• info@europestudycentre.com
  • call chat+91 9072575150

News & Events

Spain Has Issued 780 Golden Visas So Far in 2024

Key Takeaways:Spain has issued 780 golden visas to foreign nationals so far in 2024.Over 15,300 persons have benefited from this program, since its launch in 2013.Nationals from China, Russia and the UK benefited the most from this program.   Reference Link: https://schengen.news/spain-has-issued-780-golden-visas-so-far-in-2024/

NZ PM’s 2025 Scholarship Scheme Offers 119 Opportunities in Asia and LatAm

The New Zealand government continues to nurture global connections with its Prime Minister's scholarship program for education experiences abroad.The New Zealand government has announced that 119 recipients have been awarded as part of the Prime Minister’s Scholarship scheme for 2025. The scholarship grants the opportunity to young New Zealand citizens to study and work across Asia and Latin America with financial aid from the government.Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/nz-pms-2025-scholarship-scheme-offers-119-opportunities-in-asia-and-latam/

Australia’s Boarding Schools Eye India Opportunities

As India's middle class grows and more students look to study abroad, many of Australia’s prominent schools are aiming to attract Indian students by showcasing educational opportunities down under.In their first ever visit to India, this month, a delegation of ten of Australia’s top boarding and day schools visited institutions, agents, government authorities, parents, and students, across the country. The visit, which was organised by AEAS and Acumen and Austrade, comes as Australia debates the ESOS Amendment Bill, which includes plans to cap international student numbers, among other policy changes. Reference Link :  https://thepienews.com/australias-boarding-schools-eye-india-opportunities/

Long Processing Times for Irish Visas Cause Anxiety Among Travel Agencies & Their Clients

Key Takeaways:The long time it takes for authorities to process visa applications is causing distress among travel agents.They complain that processing visa applications takes too long, sometimes up to three months.VFS Global pointed out that these delays are occurring due to an increase in travel demand.   Reference Link: https://schengen.news/long-processing-times-for-irish-visas-cause-anxiety-among-travel-agencies-their-clients/

Italy Sees Increase in Schengen Visa Applications From Chinese Citizens

Key Takeaways: Italy is registering a high number of visa applications for Chinese citizens.According to VFS Global, Italian visa applications by the Chinese could reach pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2024.Chinese citizens filed a total of 143648 Italian Schengen visa applications in 2023.  Reference Link: https://schengen.news/italy-sees-increase-in-schengen-visa-applications-from-chinese-citizens/

Over 33,200 Foreigners Hold Spanish Residency Through Golden Visa Program

Key Takeaways:A total of 33,237 wealthy foreigners hold residency in Spain through the Golden Visa Program.Real estate investment option, attracted the most foreigners interested in acquiring residency in Spain.However, details related to the number of golden visas issued to Russians have not been provided.   Reference Link: https://schengen.news/over-33200-foreigners-hold-spanish-residency-through-golden-visa-program/

Virtual Reality Breaks Down Barriers to Indigenous Study Abroad

A partnership between Australian and Canadian universities is using virtual reality to break down barriers for Indigenous students seeking study abroad opportunities.The program, which saw 20 Indigenous students from three Canadian institutions visit the University of Wollongong in Australia, is the first to bring together Indigenous mobility experiences and immersive VR technologies. “Only 3% of college students have had an international experience abroad and only 10% at the university level,” said Imad Al-Sukkari, director of international, at Cambrian College, while speaking at the 2024 CBIE conference. Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/virtual-reality-indigenous-study-abroad/

US Interest in Overseas Education Spikes After Election

Leading study choice platforms are reporting a surge in interest from US students exploring education opportunities overseas, coinciding with Donald Trump's imminent return to the White House. An uptick in post-election traffic to study choice websites may be a signal that students are looking to avoid studying under another Trump administration.On the day following the election results, Study.eu reported a threefold increase in traffic from the US. One week on, traffic remains 45% higher than usual.The traffic surge, split evenly between bachelor’s and master’s degrees, was most pronounced in the seven swing states, followed by other Republican-voting states.“Elections or political decisions often lead to short-lived spikes in regional user interest. But so far, we’ve seen nothing near this magnitude,” said Study.eu CEO Gerrit Bruno.   Reference Link : https://thepienews.com/us-interest-in-study-abroad-spikes-post-election/

UK Survey Reveals Public Support for International Students

Six in 10 people in the UK feel international students bring a significant benefit to the economy, a new study has revealed.A recent study by the Policy Institute at King’s College London has provided insights into public opinion and their support for the number of international students at UK universities.It revealed that the majority of people recognise the significant economic benefits from international students, as well as their role in providing places for domestic students at universities.Some 41% of respondents believe that the benefits of international students outweigh the costs, a figure that is down 10% from 2018. Meanwhile, some 26% say they want fewer overseas students to attend UK universities.Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/uk-survey-reveals-public-support-for-international-students/

Australia: Cap Distribution Details Unveiled Amid Ongoing Criticism

In Australia, recent Senate Estimates revealed new details on enrolment cap distribution, while critics sharpened their focus on the severe job losses plaguing the sector.On November 7, senior education officials underwent further questioning from the Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee regarding the controversial ESOS Amendment Bill, which proposes a cap on international enrolments and introduces other significant changes.Ben Rimmer, the Department of Education’s deputy secretary of higher education, stated that the “law of the land” currently entitles institutions to enrol upwards of their 2025 indicative caps, but “if the legislation is passed in its current form, that will operate from January 1 2025.Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/australia-cap-distribution-details-unveiled-amid-ongoing-criticism/

Domestic tuition fees rise £285 in UK as international fees remain unchanged

UK education secretary Bridget Phillipson has announced the first uplift in tuition fees for domestic students in England in seven years, while international payments will remain at the same level.Speaking in the House of Commons on November 4, Phillipson revealed that as of April 2025, the maximum cap for domestic tuition fees will rise by £285 to £9,535 per academic year.Tuition fees have been set at £9,250 per year since 2017, with many arguing that universities have become over-reliant on the heftier fees paid by international students to sustain their finances. Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/tuition-fees-to-rise-in-england-education-secretary-announces/

ENZ looks to Asia amid plans to grow intled sector to $4.4bn by 2027

Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) has unveiled ambitious plans to expand the international education sector in the country over the next three years. Its new strategy pivots around growing the economic contribution of the sector to a whopping $4.4 billion by 2027 – largely through enticing more international students to the country.ENZ highlighted key markets across Asia with significant growth potential, stating an aim to spread awareness of New Zealand’s educational offerings in these countries.“In the first year of the strategy, the focus is putting additional investment into markets we have identified with growth potential. These include India, Vietnam and the Philippines, and some specific sectors within markets like Japan and Thailand,” said ENZ acting chief executive Dr Linda Sissons.Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/enz-looks-to-asia-amid-plans-to-grow-intled-sector/

France Expects to House 10k Indian Students This Year

France is making headway with its "ambitious" plans for 30,000 Indian students to call the country home by 2030, The PIE News has learned.France expects the number of Indian students in the country to reach 10,000 this academic year, consul general of France in Mumbai, Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet, told The PIE.“We have 8,000 Indian students in France so far, and we are now pushing to have 9,000-10,000 students in the country this year,” he said at the Choose France Tour’s Mumbai leg this weekend. Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/france-expects-to-house-10k-indian-students-this-year/

Demanding Visa Requirements Severely Impacting Ireland’s Labour Market

Key Takeaways: Nearly 76 per cent of immigrant construction workers in Ireland need an entry visa and employment permit.Due to bureaucratic procedures, workers take longer to come to Ireland.This is affecting the country’s economy.About eight out of ten overseas construction workers coming to Ireland need both employment permits and an entry visa, causing the market to fall behind.   Reference Link: https://schengen.news/demanding-visa-requirements-severely-impacting-irelands-labour-market/

Australia seeks deeper educational ties with India amid minister Pradhan’s visit

Indian education minister Dharmendra Pradhan has arrived in Australia for the second Australia-India Education and Skills Council meeting, held today in Sydney.The high-level dialogue is focused on deepening ties between the two nations, emphasising Australia’s research strengths and industry engagement models.   The visit also emphasises leading researchers and research centres that have made significant strides in fostering joint research efforts between Australia and India. The discussions will explore expanding partnerships to deliver Australia’s high-quality education in India and address skills gaps through education and vocational training programs.   Reference Link:https://thepienews.com/australia-seeks-deeper-educational-ties-with-india-amid-minister-pradhans-visit/

The Worker Protection Act 2023 – a wake-up call for international education

Upcoming UK legislation will make tackling harassment in the workplace a legal requirement. It's time for the international education sector to take notice, writes Ella Tyler.Tomorrow ( October 26 2024), the updated Worker Protection Act officially comes into force, marking a significant shift in how UK organisations are required to protect their staff from harassment. This legislation places greater responsibility on employers to proactively create safer, more equitable work environments. But while the Act only applies within the UK, its principles and implications extend far beyond national borders. Reference Link :https://thepienews.com/the-worker-protection-act-international-education/

Study in France: French govt all set to bring 6th edition of ‘Choose France Tour 2024’ to five major Indian cities

The French Government and Campus France are all set to organise the ‘Choose France Tour 2024’ in five major Indian cities.The tour is aimed at providing options to Indian students to explore options for higher education in France, bringing together over 50 prestigious French universities and higher education institutions that will offer a unique platform to the students and their families to connect directly with academic representatives. Additionally, attendees of the tour will discover a range of study programmes and receive personalised guidance on scholarships, visas, and student life in France, as informed in a press release. It added that high-school graduates and other prospective students can explore numerous academic paths, including specialised programmes in engineering, management, hospitality, arts, architecture, and more. Reference Link: https://www.hindustantimes.com/education/news/study-in-france-french-govt-all-set-to-bring-6th-edition-of-choose-france-tour-2024-to-five-major-indian-cities-101729079617833.html

Germany to Increase Work Visas for Skilled Indians From 20,000 to 90,000

Key Takeaways: The German Ambassador to India has revealed that his government is planning to issue up to 90,000 visas to Indian skilled workers.These changes are part of new measures to attract more Indian workers.Representatives from both countries are expected to meet and discuss to strengthen the bilateral relationship.Reference Link: https://schengen.news/germany-to-increase-work-visas-for-skilled-indians-from-20000-to-90000/

New enhanced digital platform for the European Student Card

The European Student Card (ESC) is getting a new digital platform. The revamped ESC Router will make it easier for higher education institutions to issue ESCs and for mobile students to validate their student status and access student services across the European Education Area.Reference Link: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/news/new-enhanced-digital-platform-for-the-european-student-card

UK's University of Warwick Unveils £700m Investment, Largest Ever

As part of a £700 million investment, the University of Warwick, a top UK institution will build new research and education facilities, from teaching rooms to laboratories, the university has announced.Facilities, where subjects in social sciences and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) programs will be taught, are set to be built in a former car park at the campus. This is the largest single investment in campus in all the university’s 60-year history, Erudera.com reports.Reference Link: https://erudera.com/news/uks-university-of-warwick-unveils-700m-investment-largest-ever/

US sees continued growth in international applications

Of the 662 US institutions surveyed in IIE’s Spring 2024 Snapshot survey, 53% indicated that international applications were up compared to the previous year, while 30% said that numbers had remained the same and 17% recorded a decrease.Previously, in 2022/23, 65% of institutions recorded a growth, and 61% in 2023/24.  “The data suggests that there is a continued need for and commitment to advance diversity in global exchange.Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/us-international-applications-grow-iie-report/

Australian Catholic University halts 2025 recruitment due to Aussie enrolment cap

A post circulating on LinkedIn appears to show the Australian Catholic University updating its agent partners with information that explains due to the government’s National Planning Level, the university will no longer be offering places for 2025 courses that fall under the proposed caps“Regrettably due to the recent policy updates, the NPL being implemented by the Australian government, and the high demand for ACU programs, we have reached our provider limit for 2025. We will no longer issue offers or acceptances for non-exempt with a 2025 start date, effective immediately,” a letter to agents reads.“We understand that this may be disappointing, and recognise that this is a difficult situation for you and your students. We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause and look forward to working closely with you to support you in the future.”Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/acu-halts-2025-recruitment-due-to-aussie-enrolment-cap/

Canadian institutions seek to regain India interest amid shifting policy landscape

Canadian institutions seek to regain India interest amid shifting policy landscapeAmid reports of waning interest and a drop in study permits among Indian students, Canadian stakeholders are looking to reshape perceptions of studying in Canada.Though only 2,181 Indian students enrolled in universities across Canada in 2000, that number jumped to a mammoth 128,928 in 2021, a 5800% growth in the last two decades.By 2023, the number of international students in Canada stood at over 4,20,000, according to data released by India’s Ministry of External Affairs,Indian students made up 49% of all international students in Canada in the first half of 2024, according to government data, a figure that has dropped by half when compared to 2023. Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/canadian-institutions-seek-to-regain-india-interest-amid-shifting-policy-landscape/

University of Wollongong to open India campus in November 2024

Australia’s University of Wollongong is all set to commence its operations in India on November 4.The NSW-based institution is the second Australian university to establish an offshore campus in the newly constructed central business district – the GIFT City.Similar to Deakin University, which started welcoming students to its India campus in July, the University of Wollongong (UOW) will be offering postgraduate courses.  Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/university-of-wollongong-to-open-india-campus-in-november-2024/

Canada Announces New Limits on International Student Numbers

The Canadian government announced on Wednesday a series of new measures for international students.The government said it will further reduce the number of international student permits by another 10 percent, setting the new target at 437,000 permits for the next two years, down from 485,000 permits in 2024, Erudera.com reports.Reference Link : https://erudera.com/news/canada-announces-new-limits-on-international-student-numbers/

US Restricts Study Abroad for F-1 Visa Holders

US restricts study abroad for F-1 visa holdersInternational students in the US will no longer be able to study abroad for longer than five months as part of what stakeholders believe could be an "unintended consequence" of a new policy change.New policy changes from the US immigration agency state that F-1 visa holders can only participate in study abroad programs shorter than five months in order to maintain their student status in the country.Reference Link:  https://thepienews.com/us-restricts-study-abroad-for-f-1-visa-holders/

Italy to Increase Number of Days When Foreigners Can Apply for Temporary Work Visas

Key Takeaways: Italy wants to increase the number of days foreigners can apply for temporary work visas.The government wants to increase the click days but not change the immigration law.One of the reasons for this measure is related to security and combating misuse of work visas.     Reference Link: https://schengen.news/italy-to-increase-number-of-days-when-foreigners-can-apply-for-temporary-work-visas/

Top 5 Countries Where Indians Are Highly Likely to Get a Schengen Visa in 2024

Key Takeaways: Iceland was most likely to grant Indians Schengen visas - with an approval rate of 95.4 per cent.Switzerland issued the highest number of visas - a total of 166,919.Germany was most likely to grant Indians Multiple Entry Visas (MEVs), with 99.6 per cent of issued visas being multiple entry.   Reference Link: https://schengen.news/top-5-countries-where-indians-are-highly-likely-to-get-a-schengen-visa-in-2024/

US Institutions Dominate QS’s Global Business Rankings

US institutions have filled the top four positions in QS’s Global MBA and Business Master’s Rankings 2025, which analysed MBAs from 58 countries.For the fifth consecutive year, Stanford Graduate School of Business’s MBA was named the world’s number one, while the (Penn) Wharton School remains second, followed by Harvard Business School in third.“By providing a detailed comparative analysis, these rankings help prospective students make informed decisions about programs that align with their career goals,” said QS president Nunzio Quacquarelli. Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/us-institutions-dominate-qss-global-business-rankings/

Canada Further Limits International Student Numbers

Canada is putting further limits on the number of international study permits it issues, reducing study permits to 437,000 in 2025, among more outlined changes to the country's International Student Program.The Canadian government has announced new international student study permits will be reduced by 10% from the 2024 target of 485,000. The intake cap for 2026 will be stabilised, remaining the same as in 2025.Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/breaking-canada-further-limits-international-student-numbers/

Int'l Student Numbers at Jönköping University Have Risen to Record Levels

The number of international students at Jönköping University (JU), an international university in Sweden, rose to a record high this August, according to figures released by the school.Jönköping welcomed about 3,800 new students to campus, of which 1,145 are international students, the largest number in the university’s history, Erudera.com reports. Reference Link: https://erudera.com/news/intl-student-numbers-at-j&
ouml;nköping-university-have-risen-to-record-levels/

Kuwait Pushes for Visa-Free Entry to EU

Key Takeaways: https://schengen.news/kuwait-pushes-for-visa-free-entry-to-eu/The
Kuwaiti Foreign Minister has confirmed ongoing talks regarding the Schengen visa liberalisation agreement.The Minister vowed to bring up the topic at the next summit, scheduled for the middle of October in Brussels.Kuwaitis are among the nationalities that are most likely to be approved for Schengen visas for 2023     Reference Link: 

Canadian study permits projected to drop by nearly half

A new analysis of Canadian government figures indicates that the approvals of international study permits are set to drop by nearly half in 2024.With the number of Canadian study permit applications processed by the IRCC dropping by 54% in Q2 2024 compared to Q2 2023, ApplyBoard has projected that the overall number will drop by 39% this year compared to 2023 in a new report. According to the report, the current trends signal that around 230,000 new study permits will be processed in the second half of 2024.   Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/canadian-study-permits-projected-to-drop-by-nearly-half/

Getting an Italian Visa Is Most Difficult for These Nationalities

Key Takeaways: Bangladeshis are applicants who have the hardest time obtaining an Italian Schengen visa, as their rejection rates are 59.04 per cent.Seven out of ten nationalities are from the African continent.These nationalities have visa rejection rates higher than the average (12.05 per cent   Reference Link: https://schengen.news/getting-an-italian-visa-is-most-difficult-for-these-nationalities/

Australia’s international enrolments capped at 270k

Australia has announced a cap on new international commencements from next year, favouring publicly funded universities as providers with a higher ratio of international students receive a lower allocation.The industry has called the limit on international students damaging and “a handbrake” on the sector’s growth in response to the announcement made this morning. Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/cap-international-students-australia/

US Colleges See Rise in Undergrads

The number of undergraduate students in the United States increased by 2.5 percent in the spring semester of 2024, according to the National Student Clearinghouse, a US educational nonprofit.This is the second time undergraduate enrollment has increased after several years of decline amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Last fall, undergraduate enrollment grew 1.2 percent, Erudera.com reports. Reference Link: https://erudera.com/news/us-colleges-see-rise-in-undergrads/

Norway Advises Middle East & Pakistan Schengen Visa Applicants Not to Purchase Tickets Before Visa Approval

Key Takeaways:   The Norwegian Embassy in the UAE has required applicants from four countries to file Schengen visa applications more than two weeks before the travel date.The authorities also advise applicants not to purchase tickets unless their visa is approved.Currently, applications from the first half of August are being processed.   Reference Link:  https://schengen.news/norway-advises-middle-east-pakistan-schengen-visa-applicants-not-to-purchase-tickets-before-visa-approval/

Stakeholders in NZ Shine Light on Growing int’l Education Sector

Sector leaders and politicians in New Zealand highlighted the economic benefits of building up the country as a leading market for international students at a recent industry event. New Zealand’s position as a growing power provider of education for overseas students – plus the market’s potential for growth – were given particular prominence by speakers at the NZIEC KI TUA conference in Wellington, taking place August 6-7.   Reference Link:

Finland Planning to Grant Permanent Residency to Master’s Graduates to Retain Talent

Key TakeawaysFinland will soon offer permanent residency to master's graduates who pass a Finnish or Swedish language exam.This initiative aims to retain skilled graduates who might otherwise leave the country after their studies and presents a valuable opportunity for international students.In early 2024, Finland processed 9,000 new and 11,700 renewed work-based residence permits.   Reference Link:https://schengen.news/finland-planning-to-grant-permanent-residency-to-masters-graduates-to-retain-talent/

UK to Allocate £10.5 Million for the Upcoming EU Digital Border System

Key Takeaways: The United Kingdom will provide £10.5 million to prepare for the new EU digital border system.The financial aid will be allocated to the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone, and Eurostar at St Pancras.The new measures come as part of efforts to avoid long queues when EES enters into force.   Reference Link :  https://schengen.news/uk-to-allocate-10-5-million-for-the-upcoming-eu-digital-border-system/

EU & UK to Consider the Option of Opening Youth-Mobility Scheme

Key Takeaways:  An unnamed source has revealed that the new UK government might consider improving relations with the EU.The first step could be agreeing to implement a youth mobility programme, allowing the UK and the EU under 30-year-olds to travel and work between the countries freely.UK ministers have denied these claims, saying implementing the scheme with the EU is not on the cards.   Reference Link : https://schengen.news/eu-uk-to-consider-the-option-of-opening-youth-mobility-scheme/

New Work Permit Rules in France to Become Effective in September

Key Takeaways: French authorities have introduced more stringent rules for immigrants in a bid to address matters regarding foreign workers.The new measures will introduce fines and tighter measures for employers of immigrants.The immigration law aims to improve living conditions for immigrants.   Reference Link: https://schengen.news/new-work-permit-rules-in-france-to-become-effective-in-september/

Croatia Issuing 20,000 Work Permits Monthly in a Bid to Address Labour Shortage.

Key Takeaways:  The Croatian Interior Ministry is issuing over 20,000 work permits to foreign workers every month.The decision follows a shortage across different sectors, especially tourism.More permits are being issued from coastal cities, while the capital city has the lowest number of permits granted to seasonal workers.   Reference Link: https://schengen.news/croatia-issuing-20000-work-permits-monthly-in-a-bid-to-address-labour-shortage/

Visa Restrictions in International Students Will Not Be Lifted Under Labour

Labour has confirmed it will not reverse the Conservatives' restrictive student visa policies, while maintaining its welcoming stance towards international students. Labour’s education secretary Bridget Phillipson has reiterated that the government does “not intend” to lift the visa restrictions on international students imposed by the previous conservative government. When asked in an interview with Sky News if Conservative “visa restrictions” for international students should be reversed, Phillipson replied: “We don’t intend to change that.   Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/visa-restrictions-will-not-be-reversed-under-labour/

20 Jobs That May Open Doors to a Norwegian Work Visa

Key Takeaways: Norway is facing labour shortages in over 190 occupations, including cleaning, food preparation, hospitality, healthcare, and construction.Norway emerged among EURES countries with the highest dependency on foreign-trained doctors.The Norwegian language is considered one of the easiest languages for English speakers to learn.Reference Link: https://schengen.news/jobs-that-may-open-doors-to-a-norwegian-work-visa/

UNITED STATES: At Least 25 Million Student Loan Borrowers May Receive Debt Relief This Week

The Biden administration is sending emails to tens of millions of student loan borrowers this Friday, notifying the latter about potential debt relief.According to the Department of Education, at least 25 million borrowers could be eligible for loan forgiveness, Erudera.com reports.“STOP SCROLLING. I'm sending 40 million borrowers info on student debt relief this morning," US Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on FridayReference Link: https://erudera.com/news/at-least-25-million-student-loan-borrowers-may-receive-debt-relief-this-week/

Best Canadian Provinces For International Students To Get PR

Canada remains a top choice for international students seeking high-quality education and potential Permanent Residency (PR). Each province has tailored programs to attract and retain students. This includes Ontario's OINP, British Columbia's BC PNP, Quebec's PEQ, Alberta's AAIP, and Saskatchewan's SINP. These provincial nominee programs offer varied pathways to PR that depend on a field of study and region of choice. For students aiming to secure permanent residency, understanding each province's requirements and opportunities is crucial.Reference Link: https://immigrationnewscanada.ca/canadian-provinces-international-students/?utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--9hRPi622L3cBTlHNZAvQKZ7qGrZNMZU_yNS5fq_Ezlvyi0sMyjUbvc5i_Cfc4QCUhQ2qd4SAknWFAyGTsvfW90BwALKff5c7AeL-M2whjGtF1J78&_hsmi=318262184&utm_c>
 

UK and Australia eye opportunities amid India’s rising growth

Government-funded agencies and universities across the UK and Australia are working on new educational initiatives in India, delegates at The PIE in Mumbai conference heard. The keynote panel on July 26, which delved into the possibility of “India as an education superpower”, hosted by The PIE’s CEO Amy Baker, saw panellists discuss opportunities to build new campuses, expand beyond select cities, seek online collaborations, and more.   Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/uk-and-australia-eye-opportunities-amid-indias-rising-growth/

French Ambassador Confirms Increased Schengen Visa Processing Time & Fees for Russians

French ambassador confirmed restrictive measures for Russian visa applicants.As of 2022, they have to pay more and face longer waiting periods.Russians are applying for Schengen visas less often but are being rejected more often.   Reference Link : https://schengen.news/french-ambassador-confirms-increased-schengen-visa-processing-time-fees-for-russians/

Foreign Visitors May Have to Pay for Emergency Hospital Care in Italy’s Tuscany From September 2024

Non-EU visitors may be required to pay if they need emergency hospital care in Tuscany from September of this year.The proposal to make health insurance requirement mandatory has been forward in an attempt to provide relief to hospitals.If approved, the move will not affect foreigners in Italy who hold a permit.   Reference Link: https://schengen.news/foreign-visitors-may-have-to-pay-for-emergency-hospital-care-in-italys-tuscany-from-september-2024/

Partners of International Students in New Zealand Can Work in These Sectors

Partners of some international students in New Zealand can work in different sectors, including health and social services, business, engineering, trades, and more, if they qualify for the Partner of Student Work Visa.New Zealand has recently changed its rules regarding the eligibility of international students’ dependents to work in the country. Immigration New Zealand has updated these rules to allow dependents to apply for a work visa with open conditions, Erudera.com reports.Reference Link: https://erudera.com/news/partners-of-international-students-in-new-zealand-can-work-in-these-sectors/

“Be in no doubt” – int’l students welcome in UK, says education secretary

The UK's secretary of state for education has pledged that students from overseas will no longer be treated as "political footballs" as she "set the record straight" on the new government's attitude towards international education.Keir Starmer’s government will move away from the “mixed messaging” of previous administrations and towards a more welcoming attitude towards international students, said Bridget Phillipson, speaking at the Embassy Education Conference on July 23.Reference Link:  https://thepienews.com/welcome-international-students-uk/

US to ease visa processing for graduates with job offers

The Biden-Harris administration in the US has announced actions to speed up visa processing for college graduates who hold job offers, sending a positive signal for prospective international students.The initiative to ease employment-based non-immigrant visas for US college graduates with job offers is aimed at attracting top talent and retaining skilled workers to help the economy.Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/us-to-ease-visa-processing-for-graduates-with-job-offers/

Switzerland to Allocate €310 Million for Schengen Borders’ Protection

KEY TAKEAWAYSSwitzerland will begin contributing to a fund starting from August 1, 2024, to tighten the protection of the Schengen Zone borders.A total of CHF 300 million has been projected for a period between 2021 and 2027, for this purpose.Switzerland said that some of this amount of money will be used to expand border control infrastructure at Zurich Airport.   Reference Link :https://schengen.news/switzerland-to-allocate-e310-million-for-schengen-borders-protection/
 

NZ among top 10 preferred educational destination for Brazilian students

Quality of education at Aotearoa New Zealand's educational institutions is reflected in the latest survey by the Brazilian Educational and Language Travel Association (Belta), presented in May.  The survey was conducted between March and April 2024 with students and international education agents from all regions of Brazil. Reference Link: https://www.enz.govt.nz/news-and-research/ed-news/nz-among-top-10-preferred-educational-destination-for-brazilian-students

Studying in Germany: Required Amount for a Blocked Bank Account to Increase to €11,904 From September 2024

KEY TAKEAWAYSGermany has increased the money students need to have in a blocked bank account by 6.2 per cent.From September 1, 2024, the required amount will increase to €11,904, from €11,208.Experts say the increase reflects the rise in costs of living in Germany.   Reference Link: https://schengen.news/studying-in-germany-required-amount-for-a-blocked-bank-account-to-increase-to-e11904-from-september-2024/

Record Migration to Scotland, Levels Attributed to Int’l Student Growth

Net migration figures in Scotland more than doubled within a year, specifically between 2021 and 2022, from 22,200 to 48,800, respectively. In an official statement, the National Records of Scotland (NRS) attributed these levels to an increase in international university students.According to newly published figures from NRS, net migration to Scotland increased by 119 percent between 2021 and 2022, the highest level over the last decade, Erudera.com reports.Reference Link:  https://erudera.com/news/record-migration-to-scotland-levels-attributed-to-intl-student-growth/

Vienna named world's most liveable city (again) in 2024. These other European cities made top 3

As well as Vienna in poll position, three other European cities made the top 10 in a year when global instability and the cost of living weighed heavily.There are many superlatives you could use to describe Vienna; beautiful, historic, picturesque, cultured. Now, you can add another to the list: consistent.   Reference Link :  https://www.euronews.com/next/2024/07/21/vienna-named-the-worlds-most-liveable-city-again-in-2024-with-europe-dominating-the-top-3
 

Canada to Halt Study Permits for Universities Failing to Monitor International Student Enrollment

The Canadian government is planning to halt processing study permits for post-secondary students if institutions do not manage to properly control international student numbers.Additionally, under the proposal, higher education institutions will need to report to the Immigration Department about students’ attendance, and whether the latter are adhering to study permit criteria, Erudera.com reports.Reference Link: https://erudera.com/news/canada-to-halt-study-permits-for-universities-failing-to-monitor-international-student-enrollment/

58% Increase in Residence Permits Issued to Britons Through Greece’s Golden Visa Program

