities.

The proposed projects addressed some of today’s most pressing challenges across three thematic areas:

Technology & Artificial Intelligence
Participants explored innovative teaching concepts on applied reinforcement learning in artificial intelligence as well as digital imaging technologies in medical laboratory science, reflecting the growing importance of AI-driven solutions in higher education and industry.

Sustainability & Management
Several project ideas focused on sustainable product lifecycles and new management approaches in the emerging era of “Metaprofit”, addressing how organisations can balance economic success with environmental and societal responsibility.

Society & Innovation
Further discussions centred on the role of artificial intelligence in society and the social dimension of sustainable construction, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to future societal challenges.

Throughout the two-day event, participants exchanged expertise, refined their concepts, and established new international partnerships. By combining diverse academic perspectives, the ACEploration Mission demonstrated how collaborative programme design can generate innovative learning experiences that respond directly to Europe’s digital, green, and societal transitions.

The work does not end with the on-site meeting in Ingolstadt. Participants will continue developing their project ideas over the coming weeks, with a follow-up review meeting scheduled for 24 July 2026. The resulting concepts will form the basis for future ACE²-EU educational initiatives, further strengthening cooperation and creating new international learning opportunities for students and staff across the Alliance.

Six Startups to Advance with ARIES Incubator: The 2026 Cohort of Entrepreneurship Academy Innovation and Entrepreneurship

adminucb — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 15:02:25 +0000

On 25 June 2026, as we officially concluded the 1st Blended Edition of the Entrepreneurship Network Workshop, organised by the Entrepreneurship Academy of the ARIES Incubator, we had the pleasure to announce the startup ideas and innovation that will move forward with ARIES Incubator.

This first attempt of our Entrepreneurship Network Workshop successfully brought together 36 participants from ACE²-EU Alliance institutions for a dynamic programme of keynote speeches, interactive sessions, and networking. The event marked a milestone in blending entrepreneurship, innovation, and collaboration across the alliance, providing participants with practical tools, inspiration, and connections to advance their entrepreneurial journeys.

While 10 startup ideas were initially presented, six teams fulfilled the final requirements and showed their commitment to continued participation. These 6 startups now form the 2026 cohort of the ARIES Incubator and will receive tailored support to turn their ideas into impact.

The 2026 ARIES Incubator Cohort: Meet the Startups

Below are the 6 startup teams selected to move forward with the ARIES Incubator. Each team demonstrated innovation, feasibility, and a strong commitment to developing their ideas within the ACE²-EU ecosystem.

LE TREN D’OR by Unax Miranda García (CEO), Fernando Ceberio Sainz de Rozas, Raúl Miranda Miguel, Nerea García Puch – all from University Francisco de Vitoria UFV, Spain. Le Tren D’Or transforms the Madrid–Paris rail journey into a luxury travel experience combining fine dining, culture, and entertainment. Their focus is on Experiential Tourism Industry, with alignment to Sustainable Science & Innovations ARC.

Menova Lab by Barbara Cano (Founder, University Francisco de Vitoria UFV, Spain). Menova transforms menstrual blood into an ethical, traceable stem cell source for research through an integrated collection, tracking, and sample-processing platform. Menova Lab’s focus is on BioTech Industry with the alignment to both Digital Transformation and Health & Wellbeing ARCs.

Hacking Bridge by Team Members: Sandra Milan (Co-founder, University Francisco de Vitoria UFV, Spain), Maria Fernandez (Co-founder, University Francisco de Vitoria UFV, Spain), Brahim Moufakir (Lietuvos inžinerijos kolegija HEI, Lithuania Country Ambassador), André Afonso Lourenço (Instituto Politécnico de Santarém, Portugal Country Ambassador). Hacking Bridge connects NGOs, students, and companies through structured social-impact hackathons that turn real-world challenges into validated, implementation-ready solutions. They are a social innovation in alignment with both Sustainable Science & Innovations and Health & Wellbeing ARCs.

Rolesn.app by Marian Valeriu Bican (Cofounder, University Constantin Brâncusi Târgu – Roménia). Rolens helps service-based businesses streamline bookings and grow their client base with customisable online appointment scheduling pages. With the industry being on Software as a Service (SaaS), the startup solution is in alignment with Digital Transformation ARC.

MATCHIQ by Pouriya Najafi-sarpiri (Founder, Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, Austria). MatchIQ uses AI, psychological assessments, and behavioral profiling to match entrepreneurs with compatible co-founders based on skills, personality, and shared vision. MATCHIQ has the industry focus in HR Tech with alignment to both Digital Transformation and Health & Wellbeing ARCs.

Studdy by Tohidul Islam Tareq (Founder, Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt, Germany). AI Study Companion that helps students plan, study, stay accountable, feel motivated and prepared for careers. The industry focus is being EdTech, the Studdy will contribute to the advancement of Digital Transformation and Health & Wellbeing in alignment with both ARCs.

Disclaimer: The startups presented above are not listed in any particular order.

The six selected startups will receive a needs-based and inclusive support model with ACE²-EU Alliance partners to collaboratively identify tailored support opportunities for each team , including:

Mentorship and Expert Guidance – Access to experienced mentors and industry experts.
Networking Opportunities – Introductions to mentors, ecosystem actors, and potential collaborators across the alliance.
Institutional Resources – Access to facilities, labs, and incubation environments at partner universities.
Collaboration Platforms – Opportunities to connect with peers, researchers, and innovators across the ACE²-EU network.

This approach ensures that every participating startup is considered for further development opportunities, fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship without borders.

In addition to ongoing support, these startups will gain future visibility through:

Annual Output Catalogue – Featured in the 1st Catalogue (D3.3)
Social Media Spotlights – Highlighted across ACE²-EU channels (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook)
Website Features – Profiled in ACE²-EU articles and updates

Looking Ahead: Building a Future of Innovation

The 1st Blended Edition of the Entrepreneurship Network Workshop was just the beginning. With valuable lessons learned and a strong cohort of startups moving forward, the ARIES Incubator is committed to refining its approach, fostering growth, and turning ideas into impact.

As we continue to strengthen our community, we look forward to supporting students, researchers, and innovators in their entrepreneurial journeys, both professionally and personally. Together, we are building a future where innovation thrives, and entrepreneurship knows no borders.

Stay tuned for updates on the 2026 cohort’s progress and upcoming opportunities with the ARIES Incubator!