Over 40 educators, researchers, and administrators from seven Aurora partner universities - Palacký University (UPOL), Universität Innsbruck (UIBK), University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE), Université Paris-Est Créteil (UPEC), University of Iceland (UIce), Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), and Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II (UNINA)—came together for a week to collaborate.
Sustainability Meets Culture: Interdisciplinary Insights and Engaging Dialogues Between Research Groups
The Educational Hubs meeting revealed surprising commonalities between otherwise distinct disciplines. Members of the Sustainability & Climate Change working group identified valuable intersections with the Culture: Diversities & Identities group, sparking lively discussions on topics like ecocriticism and natural resources. Particularly noteworthy was the connection between ecological farming, fertilizer management, and literary studies, highlighting the synergies between environmental issues and cultural narratives.
The first four days of the week were dedicated to multidisciplinary projects and initiatives in research and teaching, covering themes like “Cooperative Online International Learning (COIL)” and fostering new bilateral partnerships. Janette Walde, Vice-Rector for Teaching and Students Affairs at UIBK, expressed excitement about the wealth of ideas generated in such a short time: “It’s incredible how many implementation opportunities can emerge in such a short period!” Prof. Barbara Buchenau from UDE added, “The stunning backdrop of the Austrian mountains and the serenity of the surroundings allowed us to harness the power of nature and gain fresh scientific insights.”
Concise, compelling, and convincing: The 3MT competition showcases the art of science communication
A diverse and international group of students participated in training sessions on science communication, practicing the 3MT (Three Minute Thesis) presentation style developed at the University of Queensland. In this challenging format, participants present their research in just three minutes, supported by a single static slide and their voice. Under the guidance of science communication experts Suzanne Whitby, Stéphane Kenmoe, Melanie Bartos, and Toby Wikström, the students transformed their initial, uncertain attempts into clear and engaging presentations.
The event culminated on Friday, October 25, in a competition where an international jury evaluated the students' 3MT presentations and conducted an online voting for an audience award. In front of a multidisciplinary audience, the finalists showcased remarkable expressiveness and communication skills. Marharyta Hodeieva from UPOL ("Healing Through Stories"), Juliette Direur from UPEC ("Can Breathing Be Dangerous?"), and Stéphanie Chedid from UPEC ("Transporting: Plants to Planes") all received jury awards, with the latter also winning the audience award.
This event not only showcased the exceptional talent and creativity of master’s and PhD students but also highlighted the power of collaboration across disciplinary boundaries. The connections made and insights gained during this week will undoubtedly inspire future projects and partnerships within Aurora and beyond.