KEY TAKEAWAYS The number of the residence permits granted to Britons increased by 58 per cent in the last 12 months.The UK is now placed in the fourth position in Greece’s list of countries with the highest number of residence permits issued through this scheme.According to the figures from the Ministry of Immigration and Asylum, at least €41 million were invested by Britons for the purchase of houses through the Golden Visa Program in Greece.   Reference Link: https://schengen.news/58-increase-in-residence-permits-issued-to-britons-through-greeces-golden-visa-program/
 

Portugal to Bring Back Tax Breaks In Order to Attract Foreigners

KEY TAKEAWAYSPortugal intends to bring back tax incentives for foreigners in order to attract skilled foreigners.The new government made sure to exclude foreigners with a pension from the tax break.Portugal’s golden visas are set to end, the Finance minister confirmed.   Reference Link: https://schengen.news/portugal-to-bring-back-tax-breaks-in-order-to-attract-foreigners/

Irish universities hold pre-departure sessions in India

Prominent universities across Ireland have touched down in India for pre-departure sessions with incoming students, indicating the country's rise as a popular study destination.Representatives from the National College of Ireland, Dublin City University, Technological University Shannon, and Maynooth University are in India to provide support to Indian students to help them adjust to their studies in Ireland, according to education company OneStep Global, which organised the initiative.  Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/irish-universities-hold-pre-departure-sessions-in-india/

Your Chances to Get an Austrian Work Visa Are Higher If You Belong to One of These Professions

KEY TAKEAWAYSDuring the first quarter of 2024, Austria reported 196,400 job vacancies.With an ageing population, Austria heavily relies on foreign workers, just like the rest of most Western European countries.The current minimum wage in Austria is estimated to start at €1,500 per month.Reference Link: https://schengen.news/your-chances-to-get-an-austrian-work-visa-are-higher-if-you-belong-to-one-of-these-professions/

Australia Ends Onshore Visa Hopping From Graduate & Visitor Visas to Student Visas on July 1

KEY TAKEAWAYS: Australia will officially put an end to visa hopping on July 1, 2024.Starting July 1, visitor and temporary graduate visa holders will not be permitted to apply for a student visa onshore.This move aims to close loopholes that permit some foreigners to extend their stay in Australia continuously.Reference Link : https://visaguide.world/news/australia-ends-onshore-visa-hopping-from-graduate-visitor-visas-to-student-visas-on-july-1/

Over 226,000 Descendants of Spaniards Have Applied for Spanish Citizenship Since 2022 Under Democratic Memory Law

KEY TAKEAWAYS: A total of 226,354 descendants of Spaniards have applied for Spanish citizenship since October 2022.Of all the number of applicants, 110,540 of them have received a positive decision on their application.So far this year, Spain has registered 69,421 requests for citizenship under the Democratic Memory Law.   Reference Link: https://schengen.news/over-226000-descendants-of-spaniards-have-applied-for-spanish-citizenship-since-2022-under-democratic-memory-law/

France’s Travel & Tourism Sector Broke Records in 2023, Aims to Surpass Them This Year

KEY TAKEAWAYSIn 2023, the tourism sector of France recorded new highs, thus contributing to its GDP with an aim to reach €246 billion.WTTC has also revealed that France’s Travel and Tourism sector is expected to reach the same levels due to the high interest of international visitors as the Olympic Games approach.By 2034, the sector is predicted to provide employment for 3.4 million people nationwide. Reference Link :https://schengen.news/frances-travel-tourism-sector-broke-records-in-2023-aims-to-surpass-them-this-year/

London Universities Launch Campaign to Welcome Int’l Students Amid New Policies

Universities in London have launched a campaign to remind international students that they are welcome to study at these institutions.The ‘Study London’ campaign by London Higher, the organization representing the capital’s higher education institutions, comes amid restrictions on international students imposed by the UK government earlier this year, Erudera.com reports. Reference Link: https://erudera.com/news/london-universities-launch-campaign-to-welcome-intl-students-amid-new-policies/

Germany Remains Your Best Option for Obtaining a Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa in 2024, Data Show

KEY TAKEAWAYS: Germany has the highest rate of multiple entry visa issuance.Other countries with high rates of multiple entry visa issuance are also Austria, Italy, and Switzerland.At the same time, Germany has a lower visa rejection rate than the EU average and a lower rate than it had in 2022.Reference Link: https://schengen.news/germany-is-your-best-option-for-obtaining-a-multiple-entry-schengen-visa-data-show/

Canada’s Immigration Minister signals that changes are coming to post-study work

Here are the highlights: Canadian immigration officials are consulting with provincial counterparts and peak bodies on reforms to the country’s Post-Graduation Work Permit programmeThe immigration ministry intends to update the programme to better align it with labour market needs in CanadaThe nature of the reforms are not yet clear but a recent survey provides some clues, and also some cause for concernReference Link: https://monitor.icef.com/2024/06/canadas-immigration-minister-signals-that-changes-are-coming-to-post-study-work-rights/

Canada set to tighten rules for PGWP linking access to labour market needs

Government is asking stakeholders, should we “grandfather” (protect) students already studying in Canada at time of implementation?Purpose of PGWP calibration is to ensure labour market outcomes linked to education and trainingPrograms of study will be coded to reflect links occupations in long-term shortage and Express Entry eligibility   Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/canada-set-to-tighten-rules-for-pgwp-linking-access-to-labour-market-needs/
 

Italy to Reintroduce Controls at All of Its Borders During G7 Summit in June

KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Italy is set to introduce border controls at all of its borders during the next summit of the Leaders of the G7 Member States. The temporary controls will last for two weeks, between June 5 and June 18 though the summit will be held from June 13 to 15 only.Currently, Italy also has land border controls with Slovenia, at least until December 18, 2024.   Reference Link : https://schengen.news/italy-to-reintroduce-controls-at-all-of-its-borders-during-g7-summit-in-june/
 

Denmark to Implement New Rules for Healthcare Foreign Workers Starting July 1

KEY TAKEAWAYS: As of July 1, social and healthcare workers will be added to the Positive List for Skilled Workers.Holders of residence permits under the authorisation program will be exempted from work permits.Among other things, Denmark will grant foreigners up to six months stay for job hunting in the in extension of the authorisation stay.   Reference Link : https://schengen.news/denmark-to-implement-new-rules-for-healthcare-foreign-workers-starting-july-1/
 

Netherlands records slowest int’l student growth in nine years

The 5.4% rise in international student numbers in the year 2023-24 was the smallest recorded in the Netherlands since 2014The basis of a four-party right-wing coalition government has been agreed, announcing major cuts to higher education and further international student restrictionsRegional differences across the Netherlands mean that some institutions are still trying to attract overseas students and are considering expanding TNE offerings. Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/netherlands-slowest-growth/

International Students May Soon Have to Pay Higher Tuition Fees in Switzerland

International students studying at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology ETH Zurich and Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) may soon face a huge increase in tuition fees.The House of Representatives accepted the proposal to raise fees on Wednesday, May 29, and it has been sent to the Senate for approval. If the proposal is approved, international students will have to pay three times more than domestic students.Reference Link : https://erudera.com/news/international-students-may-soon-have-to-pay-higher-tuition-fees-in-switzerland/

Sector Welcomes “Stability” as UK Graduate Route is Retained

Much to the relief of higher education stakeholders and international students, the UK Home Office confirmed on May 23 that the Graduate Route would not be changed or axed, instead vowing to “crackdown” on rogue agents. Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/sector-welcomes-stability-uk-graduate-route-retained/

Macron arrives in Germany for the first state visit by a French President in 24 years

Germany and France, the EU's largest economies, have long been seen as the driving force of European integration, despite occasional policy differences.For the first time in 24 years, a French president has paid a state visit to Germany.President Emmanuel Macron arrived on Sunday for a three-day trip, intended to emphasise the strong ties between the European Union's leading powers.Reference Link : https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/05/26/macron-arrives-in-germany-for-the-first-state-visit-by-a-french-president-in-24-years

EU to Increase Schengen Visa Fees by 12% From June 11

KEY TAKEAWAYS: Schengen visa fees are set to increase to €90 from June 11.The decision has been revealed by the Slovenian MFA, though the EU has yet to make an announcement.The increase in Schengen visa fees has left applicants and organisations dissatisfied.Reference Link: https://schengen.news/eu-to-increase-schengen-visa-fees-by-12-from-june-11/

Australian Universities Say Certainty & Growth is Needed in Int’l Education

Universities Australia (UA), the peak body for 39 Australian universities, has stressed the need for more “certainty, stability, and growth” in the country’s international education sector.In a recent statement, the organization said that the international education sector serves Australia in many ways, including economically, Erudera.com reports.“We need certainty, stability and growth in a sector that serves the nation in so many ways. Decades of careful and strategic work by universities and the Government has seen Australia grow to be a leading provider of international education. We can’t let this work go to waste,” Universities Australia Chief Executive Officer Luke Sheehy said.Reference Link: https://erudera.com/news/australian-universities-say-certainty-growth-is-needed-in-intl-education/

Top 5 Schengen Countries With the Highest Number of Short-Term Visa Applications in 2023 & Their Main Source Countries

KEY TAKEAWAYS: France, Germany, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands received most Schengen visa applications in 2023.Altogether, these five countries account for around 70 per cent of the total visa applications filed in the same year.Compared to last year, the number of applications is up by 36.3 per cent, but still down by 39 per cent compared to 2019.Reference Link: https://schengen.news/top-5-schengen-countries-with-the-highest-number-of-short-term-visa-applications-in-2023-their-main-source-countries/

Germany Will Double the Number of Annual Work Visas for Western Balkans to 50,000 Fro

KEY TAKEAWAYS:   Western Balkan workers will have privileged access to the German labour market from June 1.Germany will double the number of visas granted under the Western Balkans Regulation to 50,000.The next registrations for visa appointments can be made from May 7 until May 14.   Reference Link : https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/germany-will-double-the-number-of-annual-work-visas-for-western-balkans-to-50000-from-june-1/

Nationals of These 11 EU Countries Will Be Able to Travel Visa-Free to China Until End of 2025

KEY TAKEAWAYS: China has extended visa-free entry for nationals of 11 European Union countries.Nationals of Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland will be able to enter China visa-free until the end of 2025.   Reference Link : https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/nationals-of-these-11-eu-countries-will-be-able-to-travel-visa-free-to-china-until-end-of-2025/

DAAD awards 316 scholarships in South Asia

In collaboration with Germany’s consulate generals and embassies, the German Academic Exchange Service has awarded 316 scholarships to students across South Asia for the academic year 2024/25.   Reference Link : https://thepienews.com/news/daad-awards-316-scholarships-across-south-asia/

Germany Is World’s 5th Best Non-English Speaking Destination for International Workers

KEY TAKEAWAYS: Germany holds its position as Europe's leading work destination, ranking fifth globally in the "Decoding Global Talent 2024" report.Job seekers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Türkiye, Pakistan, Hungary, and Ghana find Germany particularly appealing.Financial benefits and job offers are the primary factors driving Germans to consider emigrating for work.   Reference Link : https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/germany-is-worlds-5th-best-non-english-speaking-destination-for-international-workers/
 

International Students in Canada Will Be Allowed to Work Only 20 Hours a Week from May 1

As of May 1, international students in Canada will no longer be allowed to work for more than 20 hours per week off-campus.Since November 2022, some international students in the country have been permitted to work off-campus more than 20 hours per week while studying, and unlimited hours during academic breaks. The policy will expire on April 30, 2024, Erudera.com reportsHowever, the Canadian Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, said on Monday that, beginning in September, international students will be able to work off-campus up to 24 hours weekly during regular academic terms. Reference Link: https://erudera.com/news/international-students-in-canada-will-be-allowed-to-work-only-20-hours-a-week-from-may-1/

Germany Saw 419,000 Foreigners on Work Permits at the End of 2023

KEY TAKEAWAYS: At the end of 2023, around 419,000 non-EU residents were holding work permits in Germany.About 113,000 EU Blue Card holders were residing in Germany at the end of the same year.Women dominated only in the group of skilled workers with vocational training, while the other areas were dominated by male foreign workers.Reference Link: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/germany-saw-419000-foreigners-on-work-permits-at-the-end-of-2023/

Canada Study Permit Cap: Provinces’ allocation targets for the intake of overseas students finalised

The 2024 study permit target of 236,000 has been approved, resulting in approximately 393,000 applications to be allocated.Canada’s new immigration rules and restrictions imposed on enrolment of international students are finally taking shape. On April 5, Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the allocation of the national cap across provinces and territories for 2024, along with high-level targets set by IRCC.In January 2024, Canada established a two-year limit on the number of new study permits to regulate the flow of international students into the country. For 2024, the cap was expected to result in approximately 360,000 approved study permits, a decrease of 35% from 2023.Reference Link: https://www.financialexpress.com/business/investing-abroad-canada-implements-stricter-rules-for-international-students-study-permit-cap-allocations-for-provinces-finalised-3453675/

EU Parliament Calls for Revision of Georgia’s Visa-Free Status Following Controversial Bill Pass

KEY TAKEAWAYS: EU Parliament has called for the revision of the visa-free travel regime for Georgia.Such a call comes following the reintroduction of a controversial “foreign agents” bill.Gerogia’s Vice PM said that the visa-free travel suspension is improbable.   Reference Link :https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/eu-parliament-calls-for-revision-of-georgias-visa-free-status-following-controversial-bill-pass/
 

UK and India partners launch health academy

King’s College London, together with Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, the Hinduja Foundation UK and P.D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre, will establish a Health Partners Academy in Maharashtra.It will deliver King’s and Guy’s and St Thomas’ training in clinical and non-clinical short courses, executive education to health professionals in both India and the UK and build research capacity.   Reference Link : https://thepienews.com/news/uk-and-india-partners-seek-to-improve-healthcare-outcomes/
 

University of Kent Opens New College for International Students

University of Kent, a public university in England, opened its international college for international students (UK IC) in the Cornwallis building on the Canterbury campus.The vice-chancellor of the University of Kent, Karen Cox, said the move is “bold” and expects it to be a new enriching experience for students at Kent, Erudera.com reports.Cox said she was happy to welcome students from all over the world who have already joined the new college.Reference Link: https://erudera.com/news/university-of-kent-opens-new-college-for-international-students/

NZ government consulting on visa fee rise

Increased fee and levy rates on immigration services are being consulted on in New Zealand, with more information expected later in the year.“The New Zealand government is committed to improving the immigration funding system to ensure it is efficient, self-funding, and sustainable,” said Libby Gerard, manager immigration (border and funding) policy at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.“It’s appropriate that those using and benefiting from the immigration system cover the costs of running it,” she told The PIE.Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/news/nz-gov-consulting-on-increased-fees/
 

Record 78,000 International Students Are Studying in Switzerland This Academic Year

Is Switzerland becoming the new higher education hub for international students? Although the country may still need to become one of the top ten host destinations for international students, official data show that it has been appealing to an increasing number of students over the last few years.The Swiss Federal Statistical Office (FSO) reveals that over 78,000 international students are studying at Swiss universities this academic year, Erudera.com reports.Switzerland’s higher education system is built on three pillars:Universities (UNIs) - the traditional higher education institutions.Universities of Applied Sciences (UASAs) - combine university education with professional-oriented programs.Universities of Teacher Education (UTEs) - these institutions provide practice-oriented training.Reference Link: https://erudera.com/news/record-78000-international-students-are-studying-in-switzerland-this-academic-year/
 

The Europe we want': Italy's Democratic Party launches EU elections manifesto

The Italian opposition is trying hard to cut through in an election cycle where the country's ruling right-wing parties are hoping for major gains.Italy's opposition Democratic Party has launched its European elections manifesto, committing itself to social and climate justice.Held at the Foreign Press Headquarters in Rome, the launch of the manifesto – titled "The Europe We Want" – kicked off the party campaign for the upcoming European elections.The Democratic Party sees itself as an obstacle to Europe's right-wing surge, in which the governing Brothers of Italy and League parties are both major players.   Reference Link :https://www.euronews.com/2024/04/16/the-europe-we-want-italys-democratic-party-launches-eu-elections-manifesto

EU Reduces Schengen Visa Fee for The Gambia to Standard €80

KEY TAKEAWAYS: EU has reduced the Schengen visa fee for Gambians to a standard €80.Since 2022, Gambians have been paying a €120 visa fee.The fee has been reduced to normal amid improved cooperation between The Gambia and the EU.   Reference Link :https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/eu-reduces-schengen-visa-fee-for-the-gambia-to-standard-e80/

Poland Closer to Eliminating Irregularities in Its Visa System

KEY TAKEAWAYSThe work of the Working Group on eliminating irregularities in the Polish visa system, is coming to an end.The Working Group was established by the Migration Team's decision.It consists of experts with knowledge and appropriate decision-making competencies.   Reference Link : https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/poland-closer-to-eliminating-irregularities-in-its-visa-system/

Bulgaria Applies New Visa Rules Since Becoming a Schengen Country: Here’s What You Need to Know

KEY TAKEAWAYS: Bulgaria is now applying new visa rules, as of March 31, when it joined the Schengen Area.Travellers holding short-term visas issued by Bulgaria before March 31, can still enter Bulgaria, Romania, and Cyprus, but not the rest of the Schengen Area countries.Third country nationals can now apply for a Bulgarian visa in 60 locations in nine different world countries.Reference Link: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/bulgaria-applies-new-visa-rules-since-becoming-a-schengen-country-heres-what-you-need-to-know/

Commission rolls out blueprint for European degree

The European Commission has presented a blueprint for a European degree, set to boost learning mobility within the EU and “cut red tape” for universities setting up joint degree programs at all levels.Published on March 27, the plan for the degree paves the way for a new type of joint program, delivered on a voluntary basis at national, regional or institutional level, and based on a common set of criteria agreed at European level.  Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/news/commission-rolls-out-blueprint-european-degree/

New Zealand sees 59,000 enrol in eight months

Revealing the data on March 20, minister for Tertiary Education and Skills, Penny Simmonds, said that the figures confirm that “international students continue to find New Zealand an attractive education destination. For the university sector with 27,535 students enrolled, where a proportion of learners may study for a number of years, there is a solid base of students from which to grow,” she said.Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/news/new-zealand-sees-59000-enrolments-in-eight-months/

Bulgaria Will Start Issuing 5-Year Multiple-Entry Schengen Visas to Kuwaitis From March 31

KEY TAKEAWAYSBulgaria confirms that it will start issuing five-year multiple-entry visas to Kuwaitis from March 31, 2024.Bulgarian Schengen visas will be issued to all those who meet the conditions, Ambassador of Bulgaria to Kuwait, Dimitar Dimitrov, said.Kuwaitis have been called to take care of their Schengen visa applications in advance.Reference Link : https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/bulgaria-will-start-issuing-5-year-multiple-entry-schengen-visas-to-kuwaitis-from-march-31/

French Airports Push EU for Entry/Exit System Launch Delay

KEY TAKEAWAYSExecutives of French airports have urged the EU to delay the launch of the EES.Due to the Paris Olympics, they said that airports will be unable to set up the system in time.Executives asked for the EES to be launched in the first quarter of 2025.Reference Link : https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/french-airports-push-eu-for-entry-exit-system-launch-delay/

This Is How Many Foreigners Will Be Able to Enter Norway, Slovakia & Germany for Work Purposes in 2024

KEY TAKEAWAYSNorway will issue 6,000 residence permits to foreign skilled workers in 2024.Slovakia, on the other hand, will issue around 7,000 national visas for different groups of foreign workers.Germany plans on issuing a maximum of 25,000 work permits to foreigners this year. A separate quota will apply to citizens of Western Balkan countries.Reference Link : https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/this-is-how-many-foreigners-will-be-able-to-enter-norway-slovakia-germany-for-work-purposes-in-2024/

New Petition Demands Increase in Work Permit Duration for Int'l Students in Canada

A new petition has been presented in the House of Commons of Canada, the elected assembly of the Parliament, asking for an extension of the validity period for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP).The petition e4454 calls on the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to extend the duration of the post graduate work permits for international students in 8-12 month study programs to two years. Similarly, it calls for an extension to five years for students in two-year programs, Erudera.com reports.https://erudera.com/news/new-petition-demands-increase-in-work-permit-duration-for-intl-students-in-canada/

Germany Facilitates Visa Rules for Working International Students

KEY TAKEAWAYSStudent visa holders are now allowed to work part-time jobs nine months ahead of the start of their academic courses.The same rules apply to apprenticeship applicants, while graduates from a German university will be allowed to change their field of work more easily.German university graduates will be eligible for permanent residency after gaining two years of work experience.Reference Reel: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/germany-facilitates-visa-rules-for-working-international-students/

EU Makes It Simpler for Foreign Workers to Obtain Combined Work & Residence Permits

KEY TAKEAWAYSEU will soon make it simpler for third-country nationals to obtain Single Permits.Single Permit applicants will receive their application decision within 90 days maximum.Single Permit holders will be able to change their employer, and those unemployed will have greeted protection.   Reference Link :  https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/eu-makes-it-simpler-for-foreign-workers-to-obtain-combined-work-residence-permits/
 

UAE Foreign Residents Who Need a Schengen Visa Warned of Scammers

KEY TAKEAWAYSVFS Global has warned of scammers all UAE foreign residents who need a Schengen visa to enter the EU.The company advised everyone to apply for a visa appointment on their own.Foreign UAE residents have also been advised to make an appointment in advance to avoid last-minute inconveniences.   Reference Link : https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/uae-foreign-residents-who-need-a-schengen-visa-warned-of-scammers/

Bulgaria to Grant Schengen Visas to Russians From April 1

KEY TAKEAWAYSBulgarian authorities have announced plans to issue Schengen visas to Russian citizens starting April 1, 2024.The processing time for visa applications will be consistent with other Schengen Zone countries, as confirmed by the TASS agency.Visa-related tasks will be handled by Bulgarian embassy employees in Moscow and the Consulate General in St. Petersburg.   Reference Link  :https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/bulgaria-to-grant-schengen-visas-to-russians-from-april-1/
 

European ‘Godfathers of wind’ jointly win the ‘Nobel prize’ of engineering

Danish Henrik Stiesdal and British Andrew Garrad have been working on improving wind power for some 50 years - and have split the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering for their roles.The winners of the “Nobel prize of engineering” have been announced - and they are two European pioneers of wind energy.Danish Henrik Stiesdal and British Andrew Garrad - often referred to as the ‘Godfathers of wind’ - share this year’s Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering, as a recognition of their critical contributions to the development of wind power.Reference Link: https://www.euronews.com/green/2024/02/07/european-godfathers-of-wind-jointly-win-the-nobel-prize-of-engineering

Aiming High: France’s Plan To Attract 500k Int’l Students To Be Gamechanger

France is ambitiously aiming to welcome over half a million international students by 2027, building on a strategy initiated in 2019. Recent data from Campus France shows a 2.6% increase in international student enrollment compared to 2021/22, marking a 17% rise over five years. This milestone would elevate France among the top host countries globally, bolstering its academic landscape and research vitality. To achieve this, France plans to streamline the application process, launch a global communication campaign, and prioritize countries like Morocco, Algeria, China, Italy, and Senegal. Initiatives such as health insurance coverage, consistent tuition fees, and programs like Erasmus+ demonstrate France's commitment to attracting and retaining international talent, solidifying its status as a global hub for higher education and innovation    Reference Link: https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/aiming-high-frances-plan-to-attract-500k-intl-students-to-be-gamechanger

EU’s Increased Visa Fees to Cost Algerians Over €36 Million

KEY TAKEAWAYS The Schengen visa application fees are set to increase from €80 to €90. This represents an increase of 12.5 percent in visa fees for Algerian nationals.If approved, the increase in visa fees will result in a significant financial burden for Algerian nationals, with their visa fee expenses estimated to reach €36.8 million.The proposed revision of visa fees is attributed to rising inflation in the EU; it was open for feedback by EU Citizens until March.   Reference Link : https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/eus-increased-visa-fees-to-cost-algerians-over-e36-million/

Russian Dual Citizens Defy EU Bans by Using Malta & Cyprus Golden Passports to Visit Switzerland

KEY TAKEAWAYSThe "Golden Passes" offered by Malta and Cyprus are believed to be a factor for Russians still being able to visit Switzerland despite stringent sanctions.The number of Russians visiting Switzerland plummeted in 2022 and 2023, while a boom in tourists from Malta and Cyprus was noticed.Russian visa application rates are expected to be at a record low in 2023.   Reference Link  :https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/russian-dual-citizens-defy-eu-bans-by-using-malta-cyprus-golden-passports-to-visit-switzerland/

Germany: 2nd Stage of New Skilled Worker Immigration Law Is Effective as of Today

KEY TAKEAWAYSThe second stage of the German Skilled Worker Immigration Law has come into force on March 1.Now, foreigners will be able to move to Germany for employment purposes under facilitated rules.Those with two years of experience, nurses, and students will be amongst the main beneficiaries.   Reference Link :https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/germany-2nd-stage-of-new-skilled-worker-immigration-law-is-effective-as-of-today/

Austria & US Introduce New Working Holiday Program for Young Professionals & Students

KEY TAKEAWAYSYoung Austrian and US citizens will have the opportunity to work and explore each other’s countries for up to 12 months.Beneficiaries of the working holiday program will not need an additional work permit.Apart from the US, Austria has signed working holiday programs with several countries worldwide.Reference Link: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/austria-us-introduce-new-working-holiday-program-for-young-professionals-students/

European universities remain committed to supporting Ukrainian higher education and research after two years of war

Ukrainian higher education institutions and their communities continue to be profoundly affected by the ongoing hostilities marked, on 24 February 2024, by the two-year anniversary of the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine.On this occasion, the European University Association expresses its continued solidarity with Ukraine and its university sector. To date, one invaluable avenue for direct exchange has been EUA’s growing membership in the country: 19 higher education institutions have joined the Association as individual members since February 2022, and the Union of Rectors of Higher Education Institutions of Ukraine has become a collective member.Reference Link:https://eua.eu/resources/news/1188-european-universities-remain-committed-to-supporting-ukrainian-higher-education-and-research-after-two-years-of-war.html

New French Embassy's scholarship propels Indian students towards excellence in management education

In an effort to provide new opportunities for Indian students, KEDGE Business School, in collaboration with the French Embassy, has introduced "co-financed scholarships.KEDGE Business School has established itself as a significant player in international business and management education. In a noteworthy development last October, the school introduced a co-financed scholarship initiative in collaboration with the Embassy of France in India.  This innovative programme seeks to motivate Indian students to pursue international management studies, providing support at both the Bachelor and Master degree levels.Under this scheme, selected students enjoy numerous benefits, including a 20% reduction in tuition fees for programmes like the International Bachelor of Business Administration or MSc/MiM offerings. Additionally, the French Embassy awards a BCS scholarship, providing government scholarship status, social security coverage, assistance in finding affordable accommodation, and waivers for visa and Campus France fees. Reference Link : https://student.kedge.edu/news-student/french-embassy-s-co-financed-scholarship?utm_source=sfmc&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter+UP_fev+2024&utm_term=https://student.kedge.edu/news-student/french-embassy-s-co-financed-scholarship&utm_id=320572&sfmc_id=39560416

These Are the Most Welcoming European Cities to Visit in 2024

KEY TAKEAWAYSEU destinations dominate three of the top five spots in Booking.com's Traveller Review Awards for 2024.The ranking for this year was made from reviews gathered from over 309 million customers.The world's most welcoming destinations for 2024 include European countries like Greece, Portugal, Switzerland, and France.   Reference Link: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/these-are-the-most-welcoming-european-cities-to-visit-in-2024/

Indians’ Interest in Applying for Schengen Visas Will Surge This Year, VFS Global Says

KEY TAKEAWAYSA higher number of Indians are expected to apply for Schengen visas this year, exceeding the pre-pandemic levels.VFS Global said that Schengen countries have hired additional staff, and some have increased the number of available slots.Indians are expected not to be subject to long processing times this year.   Reference Link: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/indians-interest-in-applying-for-schengen-visas-will-surge-this-year-vfs-global-says/

More International Students Apply to UK Universities, Chinese Applicants Lead

Universities and colleges in the United Kingdom have witnessed a 7 percent increase in international student applications for undergraduate programs this year, according to the latest figures from the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).UCAS data show the number of international students seeking admission to a UK university totaled 115,730 by the January deadline, Erudera.com reports.The highest increase was recorded in Chinese students (910 more students), followed by Turkey (37 percent, +710) and Canada (14 percent, +340 students).https://erudera.com/news/more-international-students-apply-to-uk-universities-chinese-applicants-lead/

EU Commissioner to Ask British Government to Ease Visa Procedures & Lower Visa Costs for Scientists

KEY TAKEAWAYSIliana Ivanova, the EU Commissioner, is set to ask the UK government to ease visa procedures and reduce visa costs for scientists in order to fully benefit from the Horizon programme.Visa issues and high costs may jeopardise the UK's participation in Horizon, a vital EU funding programme for research and innovation, with an allocated fund of €93 billion.Last year, the British government warned that the NHS surcharge for skilled visa holders to the country’s health system would increase - from €730 to €1,212, while a 15 per cent increase in costs for visas has also become effective this month.Reference Link:https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/eu-commissioner-to-ask-british-government-to-ease-visa-procedures-lower-visa-costs-for-scientists/

Over 651,000 People Became German Citizens Within 5 Years

KEY TAKEAWAYSA total of 651,495 people acquired German citizenship between 2018 and 2022, with the majority of those coming from Turkiye, Syria and the United Kingdom.Romanians, Poles, and Italians were among the top ten nationalities that became German citizens during this period, in addition to Iraqis, Iranians, Kosovans, and Ukrainians.Naturalisations increased by half in this five-year period, from 112,000 in 2018 to over 651,000.Reference Link:https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/over-651000-people-became-german-citizens-within-5-years/

Women Represent 41% of EU Science & Engineering Workforce, Eurostat Report Reveals

KEY TAKEAWAYSIn 2022, the EU recorded nearly 7.3 million women scientists and engineers.This group now accounts for 41 per cent of the total science and engineering workforce across the EU.Denmark, Lithuania, and Bulgaria top the list with the highest percentage of women in these roles.Reference Link: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/women-represent-41-of-eu-science-engineering-workforce-eurostat-report-reveals/

200,000 French students to benefit from the rollout of MIA, an AI-powered revision app

MIA, an AI-powered app to revise literature and mathematics, will be rolled out to the French lycée students in later this year.Students in French lycées will be able to use a new educational tool powered by artificial intelligence (AI) to help revise literature and mathematics.The app - called “Modules interactifs adaptatifs,” or MIA - was created by EvidenceB, a French EdTech start-up.Reference Link:https://www.euronews.com/next/2024/02/01/200000-french-students-to-benefit-from-the-rollout-of-mia-an-ai-powered-revision-app

Dutch Education Council Suggests Govt to Reconsider Plans to Reduce Int’l Student Numbers

The Education Council of the Netherlands said that the government should reconsider its plans to reduce the number of international students at Dutch universities.The council said the government needs to especially review the measures to reduce the use of English language at Dutch education institutions, Erudera News reports.Education Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf sought advice from the council on the proposal before the latter made these recommendations.Reference Link: https://erudera.com/news/dutch-education-council-suggests-govt-to-reconsider-plans-to-reduce-intl-student-numbers/

Thailand Continues to Push for Schengen Visa Exemption.

KEY TAKEAWAYSThailand wants to start Schengen visa exemption talks once it reaches an agreement with the neighboring countries.The agreement would enable EU tourists holding a visa from one of these countries to enter the others without the necessity of applying for a separate visa.Thai authorities say that it is important that the country’s citizens get to enter the Schengen Area visa-free. Reference Link: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/thailand-continues-to-push-for-schengen-visa-exemption/

Bulgaria Names Street ‘Nomad Place’ in Bid to Attract More Digital Nomads

KEY TAKEAWAYSA street in Semkovo, Bulgaria, has been officially named "Nomad Place" by the Ministry of Tourism and the municipality of Belia.The street is named after Coliving Semkovo, a place where digital nomads reside, located at "Nomad Place 1."The initiative reflects Bulgaria's commitment to innovative tourism strategies and embracing the growing trend of digital nomadism, as seen with the introduction of the Digital Nomad visa.   Reference Link :https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/bulgaria-names-street-nomad-place-in-bid-to-attract-more-digital-nomads/

International Graduate Elected mayor of UK City

Leeds is the UK’s fourth largest city and second largest civic authority serving a population of over 800,000 people. It is a major study destination with four universities and several colleges within the city limits.A graduate of the University of Leeds, Abigail Marshall-Katung came to the UK to study politics in the year 2000.   Reference Link :https://thepienews.com/news/international-graduate-elected-mayor-of-uk-city/

Estonia Attracts Surging Numbers of International Students

Estonia is witnessing a surge in international students from non-EU countries, drawing the attention of thousands, new figures have revealed.Following the Estonian Internal Security Service’s (ISS) statement that international students tend to discontinue education at Estonian universities quickly, data collected by ERR News, the English-language news outlet of Estonian Public Broadcasting, reveals a contrasting picture, showing the dropout rate is less than 10 percent.The number of international students in Estonia increased by 20 percent between 2020/21 and 2021/2022 academic years, Erudera.com reports.Reference Link:https://erudera.com/news/estonia-attracts-surging-numbers-of-international-students/

Germany to Need Additional 280,000 to 690,000 Nursing Professionals by 2049

KEY TAKEAWAYSGermany is expected to deal with sharp labour shortages in the next years.In the worst-case scenario, the country anticipated to need 690,000 nursing staff by 2049Germany is already making efforts to recruit foreign nursing staff.Due to the ageing population, Germany is expecting to see a substantial shortage of nursing staff, with projections indicating that the country will need 280,000 to 690,000 additional nurses by 2049.Reference Link:https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/germany-to-need-additional-280000-to-690000-nursing-professionals-by-2049/

Best Universities in Germany to Study Science, Technology, Engineering & Math for 2024

Germany holds an important position among leading countries in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. As a result, there is a significant demand for STEM skills in the country.Students wishing to study STEM programs at German universities have the chance to explore numerous programs that are available at more than 400 universities in Germany.Data from the German Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) indicate a total of 1,078,042 students enrolled in STEM courses at German education institutions during the 2022/23 academic year, of which 349,226 women, Erudera.com reports.Reference Link:https://erudera.com/news/best-universities-in-germany-to-study-science-technology-engineering-math-for-2024/

International Road Transport Union Calls on EU Commission to Tackle Disruptive Border Delays

KEY TAKEAWAYSBulgaria and Romania's efforts to combat irregular migration as they seek accession to the Schengen Zone have sparked concerns from the IRU.The organisation asserts that these measures disproportionately impact goods transport and trade.IRU called on the EC to support the free intra-EU transport of goods and efficient truck flows across internal and external EU borders.   Reference Link :https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/international-road-transport-union-calls-on-eu-commission-to-tackle-disruptive-border-delays/

Hungary to Restrict Visas for Foreign Temporary Workers

KEY TAKEAWAYSHungary will limit the number of visas issued to non-EU temporary workers.The Hungarian Ministry of Economy said that this year, the country will issue a maximum of 65,000 visas to foreign temporary workers.Hungary will also ban foreign workers from taking up jobs in certain sectors.The Hungarian Ministry of Economy has said that the country will restrict the number of work visas issued to foreign temporary workers.    Reference Link : https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/hungary-to-restrict-visas-for-foreign-temporary-workers/

German Parliament Approves Law That Makes It Easier to Gain German Citizenship

KEY TAKEAWAYSThe German parliament has approved the New Citizenship law, which will make it possible for more foreigners to become German citizens.Throughout the plenary, the CDU/CSU introduced a motion to halt the intended changes, which was rejected.The law will make it possible for Germans to have dual citizenship, amongst others.In a significant move to modernise nationality laws, the German Bundestag approved a draft law today, on January 19, that makes it easier for individuals to gain German citizenship. The draft, received the needed support with 382 votes in favour, 234 against, and only 23 abstentions   Reference Link :https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/german-parliament-approves-law-that-makes-it-easier-to-gain-german-citizenship/

More Than 36,000 European Youngsters Receive Free Rail Passes to Explore Europe

KEY TAKEAWAYS36,319 youngsters from Europe will be awarded free travel passes to discover Europe.The free travel passes are distributed through the DiscoverEU initiative.Youngsters from Spain submitted and received the highest number of passes.A total of 36,319 young Europeans of the age of 18 will receive a free travel pass that will permit them to explore Europe, learn about its history and cultural heritage, and connect with other youngsters from the continent.Reference Link:https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/more-than-36000-european-youngsters-receive-free-rail-passes-to-explore-europe/

UK sector gears up to protect post-study work Graduate visa

Advocates for the UK’s Graduate visa are gearing up efforts into protecting the post-study work right opportunity for international students ahead of a review into the scheme.The government announced a review into the two-year visa option for international graduates to “prevent abuse” and “protect the integrity and quality of the UK’s outstanding higher education sector” in early December.The Migration Advisory Committee is expected to continue the review of the route into ‘late 2024’, after first focusing on an Immigration Salary List review in the first quarter of the yearReference Link :https://thepienews.com/news/uk-sector-gears-up-to-protect-post-study-work-graduate-visa/

France implements stricter immigration measures for int’l students, workers

The French government has approved substantial changes to the country’s immigration laws, bringing in more stringent regulations affecting international students and foreign workers.Regarding student visas, applicants will now be required to submit a refundable deposit at the time of application, with the amount still unspecified. The deposit will be returned upon the expiration of the residence permit, its renewal, or the acquisition of another permit due to a change in circumstances. It may also be definitively withheld if the foreigner evades the execution of a removal decision, except in cases involving low-income individuals or those with exceptional academic achievements.Reference Link: https://msmreporter.com/france-implements-stricter-immigration-measures-for-intl-students-workers/

UK Implements Visa Rules for International Students' Dependents

International students in the United Kingdom will no longer be permitted to bring dependents while on their student visa, except for those enrolled in research postgraduate programs.New restrictions were announced in May 2023 by former British home secretary Suella Braverman and became effective on January 1, 2024, Erudera.com reports."The UK is a top destination for the brightest students to learn at some of the world's best universities. But we have seen an unprecedented rise in the number of student dependents being brought into the country with visas," Braverman said when introducing the measures.Reference Link:https://erudera.com/news/uk-implements-visa-rules-for-international-students-dependents/

Foreign Carers in Malta Will Soon Need to Obtain a Skills Card for Elderly Care

KEY TAKEAWAYSMalta will start requiring foreign carers to obtain a skills card to be able to take care of the elderly in the country.The skills card will ease the procedures for hiring foreign carers for the elderly.The introduction of the skills card for foreign carers will be made in March of this year.Foreign carers who are hired in Malta to take care of the elderly will soon be required to obtain a skills card in order to work in the sector. Reference Link:https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/foreign-carers-in-malta-will-soon-need-to-obtain-a-skills-card-for-elderly-care/

France Imposes Deposit Requirement for Non-EU Student Visa Candidates

KEY TAKEAWAYSFrench government introduces a deposit requirement for student visa applicants from non-EU countries.The measure aims to provide a financial layer for students, but it has received mixed reactions from those affected.The amount can be refunded, but it will be withheld if the applicant fails to comply with the departure conditions.France has introduced a deposit requirement for non-EU student visa applicants, which is supposed to cover expenses during their potential stay. Reference Link:https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/france-imposes-deposit-requirement-for-non-eu-student-visa-candidates/

Starting Today, Kosovars Can Travel Visa-Free to Schengen Zone

KEY TAKEAWAYSKosovars can travel visa-free to the EU's Schengen Zone, marking the conclusion of an eleven-year process.The first visa-free flight for Kosovars left today at 8:00 am.In April 2023, the EU adopted visa-free travel for Kosovo’s passport holders.Starting today, Kosovars will enjoy visa-free travel for short-term stays to EU’s Schengen Zone countries, marking the finalisation of an eleven-year-long process. Reference Link:https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/starting-today-kosovars-can-travel-visa-free-to-schengen-zone/

Postgraduate students in the UK report higher satisfaction levels than domestic peers

Non-EU overseas postgraduate students have indicated higher levels of satisfaction with their degrees compared to domestic students, as per the findings of Advance HE’s Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2023.The research, based on responses from nearly 84,000 postgraduate-taught students in 101 institutions across the UK, disclosed that course satisfaction levels among non-EU overseas students have consistently risen and now surpass those of UK students by a considerable margin.Reference Link:https://msmreporter.com/postgraduate-students-in-the-uk-report-higher-satisfaction-levels-than-domestic-peers/

Czech Universities Oppose Tough Rules in International Student Visa Program

Higher education institutions in the Czech Republic have strongly opposed the new tough rules introduced by the government in the Czech Republic’s student visa regime, a program that facilitates visa procedures for selected international students.Local media reports say that the Czech Council of Higher Education Institutions, citing a resolution passed in early December, says that restrictions on schools’ access to the program hinder universities’ efforts for internationalization in an unjust way.The reasons for exclusion were mentioned in a statement issued by the Ministry of Education and Culture in the Czech Republic earlier in December, Erudera.com reports.Reference Link:https://erudera.com/news/czech-universities-oppose-tough-rules-in-international-student-visa-program/

Portugal Offers Salary Bonuses for Graduates Remaining in the Country

Students earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree from higher education institutions in Portugal (public or private) and who stay to work in the country, from now on will receive salary bonuses, the Portuguese government has announced.The decision on this innovative program, first introduced by Prime Minister António Costa in September, was formally released on December 28, 2023, on the pages of Diário da República, the official gazette in Portugal.According to a press release issued by the government on December 28, 2023, under the new regulation, only bachelor’s or master’s degree holders who are residents of Portugal will be eligible for bonuses, Erudera.com reports.Reference Link:https://erudera.com/news/portugal-offers-salary-bonuses-for-graduates-remaining-in-the-country/

Foreigners Will Soon Be Able to Obtain a Single EU Work & Residence Permit

KEY TAKEAWAYSNon-EU workers will be able to obtain a single work and residence permit soon.A common set of rights will apply to non-EU workers once revised legislation is adopted.The revised legislation will establish streamlined application procedures to facilitate recruitment.   Reference Link:https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/foreigners-will-soon-be-able-to-obtain-a-single-eu-work-residence-permit/

VFS Global Will Continue to Provide Visa & Residence Permit Services for Norway in 52 Countries

KEY TAKEAWAYSVFS Global will continue to accept visa and residence permit applications on behalf of Norway in 52 countries.VFS Global has been offering services for Norway since 2014.Some countries where VFS Global will continue to offer services for Norway are Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US.   Reference Link: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/vfs-global-will-continue-to-provide-visa-residence-permit-services-for-norway-in-52-countries/

EU Reveals Name of New Digital Schengen Visa Application Platform – Says Transition Will Take Up to 7 Years

KEY TAKEAWAYSThe platform for applying for a digital Schengen visa will be called the EU Visa Application Platform (EU VAP).The transitioning period from traditional in-person application procedures, to online will last for several years.Member States will be able to choose to opt out from using the platform, and continue issuing visas in the traditional form.The European Commission has moved towards the implementation of the Schengen visa digitalisation, by publishing the amendments made to its regulations on Schengen visas and freedom of movement of third-country nationals within the border-free zone. Reference Link:https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/eu-reveals-name-of-new-digital-schengen-visa-application-platform-says-transition-will-take-up-to-7-years/

Concerns Mount Over UK Education as PISA Tests Reveal Alarming Decline

The recent findings from the Programme for International Student Assessment tests, gauging the educational proficiency of 15-year-olds across nations, have sparked significant apprehension over the state of education in the United Kingdom.The 2022 results underscore a noteworthy deterioration in core skills subjects within the UK, with mathematics and reading proficiency hitting their lowest points in over a decade. This decline starkly mirrors the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on learning outcomes and educational standards.Reference Link:

Irish Universities get €33.4m to Boost Knowledge Transfer System

The KT Boost programme will support offices in universities across Ireland to boost the sharing of information and ‘bring more Irish ingenuity to the world’.A four-year funding programme has been launched to improve the commercialisation of research projects and improve Ireland’s knowledge transfer sector.The €33.4m fund – called KT Boost – was announced today (7 December) by Enterprise Ireland and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney, TD. The programme is designed to help Irish universities and technological universities (TUs). Reference Link:

Munich Is the Best German City for International Students, New Ranking Reveals

Munich has secured the spot as the best German city for international students in 2024, with a score of 53.2, a new unique ranking has revealed.According to a study conducted by Studying-in-Germay.org, the capital of Bavaria, which has 20 universities and is home to a total of 55,291 international students, is the safest city in Germany.Other attributes such as the good quality of life and its healthcare system add to Munich’s allure and rank it as the best city in Germany for international students, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports. Reference Link:https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/munich-is-the-best-german-city-for-international-students-new-ranking-reveals/
 

Switzerland Adapts Laws for Digitalisation of Schengen Visa Application

*  KEY TAKEAWAYSSwitzerland has opened a consultation on the digitalisation of Schengen visa applications.The country said it will amend its laws to allow digital visa applications once the system becomes effective.The procedures for applying for a Schengen visa are planned to go completely online by 2028.The Swiss Federal Council has decided to initiate consultations on the digitalisation of Schengen visas. Reference Link:https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/switzerland-adapts-laws-for-digitalisation-of-schengen-visa-application/

Erasmus+ Program Supported Over 1.2 Million Students & Teachers in 2022

Erasmus+, the EU’s program for education, training, youth, and sport in Europe, enabled academic mobility of more than 1.2 million students, learners, professors, teachers, trainers, and youth over the past year, the 2022 edition of the Erasmus+ Annual Report has shown.Data presented by the EU Commission during the 6th European Education Summit also showed that Erasmus+ supported 26,000 projects throughout the year, benefiting over 73,000 organizations, Erudera.com reports. Reference Link:https://erudera.com/news/erasmus-program-supported-over-12-million-students-teachers-in-2022/

Munich Ranks Best City in Germany for International Students, Berlin 6th on List

Munich is currently the best city in Germany for international students, according to new research.The study conducted by Studying-in-Germany.org, the largest resource for international students seeking information about studying and living in Germany, found that Munich, home to nearly 55,300 international students, has been ranked the best student city in Germany with a total score of 53.2.Reference Link:https://erudera.com/news/munich-ranks-best-city-in-germany-for-international-students-berlin-6th-on-list/

France Introduces Discounted Summer Train Fares to “Help Locals & Tourists Save Money

Authorities in France have announced discounted summer train fares in order to help holidaymakers as well as locals to save money. The decision has been confirmed by France’s Minister of Transport Clément Beaune, SchengenVisanfo.com reports. According to a Euronews report, earlier this month, a total of 200,000 French train tickets were sold at the fixed price of €19. The same notes that until August 27, a large number of regional express train services in the coastal region of Hauts-de-France are €1. Reference Link:https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/france-introduces-discounted-summer-train-fares-to-help-locals-tourists-save-money/

Spain Wants to Hire More Foreign Drivers Amid Ongoing Labour Shortage

KEY TAKEAWAYSSpain is currently dealing with a significant worker shortage in the transport sector.To remedy the situation, some ministries have decided to work together on facilitating immigration rules for foreign workers.Around 20 per cent of transport companies are in need of professional truck drivers.Spain is currently facing labour shortages in the transport sector and is actively seeking additional foreign drivers to address this issue. Reference Link:https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/spain-wants-to-hire-more-foreign-drivers-amid-ongoing-labour-shortage/

Reduced Cost: Germany’s Student Deutschlandticket Drops to €29.4 Next Summer Semester

An agreement between the federal and state governments on a nationwide ticket for students in Germany, regardless of their origin, has paved the way for the latter to travel across the country at a lower price.About 2.9 million students in Germany, including international and local ones, will be able to access the Deutschlandticket, shortly known as D-Ticket, at a price of €29.40, starting from the next summer semester in 2024, commencing in April, Erudera.com reports. Reference Link:https://erudera.com/news/reduced-cost-germanys-student-deutschlandticket-drops-to-294-next-summer-semester/

Sweden Planning to Introduce ID Checks for Travellers to the Country

KEY TAKEAWAYSSweden wants to reintroduce ID checks for travellers to the country by bus, train, or ship.Such a measure is being considered to maintain order and security.The measure is expected to enter into force on March 1, 2024.In an effort to maintain order and security in the country, the Swedish government is considering a new law that would permit the reintroduction of identity checks during transportation by bus, train, or passenger ship to Sweden from another country. Reference Link:https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/sweden-planning-to-introduce-id-checks-for-travellers-to-the-country/

Austria to Release New More Secure Passport This December

KEY TAKEAWAYSStarting next month, Austrian citizens can apply for the new “contemporary and citizen oriented” passport.The new Austrian passport includes advanced identity protection and anti-forgery features.Citizens will not have to pay any additional fees to get a new Austrian passport.Austria will release the new generation of its passport next month, aiming to make it one of the most modern and safest passports in the world. Reference Link: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/austria-to-release-new-more-secure-passport-this-december/

Turkish students prefer Eastern Europe for affordable higher education

The universities in Eastern Europe have recently witnessed a rising demand from Turkish students seeking to receive university education abroad as these universities offer more affordable opportunities compared the ones in the U.S., the U.K. and Canada. According to the International Education Consultants Association, the most preferred destinations for Turkish students seeking university education in Europe are Poland, Hungary and Czechia. https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkish-students-prefer-eastern-europe-for-affordable-higher-education-185168Reference
Link:

German leader appeals to int’l graduates

Chancellor Olaf Scholz has said international graduates of Germany’s higher education system will help to “successfully” develop the country’s economy. Speaking at Gisma University of Applied Sciences in Potsdam, Scholz said it was “inspiring to see how many students from around the world come to Germany and wish to work here afterwards”.“We need these young and well-qualified men and women for the successful economic development of our country,” he said.The visit to the GUS-owned institution allowed the chancellor to discuss challenges international professionals face in Germany with students. Reference Link:https://thepienews.com/news/german-chancellor-appeals-to-international-grads/

Luxembourg to bring in school integration plan

A new initiative will be implemented this summer aiming to improve the integration process for international students as they join Luxembourg’s school system. The Service for Integration and Admission in School initiative will serve as a comprehensive resource for families arriving in Luxembourg to familiarise themselves with the local education system. Before relocating to the European country, parents will be able to contact the SIA for information about available schooling options and gather information about the students’ academic history. Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/news/luxembourgs-resource-to-easily-integrate-foreign-students-in-schools/

EU Council Gives Green Light to Online Schengen Visa Applications

Summary EU Council adopted new rules that allow people who plan to travel to the Schengen Area to apply online for a visa. Application will be made through a single EU visa application platform. Current visa sticker will be replaced with a cryptographically signed barcode. The Council of the European Union has given the green light to the digitalisation of the visa application procedure for those planning to travel to the Schengen Area. Reference Link:https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/eu-council-gives-green-light-to-online-schengen-visa-applications/

42% of EU’s Youth Attain Tertiary Education, Eurostat Reveals

In 2022, 42 per cent of the EU’s 25-34 age group achieved tertiary education, highlighting the EU’s commitment to higher learning, reported Eurostat. The Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics 2 (NUTS 2) statistics reveal that out of the available data, 72 regions, constituting 30 per cent of all EU regions, met or surpassed the European Union’s established policy target of 45 per cent in this area, >SchengenVisaInfo.com reports. At the very top of the list, the Lithuanian capital region had an impressive 73.6 percent of its young population with a tertiary level of education. Reference Link:https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/42-of-eus-youth-attain-tertiary-education-eurostat-reveals/

Romania Calls for Extraordinary Meeting for Schengen Enlargement in December

The Prime Minister of Romania, Marcel Ciolacu, told Bloomberg that he plans to ask the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union to schedule an extraordinary meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) Council in December this year in order to discuss Romania’s candidacy to the EU’s Schengen Zone. Romania’s PM said that his country could consider decoupling from Bulgaria in case negotiations do not lead to good results, in spite of the fact that such a process is technically difficult, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports. “It is very difficult for me to accept that Austria benefits from the European Sky Shield initiative, even though it is a neutral country, while we allocate 2.5 per cent of GDP to defence,” Marcel Ciolacu. Reference Link: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/romania-calls-for-extraordinary-meeting-for-schengen-enlargement-in-december/

New Train Line Between Lithuania’s & Latvia’s Capital Cities to Be Launched This December

The Lithuanian Railways Group’s company, LTG Link has recently announced that the inaugural journey for the Vilnius-Riga rail link is set to start on December 27 this year, with the warning that the dates may be modified. The company also revealed that the train service is set to make stops at key locations, including Vilnius, Kaišiadorys, Šiauliai, Joniškis, Jelgava, and Riga, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports. In this regard, the vice-minister of transport and communications, Loreta Maskaliovien?, expressed optimism about the decision, emphasising the potential for further enhancements. She also noted that the company’s intention is for the Vilnius–Riga route to be complemented in the future with a connection to Tallinn. Reference Link:https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/new-train-line-between-lithuanias-latvias-capital-cities-to-be-launched-this-december/

Portugal Allocates €70 Million for Higher Education Accommodation

The National Plan for Higher Education Accommodation in Portugal will receive an investment of €70 million, with the primary goal of reinforcing support for higher education institutions in response to the rising construction expenses experienced over the past year, Portugal’s government has revealed.According to the government, adjustments in the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) have made it possible to increase the budget for building and renovating student residences from the original amount of €447 million to a new total of €517.4 million, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.Reference Link:https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/portugal-allocates-e70-million-for-higher-education-accommodation/

Germany Adopts First Part of New Skilled Worker Law This Month

This month, the first new regulations that aim to make it easier for foreign-skilled workers to emigrate to Germany will enter into force.Taking into account the labour shortages that the country has been facing, the German government decided to reform the Skilled Immigration Act, which will become effective through different stages, with some changes entering into force this month and some others in 2024.As the German government explains, the reform will reduce the legal hurdles for skilled workers with professional qualifications and university graduates who are not citizens of the EU, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports. Reference Link:https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/germany-adopts-first-part-of-new-skilled-worker-law-this-month/

Demand for IT Specialists to Increase in Europe, Eurostat Representatives Say

IT specialists and occupations in this sector are expected to be in high demand in the upcoming years, as they already are, representatives from Eurostat, the EU Office for Statistics, said in the latest webinar for job skills.In a series of questions asked by participants, representatives, such as statistical officers for methodology and analysis, ICT statistics, as well as those that handle labour market and lifelong learning, pointed out that IT specialists are expected to be in demand in the 2030ies and 2040ies, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.Reference Link:https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/demand-for-it-specialists-to-increase-in-europe-eurostat-representatives-say/

New Danish Law Mandates 37-Hour Workweek for Social Support Beneficiaries

The Danish government recently approved a law requiring individuals receiving social support benefits to engage in internships and employment programmes for 37 hours weekly. In a statement issued on October 13, the European Commission said that this requirement applies to residents with less than nine years of residence in the country or those with less than 2.5 years of full-time employment in the past decade, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports. Reference Link: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/new-danish-law-mandates-37-hour-workweek-for-social-support-beneficiaries/

Germany Making It Easier for Skilled Foreign Workers to Move to the Country

The German authorities have said that they are moving on with the plan to facilitate some immigration measures so that foreign skilled workers can more easily move to the country for work purposes. Just recently, the German government announced that it is easing some of its rules, stressing that the earning limit for the Blue Card will be lowered. Moreover, the government noted that as part of its plan to make it easier for skilled workers to move to the country, the authorities are also introducing an opportunity card with a points system and are also facilitating the rules for those with professional experience and for those holding a degree, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports. Reference Link: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/germany-making-it-easier-for-skilled-foreign-workers-to-move-to-the-country/

All You Need to Know About EES & ETIAS Following New Confirmed Timeline

The European Union just recently endorsed a new timeline for the launch of the Entry/Exit System (EES) and European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), saying that the two systems won’t become operational this year. In line with the new timeline, the Council of the EU said that the EES will enter into force in the autumn of next year, and ETIAS will enter into operation in the spring of 2025, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports. The new roadmap for the delivery of the new IT architecture foresees that the Entry/Exit system will be ready to enter into operation in Autumn 2024 and that ETIAS will be ready to enter into operation in Spring 2025.- EU Council Reference Link: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/all-you-need-to-know-about-ees-etias-following-new-confirmed-timeline/

Finnish Government Wants to Impose Tuition Fees on Non-EU Students

The National Coalition Party (NCP), which is the party of the Finnish Prime Minister, Petteri Orpo, wants foreign students to cover the full cost of their education, as the local Finnish media reports. According to the same source, the Ministry of Education and Culture has arranged a working group that is preparing to establish the project for students from non-EU and non-EEA countries, to start paying the full cost of tuition fees for this category of students, as the government programme differs, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports. Reference Link:https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/finnish-government-wants-to-impose-tuition-fees-on-non-eu-students/&
nbsp;

A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WAS SIGNED BETWEEN EUROPEAN UNIVERSITY AND THE TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES WÜRZBURG-SCHWEINFURT UNIVERSITY

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between European University and the Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt University.The agreement aims at supporting joint research and educational projects and facilitating student as well as academic/administrative staff mobility.The Technical University of Applied Sciences is the largest HEI in relevant fields of study across the region of Bavaria.The University executes the project under the title of "Hochschule Dual", which grants students with an exceptional opportunity to implement theoretical knowledge into real-life circumstances through professional practice.It is noteworthy, that Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt University is a second partner institution in Germany for European University.Reference Link:https://eu.edu.ge/en/news/2222-memorandum-understanding-was-signed-between-european-university-and-technical-university&
nbsp;

36,000 Youngsters Born in 2005 Can Now Apply for Free Travel Passes to Discover Europe

A total of 36,000 young people born in 2005 can now apply for a free travel pass to discover Europe under the DiscoverEU ProgrammeThe Commission launched the DiscoverEU autumn call on October 4, and this application round will end on October 18, meaning that youngsters will have two weeks time to apply for free travel passes.In order to win a free travel pass for Europe, youngsters need to apply on the European Youth Portal, where they are required to answer five quiz questions and one tiebreaker question, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.Reference Link:https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/36000-youngsters-born-in-2005-can-now-apply-for-free-travel-passes-to-discover-europe/&
nbsp;

Non-EEA Nationals Residing in Ireland Advised to Renew Their Expiring Permits Before Holiday Period

The Irish authorities have advised all nationals of non-EEA countries who are legally residing in Ireland and whose residence permits will expire soon to submit a renewal application as soon as possible. Taking into consideration the approaching Christmas holiday period, the Department of Justice of Ireland has recommended that everyone checks their current permit and make sure that they will be able to travel with it outside the country. For those who won’t be able to travel during the Christmas holiday period with their current permit, the Minister said that they need to submit their renewal application by October 31, 2023, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports. Reference Link:https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/non-eea-nationals-residing-in-ireland-advised-to-renew-their-expiring-permits-before-holiday-period/

UK to Launch Electronic Travel Authorisation on October 25 in Trial With Qatar Nationals

The United Kingdom is set to launch a travel authorisation requirement – the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) – this month for visitors from Qatar. As the UK authorities have explained, ETA is set to launch on October 25 in a trial with nationals of Qatar who will officially need authorisation to travel to the UK from November 15, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports. ETA is a new requirement that will start applying soon to all those who do not need a visa to enter the UK, and by introducing such a requirement, the UK wants to strengthen its security and borders further. Reference Link:https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/uk-to-launch-electronic-travel-authorisation-on-october-25-in-trial-with-qatar-nationals/

Portugal Accelerates Recognition of Foreign Medical Degrees

Portugal has decided to speed up the recognition of medical degrees issued by foreign higher education institutions. Announcing the news, the Portuguese government said that all those who hold medical degrees issued by foreign institutions will have access to a “special recognition regime” aimed at hiring doctors for the country’s National Health Service, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports. The decision of Portugal to accelerate the recognition of foreign medical degrees comes amid the ongoing work shortage that the country is experiencing in the healthcare sector. Reference Link:https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/portugal-accelerates-recognition-of-foreign-medical-degrees/

IE University in Spain Europe’s most diverse – QS

European universities with the continent’s highest diversity of international students have been identified in the inaugural QS Europe University Rankings, with institutions in Spain, Poland and Switzerland taking the top three spots. IE University in Segovia, Spain, was ranked top in the international student diversity category, followed by Vistula University in Warsaw, Poland, and EPFL in Lausanne, Switzerland. Other universities with the highest ratios of student nationalities are Poland’s University of Economics and Human Sciences in Warsaw, Maastricht University in the Netherlands, Cyprus’s University of Nicosia and the University of Luxembourg. Reference Link:https://thepienews.com/news/ie-in-spain-europes-most-diverse-university-qs/

Netherlands: a third of international grads stay to work

Three in ten international students stay in the Netherlands to work after graduating, data from the Central Bureau of Statistics shows. Some 32% of international students who graduated in the 2018/2019 academic year were in employment in the Netherlands one year later, the data showed. Previously, only around 20% of international students did so. Lucette Roovers, director of global engagement at Breda University of Applied Sciences, told The PIE the “stay rate” of international students has been a focal point of the ongoing international student debate in the Netherlands. Reference Link:https://thepienews.com/news/netherlands-a-third-of-international-grads-stay-to-work/

Bulgaria’s Minister of Internal Affairs Aims for Schengen Entry with Romania in December

The Bulgarian Minister of Internal Affairs, Kalin Stoianov, expressed his hopes that Bulgaria and Romania will be admitted to the Schengen Zone in December this year, stressing that the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union will do anything needed for the finalisation of this process. According to Stoianov, a total of 160,000 illegal border crossing attempts have been prevented by authorities in Bulgaria since the beginning of this year, compared to 100,000 registered in the same period last year, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports. Illegal migration concerns were cited by Austria and the Netherlands as the main reason that led both countries to block the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the Schengen Area in December last year. However, recent figures show that Bulgaria has intensified efforts in this regard. Reference Link:https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/bulgarias-minister-of-internal-affairs-aims-for-schengen-entry-with-romania-in-december/

Germany Introduces Border Controls With Czechia & Poland

The German authorities announced on Wednesday that the country has decided to increase border controls along “smuggling routes” on the border with Czechia and Poland. As the Federal Ministry of Interior explains, the checks have been intensified with the aim of detecting and preventing smuggling activities, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports. Ordering border controls with Czechia and Poland, the German Minister of the Interior, Nancy Faeser, said that the controls are meant to put maximum pressure on smugglers and to protect people who are put at risk. Reference Link:https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/germany-introduces-border-controls-with-czechia-poland/&
nbsp;

Finland Starts Automatic Post-Issuance Monitoring of Student Residence Permits

The Finnish Immigration has announced that the automatic post-decision monitoring of student residence permits has started on September 28, and it aims to check that students are still eligible for the residence permit granted to them. In a press release, the Finnish Immigration Services pointed out that the validity of student residence permits that started on June 1, 2022, and that are granted for studies that lead to a degree, will have to be monitored post-decision, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports. The Finnish Immigration Services will track the studies status, when they started, have much they progressed, if the student’s right to study is still valid and other matters related to holders of student residence permits. Reference Link: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/finland-starts-automatic-post-issuance-monitoring-of-student-residence-permits/

Netherlands: International Students More Interested in Law & Human Sciences Programmes

Almost 123,000 international students were enrolled in Dutch universities and vocational training in the 2022/2023 academic year, representing 15 per cent of the total student population.According to Statistics Netherlands, over three-quarters of total international students, representing 93,410 scholars, were from Europe, especially Germany, while Asia was the second largest source of students with 21,130 for the academic year, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.Reference Link:https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/netherlands-international-students-more-interested-in-law-human-sciences-programmes/&
nbsp;

Ireland Introduces Application Form for Extension of Student Permission

The Irish authorities have announced that the country’s Domestic Residence and Permissions Division (DRP) has introduced an application form for the Extension of Student Conditions. According to the Department of Justice, all students who have been refused registration at their local immigration office and believe that they have exceptional circumstances in their case can apply to DRP for an extension of their student permission using the newly introduced application form, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports. Reference Link: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/ireland-introduces-application-form-for-extension-of-student-permission/

4 in 10 Students Completed at Least an Internship During Their Studies in Switzerland

Around 38 per cent of students in Switzerland said in 2022 that they had completed at least an internship since they started their university studies.According to the Swiss Federal Statistical Office, internships are widespread as a form of training at Swiss universities, but there are clear differences in the department and intention to complete one, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.Reference Link:https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/4-in-10-students-completed-at-least-an-internship-during-their-studies-in-switzerland/&
nbsp;  

Pass Rates for Final Exams in the Netherlands Rebound to Regular Levels Despite the Impact of COVID-19

Pass rates for final exams have returned to normal levels despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, as nearly 90 per cent of all exam students in secondary education attained their diploma in the last academic year.According to a press release by the national government, the percentage of students who passed in the first school year without exam measures has almost reached the pre-pandemic levels, as in a regular academic year, around 92 per cent of students pass, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.Reference Link:https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/pass-rates-for-final-exams-in-the-netherlands-rebound-to-regular-levels-despite-the-impact-of-covid-19/&
nbsp;

European Universities Urge Rapid Agreement as UK-EU Horizon Europe Deadline Approaches

As the deadline for the British government to agree with the European Union’s conditions about the UK’s association to Horizon Europe approaches, European universities have once again united in urging political leaders to reach an agreement as soon as possible.By the end of September, the British government needs to agree with the EU's terms regarding the UK’s inclusion in Horizon Europe, the EU’s key funding program for research and innovation, or it can choose to extend a domestic compensation plan, Erudera.com reports.Reference Link:https://erudera.com/news/european-universities-urge-rapid-agreement-as-uk-eu-horizon-europe-deadline-approaches/

Minister Says Exclusion of Hungarian Universities From Erasmus+ Is a Political Mistake

The Minister of Regional Development In Hungary, Tibor Navracsics, said that excluding Hungarian universities from the Erasmus+ program is irrational and a political mistake. He went on describing the decision as “ideological discrimination.”During the opening day of the fifth annual Semmelweis Summer University, Navracsics told reporters that the European Commission in an inexplicable manner, was barring Hungarian students from participating in the program.Nonetheless, according to local media reports, he expressed optimism that the Hungarian government and EU will solve the issue of Hungary’s inclusion in Erasmus+, adding that the program was the most effective “advertisement” for EU integration.Reference Link:https://erudera.com/news/minister-says-exclusion-of-hungarian-universities-from-erasmus-is-a-political-mistake/

European University Cyprus: Call For Applications For The Master's Degree In "Mental Health Nursing"

The Faculty of Applied Sciences of our University is accepting admission applications from prospective students for the Master's Degree in "Mental Health Nursing" for the Fall Term 2023 .The MSc Mental Health Nursing covers all the requirements for the registration of graduates in the Register of Mental Health Nurses,  properly preparing them for employment in the field of Mental Health Nursing and their further specialization in fields such as Addiction, Child Psychiatry, Acute Incident Management, Counseling and support of the vulnerable groups as well as in community Psychiatric Nursing services. Reference Link: https://euc.ac.cy/en/call-application-nursing-master-mental-health-aug23/

Technical University of Munich to Reintroduce Tuition Fees for Students From Non-EU Countries

The Technical University of Munich (TUM) has announced that it will reintroduce tuition fees for all students from non-European Union countries. Confirming the decision, the University President, Thomas Hofmann, said the tuition fees for non-EU students will start applying from the winter semester of the academic year 2024/2025, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports. As Hofmann revealed, the fees for non-EU students will range between € 2,000-3000 per semester for bachelor’s programmes. Reference Link: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/technical-university-of-munich-to-reintroduce-tuition-fees-for-students-from-non-eu-countries/

Closer ties for German U15 and Canadian unis

The German U15 group of research-intensive universities has signed a long-term agreement to support closer ties between researchers and universities at its Canadian counterpart, U15 Canada. During meetings on August 28-29, senior leaders from the 15 German institutions visited Canada’s University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia and the University of Ottawa in the first bilateral meeting of its kind between the two organisations. Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/news/germany-and-canada-unis-partner-on-research/

Finland Becomes the First World Country to Test Digital Travel Documents.

The Finnish Border Guard has announced that Finns will be the first in the world to test digital travel documents starting from today, August 28. According to the Border Guard, all Finns on Finnair’s flights who will be travelling to London, Manchester, and Edinburgh will be able to test the digital travel document. This means that they will have the chance to go through the controls faster without having to wait for a long period, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/finland-becomes-the-first-world-country-to-test-digital-travel-documents/

Enrolment support desk for international students a.y. 2023-2024

If you are an international student (EU or non-EU) holding a foreign study qualification eligible for enrolment in one of our degree programs for academic year 2023-24, and you are ready to proceed with the enrolment, follow the instructions available at theweb page Enrolment for international students.   Do you need help completing your enrolment? You can also book an in person appointment for our enrolment desk support for international students at Complesso Aldo Moro, underground floor, Via Verdi, Torino. Reference Link: https://en.unito.it/news/enrolment-support-desk-international-students-ay-2023-2024

Edisu call for scholarships, housing service and degree award - Deadline: 5 September

Last days to apply for scholarships and housing services for the 2023-24 academic year .    The Edisu Piemonte notice expires on 5 September at 12pm . After this date it is not possible to submit requests for the services of the body for the right to study in Piedmont.   All students with university ISEE up to €26,306.25 can apply on the Edisu Piemonte website .   Participation is also open to those who are not yet enrolled in Piedmontese universities , subsequently indicating the chosen course of study. Reference Link: https://www.unito.it/avvisi/bando-edisu-borse-di-studio-servizio-abitativo-e-premio-di-laurea-scadenza-5-settembre

Netherlands Marks Almost 18k Student Residence Permit Applications in First 7 Months of 2023

A total of 17,870 applications for residence to study in the Netherlands have been received by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) up to this point. Of the total, nearly 14,000 have been granted with a positive response up to this point.The recent figures show that the number of foreign students from outside the European Union applying for a residency permit to study in the Netherlands continues to increase notably, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.The data for residence permits only involve foreign students from outside the EU countries, Liechtenstein as well as Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland, as their residents are not required to hold a residency permit in order to study in the Netherlands. However, they are required to hold a valid passport or travel document.https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/netherlands-marks-almost-18k-student-residence-permit-applications-in-first-7-months-of-2023/

Central European University Expands Scholarships for Erasmus Mundus Master’s in Public Policy Program with Support from EU

CEU’s Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Program in Public Policy (Mundus MAPP) has been awarded renewed external funding to support the continuation and expansion of the two-year transnational joint master’s degree program for another five years. The grant of 5,472,000 euros, awarded by the European Union (EACEA) under the Erasmus+ framework, will enable the training of 160 students from across the world and the hosting of 16 fellows. It will also provide financial support in the form of scholarships for more than 90 students and contribute toward the instruction and administrative costs of program delivery and implementation.“This funding will substantively support our intellectually inspiring and academically robust program, allowing CEU to continue its mission of providing equal opportunities and an enabling and empowering learning experience to new generations of students worldwide, including those from the global South and less privileged backgrounds,” said Martin Kahanec, Professor and Head of CEU’s Department of Public Policy. “The renewed support of the European Union further testifies to the excellence and relevance of Mundus MAPP.” https://www.ceu.edu/article/2023-08-08/ceu-expands-scholarships-erasmus-mundus-masters-public-policy-program-support-eu

UCAS Chief: UK Must Offer Welcoming Environment to Int’l Students or Lose Them to Australia, Canada & US

The United Kingdom should make international students feel welcome; otherwise, they will choose to study in other countries, the head of the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) has said.UCAS Chief Executive Clare Marchant highlighted the rise in the number of international students at UK universities and said that they should be offered a welcoming environment given that the country is competing in a global market, Erudera.com reports.She made these comments at a webinar hosted by the Higher Education Policy Institute think tank, where she also said Australia, Canada, and the United States are rivals to the UK in attracting international students.Reference Link: https://erudera.com/news/ucas-chief-uk-must-offer-welcoming-environment-to-intl-students-or-lose-them-to-australia-canada-us/#:
~:text=Canada & US — Erudera-,UCAS Chief: UK Must Offer Welcoming Environment to Int'l,Them to Australia, Canada & US&text=The United Kingdom should make,Service (UCAS) has said.

159 Erasmus+ Projects Selected for Global Higher Education Modernisation

The European Commission has chosen 159 initiatives to receive funding through the Erasmus+ Capacity Building for Higher Education program, which is dedicated to enhancing the quality of higher education and promoting its modernisation across third countries.In a recent statement, the EU Commission said that in the current selection of projects, over 2,500 individuals involved in higher education across nearly 130 EU countries will collaborate, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.According to the same authority, the allocated budget for this year, amounting to €115.3 million, will also be used to support several initiatives.Reference Link: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/159-erasmus-projects-selected-for-global-higher-education-modernisation/

SCHOLARSHIP: New Law scholarship by UK will make legal qualification open to all

The candidate will receive a grant of up to £1,558 (?164 lakh) depending on their chosen course, The scholarship is open to international students in any location, including anyone residing in India. This offers an opportunity for Indian learners to study from home and can qualify whilst in India to practice law in the UK.The new scholarship will be available for learners wanting to study the CILEX, CLC and NALP courses along with the Notarial Academic Training Course. Anyone wanting to qualify as a solicitor by studying the SQE1 or SQE2 can apply for the existing Access To Law SQE Scholarship, which has already been awarded to 97 applicants – worth nearly £100,000 in value with no applicants having yet been refused.Reference Link:  https://www.educationtimes.com/article/newsroom/99733287/scholarship-new-law-scholarship-by-uk-will-make-legal-qualification-open-to-all

Employment of Newly Graduates in the EU Reached Record High in 2022

About 82 per cent of recent graduates in the EU were employed in 2022, raising the share of employment rate among this category by seven percentage points in the eight-year period, with only the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily slowing down the trend.According to Eurostat, the European Office for Statistics, the employment rate in 2022 broke records, reaching 82 per cent – up by one per cent from 2018 records, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.“In 2022, 82 per cent of recent graduates (ISCED 2011 levels 3-8) aged 20-34 in the EU were employed. From 2014 to 2022, the employment rate for this group rose by seven percentage points (pp),” the agency states.Reference Link: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/employment-of-newly-graduates-in-the-eu-reached-record-high-in-2022/

German Embassy in India Reduces Schengen Visa Processing Time to 8 Weeks

Citizens of India applying for a German Schengen visa will now receive the document faster as the processing time has been reduced. According to the Times of India, the deputy head of mission at the German Embassy in India, Georg Enzweiler, said that the processing time had been reduced to eight weeks. “We have increased our staff substantially in Mumbai and I think the waiting time has substantially gone down. We are at roughly eight weeks now. We hope to get better with regard to that because of course it is what we want,” Enzweiler said at a press conference. Reference Link: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/german-embassy-in-india-reduces-schengen-visa-processing-time-to-8-weeks/

Turkey hosting 300,000 int’l students

More than 300,000 international students enrolled in Turkish universities in the 2022/23 academic year, reaching a target set by the Turkey Foreign Economic Relations Board (DE?K) last year. A total of 301,694 non-Turkish students enrolled at institutions across the country in the last year, figures from the country’s Council of Higher Education (YÖK) show. DE?K Education Economy Business Council president ?rfan Gündüz said last year that Turkey was aiming to increase the number of international students it hosted to 300,000 by 2023. Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/news/turkey-hosting-300000-international-students-in-202223/

Greece gears up for international education boom

Greece is gearing up for an international education boom, with its universities focused on an internationalization drive and the inception of new Study in Greece initiatives, according to a key stakeholder. Christos Michalakelis, the project manager and president of Study in Greece – whose members now consist of all 24 public universities in Greece – spoke with The PIE News about what’s coming next for Greece’s international education sector. Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/news/greece-gears-intled-boom/

UK told to “prep” East Asia students for skills gaps

Higher education institutions in the UK hosting students from China, Malaysia and East Asian countries should be helping them prepare for industry skills gaps back home, a new report has suggested. The British Council’s Preparing students for the jobs of the future in East Asia report examines how the region’s industry skills gaps are developing, and how UK universities can help “guide” their students to subjects where their home countries will eventually need their expertise. Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/news/uk-heis-told-to-prep-east-asian-students-for-skills-gaps/

Project “Control Gest” developed by students of the Universitat de València wins the interuniversity competition Aula Emprende Triple Impacto

The principal of the Universitat de València received the members of the team and the tutor teaching staff to congratulate them and to find out a little more about this project that uses artificial intelligence to prevent the most prevalent maternal pathologies in pregnancy. The team made up of Mariola Hernández, Blanca Carreras and Aránzazu Carbonell, students at the Universitat de València who have developed the "Control Gest" project, have won the Aula Emprende Triple Impacto interuniversity competition, an intensive training programme in innovation sponsored by the Valencian Department of Sustainable Economy, Productive Sectors, Trade and Employment. The public presentation and selection of the winning projects took place on 14 June. During the final of this competition, the 10 projects competing for the three prizes, a first prize of €3,000, a second prize of €2,000 and a third prize of €1,000, were publicly exhibited. The projects that participated in the final phase belong to the five public universities of the Valencian Community: 2 projects from the University of Alicante, 1 project from the Universitat Politècnica de València, 2 projects from the Jaume I University, 2 projects from the Miguel Hernández University of Elche and 3 projects of the Universitat de València. Reference Link:https://www.uv.es/uvweb/uv-news/en/news/project-control-gest-developed-students-universitat-de-valencia-wins-interuniversity-competition-aula-emprende-triple-impacto-1285973304159/Novetat.html?id=1286328856556&plantilla=UV_Noticies/Page/TPGDetaillNews

France aiming to welcome 30,000 Indian students by 2030

The latest Franco-Indian roadmap will see a new target of 30,000 Indian students in France by 2030, as well as a five-year short-stay Schengen visa for Indian master’s graduates who have spent a semester in France. To mark the 25th anniversary of the 1998 Franco-Indian partnership, the two countries have adopted the new roadmap to set the course of a bilateral relation until 2047, which will ultimately coincide with the 100th anniversary of Indian independence. Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/news/france-30k-indian-students-2030/

Finland Will Not Accept Visa & Residence Permit Applications in Russia From Aug.1

The Finnish authorities have announced that the country will no longer accept visa and residence permit applications at the VFS centre in Saint Petersburg from August 1, 2023. “Visa and residence permit applications to Finland will not be accepted at the visa centre VFS (Visa Facilitation Services Global) office in St. Petersburg from August 1, 2023,” the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland reads. Reference Link: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/finland-will-not-accept-visa-residence-permit-applications-in-russia-from-aug-1/

Northern Ireland students to access Erasmus+

The government of Ireland has committed €2 million to allow students in Northern Ireland to access the Erasmus+ exchange program, despite the UK pulling out of the program when it left the European Union in 2020. While students in Scotland, Wales and English have lost access to the flagship European exchange program, leaders in Ireland made a commitment to fund Erasmus+ grants for Northern Irish students after Brexit in 2020. The UK launched a global outbound mobility program, Turing, Wales initiated the Taith program supporting both inbound and outbound mobility and Scotland is yet to launch its Scottish Education Exchange Programme. Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/news/northern-ireland-students-to-access-erasmus-program/

TOEFL review pauses use for Australian visas

The TOEFL iBT test will be unavailable for Australian visa purposes as ETS rolls out an “enhanced” test and waits for Australian authorities to review the new exam, the testing provider has confirmed to The PIE. According to the Department of Home Affairs, the TOEFL iBT will no longer be offering English language tests for Australian visa purposes from July 26. The enhanced version of the test, launched on July 25, is being reviewed by DHA and the test is not being accepted for visas during the evaluation. Reference Link:https://thepienews.com/news/review-sees-toefl-acceptance-for-aus-visas-paused/

Report: TNE benefits “need more detail”

TNE collaboration in Europe needs reform so universities can better understand and utilise its benefits, according to the author of a new report from the Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities.The Transnational education and mobility in higher education: looking back – looking forward paper examines European universities’ approaches to transnational collaboration, as well as innovation and policy implications.“The sector’s current support and participation in international education activities shows the buy-in,” said Jo Magouri, professor in sociolinguistics and the university-level academic director for education and internationalisation at the University of Warwick.   Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/news/tne-collaboration-europe/

Sector welcomes new US STEM OPT guidance

A list of eight new majors will now be eligible for a program allowing international students to work in the US for three years post-graduation, replacing the prior one-year limit, in a new US government announcement. The departments of immigration and customs enforcement and homeland security indicate that “the list is used to determine whether a degree obtained by certain F-1 non-immigrant students following the completion of a program of study qualifies as a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) degree as determined by DHS, as required for the F-1 student to be eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT).”   Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/news/sector-welcomes-new-us-stem-opt-guidance/

5-Year Work Visa For Indian Students Pursuing Masters In France: PM Modi

The Prime Minister, who arrived in Paris on Thursday on a two-day official visit, was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the airport. He was welcomed by French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne at the airport. Paris: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that Indian students who are pursuing a master's degree in France will now be given a five-year long-term post-study visa.Earlier, Indian students were given two-year work visa.PM Modi made the announcement during his address to the Indian community at LA Seine Musicale in Paris. He also received a gala welcome from the people gathered there. "The last time I came to France, it was decided that Indian students studying in France would be given a 2-year post-study work visa. Now, it has been decided that Indian students pursuing Masters in France will be given long-term post-study visa of 5 years," said PM Modi in his address.   Reference Link: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pm-modi-in-france-5-year-post-study-visa-for-students-pursuing-masters-in-france-4205751

TUM Center for Educational Technologies opened

The Technical University of Munich (TUM) strengthens research, further education and spin-offs in educational technologies. In the new TUM Center for Educational Technologies, interdisciplinary research teams will investigate the effectiveness of digital tools for learning and teaching and develop new applications. The center will put this into practice through further training and by supporting start-ups. Reference Link: https://www.tum.de/aktuelles/alle-meldungen/pressemitteilungen/details/neues-zentrum-fuer-digitale-bildungstechnologien

Melbourne to support international student talent under new global strategy

Melbourne plans to improve international student employment opportunities as part of a long-term strategy to enhance the city’s global standing.  Australia’s second-most populous city has released its new framework for international engagement, which sets out seven priority areas for global relationships and recognises the role that the international education sector plays in Melbourne’s economic development.  Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/news/melbourne-international-student-global/

€402.2m for Euro-Universities alliances in 2023

The European Commission has revealed seven additional alliances are joining the European Universities network, bringing the total number to 50, each helping to “pave the way” towards a joint European degree. The additions mean that the network is now comprised of more than 430 higher education institutions in 35 countries, including all EU member states and Iceland, Norway, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Turkey. According to the European Commission, the aim of the network is to develop a common long-term structural, sustainable and systemic cooperation on education, research and innovation.   Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/news/european-universities-network-reaches-50-alliances/

UK Students Regain Access to Spanish Universities Like in Pre-Brexit Times

Spain and the United Kingdom have signed an agreement that will enable students from both countries to have access to respective universities, making the higher education institutions more accessible for young people from these two countries.The agreement was signed between the Spanish Minister for Education and Vocational Training, Pilar Alegria and the UK Ambassador to Spain, Hugh Elliot, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.“Today, I had the honour of signing the agreement on the recognition of school qualifications with Pilar Alegria, which will facilitate access to university for our respective students. I look forward to finalising the signature next week with Joan Subsirat,” the Ambassador wrote in a statement.Reference URL:https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/uk-students-regain-access-to-spanish-universities-like-in-pre-brexit-times/#google_vignette

Germany Welcomes International Students with Free Blocked Accounts and Services

Expatrio, a blocked account provider in Germany, is offering international students heading to the country the chance to open a blocked account at no cost, saving up to €109.A blocked account or Sperrkonto is a type of bank account into which a visa applicant should deposit a fixed amount of money to provide evidence they have sufficient means to support themselves during their stay in Germany, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.A recent report by Studying-in-Germany.org says that along with the blocked account, Expatrio is offering international students planning to study at German universities free Incoming Insurance and other services so they can secure their student visas.The same notes that the offer is valid until the end of July, meaning those planning to move to Germany for studies should be quick and benefit from the special deal known as Value Package. Reference Link:https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/germany-welcomes-international-students-with-free-blocked-accounts-and-services/

Bulgaria Starts Talks With EU Commission to Adopt Euro as Parallel Currency

The government of Bulgaria is looking forward to introducing the euro as a parallel payment currency to the lev in early 2024. The decision has been confirmed by the Finance Minister Asen Vasilev, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports. Authorities in this Balkan country are holding talks with the European Central Bank as well as the European Commission in order to permit people to trade in euros, an option that at present is available only to companies, according to the Finance Minister. Vasliev also stressed that the changes may also permit companies to pay salaries in euro. Reference:https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/bulgaria-starts-talks-with-eu-commission-to-adopt-euro-as-parallel-currency/&
nbsp;

Portugal Modernising Its Visa Application Platform to Avoid Limited Number of Appointment Slots

The Portuguese authorities have announced that the country is updating its online visa application platform in an attempt to avoid a limited number of applications and long waiting times for a spot. Announcing the news and informing the Parliament of the changes, the Secretary of State of Portuguese Communities, Paulo Cafôfo, said that changes are necessary to make it easier for all those who intend to reach the country for all kinds of reasons, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports. According to Portugal News, Cafôfo brought to the attention the claiming of available sports by intermediaries, calling this an illegitimate action and also identifying the reselling of spots as a major problem. Reference:https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/portugal-modernising-its-visa-application-platform-to-avoid-limited-number-of-appointment-slots/

CEG to open pathway centre in Maynooth, Ireland

Cambridge Education Group has announced ONCAMPUS Ireland will open at UniHaven College in Maynooth later this year. The new teaching centre will begin operating two-semester foundation programs from October 2023. It has been created in partnership with the Irish medical education pathway provider Castel Education that CEG and its parent company Bridgepoint acquired in 2021. Along with its portfolio across the UK, Europe and the US, CEG is “pleased to give international students the opportunity to study in a country with such a renowned reputation for its standard of education”, Brendan Webb, CEO, Commercial said on the announcement of the location in Ireland. Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/news/cambridge-education-group-ireland/

Norway confirms end of free non-EU tuition to dismay of student groups

Norway rsquo;s student organisation leader has called the parliament’s overwhelming vote to introduce tuition fees for non-EU students a “betrayal”. After months of debate and opposition from many universities in the country, the Labour Party-run government will introduce fees for non-EU students. Some 97 votes were cast by the Storting regarding the “personal payment for citizens from outside the EEA and Switzerland”. An overwhelming 86 were for the introduction, and just 11 were against. “The free principle is hereby buried. It is a sad day for students and for equal opportunities,” said the National Union of Students in Norway leader Maika Marie Godal Dam. Reference Link:https://thepienews.com/news/norway-non-eu-tuition-fees/

Quebec: French exit exam added to some programs

A last minute addition to Quebec’s Bill 96 will require international students in some continuing education CEGEP programs to take a French exit exam – a move some stakeholders are concerned will deter incoming mobility.The change applies to Attestation of College Studies, or AEC, programs – short, technical training qualifications issued in Quebec by CEGEPs and some private colleges, and are designed with current job-market realities in mind.The Official Gazette entry states that the requirements for French proficiency correspond to level seven in oral expression and comprehension and level four in written expression and comprehension.Reference Link:https://thepienews.com/news/quebec-intl-aec-students-must-take-french-exit-exam/

Berkeley and Sweden’s KTH sign tech deal

University of California, Berkeley and Sweden’s KTH Royal Institute of Technology will expand educational and research exchanges in technology under a new agreement.The five-year agreement focuses on computer science, biotechnology, chemistry, mechanical engineering and basic scientific exploration partnership. It was announced the same week as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Swedish prime minister Ulf Kristersson on a trip to Scandinavia.Reference Link :https://thepienews.com/news/berkeley-and-swedens-kth-sign-tech-partnership/&
nbsp;

Welsh and Canada universities sign new partnership

Universities in Wales and Canada have reached a new agreement to strengthen educational cooperation between the two countries.Institutions have committed to developing long-term relationships and promoting collaboration between the nations under a new Memorandum of Understanding signed by Universities Wales and Universities Canada on May 30.Reference Link :https://thepienews.com/news/welsh-canadian-universities-partnership/&
nbsp;

Australia consulting on upcoming changes in overseas student reform

Australia’s government is looking to enact wide-ranging changes this academic year to put a stop to unscrupulous agent behaviour and non-genuine students switching courses aided by onshore agents, according to an Education department representative.It is also considering amendments to written agreements between students and institutions and the ESOS National Code, which is likely to see changes as a result of the upcoming migration review.Reference Link:https://thepienews.com/news/australia-consulting-on-esos-reform/&
nbsp;

New project to boost quality, relevance of graduate students

A new European Union-funded project meant to enhance the quality and relevance of the training of graduate students and young researchers in Africa has the potential to help ease the shortage of academic staff and researchers at universities.The Internationalisation and Digitalisation of Graduate Training and Research for the Attainment of African Regional and Global Development Goals (DigiGrad) Africa project also has the potential to alleviate the problem of an ageing faculty by injecting into universities young, well-exposed and digital-savvy researchers.   Reference Link:https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20230522114738463 

Canada: IRCC expands range of accepted SDS English tests

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has expanded the range of accepted English language tests for the Student Direct Stream, causing the shares of previous monopolisers IDP to plummet.Previously, the Canadian government only accepted IDP Education’s IELTS but the move means Prometric’s CELPIP General and CAEL, along with Pearson PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT Test will also be accepted.Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/news/ircc-expands-range-of-sds-english-tests/

Most foreign students to be banned from bringing families to UK in immigration crackdown

The new restrictions are set to apply to overseas students beginning courses after January 2024 New immigration rules that will ban most foreign students from bringing their families to the UK were announced on Tuesday.The Government said the number of visas issued to dependents coming to Britain with international students had increased eight-fold - up from up from 16,000 in 2019 to 136,000 last year.   Reference Link:https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/new-immigration-rules-international-students-families-b1083087.html&
nbsp;

ICEF and AIRC renew strategic partnership

The American International Recruitment Council and ICEF have announced a renewed strategic partnership with closer cooperation in programming, events and credentialing.“ICEF and AIRC share a determination to improve professional standards in international student recruitment,” said Markus Badde, CEO, ICEF.“We firmly believe that self-regulation is preferable to misaligned or ill-informed government initiatives, and as such, we have doubled down on investments in training and accreditation for the overall benefit of our sector.”Through the partnership, AIRC, the non-profit organisation promoting standards-based international recruitment strategies, will provisionally accept all ICEF-screened agencies to its certification program.Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/news/icef-and-airc-renew-strategic-partnership/

Strengthen Dutch learning in our universities”, minister insists

Dutch will gradually become the main language in educational institutions in the Netherlands – and international students will have to learn too, the education minister has suggested.In a new letter Robbert Dijkgraaf sent to the prime minister of the country, he said that as part of a “long term and targeted approach” to internationalisation, Dutch should be “strengthened” at universities.“Our system is distinguished by an exceptionally wide range of foreign-language study programs… I also want to focus on promoting Dutch in a completely foreign-language study program,” the minister wrote.Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/news/strengthen-dutch-learning-universities-minister-insists/

UK ELT sector calls for government action to ease post-Brexit impacts

Short on time? Here are the highlights: The sector’s peak body, English UK, is calling for a package of government reforms designed to restore the country’s competitiveness and its position as the leading ELT destination worldwide Perhaps most notable is the proposal for an expansion of the current Youth Mobility Scheme, and for an easing of visa requirements for younger travellers A new position paper from peak body English UK reports that the country’s ELT sector was down 89% from pre-pandemic levels in 2021. Student numbers improved in 2022 but are still expected to come in around 60% of pre-COVID volumes. Reference Link:https://monitor.icef.com/2023/04/uk-elt-sector-calls-for-government-action-to-ease-post-brexit-impacts/&
nbsp;

Germany: 25,000 Indian student visa applications

The German embassy in India has some 25,000 student visa applications for the next two semesters, the country’s ambassador to India has detailed.Germany has seen its Indian student numbers “explode” over recent years, ambassador Philipp Ackerman said during a panel at the Acumen Global Gateway Summit on April 20.“[Germany is] the new kid on the block because this number has exploded over the last couple of years and we have now 35,000 Indian students in Germany,” he said.Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/news/germany-has-25000-student-visa-applications-in-india/

Germany: 25,000 Indian student visa applications.

The German embassy in India has some 25,000 student visa applications for the next two semesters, the country’s ambassador to India has detailed.Germany has seen its Indian student numbers explode over recent years, ambassador Philipp Ackerman said during a panel at the Acumen Global Gateway Summit on April 20. the new kid on the block because this number has exploded over the last couple of years and we have now 35,000 Indian students in Germany,” he said.Reference Link:https://thepienews.com/news/germany-has-25000-student-visa-applications-in-india/

Germany EU Blue Card Changes Explained

Germany has introduced several new changes to its Blue Card, which is a European Union-wide residence permit designed particularly to attract highly qualified workers from third countries, in fields where there’s a shortage of labour in the EU countries.The German government has approved last week several changes to its immigration policies, in a bid to attract more foreign workers, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.The changes include a new job-seeker residence permit with a validity of three years, and the removal of several bureaucratic procedures, including here creating new facilitations for obtaining an EU Blue Card in Germany.Reference Link: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/germany-eu-blue-card-changes-explained/

University Students in Hungary Can Now Apply for Erasmus Scholarships for Autumn Semester

University students in Hungary will be eligible to apply for Erasmus scholarships for the autumn semester in just the same way as before, the country’s Minister of Regional Development, Tibor Navracsics, has confirmed.Navracsics’ comments came following a meeting held with the European Union Commissioners Elisa Ferreira and Johannes Hahn, as well as Mariya Gabriel, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.In addition, the Minister emphasized the fact that he urged the European Commission to address a letter to the non-profit organization with the task of coordinating international mobility applications, Tempus Public Foundation, reassuring university students as well as EU countries authorities that the participation in this program would go ahead.Reference Reel: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/university-students-in-hungary-can-now-apply-for-erasmus-scholarships-for-autumn-semester/

Danish universities emerge as top Horizon grant recipients

Three Danish universities – up from only one in 2018 – feature among the top 10 recipients of funding from Europe’s flagship innovation programme Horizon Europe following the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union – with the three institutions netting a total of €212 million (US$232 million) in grants between them.While the top-performing university in Horizon Europe was the Technical University of Delft in the Netherlands with €93.6 million received, followed by KU Leuven in Belgium with €91.8 million, Danish universities have taken spots three, four and six on the list, according to the Danish Ministry of Education and Research figures up to the end of February 2023.The Danish universities include the Denmark Technical University (€87.2 million), Aarhus University (€66.7 million) and the University of Copenhagen (€58.3 million).In total, 479 researchers at Danish universities participated in the contracts: 135 researchers from DTU, 131 from the University of Copenhagen and 113 from Aarhus University.Reference Link: https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20230405142639382

Canada extends post-graduate work permits by 18 months

Canada will allow international graduates with recently expired or close-to-expiring work permits to stay in the country for an additional 18 months, the government announced today.Starting April 6, current post-graduate work permit holders will be able to opt into extending their visas. Additionally, foreign nationals whose PGWP expired in 2023 and those who already extended or were eligible to extend their visas under a similar policy announced in 2022 will be able to apply for an extension.Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/news/canada-extends-post-graduate-work-permits/

Number of First-Semester Foreign Students in Germany Increased By 10% in 2022 Academic Year

Germany’s institutions of higher education registered a total of 474,900 new entrants in the academic year of 2022, based on the figures of the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis).The same source revealed that there was noted an increase of 2,500, or 0.5 per cent, during the summer semester of 2022 and winter semester of 2022/23 in comparison to the academic year of 2021, still 7 per cent less than in 2019 before the spread of the COVID-19 and its new variants, during which year the figures stood at 508,700, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.Destatis statistics revealed that there was marked a 10 per cent increase in the number of foreigners in the first semester of the academic year 2022.Reference Link: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/number-of-first-semester-foreign-students-in-germany-increased-by-10-in-2022-academic-year/

EU Increases Erasmus+ 2023 Annual Work Programme Budget, With a Focus on Ukrainian Learners & Staff

The European Commission has announced that the general budget of the Erasmus+ Annual Work Programme for this year has been increased to a new total of €4.43 billion, which is the highest annual financial amount ever achieved by the Erasmus+ programme.According to a recent statement of the EU Commission, a total of €100 million frontload from the Erasmus+ 2027 budget will be allocated to facilitate the integration of those fleeing the war in Ukraine and support projects that promote educational activities, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.At the same time, this programme aims to support organisations, students and staff in Ukraine.Reference Link : https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/eu-increases-erasmus-2023-annual-work-programme-budget-with-a-focus-on-ukrainian-learners-staff/

UK “still tops” study abroad destinations for Chinese students

The UK remains the most attractive destination to Chinese students, according to new research by market intelligence firm BONARD.In a survey of 350 Chinese students, 45% said they would consider studying in the UK now – Canada was in second place, with 39%, and Australia and the US were in joint fourth with 36%.Compared to its survey in November 2022, demand for Australia has “gradually flattened” over time – and other English-speaking destinations have suffered as the world has opened up.Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/news/uk-still-tops-study-abroad-destinations-chinese-students/
 

7 IT Master Programmes for Technology Geeks That Want to Study in Europe

A total of 1.46 million students were attaining tertiary level studies in Europe throughout 2020, making the zone one of the most sought among international students.This proves that the 27-nation-bloc has gained a reputation due to its commitment to offering the best academic programmes for all students, regardless of the field of study, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.Currently, technology is one of the fields where demand is on the rise and the European Education Area (EEA), the EU initiative that aims at improving access to quality education for everyone, suggests the following e master’s programmes for students that plan to take their academic career even further or even have the opportunity to travel, as several universities enable students to take a year in other countries consortiums.Source: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/7-it-master-programmes-for-technology-geeks-that-want-to-study-in-europe/
 

Sweden Plans to Facilitate Residence Permit Applications for Int’l Students & Researchers from Visa-Free Countries

Sweden may soon change its rules for residence permit applications for international students and researchers from visa-free countries in an attempt to avoid the latter’s long-distance travel.With the new rules approved in the country since the beginning of November last year, international students and researchers applying for residence permits in Sweden must appear at a Swedish embassy or general consulate to show their passports for identity verification, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.The passport requirement was imposed to have a correct process with applications for work and residence permits in Sweden after the Swedish Migration Agency received criticism about the control of documents by Sweden’s National Audit Office.Source: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/sweden-plans-to-facilitate-residence-permit-applications-for-intl-students-researchers-from-visa-free-countries/

Cambridge renews Estonia assessment deal

A new agreement between Cambridge University Press & Assessment and Estonia’s ministry of education and research has been announced, aiming to bolster English language assessment offerings in the country.The deal follows in the footsteps of the partnership first put together in 2019, which has already seen more than 15,000 Estonian school leavers given the opportunity to take the English C1 Advanced examination instead of their usual school-leaving test.The usual test in Estonian schools is set at the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages standard.“We’re delighted to be continuing our work with the Ministry of Education in Estonia, and with our colleagues in Harno,” remarked Hanan Khalifa from Cambridge University Press & Assessment.Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/news/cambridge-renews-deal-estonia/

Int’l schools market is “flourishing” – ISC report

A new report from educational consultants ISC Research suggests factors such as increasing diversity, a post-Covid surge and geopolitical events are leading to a flourishing international school sector.The PIE spoke to stakeholders in key destination markets to find out more.EuropeIn the UK, the year 2022 saw some Russell Group universities paying their students to defer their courses due to accommodation shortages.For QA‘s Magdalena Restrepo, it is now about managing expectations for students – particularly those heading to London for their student experience, where availability and affordability of private short term letting is an issue, she told The PIE News.“For students who are coming from countries with less strong currencies, the prices are too high,” Restrepo, who is senior country specialist for the Americas at QA, said.Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/news/accommodation-issues-world/
 

Women in Science: EU Records Nearly 7 Million Female Scientists in 2021

According to Eurostat, the European Office for Statistics, the difference in the number of female scientists is 369,800 higher than in the preceding year and the majority of these workers are engaged in the services sector as 46 per cent of scientists and engineers are women, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.Furthermore, data show that women represented 28 per cent of all employees in the air transport sectors, while they account for 21 per cent of scientists and engineers. On the other hand, water transport sector records the lowest number of transport sector – eight per cent were female, followed by manufacture of transport equipment (12 per cent) and motor vehicles (13 per cent).Source: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/women-in-science-eu-records-nearly-7-million-female-scientists-in-2021/

Rectors back EC launch of European degree pilot projects

University rectors from Belgium, Finland, Norway, Poland, Spain and Sweden and other stakeholders are supporting the movement towards a joint European degree and European legal status for the European university alliances.On 31 January, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth Mariya Gabriel launched 10 Erasmus+ projects funded to test new forms of transnational cooperation between higher education institutions, as outlined in the European Strategy for Universities released in early 2022.Six of these projects aim to test and facilitate the issuing of a unified common European degree label, which is a certificate for students who have graduated from joint programmes of higher education institutions, set according to European criteria.Source: https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20230208101443382

UK education secretary to oppose cuts to int’l student numbers

The UK secretary of state for education, Gillian Keegan, has shown strong support for international students and the wider sector, with reports that she will oppose any potential cuts to international student numbers by the Home Office.“It’s a sector we should be very proud of,” said Keegan, in an interview with the Financial Times. “It’s world-leading, a great advert to our country.”Keegan told the publication she wanted to build on the UK’s export market in university education and to expand education export revenues from about £26bn to £35bn by the year 2030.Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/news/uk-education-secretary-to-oppose-cuts-to-intl-student-numbers/

Tuition fees for students from outside EU/EEA and Switzerland

The Norwegian government has proposed the introduction of tuition fees for students from countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland from the autumn semester of 2023.Until further notice, applicants from countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland/EFTA  applying for a degree at in Norway starting autumn 2023, must be prepared to pay tuition fees.You will not have to pay tuition fees if:You are an exchange student.You started your degree studies in Norway before 2023 - meaning if you are in your second year autumn 2023, you will not pay fees.You are a student from the EU/EEA or Switzerland.More information regarding level of fees, excemptions from fees and other issues will be published on this website as soon as more decisions are made.Reference Link: https://studyinnorway.no/tuition-fees-students-outside-eueea-and-switzerland
 

Pearson English test approved by Canada

The Canadian government will accept Pearson’s new language test as proof of English proficiency, the publishing and assessment company announced.Individuals applying for Canadian permanent residency or citizenship are expected to be able to use Pearson’s test in their applications from late 2023.The organisation said the new exam, PTE Essential, is similar to its existing test, PTE Academic, but has a vocational and real-life focus to meet Canada’s immigration requirements.Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/news/pearson-english-test-canada/
 

UK may lift work hour limit during studies

The UK government is considering increasing the number of hours international students can work during their studies in a bid to fill job vacancies across the country. In surprise news, ministers are considering extending the work hour limit from 20 hours per week, with the government debating whether to increase the limit to 30 hours or to scrap it completely, according to a report from The Times.The idea aligns closely with policy in Australia and in Canada and comes as the prime minister is focused on ensuring economic growth.In a clear clash of policy priorities, the news comes in the same week that it has been reported that home secretary Suella Braverman is touting plans to reduce the graduate route visa from the current two years down to six months of post-study work.Source: https://thepienews.com/news/uk-may-lift-work-hour-limit-during-studies/

UK mulls new policy to reduce post-study visa stay — Report

Foreign students in the United Kingdom may face the risk of deportation if they stay longer than six months in the country after completion of their studies.Currently, international students in the UK can stay on for two years after the end of their education.The Times of London reports that Suella Braverman, Britain’s Home Secretary, had drawn up a plan to reform the graduate visa route.Under her proposal, foreign students would have to obtain a work visa by getting a skilled job or leave the UK within six months after the end of their studies.Reference Link: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/01/uk-mulls-new-policy-to-reduce-post-study-visa-stay-report-2/

eu-LISA: Planned Entry Into Force of Entry/Exit System on May 2023 Is No Longer Achievable

The Entry/Exit System will not become effective on May 2023 as it has been planned by the European Union authorities, and a new date for its full launch will become known soon.The eu-LISA, which is the EU agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice, has announced that May is no longer a realistic day for the system to become effective due to delays by contractors.The delay has been revealed during a meeting held on January 12 in Tallinn, Estonia, between eu-LISA’s Management Board, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.   Reference Link: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/eu-lisa-planned-entry-into-force-of-entry-exit-system-on-may-2023-is-no-longer-achievable/

Croatia Successfully Completes Its Euro Changeover, EU Commission Confirms

The Commission of the European Union has announced that Croatia has successfully completed its euro changeover.Such an announcement from the Commission was made after the 14-day dual circulation period, during which payments could be made both in kuna and euro and it was stressed that from now on payments can only be made in euro, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.According to the Commission, a survey that has been carried out by the latter on January 13 and 14 has shown that 89 per cent of cash payments in shops were made in euro.   Reference : https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/croatia-successfully-completes-its-euro-changeover-eu-commission-confirms/
 

Hungarian universities: participation in EU mobility must be guaranteed to everyone

EU education, research and mobility schemes must be guaranteed to everyone participating in Hungarian university life, regardless of who runs the university, the Hungarian Rectors’ Conference (MRK) said on Saturday. Fully 63 higher education institutions operate in Hungary, run by either the state, churches, private institutions or public foundations, the MRK statement said. Any political debate that ends up curbing participation of Hungarian university students or lecturers in the EU’s education, mobility and research programmes is “unacceptable”, it added. These schemes must be available equally to all university students, lecturers and researchers of all EU countries without exception, the statement said. Democratic Coalition proposes committee session over Erasmus issue The opposition Democratic Coalition (DK) has proposed convening parliament’s cultural committee to discuss the European Union’s withdrawal of Hungary’s Erasmus higher education funding, DK MP Olga Kálmán told an online press conference on Saturday. Read also: Good news: major developments. Source: dailynewshungary.com https://dailynewshungary.com/hungarian-universities-participation-in-eu-mobility-must-be-guaranteed-to-everyone/

Europe's highest ranked universities: Which countries have performed the best in the Global Top 100?

In 2023, 36 of the Global Top 100 universities will be in Europe. This is a significant increase from 28 universities since the Times Higher Education’s 2011 World University Rankings report was released. However, it is not the best performance in the last 13 years, as European countries had 42 universities in the Global Top 100 list in 2016.Apart from three British universities, namely the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London (ICL), only ETH Zurich of Switzerland has ranked in the Top 10 in the last 13 years.Reference Link: https://www.euronews.com/next/2022/12/29/europes-highest-ranked-universities-which-countries-are-performing-the-best-in-the-global-

Sweden Takes Over Rotating Council of EU Presidency for Next 6 Months

Sweden has taken over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the first six months of the year, on January 1, 2023, following the Czech Republic, which headed the Council in the second half of 2022.This is the third time that Sweden has taken over the Presidency of one of the EU’s three most important decision-making institutions, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.The Swedish Presidency has set out four priorities on which it will be focused during these six months, which are security – unity, competitiveness, green & energy transition, and democratic values and the rule of law.Reference: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/sweden-takes-over-rotating-council-of-eu-presidency-for-next-6-months/

Germany’s New Right of Residence Became Effective Today, Giving Migrants More Opportunities

Germany’s much-discussed Right to Residence and other laws making it easier for foreigners in the country to make their stay legal, move to the country or gain permanent residency there, has become effective on , January 1, 2023.The new law, which has been published in the Federal Law Gazette on December 30, last year, will give almost 140,000 foreigners who have been in Germany under a tolerates status, the chance to meet the necessary requirements to stay in Germany through an 18-month residence permit.The requirements include securing livelihood, amongst others, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.Reference:  https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/germanys-new-right-of-residence-became-effective-today-giving-migrants-more-opportunities/

Statement by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with Prime Minister

Statement by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with Prime Minister Plenkovi? and President Pirc Musar on the occasion of Croatia joining the Eurozone and Schengen area. Reference link :https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/STATEMENT_23_7947

Croatia adopts euro ,enters borderless Europe club

Croatia on sunday switched to the euro and entered Europe's  borderless zone - two steps prime minister Andrej Plenkovic called a "historic moment ". The Balken nation bid farewell to its kuna currency and became the 20th member of the eurozone.It is also now the 27th nation in the passport - free Schengen zone . 

EU & Turkish Officials to Take Further Steps to Ease Schengen Visa Procedures

Representatives of the European Union countries and the Foreign Ministry of Turkey have held three meetings in Ankara, in order to further ease visa process for Turkish citizens. According to a report of Hurriyet Daily News, the meetings have been held in order to discuss the steps that should be taken regarding visa facilitation process for nationals from Turkey, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports. In this regard, embassies have vowed to take further measures in order to solve visa problems. “We will try to increase the number of our personnel and receive technical support from intermediary visa agencies. We will also open an emergency visa channel, especially for the business world and students,” the embassies in Ankara pointed out in this regard, according to the report. Reference Link: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/eu-turkish-officials-to-take-further-steps-to-ease-schengen-visa-procedures/

New Zealand to join Horizon Europe

Scientists in New Zealand will be able to access EU research funding from next year as the country has successfully secured association to Horizon Europe. This is the first time a “highly industrialised” country outside of Europe has joined the EU’s flagship research and innovation program, the European Commission said following the conclusion of negotiations earlier this week.   Researchers in New Zealand will be limited to participating in Pillar II of Horizon, which focuses on shared global challenges, including climate, energy and health.  Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/news/new-zealand-horizon-research/

NZ int’l graduates offered Covid ‘hangover’ visa

International graduates who were supposed to be on a post-study work visa in New Zealand during the Covid pandemic have been offered a 12-month visa in a new raft of immigration policies. An 1,800-strong cohort of international graduates from New Zealand universities will be eligible. “We are authorising a 12-month open work visa for approximately 1,800 previous holders of post-study work visas who missed out because of the border closures in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” said immigration minister Michael Wood in a press conference on Monday, accompanied by PM Jacinda Ardern. Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/news/immigration/covid-post-study-visa-nz/

Irish government to fund student housing

The Irish government will fund the construction of new student housing, following warnings that the country’s housing shortages are leaving some students homeless.  Some 667 new beds will be delivered in the short-term via building projects in areas where planning permission has already been granted but development has been stalled by increasing construction costs.  Building work will take place across the University of Limerick, Maynooth University and University of Galway with further work on projects ongoing with Dublin City University and University College Dublin. Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/news/irish-gov-to-fund-student-housing/

Why Indian managers see Maribor as paradise

More than 80 Indians from the energy company NTPC attended the training organized by the Faculty of Economics and Business of the University of Maribor. What did they talk about and how did they experience Maribor? Reference link : https://vecer.com/maribor/aktualno/zakaj-indijski-menedzerji-vidijo-maribor-kot-raj-10322567

Future veterinarian has ‘life-changing’ Italy fellowship

When University of Hawai?i at M?noa alumna Jemma Baird saw the chance for hands-on experience at animal rescues in Italy, she jumped at the opportunity. The animal science (pre-veterinary) major earned her bachelor’s degree in May 2022. Originally from Tucson, Arizona, Baird moved to Hawai?i to pursue marine biology, but decided to pursue animal science because of her interest in working with domesticated animals and livestock. Reference Link: https://www.hawaii.edu/news/2022/12/01/future-vet-italy-fellowship/

EU launches new Digital Europe calls for cyber resilience

Imperial and Germany’s TUM to develop new technologies to tackle global pollution

Imperial College London and the Technical University of Munich (TUM) in Germany have launched a partnership to develop new technologies to tackle the combined threats of global pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change.   The Imperial – TUM Zero Pollution Network will bring together scientists, industry, governments and other partners to develop and translate solutions to some of the greatest sustainability challenges.  The most innovative ideas and technologies that offer disruptive impact will be funded and supported through the network.  The partnership will see academics and students from two of the world’s top universities working together on joint research and education programmes, and spending time in each institute’s laboratories.   Reference Link: https://sciencebusiness.net/network-updates/imperial-and-germanys-tum-develop-new-technologies-tackle-global-pollution

Universities in central and eastern Europe want more say at EU level

The CE7 coalition of seven universities hopes a new partnership with the League European Research Universities will give them more influence in shaping EU policy to better suit their needsUniversities in central and eastern Europe need to make their voices heard when it comes to shaping EU policy, say representatives of CE7, a group of universities in Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Poland, Serbia and Slovenia.In September the group signed a new partnership with the League of European Research Universities (LERU), which represents 23 top research universities, with one intention being to put the CE7 in a better position to lobby EU policymakers.Reference Link: https://sciencebusiness.net/widening/news/universities-central-and-eastern-europe-want-more-say-eu-level

Norway moving towards tuition fees for non-EU students in 2023

Short on time? Here are the highlights: Norway is considering the introduction of tuition fees for international students coming from outside the European Union as of fall 2023 A government proposal recommends annual tuition fees of about USD$13,000 A survey of just over 1,000 non-EU students who are considering studying in Norway has found that the move away from free tuition could deter up to 80% of prospective students Reference Link: https://monitor.icef.com/2022/11/norway-moving-towards-tuition-fees-for-non-eu-students-in-2023/

Queen Mary and Cornell expand partnership

Queen Mary University of London and Ivy League Cornell University have signed a research and exchange collaboration that will strengthen mobility of both staff and students.Through the partnership, Cornell’s Global Hubs brand will be extended to the UK, allowing students, staff, and alumni to study, conduct research or teach at both institutions.“This is a fantastic opportunity for Queen Mary University of London,” Colin Grant, vice-principal (International) for the UK institution, said.Reference Link:https://thepienews.com/news/queen-mary-signs-partnership-with-cornell/&

Four AU researchers receive money for green research

Denmark's Independent Research Foundation distributes a total of DKK 105 million. DKK for 37 research ideas which will support the green transition. Four of the recipients are researchers from Aarhus University, who each receive approx. 2.8 million DKK to realize their projects.Four younger researchers from Aarhus University receive support from Denmark's Free Research Foundation to explore ideas that will help us to a more climate-friendly world. The ideas range from research into technology, which makes it possible to store CO2 permanently, to research into magnetic refrigeration, which does not depend on environmentally dangerous refrigerants such as fluorocarbons or chlorofluorocarbons, to research into how Danish studies can increase students' awareness of the impact of their habits on environment and climate. Reference Link:https://www.au.dk/forsideelementer/nyheder/artikel/fire-au-forskere-faar-penge-til-groen-forskning

European Parliament approves Croatia’s admission to Schengen zone

The parliament votes in favour of lifting the remaining border controls between the Schengen area and Croatia. The European Parliament has cleared the way for the admission of Croatia to the bloc’s passport-free Schengen zone, leaving the final decision in the hands of the EU’s government leaders. With a 534-53 majority, the parliament on Thursday voted in favour of lifting the remaining border controls between the Schengen area and Croatia. Reference Link:https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/11/10/european-parliament-approves-croatias-admission-to-schengen-zone

First Humanitarian Scholarship students welcomed to our University

The University of Manchester has held an event to welcome the first recipients of its newly-created Humanitarian Scholarships for students fleeing conflict and persecution.In response to the war in Ukraine, the University launched a new scheme earlier this year for international applicants who have been displaced because of armed conflict or are at risk of persecution or violence due to their race, religion, nationality, membership of a social group or political opinion.The scholarships are intended for students who could not afford to study in Manchester without one, and are expected to cost the University around £5m to operate over three years.Reference Link:https://www.manchester.ac.uk/discover/news/first-humanitarian-scholarship-students/

Prestigious funding to researchers at Chalmers

In their annual call for research grants, the Swedish Research Council distributes SEK 112 million to 29 researchers at Chalmers.Chalmers was awarded grants in all announced areas, but most in natural and engineering sciences.These researchers at Chalmers receive grants – sorted by departmentReference Link:https://www.chalmers.se/en/news/Pages/funding-from-swedish-research-council-2022.aspx

Experience Designer. Apply Now!

As an Experience Designer student, you will learn to design Super Experiences, which truly enhance customer engagement. You will develop a new set of key competences, which express the unique profile of an Experience Designer – Empathy; Sense-making; Curiosity; Volition; and Wow-ness.The Experience Designer studies represent 30 ECTS and it brings together students and teachers from all Haaga-Helia campuses with top-notch company partners.Starts: January 16, 2023 | ends: May 17, 2023Reference Link:https://www.haaga-helia.fi/en/current/news/experience-designer-apply-now

Language proficiency tests for mobility calls: registration open

Reference Link:https://www.iulm.it/en/news-ed-eventi/news/Prove-di-idoneita-linguistica-per-bandi-di-mobilita&
nbsp; If you want to have a study abroad experience but you don't have a language certification, sign up to IULM language proficiency tests before November 6th. Would you like to have a study abroad experience? Calls for applications for departures in 2023/24 will be published in January 2023. In order to apply, you must demonstrate that you have a language level appropriate to the admission requirements of the host university.  In the documents "GETTING READY FOR A STUDY ABROAD EXPERIENCE" and "GUIDE TO INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE CERTIFICATIONS" available in Community under the section Mobilità Internazionale - Study Abroad you can find the International Language Certifications which are accepted to apply to the calls.

CAMPUS ART : ONLINE APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR 2023

Switzerland Planning to Let Non-EU Nationals With a Swiss University Degree in Specific Fields Remain in the Country

Reference Link: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/switzerland-planning-to-let-non-eu-nationals-with-a-swiss-university-degree-in-specific-fields-remain-in-the-country/
The Swiss authorities have proposed that the country permits all persons, including nationals of third countries, who obtain a master’s or a doctorate degree in an area that is dealing with a shortage of skilled workers to remain and work in Switzerland. Such a proposal was made by the Federal Council of Switzerland on October 19, and the requirement to amend the Aliens and Integration Act has been based on a demand by the Parliament, which is expected to discuss the bill, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports. According to the Federal Department of Justice and Police, the Parliament is demanding to make an exception to the quotas for workers from countries outside the European Union and outside the European Free Trade Association, with the motion “if Switzerland trains expensive specialists, they should also be able to work here”.

Spain to Accelerate & Simplify Procedures for Recognition of Foreign University Degrees

Reference Link: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/spain-to-accelerate-simplify-procedures-for-recognition-of-foreign-university-degrees/
  The Spanish authorities have announced that the country’s Council of Ministers has approved the acceleration and modernisation of procedures for the recognition of foreign university degrees. The decree corresponding to the Immigration Law will officially enter into force on November 7, and the move means that foreigners from other countries will be subject to facilitated procedures when it comes to the recognition of their university degrees, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports. In line with the new rules that are to become effective two weeks from now, foreigners who hold a university degree issued in their country of origin will be able to prove through a more streamlined procedure that their level of training is the same as the one required in Spain.

Gets funding for a doctoral project on digital home monitoring

The project Digital support for self-care in case of heart failure receives NOK 2,379,000 from Stiftelsen DAM, earmarked for financing a doctoral scholarship holder at the Faculty of Health Sciences. In 2022, the DAM foundation has awarded research funds of a total of 90 million to 36 new projects from 20 organisations. Together with the organization LHL, the University of Stavanger is one of the recipients. Ingvild Margreta Morken , associate professor at the Faculty of Health Sciences at UiS, is the leader of the project Digital support for self-care in heart failure and will be the supervisor of the doctoral student. Reference Link: https://www.uis.no/nb/forskning/far-finansiering-til-doktorgradsprosjekt-om-digital-hjemmeoppfolging

Germany scholarships 2023

The next call for applications for Germany scholarships at Universität Hamburg will take place from October 14, 2022 to November 7, 2022 for a scholarship for 2023. You can only apply online during this period. The prerequisite for an application is that you are enrolled at the University of Hamburg. Due to current events, we would like to point out that students who have fled Ukraine and are enrolled at the UHH can also apply for a Germany scholarship. Further information for refugee students can be found here. Reference Link: https://www.uni-hamburg.de/deutschlandstipendium/stipendiaten-innen.html

Christmas Grant for WUT students and doctoral students

We invite our students and doctoral students to submit for the Christmas Grant 2022 – a special grant awarded to students and doctoral students at the Warsaw University of Technology involved in promoting the University and building its positive image. The grant is financed by the resources collected during the WUT Christmas Fair. Candidates’ nominations may be submitted to the Office for Communication and Promotion in an electronic form to eventy@pw.edu.pl from October 12 to November 2, 2022. Reference Link: https://www.pw.edu.pl/engpw/News/Christmas-Grant-for-WUT-students-and-doctoral-students

MSU, Italy’s University of Salento mark formal collaboration in smart technologies, sustainable agriculture

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State University and Italy’s University of Salento leaders are celebrating new collaborations aimed at utilizing smart technologies to advance sustainable agriculture. MSU Provost and Executive Vice President David Shaw and University of Salento Rector Fabio Pollice signed a memorandum of understanding this week in Italy promoting opportunities for educational and research exchanges between the two universities. “I am excited about the wide range of possibilities for our universities to collaborate on some of the most pressing issues facing our world today,” Shaw said. “Advanced technologies and sustainable agriculture methods are critical to feeding our growing global population. This mutually beneficial partnership can expand the horizons of students and researchers at both universities as we consider the global contexts of the challenges we face.” Reference Link:https://www.msstate.edu/newsroom/article/2022/10/msu-italys-university-salento-mark-formal-collaboration-smart-technologies

MOPGA PROGRAM: OPENING OF A NEW CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

The MOPGA 2023 call for applications is open until January 16, 2023. This scholarship program will make it possible to welcome 40 young international researchers to France wishing to carry out research on themes related to climate change and environmental issues. France, as a major player in the fight against climate change and guarantor of the spirit of the Paris Agreement, is launching a new MOPGA program of research residence grants for young researchers with a view to working to strengthen scientific contributions to climate change issues raised by the COPs. This sixth call for projects of the Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA) programme, funded by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE), in partnership with the Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR) and implemented by Campus France, will make it possible to welcome young international researchers wishing to carry out research work in French laboratories and research centres. 40 scholarships  will be awarded to young winning researchers over a  12-month period  starting in  September 2023 .  Reference Link: https://www.campusfrance.org/fr/programme-mopga-ouverture-d-un-nouvel-appel-a-candidatures

We received over PLN 106 million in subsidies

The money comes from the Medical Fund and was given to the University Clinical Center. The funds are intended to "increase the quality and availability of childcare services". In practice, this means that our children's clinics will be able to buy the most modern medical equipment - e.g. tomographs, X-ray machines, ultrasound scanners, cardiomonitors, and non-medical ones - such as armchairs, couches, computers. In December last year The University Clinical Center has entered the competition for funds from the Medical Fund. The results have just been announced and it turned out that we are one of the beneficiaries. We received a check for the amount of PLN 106,091,482.  Reference Link: https://www.wum.edu.pl/node/17390

QS Stars Rating certifies the educational model of excellence of the UCAM

The British consultancy recognizes its strengths in teaching, inclusiveness, social responsibility, internationalization and outstanding programs UCAM has been given a global score of four stars out of a maximum of five by the prestigious company Quacquarelli Symonds (QS ), specialized in the analysis of higher education institutions around the world. QS Stars Rating distinguishes it especially for its teaching model, social responsibility and inclusiveness of its university campuses, and also values it with a high score in employability, internationalization and outstanding programs . Reference Link: https://www.ucam.edu/noticias/qs-stars-rating-certifica-el-modelo-educativo-de-excelencia-de-la-ucam

An outsourcing era: UK university procurement notices reveal demand for services

With the majority of universities in the UK classed as public institutions, they are subject to open procurement procedures to ensure fair competition. What this means is a lot of details are shared publicly about the objectives of a university via specific outsourcing projects and plans. The result is a fascinating glimpse into where the pressure points might be, and a scope on what the outsourcing budget might be for at-need services that are best delivered via a third party. The PIE has been sifting through the tender process to find out exactly what universities are seeking external help and support for – and how much they are allocating for this in terms of investment. While this may not be news to some, it will certainly help signpost many in the sector to the bigger deals happening on the ground. We often report on public-private sector partnerships once the deal has been done, however public notices provide an interesting source of extra information including the estimated procurement value, contract length and number of tenders received or considered. Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/analysis/an-outsourcing-era-uk-university-procurement-notices-reveal-demand-for-services/

Chevening opens to Afghans living out of the country

The UK government today reopened its Chevening scholarship scheme to Afghan nationals, but only students living outside of Afghanistan are eligible to apply.  The portal for the 2023/24 cycle is now open for applications from Afghans, over two months after individuals from other countries were able to apply.   Students from Afghanistan previously expressed their frustration at being excluded from the scheme, which sees successful scholars undertake a fully-funded master’s course in the UK.  The Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office says it has now assessed the situation and that it is only offering the scholarship opportunity to Afghans who are residing outside of Afghanistan and in a country eligible for UK overseas aid.   Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/news/chevening-afghans-country/

EU Allocates €384 Million Under Erasmus+ in Support of European University Alliances

With a total budget of €384 million, the European Commission has announced a fourth Erasmus+ call for proposals to support the further extension of the European Universities initiative. Through a statement, the EU Commission said that the call for EU Universities Erasmus+ 2023 will be open until the end of January next year, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports. “The 2023 call, just as the Erasmus+ 2022 call, offers sustainable funding to intensify deep institutional transnational cooperation between higher education institutions, such as those selected under the Erasmus+ 2020 European Universities call, as well as opportunities to set up completely new alliances,” the statement reads. Reference Link: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/eu-allocates-e384-million-under-erasmus-in-support-of-european-university-alliances/

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS EIFFEL 2023

The call for applications for the 2023 campaign of the Eiffel scholarship program is open until January 10, 2023. The call for applications for the Eiffel scholarship program is open until January 10, 2023 for French higher education institutions. FIELDS OF STUDY FOR THE MASTER'S AND DOCTORATE Two major disciplinary fields concerned by the Eiffel scholarships cover the following 7 fields of study for the Masters and Doctorate sections. For science and technology Biology and health Ecological transition Mathematics and Numerical Engineering sciences   For the humanities and social sciences French history, language and civilization Law and Political Science Economy Management Reference Link: https://www.campusfrance.org/fr/appel-a-candidatures-eiffel-2023

Spain and the US to exchange more language assistants in bilingualism push

The governments of Spain and the United States have agreed to recruit more English and Spanish-language assistants from each other’s countries as a means of bolstering bilingual education in the two nations. Spain’s Education Minister Pilar Alegría and US ambassador to Spain Julissa Reynoso met on Wednesday to sign a memorandum of understanding which will reinforce educational cooperation between the two countries.  The agreement had been previously signed by Miguel Cardona, the United States Secretary of Education, who tweeted: “This week, alongside [Spanish] Ambassador [Santiago] Cabañas, I signed a memorandum supporting the study of Spanish language & culture in the US, and the study of English in Spain”. Reference Link: https://www.thelocal.es/20220923/spain-and-the-us-to-exchange-more-language-assistants-in-bilingualism-push/

The President of Malta highlighted educational cooperation during his visit to Estonia

The President of Malta, George Vella, visited the Education and Youth Board during his visit to Estonia Despite the geographical distance, the ties between our countries have been strong. Recently, especially in the field of education. Both sides highlighted good cooperation in education. “Estonia and Malta are similar in their flexibility in adopting innovative solutions,” said Jaak Raie, General Director of the Education and Youth Board. “I am pleased that the cooperation in the field of education is so strong. Thanks to the initiative of Malta’s Ambassador Kenneth Vella, several Estonian educational technology solutions are already piloting in Malta.” This spring Education Estonia, in cooperation with Kenneth Vella organised four webinars to introduce Estonian education and the Estonian EdTech solutions. The contacts made at the webinars resulted in the first pilot projects in the education field by Estonian Edtechs Edumus School, Triumf Health, and CTF Tech. There is also interest in the Estonian speech therapy solution Speak TX. Before that already, Maltese elementary school students had the Estonian math game 99Math on their devices. Reference Link: https://www.educationestonia.org/malta-president-in-estonia/

NEW £7 MILLION NIHR FUNDING FOR GLOBAL HEALTH RESEARCH

Researchers at the University of Glasgow have been awarded a multi-million pound grant, to establish a new health research unit to help tackle health inequalities in Latin America. Professor Alastair Leyland, based at the MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit at the University of Glasgow, has been awarded £7 million for five years by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) to establish a Global Health Research Unit on Social and Environmental Determinants of Health Inequalities. Reference Link: https://www.gla.ac.uk/news/headline_874262_en.html

Sapienza: from September more than 700 courses in Italian and English

More than 700 courses will be activated for the 2022-2023 academic year, including Bachelor's, Master's and Single-cycle degree programmes, PhDs, first and second-level Advanced Professional Courses, postgraduate, training and advanced training courses. Sapienza's new educational offer includes more than 300 degree programmes, 35 of which are exclusively in English and 20 with at least one curriculum in English, more than 90 PhDs, more than 190 first and second-level Advanced Professional Courses (Master, in Italian), 70 training and advanced training courses, and 86 specialisation schools. Among this year's novelties, Sapienza presents 8 new degree programmes: Cognitive Forensic Sciences (Master's Degree - ENG); Italian Sign Language (LIS) and Italian Tactile Sign Language (LISt) Communication and Interpreting (Bachelor's Degree - ITA); Dentistry and Dental Prosthodontics (Single-cycle Master's Degree); Philosophy and Artificial Intelligence (Bachelor's Degree- ITA); Gender studies, cultures and policies for media and communication (Master's Degree - ITA); Technological Innovation Engineering for Construction (Bachelor's Degree- ITA); Medicinal Chemistry and Computer Science for Pharmaceutical Applications (Bachelor's Degree - ENG); Mathematical Sciences for Artificial Intelligence (Bachelor's Degree - ITA). Reference Link: https://www.uniroma1.it/en/notizia/sapienza-september-more-700-courses-italian-and-english
 

A RESOUNDING SUCCESS FOR THE FRENCH+SCIENCES PROGRAM

The French+Sciences program opened its first sessions last June and July with great success: 39 students were welcomed on three sites, representing 11 nationalities. The French+ Sciences program opened its first sessions last June and July and was a great success with international students. These short stays , lasting 3 to 4 weeks, aim to promote technological know-how and the excellence of French scientific training . The sessions are mainly conducted in English, while including a FLE module, to help participants overcome the language barrier. Reference Link: https://www.campusfrance.org/fr/franc-succes-pour-le-programme-frenchsciences

Displate and esports organisation KAMK.GG under Kajaani University of Applied Sciences announce collaboration

It seems like for Displate, selling over 5 million posters was just the beginning; the metal poster marketplace is now showing its passion for the Finnish esports community by partnering with Kajaani University of Applied Sciences on an exciting collaboration.  The Polish marketplace for unique metal posters, Displate, is home to over a million artworks by tens of thousands of artists worldwide. And, Displate is no stranger to the gaming world. The marketplace collaborates with world-renowned brands such as Marvel, DC, Netflix, Cyberpunk 2077, The Witcher, and others to bring its tribe of passionate geeky collectors their incredible gaming posters. Most of these collectors are from the US, UK, France and Germany, where fans can choose from a collection of over a Million unique designs by over 40 thousand talented artists.   Reference Link: https://www.kamk.fi/news/Displate-and-esports-organisation-KAMKGG-under-Kajaani-University-of-Applied-Sciences-announce-collaboration-/chd2yxtb/231ca9bf-0208-4240-a2a8-f2ecfcbdc9ee

The University of Music's students collaborate with gaming giant

When gaming giant Riot Games needed an orchestra for the opening ceremony of the League of Legends European Championships Summer Final at Hyllie Arena, the assignment landed on students at the Academy of Music in Malmö. In total, ten thousand people on site and one million via live stream enjoyed their performance. League of Legend is one of the world's biggest online games and a real draw when it comes to esports. No wonder expectations were high for the LEC Summer Final 2022 - the game's European final. During one weekend at Malmö Arena, Europe's best teams meet to decide who would advance to the world championships in the USA. In addition, it was the first time in three years that the players could meet in front of a live audience. The American company Riot Games, the organizer behind the event and also the creator of the game, therefore decided to offer something really special.  Reference Link: https://www.lu.se/artikel/musikhogskolans-studenter-samarbetar-med-speljatte

THE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY IS ON ITS WAY TO A EUROENGINEERING TITLE

A member of the European Association of Engineering Organizations and the BME concluded a cooperation agreement. The Budapest University of Technology and Economics signed a cooperation agreement with the Hungarian Chamber of Engineers (MMK) with the aim of renewing the institution's membership in the European Federation of National Engineering Organizations (FEANI). The professional community of FEANI, founded in 1951, currently coordinates the cooperation of about 350 engineering organizations and higher education institutions in 33 European states, and in cooperation with other organizations, represents the interests of the engineering professions in the European Union. Reference Link: https://www.bme.hu/hirek/20220922/Euromernoki_cim_fele_tart_a_Muegyetem

The SPOTLIGHT Scholarship Blog is live!

After months of preparation, Dr. Diana Odier-Contreras Garduno and University College Utrecht student Ling Ling Li are excited to announce that the SPOTLIGHT Scholarship Blog is up and running. The SPOTLIGHT Scholarship Blog is a digital space where students and faculty members of the Law, Politics, and History tracks can post their academic work. Publications will include opinion editorials, academic articles, and thesis summaries, which will be published on a monthly basis. In this news item, they would like to briefly explain how they got here, give their thanks to the NPO for their generous funding that made this possible, and outline their publication schedule for the upcoming year.  Reference Link:https://www.uu.nl/en/news/the-spotlight-scholarship-blog-is-live

UofG RESEARCHERS CONTRIBUTE TO EUROPEAN RESEARCH COUNCIL-FUNDED GEO-AI PROJECT

Researchers from the University of Glasgow are part of a team who have received new funding from the European Research Council. The team's project is one of 55 new initiatives funded by the EU's research and innovation programme, Horizon Europe. Professor Ana Basiri and PhD student Petrus Gerrits, of the School of Geographical & Earth Sciences, are leading Glasgow’s contribution to a project led by colleagues from Koç University in Turkey, which involves a network of collaborators from across Europe. Reference Link: https://www.gla.ac.uk/news/headline_878718_en.html
#5 University of Sheffield ranked among the best in Good University Guide 2023 The University of Sheffield has been ranked within the top 20 best universities in the UK in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023. The University of Sheffield has been ranked 20th best university in the UK within The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023 The University is also ranked 2nd in 'The North' within the annual ranking Over 80 per cent of University of Sheffield graduates have gone into graduate-level employment or further study, according to the rankings Reference Link: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/news/university-sheffield-ranked-among-best-good-university-guide-2023

Edtech: Virtual Internships raises $14.3 million

Edtech specialists Virtual Internships has closed a $14.3 million Series A funding round as it scales to meet a growing demand for remote work and learning. It hopes to provide virtual work experience for the more than 250 million students around the world. Investors across three continents reflect the Virtual Internship’s ambitions to continue to expand the platform internationally and “make internships at the most exciting companies accessible to all”, the company said. The round was led by Hambro Perks, with support from Sequoia India & Southeast Asia’s Surge, Arsenal Growth, Kaplan, Ascend Vietnam Ventures, and STIC Investments. Reference Link:https://thepienews.com/news/virtual-internships-raises-14-3m-in-series-a-round/

Erasmus+ grant for thirteen exchange projects

Thirteen exchange projects at Leiden University have been awarded an Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility education grant. In total, it concerns about 450,000 euros, with which 103 students and employees go on an exchange. It concerns exchanges for study, education and research. The Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility program (ICM) is exclusively for collaborations with universities outside the European Union. This year's exchange projects are with universities in Armenia, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Colombia, Israel, Lebanon, Morocco, China, South Africa, Indonesia, Japan, Cuba and the US.   Reference Link: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/nieuws/2022/09/erasmus--subsidie-voor-dertien-uitwisselingsprojecten

Scientists harness Artificial Intelligence to advance ability to measure Arctic sea ice and improve climate forecasting

Pioneering research deploying Artificial Intelligence (AI) and satellite modelling means the thickness of Arctic sea ice can be measured all year round for the first time, bringing significant benefits for future weather forecasts and shipping in the region. The study, published today in Nature and led by researchers at the University of Bristol and UiT The Arctic University of Norway, provides the first dataset showing the thickness of sea ice across the entire Arctic through the whole year. Reference Link:https://www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2022/september/arctic-sea-ice.html

New consortium in Portugal gathers universities in the creation of the CAMPUS SUL

Promoting sustainable development in the south of the country and stimulating territorial cohesion, are the objectives of the Campus Sul,  an unprecedented consortium in Portugal that brings together the University of Évora, the University of Algarve and NOVA University of Lisbon and that is presented on December 22, at 11:00 am, in the Auditorium of the Colégio do Espírito Santo, at the University of Évora. Through the best knowledge produced in each of the universities, new bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees will be created, which will allow students to spend periods of time in each of the three institutions, with accommodation in the university residences. It is also planned to establish centers of applied research and innovation for sustainability, and collaborative agendas with key social and economic partners in the region, in critical areas for the development of the South, such as cultural heritage, sustainability of cities and communities, conservation of marine biodiversity and sustainable agriculture. In addition, capacity building activities will be developed for municipal, regional and central administrations in the South, and other institutions active in the Region. Reference Link: https://www.uevora.pt/en/ue-media/news?item=33603

University of Zagreb the only Croatian Higher Education Institution in IISMA 2022 project for the Second Year in a Row

For the second year in a row, the University of Zagreb (UNIZG) is the only Croatian higher education institution participating in the International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) 2022.Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards is the Government of Republic of Indonesia scholarship scheme to fund Indonesian students for exchange mobility at top universities overseas. Undergraduate students can spend one semester (4-6 months) at the overseas partner university to study courses outside their major, to develop intercultural communication and leadership skills, to experience the host country's culture and to develop international network.The scheme is centrally managed by the Directorate General of Higher Education, Research and Technology (DGHERT) and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (MoECRT) and is open for undergraduate students from all Indonesian higher education institutions (HEIs) under DGHERT. Reference Link: http://www.unizg.hr/nc/homepage/news-content/article/university-of-zagreb-the-only-croatian-higher-education-institution-in-iisma-2022-project-for-the-se/

Mobile mapping platform

A mobile road mapping platform has been developed at the Warsaw University of Technology. The device will ultimately be used to conduct sample inventories of engineering facilities and historical objects. The platform is part of a project implemented by the Faculty of Geodesy and Cartography and the Faculty of Civil Engineering.– Our goal is the synergy and analysis of multisource data in the road surface inventory, as well as mapping of their surroundings – says Krzysztof Baku?a, PhD, Eng. from the Faculty of Geodesy and Cartography, the project manager. The most important part of the research is to determine the method of integration of data related to the proper georeferencing, that is providing spatial orientation to geospatial multisource data in a known coordinate system, mutual calibration of navigation systems with a georadar (GPR), a lidar using light in the form of a pulse laser to measure the distance from the object, as well as photogrammetric cameras. Reference Link: https://www.pw.edu.pl/engpw/News/Mobile-mapping-platform

Taster research placements to enrich & inspire local pupils

Year 12 students from disadvantaged backgrounds have been given the chance to get involved in research projects during the summer holidays at the University of Bedfordshire, in order to help inspire and support their development in a chosen field. Having worked in partnership with the University’s Collaborative Projects and Access & Outreach teams for over a decade, the Nuffield Research programme provides hands-on opportunities, giving Year 12 students the chance to make a supervised contribution towards a host organisation’s research-based work in the areas of science, social science, computing, technology, engineering or maths. Over the years, these enriching placements proved to offer valuable learning opportunities for young people from low-income backgrounds and for those pupils who are planning to be the first in their family to enter higher education. Dr Paul Sant, Head of the School of Computer Science and Technology, worked with three students for three weeks between July and August 2022 on a variety of his department’s research projects – including the creation of a robotic hand! Reference Link: https://www.beds.ac.uk/news/2022/september/taster-research-placements-to-enrich-inspire-local-pupils/

AIRC and CTCF reveal scholarship for UK students

A new scholarship program for underrepresented students from the UK to study in the US has launched with a $100,000 backing. The Cyril Taylor Scholarships – backed by The Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation and administered by the American International Recruitment Council – will fund academic-year, full semester, and summer scholarships. Students enrolling in programs at AIRC member institutions in the summer of 2023, the 2023 fall semester and the 2023/24 academic year will be the first cohort eligible to apply. “We are delighted that, with the help of our friends at AIRC, The Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation will advance the legacy of Sir Cyril, continuing his lifelong commitment to building connections across cultures and boundaries one student at time,” said William L. Gertz, trustee of the Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation and chairman of the American Institute For Foreign Study. Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/news/airc-and-aifs-announce-grant-for-uk-students/

France hits 400,000 int’l student mark

France has recorded the highest growth in international students in over 15 years and now exceeds the 400,000 mark, Campus France has announced. This week – the week of ‘la rentreé’ in France, when the new academic year begins – Campus France shared the news that, according to latest statistics from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the number of foreign students enrolled in France increased by 8% in the academic year 2021/22. Now, the total number of international students in France, including apprentices in higher education, sits at 400,026, due to the highest growth seen since 2005. A 2018 strategy has a target of attracting half a million international students to the country by 2027, and launched an international campaign in 2019. “All along the pandemic, France has shown itself to be an open and welcoming country towards international students, which can have a lasting impact on some international communities,” said Olivier Marichalar, head of studies at Campus France. Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/news/france-15-year-record-growth-in-intl-students/

Germans say goodbye to summer of €9 travel tickets

Germany's summer of low-cost travel is over as transport chiefs call a halt to their cheap fares experiment. For three sunny months, passengers have packed on to platforms and concourses to take advantage of a single monthly ticket costing €9 (£7.50; $9). In all, 52 million of the tickets, which allowed them to use any regional or local public transport an unlimited number of times, have been sold. But the offer ends at midnight on Wednesday, to the dismay of many. "It's one of the best ideas we've had," said Chancellor Olaf Scholz. And the scheme, reckoned to have cost more than €2.5bn in federal government subsidies, has, it seems, been a political and social success. Reference Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-62736375

Hungary signs deal with Gazprom for 5.8M cubic metres of natural gas

Hungary says it has signed a deal with Russian energy giant Gazprom for 5.8 million cubic metres of extra natural gas. Zoltan Kovacs, international spokesman for Hungary's government, said it would be on top of the country's current supplies. "Hungary’s energy supply is safe," he added.       Hungary's foreign affairs minister also announced the deal with Gazprom on Facebook during a break from his meeting with other EU ministers. Péter Szijjártó specified that in September and October, Gazprom will deliver a maximum of 5.8 million cubic meters more natural gas per day to Hungary via Serbia than what was specified in its long-term contract. Reference Link: https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2022/08/31/hungary-signs-deal-with-gazprom-for-58bn-cubic-metres-of-natural-gas

UK extends Horizon Europe guarantee

The UK government has announced an extension to a November 2021 safety net package for Horizon Europe applicants. The guarantee scheme aims to protect funding for UK researchers, businesses, and innovators, the UK has said. It means successful UK Horizon Europe applicants will be covered for calls that close on or before 31 December 2022, with the majority of grant signature dates expected before the end of August 2023. Westminster says it is continuing to encourage the EU to formalise UK association, but released a set of contingency plans in July to be implemented if association is not possible. Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/news/uk-extends-horizon-guarantee-for-third-wave/

A STUDENT RETURN UNDER THE SIGN OF PURCHASING POWER

The Ministry of Higher Education and Research publishes its traditional Student Back-to-School Guide which this year focuses on the emergency measures deployed in favor of purchasing power, but not only. Pages dedicated to accommodation and social support can be useful to all students, French and international. In order to help students cope with the effects of inflation and price increases, the government has implemented various budgetary measures for the start of the 2022-2023 academic year, in addition to the 3.3 billion euros that the French Government devotes annually to student life. Reference Link: https://www.campusfrance.org/fr/une-rentree-etudiante-sous-le-signe-du-pouvoit-d-achat

Successful project established firm roots for further cooperation

Project no. EHP-CZ-ICP-2-006 "The Technology and Knowledge Transfer based on Norway – Czech Cooperation" fulfilled its potential. But the cooperation with the project partner Oslo Metropolitan University will continue thanks to the Letter of Intent, which we signed in June during Peer-learning activity 3 in Oslo. The topic of Peer-learning activity C3 was focused on Intellectual property and its protection and anti-corruption rules. Given that the Rector of the UHK participated in the activity, it was possible to widely discuss the technology transfer process at the university's top management level, which was absolutely unique and crucial for creating the intellectual outputs. The UHK Summer School 4 TTCamp and Peer-learning activity 4 were also held in June. The topic of Peer-learning activity C4 was focused on organizing the summer school and directly connected with the intellectual output 4 "Methodology_Summer school_Transfer technology_Training programmes". A Multiplier Event was also held at this time as part of the HED conference. It was organized as a "Technology transfer specifics in the humanities" workshop. The workshop participants were informed, among other things, about the project's progress and results. Reference Link: https://www.uhk.cz/en/university-of-hradec-kralove/about/actual-events/succesfull-project-established-firm-roots-for-further-cooperation

CURRENT THEMES IN GREEN EDUCATION

From September, agricultural entrepreneurs and advisers can follow short courses on precision agriculture, nature-inclusive entrepreneurship and nitrogen. Aeres Hogeschool, HAS Hogeschool, Van Hall Larenstein, Inholland and Wageningen University & Research offer a joint training program about this. Corné Kocks, lecturer in precision agriculture/smart farming at Aeres University of Applied Sciences, explains why the program is especially important in these uncertain times. 'It is our ambition to support agricultural entrepreneurs in the transition to a sustainable and future-proof sector. Even if not all questions regarding the commercial implementation of things such as precision agriculture, nature-inclusive agriculture and nitrogen have been answered yet. Agricultural higher education supports by training entrepreneurs and advisors in the transition to future-proof business operations, including a sustainable revenue model.' Reference Link: https://www.has.nl/nl/has-organisatie/actualiteit/nieuws/actuele-thema-s-in-groen-onderwijs

NZ government backs innovation with $1.6m

Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao has allocated $1.6 million to six “innovative” education specialists as the country’s sector adapts to the post-Covid environment. The six awardees will be handed support ranging from $200,000 to $300,000 for individual projects over the next 12 months. “The quality of the entrants was a clear indication of New Zealand ingenuity, market knowledge and cutting-edge innovation,” ENZ chief executive Grant McPherson said. The country’s government announced $10m in 2020 to fund new “future-focused” products and services to drive onshore and offshore growth as part of a $52m sector support package. referhttps://thepienews.com/news/nz-government-backs-innovation-with-1-6m-funding/

Summer program at RIT Croatia premieres a course about – Bitcoin!

Every summer RIT Croatia hosts study abroad programs, attended mostly by students from the US. This year we’ve run three programs: Ecology of Dalmatian Coast and the Roots to Croatian Wine Tradition (Dubrovnik campus), Psychology program (Zagreb campus), and the newest one - Business administration minor which ran in Zagreb. One of the courses in the BA minor program is related to Bitcoin, and we’ve used this opportunity to talk to our professor Schmidt who delivered the class and is a huge Bitcoin aficionado. "Bitcoin is arguably the most significant technological innovation since the Internet”, says Dr. Schmidt. "So how could we, as an institute of technology, not immediately jump on the bandwagon? The première of my course was taught this summer to a cohort of American students from the Rochester campus. We first studied how money works, how our current monetary system is under heavy strain due to inherent design faults coupled with a series of crises since 2008. Against this backdrop we studied Bitcoin technology at a very detailed level, including practical workshops handling transactions, using so called wallets, and running nodes.”   Reference Link: https://www.croatia.rit.edu/rit-croatia-news/551/3740

Registrations for the 2022-2024 Master of Journalism are open

Registration now open for the XXI edition of the IULM Master in Journalism! Download the announcement on this page. In collaboration with  Mediaset . Ten scholarships of 5000 euros available in the two-year period 2022-2024. The IULM Master in Journalism   MASTERX.IULM , created in collaboration with  Mediaset , is one of the  schools recognized by the Order of Journalists  and is a substitute for the internship to access the state exam for professionals. It is considered among the most prestigious Journalism Schools in Italy and allows students in addition to the usual  internship  periods (5 months) in the major national newspapers to also carry out workshops in the multimedia editorial office of Mediaset in Cologno Monzese. The IULM Master in Journalism has been active since 2002 and its students today represent the backbone of many of the most prestigious print, multimedia and national television publications.  Reference:https://www.iulm.it/it/news-ed-eventi/news/bando-master-giornalismo-22-24

Sustainable aviation fuels: agreement signed between the Ministry of Sustainable Infrastructure and Mobility (MIMS) and the Politecnico di Torino

The nbsp;Ministry of Sustainable Infrastructures and Mobility (MIMS) and the Politecnico di Torino have signed an important three-year collaboration agreement aimed at analyzing and promoting the use of new sustainable fuels in the transport sector, with specific reference to aviation. The objective is to define, in collaboration with ENAC, the National Aviation Authority, a national roadmap to achieve the decarbonisation goals of the sector and its integration within the International (UN-ICAO) and European initiatives, as well as monitoring the progress and implementation of sector policies. Reference Link: https://poliflash.polito.it/en/research_innovation/sustainable_aviation_fuels_agreement_signed_between_the_ministry_of_sustainable_infrastructure_and_mobility_mims_and_the_politecnico_di_torino

Free English tuition scheme for refugees

Refugees living in Edinburgh have spoken warmly of a scheme that has offered free English classes to displaced people this summer. Participants in the University of Edinburgh initiative have included people who have fled war or political unrest in Syria, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong. Also taking part in the ten-week programme have been people seeking refuge from Ukraine, who are taking part in the Scottish Government’s Super Sponsor scheme. This initiative, launched in June, has helped meet the demand for accessible English language courses across the city by offering 90 places per day to non-native speakers. Staff from the University’s Centre for Open Learning have led the flexible drop-in sessions in Holyrood campus, which run until the end of August. Registration is now open for classes starting in September. Reference Link: https://www.ed.ac.uk/news/2022/free-english-tuition-scheme-for-refugees

International students awarded a fifth of places at top UK universities

The Russell Group has awarded a fifth of places at its 24 institutions across the UK to overseas students, it has emerged. This year’s A-level results left many pupils scrambling for places at universities through clearing due to a drop in top marks. The Conservative-led government’s bid to tackle grade inflation resulted in exams marked harder this year, leaving large a lot of school-leavers disappointed in their results. Exams were held this year for the first time since before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, with pupils graduating in the last two years graded by their teachers. About 34,000, or 22.4 per cent, of the 152,000 places at Britain’s top universities have been allotted to international students.   Learners coming from abroad pay higher fees than UK students. The Russell Group includes Oxford, Cambridge, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Southampton universities, as well as leading London institutions such as King’s, Imperial, UCL and Queen Mary. Reference Link: https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/uk-news/2022/08/19/international-students-awarded-a-fifth-of-places-at-top-uk-universities/

37 French Institutions Are Now Part of European Universities Initiative

16 existing alliances and four newly established ones have been confirmed by the European Commission, taking the total number of French institutions becoming part of the European Universities initiative to 37. These alliances, with each of them collaborating with different French institutions, will have a €272 million budget at disposal. In addition, these new and existing alliances and institutions have allowed France to be considered the most committed country to this initiative, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports. “Europe makes progress towards its objective of an even deeper commitment of European higher education institutions and students in an initiative more than ever a factor of quality in training, scientific excellence, innovation and European civic spirit,” the French Ministry of Higher Education pointed out. Reference Link: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/37-french-institutions-are-now-part-of-european-universities-initiative/

Simultaneous enrolment in two different degree programmes

From the 2022-2023 academic year, students can enrol in no more than two programmes at the same university or at two different universities, one of which international, or at Italian or international Higher Education Institutions for Art and Music. In particular, simultaneous enrolment is possible: in two Bachelor's degree programmes in two Master's degree programmes in one Bachelor's and one Master's degree programme (if the student holds another Bachelor's degree as an entry requirement); provided that the two courses do not belong to the same class and differ in at least two-thirds of their educational activities. Reference Link:https://www.uniroma1.it/en/notizia/simultaneous-enrolment-two-different-degree-programmes&
nbsp;

UK resumes priority visa services

The UK has reopened some of its priority visa services, allowing incoming international students to pay extra for a faster decision on their application ahead of the new academic year in September.  The priority visa and super priority visa services for students resumed on August 12, meaning applicants who are prepared to pay more could now receive their visas in as quickly as 24 hours.  The government suspended this service without prior warning in March, saying at the time that it was prioritising processing visas for Ukrainian refugees arriving in the UK. Months of visa delays followed, causing some students to miss their university start dates. Stakeholders have welcomed the latest announcement, with agents believing that the change has come just in time for the upcoming academic year.  Reference Link: https://thepienews.com/news/uk-resumes-priority-visa-services/

“Budget-friendly” destinations gaining momentum in Europe

Demand for lower-cost and budget-friendly destinations are gaining strong momentum in Europe as international students look to tighten their belts, new data from Studyportals suggests. The star of the show is Italy, which has seen absolute demand rise by a staggering 45% in the last 12 months. Portugal is also seeing a big rise, with just under 29%, as is Poland, with just over 28%. “Italy has been gaining momentum as a more budget-friendly destination for students,” Cara Skikne, Studyportals senior editor told The PIE News. “This, together with the high quality of education and good scholarship programs has meant rising student demand. “The cost of studying and living in Italy is low, especially in smaller cities – universities are offering support to new students in finding accommodation, giving scholarships, waiving tuition fees, among others measures,” Skikne explained. Reference Link:https://thepienews.com/news/budget-friendly-intl-student-destinations/

Launching the Fitzsimmons Scholarship for Women in Leadership

After 24 years of inspirational and dedicated service, Professor Kathleen stepped back from classroom teaching in May, 2022. One of AUR’s best loved and most active professors, Professor Fitsimmons positively impacted hundreds of young lives over the course of her time with AUR – many of those students continue to hold her as a friend and mentor long after their graduation. Professor Fitzsimmons epitomizes AUR’s core values of teamwork & leadership, she has been a role model and inspiration throughout her time in the classroom. To honor her enormous and enduring contribution to AUR, and to the impact she has had on the students she came into contact with, the university (with Professor Fitzsimmons' enthusiastic support) has launched a campaign to establish The Fitzsimmons Scholarship for Women in Leadership. Reference Link: https://aur.edu/news/launching-fitzsimmons-scholarship-women-leadership

THE RECHERCHE DATA GOUV SYSTEM OPENS

Launched by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research, the new web portal recherche.data.gouv.fr gives access to the entire French research environment. It provides information on available services and already contains more than 21,000 shared data files. The topic of data was already considered as early as 2020 in a report submitted to the French Prime Minister under the title For a government policy of data, and is now a subject increasingly perceived as strategic. This report pinned “the challenges regarding scientific data as factors of knowledge”. The report even stated that “if the culture of sharing between research teams had been better established, the handling and treatment of Covid-19 would certainly have been more effective and more responsive during the crisis”. Public authorities have therefore taken up this issue and have had “the ambition to respond in part to this strategic challenge by providing access to a national research data platform”. Reference Link:https://www.campusfrance.org/en/the-recherche-data-gouv-system-opens&
nbsp;

Imperial researchers scoop £1.75m of funding for quantum physics projects

New funding for quantum science will support researchers exploring dark energy and dark matter, quantum states of sound, and the Universe’s constants. Imperial physicists have been awarded five of 17 new grants for quantum technology projects funded by UKRI’s Quantum Technologies for Fundamental Physics programme, from a total pot of £6m. The programme receives joint funding from the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). Reference Link: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/238974/imperial-researchers-scoop-175m-funding-quantum/
 

Pnrr, published the Mur Decree for the direct calls of excellent researchers in Italy

The Decree n. 894 of the Ministry of University and Research has defined the specific reference framework for the implementation of the investment envisaged by the Pnrr - National Recovery and Resilience Plan , aimed at supporting the entry or return to our country of young researchers . In particular, the Decree is intended for calls and hires in Italian universities, in university education institutes with a special system and in public research bodies of the  winners of Starting Grants of the ERC - European Research Council and of MSCA - Marie Sk?odowska- scholarships. Curie Individual Fellowships and Marie Sk?odowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships, following the calls issued under the Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe Framework Programs, as well as researchers who have obtained a Seal of  Excellence following participation in related calls to MSCA Shares, in the periods to be specified in the notices. Reference Link: https://www.uniroma1.it/it/notizia/pnrr-pubblicato-il-decreto-del-mur-le-chiamate-dirette-di-ricercatori-di-eccellenza-italia

UPMS: Accreditation by the World Federation for Medical Education

The University of Pécs Medical School (UP MS) has been accredited according to the criteria of the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME), further strengthening the international value of the degree of the University of Pécs Medical School. As stated on the WFME website, the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) has decided that from 2024, only a degree from a foreign institution that has met the criteria of the accreditation process adopted by the organisation will be allowed to be naturalised in the United States.   Reference Link:https://international.pte.hu/news/upms-accreditation-world-federation-medical-education

CHOOSE FRANCE SUMMIT: FRANCE IS STILL THE MOST ATTRACTIVE COUNTRY

The 5th edition of the Choose France Summit confirms the leading position of France in terms of attractiveness for investors. With, as major announcement, the commitment of fourteen foreign companies for a total amount of 6.7 billion euros and the creation of 4,000 permanent jobs. For the past four years, the Choose France Summit, held this year at the Château de Versailles, has become a key event dedicated to the attractiveness of France and a key meeting place between foreign investors, the French government and the main French or international companies. Established by French President Emmanuel Macron, this summit aims at “presenting and explaining to major international companies the reforms carried out to promote economic activity in our country”. It is also an opportunity to highlight the importance of international investment in supporting growth, innovation and employment throughout France. Reference Link:https://www.campusfrance.org/en/choose-france-summit-france-is-still-the-most-attractive-country&
nbsp;

Cranfield celebrates partnership with the National Crime Agency

Cranfield University and the National Crime Agency (NCA), which leads the UK’s fight to cut serious and organised crime, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to share expertise and collaborate on projects of mutual interest. NCA leads the whole system response to serious crime to reduce the impact on the UK and its communities. Its multi-agency and multi-disciplinary function TRACER (Threat and Risk Assessment, Capability, Exploration and Research), which represents the whole intelligence and law enforcement community, leads the partnership with Cranfield to develop knowledge and new technologies for future operational capabilities. Reference Link: https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/press/news-2022/0803-cranfield-celebrates-partnership-with-the-national-crime-agency

ANONYMOUS GIFT WILL HELP UVA RESEARCHERS IN THE BATTLE AGAINST BLOOD CANCERS

gift of more than $5.75 million from anonymous donors will allow the UVA Cancer Center to speed the development of new treatments for rare blood cancers and provide more patients with access to cutting-edge clinical trials. The gift will fund an initiative, with several projects already in the pipeline, that will help doctors better understand and treat rare blood cancers. Because these cancers are uncommon, doctors and scientists often struggle to obtain funding for potentially life-saving research. “Individually, these cancers affect relatively small numbers of people when compared with other cancers, but collectively, they touch the lives of countless patients and families,” said Dr. K. Craig Kent, chief executive officer of UVA Health and executive vice president for health affairs at the University of Virginia. “We are deeply grateful for this generous gift that will allow us to conduct important, groundbreaking cancer research and develop new treatments that will benefit patients around the world.” Reference Link:https://news.virginia.edu/content/anonymous-gift-will-help-uva-researchers-battle-against-blood-cancers

Student scores spot on FA Women’s Leadership Programme

A student from the School of Sport at the University of Wolverhampton has been accepted onto the FA University Women’s Leadership Programme. The award-winning programme, which runs in partnership with British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) aims to unlock the potential of a diverse cohort of students aspiring to work in women’s football and provide a competitive edge when entering the job market.Now in its fourth year, The University Women’s Leadership Programme seeks to bridge the gap between who students are, and what they are capable of, through theoretical and applied learning experiences. Reference Link:https://www.wlv.ac.uk/news-and-events/latest-news/2022/august-2022/student-scores-spot-on-fa-womens-leadership-programme.php?utm_medium=Paid_Search&utm_source=Google&utm_campaign=Clearing?utm_source=Google 

Leeds academics recognised for outstanding contribution to student experience

Three academics at the University of Leeds have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to higher education with National Teaching Fellowships. Professor Bee Bond from the Language Centre and Professor Karen Burland from the School of Music have both been awarded National Teaching Fellowships (NTF) for their work at Leeds. Dr Nick Cartwright, from the School of Law, has also been awarded a NTF through a nomination from his previous institution, the University of Northampton. The National Teaching Fellowship Scheme (NTS) recognises individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to student outcomes and the teaching profession. Reference Link: https://www.leeds.ac.uk/main-index/news/article/5132/leeds-academics-recognised-for-outstanding-contribution-to-student-experience

University garden declared as one of UK’s top green spaces

The University of Bristol’s Royal Fort Gardens have been awarded the coveted Green Flag Award as it is officially recognised as one of the country’s best parks. The Royal Fort Gardens, situated in the heart of the main University of Bristol campus received the prestigious internationally accredited Green Flag Award, now in its 26th year. Previously sculptured by renowned 18th century ‘English Landscape’ designer Humphrey Repton, the views of Bristol Docks have disappeared, but the original garden still retains a wide rolling feel and many quiet and secluded garden areas, as well as a pond, floral borders, and fine trees, many with labels and QR codes which lead to an online tree map, with fascinating tree facts. Reference Link: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2022/august/green-flag-award-2022.html

European Commission looking to scale up innovation digital education solutions

The European Digital Education Hub has opened a call for applications to its accelerator programme. Innovators from all education sectors are encouraged to submit their innovative digital education solutions. Selected applicants will benefit from an intensive training and testing programme. What will the education practices experienced by the next generations look like? The Digital Education Accelerator helps education and training sectors to take substantial steps to make their digital education practices more innovative, by accelerating a hand-picked selection of creative prototypes. Reference Link: https://education.ec.europa.eu/news/european-commission-looking-to-scale-up-innovation-digital-education-solutions

Manchester student’s extraordinary drive recognised at House of Lords

University of Manchester mathematics student, Jesy Luyengi was part of 22 students who were recognised at the fourth annual Student Social Mobility Awards for defying the odds to achieve outstanding success as they prepare for life after university. Jesy is studying mathematics with financial mathematics in Manchester and was recognised with this award win due to a raft of high-profile activities undertaken whilst studying. Each year, the Student Social Mobility Awards are organised by the social mobility charity upReach to showcase the incredible achievements of undergraduate students alongside the contributions of organisations and individuals striving to improve social mobility across the UK. Reference Link:https://www.manchester.ac.uk/discover/news/manchester-students-extraordinary-drive-recognised-at-house-of-lords/&
nbsp;

Agreement to create joint research with the Vallès Oriental Waste Management Consortium

With a duration of four years, extendable for successive equal periods (up to a maximum of eight years), the objectives set are to jointly develop and execute research projects in subjects of common interest to both institutions. This collaboration will mainly focus on the execution of research projects, technological development and innovation and industrial doctorates. The search for partners will also be promoted to create consortia that can host research, development and research (R+D+I) projects, as well as find ways and sources of funding. This agreement will also encourage the organization of common activities, cooperation in training programs for the research and technical staff of the Consortium or outside this entity, the organization of activities in training programs for undergraduate students, postgraduate and master's degree from the University and the completion of master's and degree internships at the Consortium's facilities. Reference Link:https://www.upc.edu/ca/sala-de-premsa/noticies/acord-per-crear-recerca-conjunta-amb-el-consorci-per-a-la-gestio-dels-residus-del-valles-oriental&
nbsp;

Big coup for AI research in Munich

The Munich Center for Machine Learning (MCML) will receive permanent funding from the German government and the state of Bavaria. MCML, a joint initiative by the Technical University of Munich (TUM), and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), is one of six AI centers of excellence throughout Germany. As a result, regional research into artificial intelligence (AI) and particularly machine learning will gain considerable cachet within the knowledge hub of Munich and beyond. MCML is a joint undertaking by TUM and LMU. Its goal is to further advance basic research in the field of AI, with a strong focus on practical applications. MCML was founded in 2018 as one of six AI centers of excellence throughout Germany and has been funded since then by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). It now consists of more than 50  research groups both in basic research and in the domain of application-oriented machine learning. For the centers now definitively established after their successful evaluation, BMBF and the respective state governments will jointly provide up to 100 million euros annually in total. MCML is set to receive 19.6 million euros every year. Reference Link:https://www.tum.de/en/about-tum/news/press-releases/details/37534&
nbsp;

MOBILITY: AGAUR MOBINT-MIF scholarships for the 2022-2023 academic year

Aid for students from Catalan universities with face-to-face international stays and with academic recognition for the 2022-2023 academic year. Modalities UPC students who meet the requirements of the MOBINT -MIF call can apply for aid in: Mode A: students from Catalan universities participating in the Erasmus + Program and in the following associated countries: the United Kingdom, Switzerland, the Faroe Islands, Andorra, Monaco, Sant Marino and Vatican City. Mode B: students from Catalan universities participating in international mobility programs in the rest of the world. Consult all the information on the AGAUR websitewhere you will find in the Regulations section the text of the Call and the Regulatory Basis published by the DOGC on the MOBINT -MIF grant for the 2022-2023 academic year. Reference Link:https://telecos.upc.edu/ca/noticies/mobilitat-beques-mobint-mif-de-lagaur-per-al-curs-2022-2023&
nbsp;

The “Brexit effect”: where are EU students going beyond the UK?

Universities across the UK finally felt the long-anticipated hit of Brexit when applications from EU students dropped sharply last year.  As the UK’s higher education sector turns to other corners of the world to make up for these waning numbers, universities across Europe have experienced a sudden increase in demand.  But is their new-found popularity due to the so-called “Brexit effect”? Or, with many countries were already experiencing a long-term growth in student numbers, would this have happened anyway?  The PIE News set out to investigate where European students are choosing to study instead of the UK. As it turns out, the answer is anything but simple… Reference Link:https://thepienews.com/analysis/brexit-effect-eu-students/

Peter Deuss partner in NWO Science–XL consortium on Lignin

Prof. dr. Peter Deuss of ENTEG, professor of Catalytic Processing of Sustainable Resources, is partner in a consortium that has received 2,5 M€ by NWO Science-XL. The consortium, leaded by Prof. dr. R. Offringa from Leiden University will investigate why plants develop wood and lignin in their stems. Plants can be divided into woody and non?woody species. The stems of woody species thicken through development of wood, a tissue with cells having a high lignin content in their cell walls. Also ,non?woody species produce cells with lignin deposits. This consortium brings together scientists from diverse research fields to investigate i) which genes drive wood and lignin formation, ii) if increased wood/lignin production in stems makes plants more drought tolerant and iii) which effect this has on lignin structure and whether this allows a sustainable method to harvest high value lignin from waste streams of food crops. Reference Link:https://www.rug.nl/research/enteg/news/peter-deuss-partner-in-nwo-science-xl-consortium-on-lignin

Research projects for the Decarbonisation and Energy Transition of the Valencian Community 2022

The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, Climate Emergency and Ecological Transition calls for Research Projects for the Decarbonisation and Energy Transition of the Valencian Community 2022 Summary of the call Website of the call   The deadline for submitting applications ends on August 12, 2022. To ensure correct processing and avoid incidents, the maximum internal deadline for submitting applications will be until August 4 at 2 p.m. Reference Link:https://www.uv.es/uvweb/college/en/research-tech-transfer/news/news/projectes-d-investigacio-a-la-descarbonitzacio-i-transicio-energetica-de-la-comunitat-valenciana-2022-1285855271161/Novetat.html?id=1286273009204 
 

Two talented Utrecht researchers go to foreign institutions with Rubicon grant

Two Utrecht-based researchers who have recently received their PhDs can do their research at institutes abroad thanks to a Rubicon grant from NWO. They will study radicalization in young conspiracy thinkers, and how a benign cell transforms into a malignant tumor cell. For many researchers, experience abroad is an important step in their career. The Rubicon programme gives young, highly promising researchers the opportunity to gain international research experience at an institute that offers the best environment for their research. In total, fifteen Rubicon grants were awarded. The two Utrecht researchers that will receive a Rubicon grant are Hanne Duindam from the faculty of Social Sciences and Lieke van de Haar at UMC Utrecht. Reference Link:https://www.uu.nl/en/news/two-talented-utrecht-researchers-go-to-foreign-institutions-with-rubicon-grant

University of Nottingham launches inclusive FinTech research hub

A new research centre focused on harnessing financial technologies to promote inclusive innovation and culture in the financial services industry has been launched by the University of Nottingham. The Centre for Inclusive Financial Technology (INFINITY) is dedicated to research that uses up-to-date modelling and data analysis techniques to improve financial inclusion. In doing so, INFINITY aims to promote financial inclusivity and social good, embracing diverse talent and communities to create the future of financial services. INFINITY will be based at the university’s Castle Meadow Campus in Nottingham city centre. Reference Link:https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/news/university-of-nottingham-launches-inclusive-fintech-research-hub

WHO Director-General receives honorary degree

Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), has received an honorary degree from the University of Edinburgh. The head of the world’s leading public health agency received the title of doctor honoris causa for the significant contribution he has made to raise the profile of nurses and midwifes across the globe. He received his honorary degree as part of the graduation ceremony for Nursing Studies students at the University’s historic McEwan Hall.  Dr Tedros was elected at the Director General of WHO in July 2017, and was re-elected to a second term in May 2022 during the Seventy-Fifth World Health Assembly. He is the first person from WHO African Region to hold the globally-influential position. Under the leadership of Dr Tedros, the member states of the World Health Assembly designated 2020 the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife. Despite the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the campaign underlined the work of nurses and midwives, highlighting the challenging conditions they face, and advocated for increased investments in the workforce as part of the WHO’s commitment to health for all. Reference Link:https://www.ed.ac.uk/news/2022/who-director-general-receives-honorary-degree-from

124 million for first phase Circular Plastics NL

The government has definitively approved the first phase of Circular Plastics NL and is investing EUR 124 million from the Growth Fund. With the implementation of Circular Plastics NL, the government, companies and knowledge institutions are making an effort to achieve the circularity goals of recycling 50% of all plastics by 2030. They also strive for less plastics to go to waste incineration. The investment gives a strong impulse to Northern partnerships such as the University of the North, in which the University of Groningen is an important partner. With Circular Plastics NL, the parties fight climate change, reduce the use of fossil raw materials and reduce environmental pollution. This will strengthen the sustainable earning capacity of the Netherlands.  Reference Link:https://www.rug.nl/news/2022/07/124-miljoen-voor-eerste-fase-circulaire-plastics-nl

CHEMICAL PRODUCTION BREAKTHROUGH COULD MAKE £9BN INDUSTRY GREENER AND CLEANER

Researchers at a Scottish university have found a greener, cleaner way to produce a common chemical relied on by multibillion-dollar industries. In a new paper published today in the journal Cell Reports Physical Science, researchers from the University of Glasgow demonstrate a new method of creating anilines – chemicals commonly used in the manufacture of products including dyes, plastics and insulation, and pharmaceuticals like paracetamol. For decades, industrial chemical plants have created anilines by reacting organic compounds called nitrobenzenes with hydrogen at high temperatures and pressures. The reactions often involve catalysts made from precious metals.Reference Link: https://www.gla.ac.uk/news/headline_860947_en.html

Scientists develop a new non-opioid pain killer with fewer side effects

Scientists develop a new non-opioid pain killer with fewer side effects Promising compound benzyloxy-cyclopentyladenosine (BnOCPA) found to be a potent and selective pain killer in test model systems BnOCPA is also selective in its action, and non-addictive, opening up the potential for the development of potent analgesics without side effects Results revealed in paper published by scientists at the University of Warwick, University of Cambridge, University of Bern, Monash University, Coventry University and industrial partners A promising new non-opioid painkiller (analgesic) with potentially fewer side effects compared to other potent painkillers, has been discovered. Reference Link:https://warwick.ac.uk/newsandevents/pressreleases/scientists_develop_a

Berlin universities: Winter semester planned in attendance

The Berlin universities are also planning to hold courses and teaching in attendance for the coming winter semester 2022/2023. The agreements in force for the current semester in the joint key issues paper of the State Conference of Rectors and Presidents of Berlin Universities (LKRP) and the Senate Department for Science, Health, Nursing and Equal Opportunities provide the necessary framework for this planning. The key issues paper, which takes into account nationwide requirements, is continuously reviewed and adjusted based on a regular assessment of the pandemic. The key issues paper still provides that classroom teaching can be supplemented by courses offered online if this is required for didactic reasons or the pandemic situation. The universities once again appeal to students, employees and guests to continue to voluntarily wear an FFP2 mask on campus when several people come together. In the summer semester, this precautionary measure helped to keep university operations largely in their usual form and was necessary in view of the expected worsening of the pandemic situation in autumn, it said. Reference Link:https://www.fu-berlin.de/presse/informationen/fup/2022/fup_22_119-ausblick-auf-wintersemester/index.html

Imperial students set to send reusable rocket into space

Students at Imperial College London hope to be the world’s first university team to launch a reusable rocket into space. The Karman Space Programme at Imperial plans to design, build and launch a rocket to pass the Karman Line – the internationally recognised boundary to space, roughly 100km above sea level – and then successfully return it to Earth to be used again.   If successful, the Imperial team will be the first student group to achieve the remarkable feat with a reusable rocket.  Reference Link:https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/238211/imperial-students-send-reusable-rocket-into/

135,000 int’l students apply to UK unis via UCAS

The number of international students applying through UCAS has increased by 3% since last year, the application operator has said as it released its data for June. Almost 135,000 international students have applied, with the 31,400 applicants from China representing an increase of 10% from 2021. Nigerian application numbers have also increased by 58%, while Indian applicants rose 20%. A total of 111,720 non-EU international students applied through UCAS’s process, up from 89,420 two years ago. Reference Link:https://thepienews.com/news/135000-intl-applicants-apply-ucas/

Oxford researchers become EMBO members

Three University of Oxford academics have become the latest to join the 1,900 eminent life scientists in Europe and beyond that make up the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO). Adrian Hill, Yang Shi and Ivan Ahel have been recognised for their outstanding achievements in the life sciences.As new members of EMBO, they will help to shape the direction of life sciences, foster the careers of young researchers, and strengthen research communities in Europe and beyond. https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2022-07-06-oxford-researchers-become-embo-members

Unipd is part of the international research team paving the way for the development of new pharmaceuticals

Researchers from Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale of Lausanne (EPFL), Ca 'Foscari of Venice, and the University of Padua have established a method to sustainably produce and quickly identify thousands of macrocyclic compounds, a family of pharmaceutical molecules of great interest for the treatment of serious diseases such as tumors. Published in Nature Communications, the study entitled Synthesis and direct assay of large macrocycle diversities by combinatorial late-stage modification at picomole scale show how acoustic wave technology allowed the parallel synthesis of multiple different chemical compounds in tiny reaction drops. https://www.unipd.it/news/unipd-part-international-research-team-paving-way-development-new-pharmaceuticals

Austrian Society of Surgery awards Theodor Billroth Prize to Vera Vorstandlechn

(Vienna, 12-07-2022) Vera Vorstandlechner from the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery of MedUni Vienna received the award for her research, which focuses on the genetic landscape of hypertrophic scars and the identification of new therapeutic approaches. The study that impressed the expert jury was published in Nature Communications in October 2021 under the title "The serine proteases dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 and urokinase are key molecules in human and mouse scar formation" (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-26495-2)
. In this study, Vera Vorstandlechner and her research colleagues investigated the genetic pattern of hypertrophic scars, as well as potential targetsfor new treatmentoptions. Hypertrophic scarsscars develop thickened, often painful and itchy fibrotic strands and can be a significant burden for patients afteraccidents, surgery and especially burn injuries. The research team used single cell sequencing to analyse the genetic landscape of such scars, as well as scar maturation in a mouse model. In human skin, this method identified a subtype of fibroblast significantly associated with hypertrophic scarring. By comparing this scar-specific fibroblast type with fibroblasts during scar maturation in mice, the researchers were able to identify a group of serine proteases that were equally elevated in both experimentalapproaches. https://www.meduniwien.ac.at/web/en/about-us/news/2022/news-in-july-2022/vera-vorstandlechner-erhaelt-theodor-billroth-preis-der-oesterreichischen-gesellschaft-fuer-chirurgie/
 

Four researchers from Natural Sciences receive NERD grants from the Novo Nordisk Foundation

The NERD program supports original basic research in the natural sciences and technical sciences, and the four researchers from resp. The Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Department of Chemistry receive a total of DKK 47.7 million. The overall goal of the Novo Nordisk Foundation's NERD program is to support original basic research in the natural sciences and technical sciences, including - but not limited to - physics, chemistry, mathematics and computer science. The application must describe how the outcome of the project has potential interdisciplinary applications in health, life science or sustainability. The NERD projects span both far and wide, but they have in common that the grant recipients are both creative and ambitious. Reference Link:https://nat.au.dk/om-fakultetet/nyheder/nyhed/artikel/fire-forskere-fra-natural-sciences-modtager-nerd-bevillinger-fra-novo-nordisk-fonden

Female Researchers in Infectious Diseases Established

RWTH professor Gabriele Pradel is establishing Infect-Net with colleagues. An association is set to further strengthen their position in the future.   Although there are many female virologists, microbiologists, and infectious diseases researchers in leadership positions at German universities and research institutes, they are usually not in the public eye. The inaccurate perception of few women being science experts was particularly evident during the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, where it was primarily male virologists positioning themselves as advisors to policymakers in the media. Over the next three years, the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research will provide funding for the establishment of a network of German female researchers of infectious diseases with its Innovative Women in Focus program. RWTH Professor Gabriele Pradel from the Department of Cellular and Applied Infection Biology at the Institute of Biology 2 is responsible for the Infect-Net project. The founding team includes her colleagues Petra Dersch (University of Münster), Melanie Brinkmann (Technische Universität Braunschweig), Sandra Ciesek (Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt), and Iris Bruchhaus (Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg). A total of 30 infectious diseases researchers have already joined Infect-Net. Reference Link:https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/vyjux?lidx=1#aaaaaaaaaavyjxw

National Student Survey ranks University of Warwick third amongst Russell Group institutions for overall satisfaction

Students rank Warwick third for overall satisfaction amongst the Russell Group of UK’s leading universities Warwick moves to first place within the Russell Group for Student Voice Final-year students score Warwick at 81.4% for overall satisfaction with their academic experience Students at the University of Warwick have the third-highest level of overall satisfaction with their academic experience of all institutions in the Russell Group of leading universities, according to the latest results of an annual survey. Reference Link:https://warwick.ac.uk/newsandevents/pressreleases/national_student_survey_ranks_university_of_warwick_third_amongst_russell_group_institutions_for_overall_satisfaction_1

UCC to appoint experts to enhance cancer research in Ireland following new UPMC partnership

University College Cork and UPMC announce partnership towards the establishment of a collaborative, patient-focused cancer research environment across south of the country UCC/UPMC partnership will see two Oncology Professors appointed as part of process to develop internationally-recognised Cancer Research Institute at UCC University College Cork (UCC) and UPMC have announced a new partnership in cancer research, starting with the appointment of two new Professors of Medical Oncology to UCC - key strategic positions in the pursuit of establishing an internationally-recognised Cancer Research Institute at the university. The appointment of the two academic oncologists, funded by UPMC, is backed by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) and will establish the foundation for research collaboration between UCC, the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre, Pittsburgh. Reference Link:https://www.ucc.ie/en/news/ucc-to-appoint-experts-to-enhance-cancer-research-in-ireland-following-new-upmc-partnership.html

Donation of 100,000 euros from Planmeca to the University of Oulu

The health technology company Planmeca, which invests in medical research, education and development, has participated in the fundraising campaign of the University of Oulu with a donation of 100,000 euros. The collaboration between the University of Oulu and Planmeca is related to medical imaging, sensor technologies and intelligent solutions in patient diagnostics and data analytics. "Our company is strongly committed to domestic product development and long-term and close cooperation with universities and health professionals. Without scientific research, there is no innovation, and with our donation we want to help promote high-quality research and product development. The University of Oulu has been a close development and research partner for us since the early days of our company," says Planmeca Group founder and CEO Heikki Kyöstilä.   Reference Link:https://www.oulu.fi/en/news/donation-100000-euros-planmeca-university-oulu

Excellent climate research

Young Climate Scientists Award presented The winners of the Young Climate Scientists Awards 2022 have been chosen. Three young Hamburg talents convinced the scientific jury with their theses from various disciplines of climate research. Meteorologist Katharina Holube and economics graduate Nikolai Surminski won the first prize together. Second place goes to Felix Schaumann, graduate of Integrated Climate Systems Science.  Patron of the prize is Katharina Fegebank, Hamburg's second mayor and senator for science, research, equality and districts: "Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges facing our society. Clever minds and innovative ideas are required here. I am therefore particularly pleased that the Young Climate Scientists Award in Hamburg has established itself as an interdisciplinary prize for young talent in climate research. We need young talents who want to help shape our future. My heartiest congratulations to the winners! You are making an important contribution with your research by finding creative solutions to limit global warming.”  Reference Link:https://www.uni-hamburg.de/newsroom/im-fokus/2022/0705-young-climate-scientists-award.html

Antwerp Summer University attracts record number of participants

During the thirteenth edition, students will participate in a … yoga session on the roof of the MAS   The summer holidays are approaching, but that doesn't mean that life at UAntwerp has come to a standstill. After all, more than 600 students, researchers and young professionals have registered for one of the programs of the Antwerp Summer University. There is also the 'Choice stress off, summer vibes on' project for doubting students.     For the thirteenth time, UAntwerp offers high-quality courses during the summer months in the form of workshops, webinars and interactive lessons. After two summers with all kinds of corona restrictions and therefore a mainly digital offer, more than 600 participants are expected this summer. That is clearly more than the 513 enthusiasts in 2019, the last 'normal' summer. Reference Link:https://www.uantwerpen.be/nl/overuantwerpen/pers/persberichten-nieuws/2022/antwerp-summer-university/

Immerse partners with Meta on VR learning

Students can now find Immerse’s educational virtual world, the first of its kind, on Meta’s VR app store. The new partnership, which launched on June 23, allows learners to take part in virtual lessons in VR in a whole world built specifically for learning languages. “The time had come for virtual reality and the metaverse to no longer be thought of as a small add-on to the classroom, but instead for platforms to go direct-to-consumer and disrupt schools head on,” said Quinn Taber, founder and CEO of Immerse. Reference Link:https://thepienews.com/news/immerse-partners-meta-vr-learning/

Looking at a hybrid approach in higher education in the endemic phase

The advent of Covid-19 threw the teaching and learning universe into a breathless adjustment period; schools, colleges and universities struggled to adapt to the new normal of primarily online learning. Institutions and educators also had to ramp up their digital capabilities hastily. Issues of connectivity and access to digital devices at the students’ end had to be addressed quickly to avoid the phenomena of ‘lost years’ in education from significantly impacting their learning progress. Parents had to also play a part in ensuring attendance and on-time submissions of assignments for their children in both schools and tertiary institutions. The world has now started its journey back to some form of pre-pandemic normalcy. However, the landscape of what constitutes normalcy has changed significantly. Reference Link:https://thepienews.com/the-view-from/looking-hybrid-approach-higher-education-endemic-phase/

Easter Bush hosts new STEM Centre for Excellence

Local secondary students are set to benefit from a new Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Centre of Excellence at the University’s Easter Bush campus. The University and Midlothian Council have recently announced their plans to build a replacement for Beeslack Community High School at this site. The council is progressing an agreement with the University to buy the land for the school.https://www.ed.ac.uk/news/2022/easter-bush-hosts-new-stem-centre-for-excellence

Oxford student wins PhD Student of the Year award

Josephine Agyeman-Duah, a DPhil student at the Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health, has been named as the winner of the PhD Student of the Year award 2022. Josephine is part of the INTERGROWTH-21ST research group, which is dedicated to improving perinatal health, developing new fetal and newborn growth standards, and providing tools for continuity of care from conception to 5 years old. Her research focusses on neurodevelopmental assessment at age 2 for all children born preterm. The award scheme, run by FindAUniversity, received hundreds of nominations. The judges were impressed with Josephine’s research and its meaningful contribution to improve care for preterm infants during the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond. She has already been recognised by The Family Larsson Rosenquist Foundation as a positive change agent for making a global impact beyond her PhD studies. https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2022-06-29-oxford-student-wins-phd-student-year-award

Mobile app for fish farmers wins Imperial's top prize for women entrepreneurs

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/237594/mobile-fish-farmers-wins-imperials-prize/An
Imperial student startup has developed affordable and integrated technology for fish farmers to monitor and troubleshoot water quality issues. Banoo, co-founded by Selly Shafira, a student on the MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management at Imperial College Business School, won the £15,000 top prize in the WE Innovate Final on 22 June for their technology to support fish farmers in Indonesia to be more productive.  WE Innovate is a women’s entrepreneurship programme run by Imperial Enterprise Lab designed to inspire and accelerate the progress of women entrepreneurs. At the in-person final, five finalists went head-to-head in the hope of winning a share of a £30,000 prize pot, sponsored by bp.  Reference Link:https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/237594/mobile-fish-farmers-wins-imperials-prize/
 

Three ETH start-ups win De Vigier Prize

Yesterday evening, seven Swiss startups were awarded the WA de Vigier Prize, including the two ETH spin-offs Alivion and NematX and the ETH startup Nemosia.  From over 200 submitted projects, the jury of the de Vigier Foundation chose seven young Swiss entrepreneurs, each of whom will be awarded 100,000 francs. Two of them - Alivion from Menzingen and NematiX from Zurich - were founded at ETH Zurich. With Nemosia, a young company that wants to commercialize a technology developed at ETH Zurich is also successful. The ETH spin-off Diaxxo was also among the ten finalists. The jury members of the de Vigier Foundation rated the companies according to their degree of innovation, social relevance, technical and financial feasibility, market opportunities and the potential for new jobs.   Reference Link:https://ethz.ch/de/news-und-veranstaltungen/eth-news/teaser/2022/06/drei-eth-start-ups-gewinnen-de-vigier-preis.html

Application deadline for German-speaking Masters extended

The application deadline for all German-language master’s programs starting in winter semester 2022/23 has been extended to June 30, 2022. Apply today for one of the seven German-language WU master’s programs! With the award-winning programs, you will get the necessary skills and the right know-how to prepare you for a successful career in exciting industries in our digitized world. The German-language WU Master's programs also offer an inspiring space for reflection and the creation of something new - today's WU Master's graduates are tomorrow's decision-makers.  "Studying at WU is more than just an apprenticeship. It means learning for life, making valuable networks and making friends. In addition to a sound education, we offer you the opportunity to grow personally in many areas. We look forward to seeing you - welcome at WU!" says WU Rector Edeltraud Hanappi-Egger. Reference Link:https://www.wu.ac.at/universitaet/news-und-events/news/details-news/detail/bewerbungsfrist-fuer-deutschsprachige-master-verlaengert

Alfried Krupp Promotional Prize for Lucas T. Jae

The biochemist was awarded the renowned Alfried Krupp Prize for his research on the genetic and molecular basis of mitochondrial function. Lucas T. Jae uses a unique screening system to study the role of mitochondria in human disease processes. Mitochondria are cell organelles that are considered the "power plants of the cell". Since they play a key role in metabolism, defects in them lead to severe, mostly incurable diseases in humans, such as a number of hereditary metabolic disorders and myopathies as well as age-related diseases in the areas of neurodegeneration and cardiovascular diseases. Mitochondrial stress processes are easy to depict in models, but are largely not understood in humans. Reference Link:https://www.lmu.de/de/newsroom/newsuebersicht/news/alfried-krupp-foerderpreis-fuer-lucas-t.-jae.html

QS World Ranking: the University of Szeged is the best Hungarian university

The University of Szeged has been ranked the best Hungarian university in this year's Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) University world ranking. The result acknowledges the university’s outstanding national and international educational programmes, its research activity and artistic performance. The institution managed to maintain its 551st-560th position among a significantly higher number of nominees. The University of Szeged has maintained its prestigious 551-560th position in the British Quacquarelli Symonds’ (QS) University World Ranking for 2023. This year there was a significantly higher number of nominees evaluated by the organization, the world's leading provider of higher education rankings. QS has consistently been ranking the University of Szeged as the best Hungarian higher education institution for more than a decade. Reference Link:https://u-szeged.hu/news-and-events/2022/qs-world-ranking-the?objectParentFolderId=26349

Online textbook service launched for “fair access”

Course material provider Cengage has launched its new service, Cengage Unlimited for Institutions, which will give students access to over 10,000 digital textbooks and study resources, in addition to the company’s online learning platforms. Universities can subscribe on behalf of their students, potentially reducing the number of textbooks students are required to purchase. The program, which was launched last week and is now available to institutions in the UK, Middle East and North Africa, also includes a skills building and careers service, which the company says will help students to cope at university and develop their employability skills. Cengage Unlimited was piloted at three universities in Ireland, Switzerland and Saudi Arabia. Eoin Langan, dean of the faculty of business at Technological University Dublin, one of the pilot institutions, said that the program has provided an “affordable alternative to the purchase of textbooks” and that automatic grading, part of the online learning platforms, “helps our lecturers monitor student progress and understanding”. Reference Link:https://thepienews.com/news/subscription-textbook-service/

Marmara University Göztepe Girls' Dormitory Opened

Marmara University has a new dormitory for girls. In line with the cooperation between Marmara University and GYODER, the building that was previously used by the School of Banking and Insurance on Göztepe Campus was converted into a girls' dormitory and opened as Marmara University Göztepe Girls' Dormitory. Governor of Istanbul Ali Yerlikaya, Rector of Marmara University Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kurt, GYODER Chairman of the Board Mehmet Kalyoncu and many guests from the business world, as well as university administrators and students. In his opening speech, Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya said, “In addition to its historical beauties, Istanbul, which has been a university city since 1453, has nearly 825,000 university students as of today. In higher education, an area where we compete with the world, we, as the Istanbul city administration, are constantly striving for the accommodation of the students. Simultaneously, we are trying to come up with solutions by meeting with our YÖK President and our Rectors. Istanbul, the 13th largest metropolis of the world, currently has a capacity of 101,108 people for our students. It is important that our universities and YÖK act by considering the need for accommodation of universities in Istanbul to open new quotas and approach the issue carefully. Ministry of Youth and Sports with the title of dormitory, We will continue to produce solutions by holding meetings with the YÖK Presidency and Rectorates. We want to increase the capacity that currently meets the needs of 101,108 people," he said. Stating that the students staying in the dormitories on the campus go to school on foot, but 80% of the students in Istanbul use public transportation to go to school from the dormitory, Yerlikaya stated that this should be reversed by increasing the number of dormitories on or near the campus. Reference Link:https://www.marmara.edu.tr/news/marmara-universitesi-goztepe-kiz-ogrenci-yurdu-acildi

Maynooth University helps to future proof Dublin’s skies

Maynooth University is collaborating on research into the future of drone flights as part of an initiative to accelerate the potential of drones across local governments in Ireland. Civil defence, emergency response, public safety, and environmental monitoring applications are already realising the benefits of drone technology. This is just the start of what is possible according to a report, co-authored by Professor Tim McCarthy and Phillip Butterworth Hayes (PMI Media Ltd), on international best practices and future trends in drones. The report was supported by Maynooth University’s SFI funded U-Flyte Drone Research project.  It is part of the ‘Accelerating the Potential of Drones for Local Government’ project which has been co-funded by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform’s Public Service Innovation Fund and led by Dublin City Council’s Smart Dublin team. Reference Link:https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/faculty-social-sciences/news/maynooth-university-helps-future-proof-dublin-s-skies

Chevening alumni can ‘request resettlement’

Chevening alumni remaining in Afghanistan will be able to request resettlement in the UK later this month, the British government announced on June 13.  A pathway has been created with up to 1500 places available in the first year for eligible individuals and their families as part of the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme.  The Chevening scholarship is a government-funded program, run by the FCDO and British Council, that enables individuals from other countries with “demonstrable leadership potential” to undertake a master’s degree in the UK. In January, it was reported that 23 Chevening alumni remained in Afghanistan, following the Taliban takeover in August 2021. Campaigners argue that the alumni are at particular risk of being targeted by the Taliban due to their Western ties. Reference Link:https://thepienews.com/news/afghan-chevening-alumni-resettlement/

UK launches international charter for ‘world class student experience’

UKCISA launched the UK’s first ever international student charter as part of the opening day of their annual conference in Newcastle on June 15. Ensuring a wider understanding that the UK is an international student’s “home from home” is a central tenet to the charter.  Representatives from over 85 UK higher education institutions gathered together, pledging their support to providing a world-class student experience and meeting the expectations of overseas applicants from pre-arrival to graduation. Building on the successful #WeAreInternational campaign, the charter – with 5 key principles – has been written by a team of student ambassadors who shared their views on what the international student experience should look like. Reference Link:https://thepienews.com/news/new-uk-student-charter/

UCL awarded £6.5m funding to translate research into global impact

UCL has received the second highest amount of funding given to organisations across the country in the latest round of a government scheme supporting the translation of research. The university has secured £6.5m of a total £118m distributed by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) as part of its Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) programme, second only to the University of Oxford. Awarded to 64 universities and research organisations, IAA investment supports critical early-stage translation of UK research to real impacts, transforming public services, creating new jobs, attracting private investment and forging new partnerships with business and charities. Reference Link:https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2022/jun/ucl-awarded-ps65m-funding-translate-research-global-impact

Spain to ease visa processes for international students and graduates

Short on time? Here are the highlights: The Spanish government wants to remedy some of the logistical challenges international students face in pursuing degree studies in Spain Pending new legislation, the government intends to grant residence permits to foreign students for the duration of their studies and to extend work rights for one-two years after graduation Spain faces a declining college-aged population and high levels of outbound migration International students hoping to study pursue higher education degrees at one of Spain’s 76 universities may soon find it easier to do so. The Spanish government is legislating a new University System Law (LOSU) to allow non-EU students to (1) hold residence permits for the duration of their studies and (2) automatically be granted the right to remain in Spain for one-two years after graduation. Spanish Universities Minister Joan Subirats says, “We have to find ways to retain [international student] talent that we have trained so they can keep their residence status and look for work for two years.” REFERENCE: https://monitor.icef.com/2022/06/spain-to-ease-visa-processes-for-international-students-and-graduates/

Five Oxford researchers awarded Future Leaders Fellowships

UKRI has announced its latest round of Future Leaders Fellowships, including five Oxford recipients. Five Oxford researchers are among 84 of the most promising research leaders across the UK to benefit from £98 million of UKRI funding to tackle major global issues and to commercialise their innovations in the UK.UKRI’s flagship Future Leaders Fellowships (FLF) are designed to enable universities and businesses to develop their most talented early career researchers and innovators and to attract new people to their organisations, including from overseas. Reference Link:https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2022-06-15-five-oxford-researchers-awarded-future-leaders-fellowships

Yellow peas show promising results as tomorrow’s cheese

PEA PROTEIN  Humans have used milk to make cheese for millennia. However, climate change and sustainability concerns are prompting us to look towards the plant kingdom for the cheeses of the future. New research from the University of Copenhagen points to the modest yellow pea, which with its high nutritional content and sustainable cultivation attributes, could become tomorrow’s plant-based cheese of choice . Per capita, Danish people are the crème de la crème of Earth’s cheese consumers. According to the International Dairy Federation (IDF), Danes lead consumption globally with 28 kilos of cheese consumed per capita in 2020. At the same time, mounting pressure on Earth’s natural resources and global climate change demand more sustainable food production, in which animal-based fare is replaced by plant-based alternatives. Reference Link:https://news.ku.dk/all_news/2022/06/yellow-peas-show-promising-results-as-tomorrows-cheese/

DTU Wind and Energy Systems create value for society

With the merger of DTU Wind Energy and the Center for Electricity and Energy, Denmark has an institute that matches the development in the green transition. On 1 March this year, DTU Wind Energy and DTU's Center for Electricity and Energy merged and became DTU Wind and Energy Systems - a department that embraces several aspects of society's challenges of converting to green energy. Peter Hauge Madsen is now director of a new and larger department with a broader professionalism than what he has so far headed. And the new constellation pleases the department director. “It has been a long-cherished wish both from DTU Wind Energy and from the center that we should strengthen the collaboration. So the merger is a realization of that desire, ”says Peter Hauge Madsen. The current circumstances in Europe and the government's desire to turbo-charge the green transition with a significantly greater production of renewable energy also place demands on the institute, which is one of the world leaders in the field. Reference Link:https://www.dtu.dk/nyheder/alle-nyheder/dtu-vind-og-enegisystemer?id=81c965bf-8cb8-4d78-80b8-08f1e49feeb9

University of Tartu presents research-intensive business ideas at Demo Day

A testing platform for self-driving cars, using microbes to eliminate nitrogen pollution, a wood putty that facilitates plywood production, and a spray bottle that turns tap water into a disinfectant – these are just a few examples of the solutions being developed by University of Tartu researchers that will impact our everyday lives in the near future. On Thursday, 16 June, at the Demo Day at the University of Tartu Delta Centre, the university's researchers will present to prospective partners and investors nearly 30 development ideas that have the potential to become products and services that facilitate our everyday lives. Some ideas are still in the experimental stage, while others are already being implemented in new or operating start-ups. Reference Link:https://ut.ee/en/node/139883

Collaboration in Turku higher education – Health Campus is strengthening Turku’s position as a top city for health care research and development

Turku is known for its higher education institutions, Turku University Hospital, and as a hub for pharmaceutical companies. For a long time, the city has been a collaboration platform for several contributors in research and education and birthplace of new innovations. Health care competence in Turku is, in many respects, of the top quality in Finland. Since 2016, the collaboration of health care contributors has been supported by Health Campus Turku network. The network is actively looking for new operating models in the national and international health care forums and is building a shared infrastructure in the Turku economic area.– Life sciences and health care are developing rapidly as new technologies emerge. Therefore, the focus of our new collaboration projects is on health technology and its research, development, and education, says Development Director of Health Campus Turku Leena Setälä. Reference Link:https://www.utu.fi/en/news/news/collaboration-in-turku-higher-education-health-campus-is-strengthening-turkus-position-as

UCD Ad Astra star Lara Gillespie receives Paris Olympic Scholarship award ahead of 2024 Summer Games

UCD Ad Astra star Lara Gillespie has received a Paris Olympic Scholarship award to aid her preparations for the 2024 Summer Games.  The cyclist was one of 15 athletes granted financial support by the Olympic Federation of Ireland (OFI), who has awarded $350,000 to be distributed across thirteen sports.The Wicklow native is set to graduate from UCD this year, having studied Health and Performance Science, and was the recipient of an Ad Astra scholarship while undertaking her studies.In 2017 she won time trial silver at the Youth Olympics, and a year later she was a European junior champion (Points) and silver medallist (pursuit). In 2019 she won three track silvers at the European Juniors before becoming Ireland’s first medallist (bronze, individual pursuit) at track’s World Junior Championships. Reference Link:https://www.ucd.ie/newsandopinion/news/2022/june/09/ucdadastrastarlaragillespiereceivesparisolympicscholarshipawardaheadof2024summergames/

NUI Galway celebrates seven Fulbright awardees

NUI Galway is celebrating the success of seven academics, researchers and graduates named among the 40 Fulbright Irish Awardees for 2022-2023. The Fulbright Programme in Ireland was established in 1957 and annually awards grants for Irish citizens to study, research, or teach in the US and for American citizens to do the same in Ireland. Reference Link:https://www.nuigalway.ie/about-us/news-and-events/news-archive/2022/june/nui-galway-celebrates-seven-fulbright-awardees.html

New study places with large screens in REC-H

On the third floor, students can use individual study areas with large monitors The Library has approximately 45 new study places on the third floor of the REC-H building, half of which have a large screen. Students can connect their laptop to this and work comfortably on a large screen or use the screen as a second screen. With the roll-out of these first new places with large screens, the Library wants to meet the various needs of students. Meeting different needs  There are now three different study areas in the REC-H building. On the first floor you will find a flexible study room that can be set up in different ways: from individual study places to a collaborative space. On the second floor is a room with video call hoods, where students can follow online lectures or collaborate online. And now on the third floor, students can use individual study areas with large monitors.

Oxford scientists win seven Royal Society of Chemistry Prizes

Five individuals and two teams from the University of Oxford have received prestigious prizes from the Royal Society of Chemistry today. The Research and Innovation Prizes celebrate brilliant individuals across industry and academia. The Horizon Prizes celebrate the most exciting, contemporary chemical science at the cutting edge of research and innovation. They are for teams or collaborations who are opening up new directions and possibilities in their field, through ground-breaking scientific developments. Reference Link:https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2022-06-07-oxford-scientists-win-seven-royal-society-chemistry-prizes

AIFS and CIEE partner on new fund

A new professional development fund exclusively for international educators has been launched by two big names in the US global education sector. The American Institute for Foreign Study and the Council on International Education Exchange will be donating $100,000 over the next three years to a program that supports professionals to attend international education conferences as part of their development. “Now is the time to double our investment in training the next generation of exceptional leaders in international education programs,” said CIEE CEO and president James P. Pellow. “This is especially for those young professionals who will serve as role models for America’s future leaders,” he continued. The program, named the Ping-Taylor Professionals Fellows Grant, will enable its enrolees to attend conferences like the Forum on Education Abroad, Diversity Abroad and NAFSA: Association for International Educators, which is taking place this year between May 31-June 3. Reference Link:https://thepienews.com/news/aifs-ciee-pd-fund/

Grants from the Jane and Aatos Erko Foundation to the University of Oulu for research in technology and medical technology

The Jane and Aatos Erko Foundation awarded a total of EUR 2.6 million in grants to two projects at the University of Oulu. In total, the Foundation awarded grants of almost € 9.3 million to 11 projects. The Jane and Aatos Erko Foundation supports high-quality research, art and culture. The May grants from the Jane and Aatos Erko Foundation focused on applications in the fields of technology. These accounted for € 8.1 million of the total grant for seven projects, including two grants for medical technology projects. "The importance of the Foundation's long-term assistance activities, which also enable new openings and risky projects, will be further emphasized this year," concludes Nils Ittonen , Chairman of the Foundation's Board . "Alongside strong medical research, the foundation's goal is to raise the award profile in the field of technology," Ittonen continues. Reference Link:https://www.oulu.fi/fi/uutiset/jane-ja-aatos-erkon-saatiolta-avustuksia-oulun-yliopistolle-tekniikan-ja-laaketieteen-teknologian
 

Alphanie Midelet, UGA doctoral student wins the national final of the MT180 competition

After a performance hailed by the jury and the public on the stage of the MC2 Auditorium in Grenoble on March 17 during the academic final, Alphanie Midelet, doctoral student at the University of Grenoble Alpes (UGA), convinced the jury to the national semi-final in Paris on April 8 and has just won the Jury's first prize in the national final of the My thesis in 180 seconds (MT180) competition on May 31, 2022, organized by the CNRS and France Universities in partnership with the University of Lyons. She is also qualified for the international final of the competition which will take place in Montreal on October 6th. During the academic final, on March 17, she won the 2nd prize of the jury, and especially the public prize which opened the doors to the national semi-final in Paris on April 8 and 9 alongside Clara Laborie, doctoral student at the Center for studies and research applied to management (CERAG - UGA – Grenoble INP-UGA), 1st jury prize. Unsurprisingly, she convinced the Parisian jury with her thesis subject: "Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome by continuous positive pressure: study of remote monitoring data to understand the impact of treatment modifications and predict acute events". . Reference Link:https://www.univ-grenoble-alpes.fr/francais/alphanie-midelet-doctorante-uga-remporte-la-finale-nationale-du-concours-mt180-1078317.kjsp?RH=2320611992734654

Sorbonne University and UNAM Strengthen Their Strategic Partnership

Last week, Sorbonne University hosted a visit from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) in Paris, to further develop our longstanding strategic partnership. An exciting international summer school program from UNAM and Sorbonne University will also be launched next month. Dr Francisco Trigo, UNAM's Vice-Provost for International Affairs, visited Sorbonne University's Pierre and Marie Curie Campus last week on May 23rd, 2022. Notably, he met with Sorbonne University's Vice President for International Relations and Territorial and Socio-Economic Partnerships, Guillaume Fiquet, to discuss the partnership and its ongoing developments. Trigo also participated in meetings with academic and administrative representatives from both UNAM's Paris bureau and Sorbonne University, working on topics such as research projects, joint programs, collaborative actions in Artificial Intelligence, and the partnership's existing Chair of Excellence.  Reference Link:https://www.sorbonne-universite.fr/en/news/sorbonne-university-and-unam-strengthen-their-strategic-partnership

NRCI awarded funding to study ocular conditions in Irish nursing home residents

Researchers will also explore nutrition, particularly carotenoid levels, as determinants for diseases such as Age-related macular degeneration Scientists from Nutrition Research Centre Ireland (NRCI), School of Health Science, at South East Technological University (SETU) Waterford have been awarded funding to investigate the prevalence of ocular pathologies and visual impairment in elderly residents of nursing homes in Ireland. Difficulty accessing medical services like eyecare According to the World Health Organisation, cataract and refractive errors are the prevailing causes of avoidable blindness, with the vast majority of individuals over fifty years of age. Technological advancements and improved living standards have yielded longer life expectancy, particularly in developed countries, like the Republic of Ireland. Nursing homes in Ireland play a crucial role in providing care to this ageing population. However, reports suggest residents in nursing homes experience difficulties accessing specific medical services, in particular eyecare. Reference Link:https://www.wit.ie/news/all_news/nrci-awarded-funding-to-study-ocular-conditions-in-irish-nursing-home-residents

Queen Mary forms strategic partnership with Universiti Sains Malaysia

Queen Mary University of London has entered into a Strategic Partnership with public research university, Universiti Sains Malaysia to further drive transnational education, research and impact opportunities. Queen Mary's President and Principal, Professor Colin Bailey, and Professor Dato’ Dr. Faisal Rafiq Mahamd Adikan, Vice Chancellor of USM, recently signed a Strategic Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to significantly deepen and extend this international partnership. By doing so, Queen Mary can share its world-leading expertise globally, consolidating its commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. University Sains Malaysia, Penang, is among the oldest institutions of higher education in Malaysia, with the university's main campus hosting over 28,000 students. USM and Queen Mary will collaborate in a number of areas over the next five years, building on the MoU signed in 2018. Reference Link:https://www.qmul.ac.uk/media/news/2022/pr/queen-mary-forms-strategic-partnership-with-universiti-sains-malaysia.html

The development of the Skolt Sámi grammar received funding from the Academy of Finland

The Academy of Finland's Research Council for Culture and Society has awarded four-year funding to two research projects at the University of Oulu and one research consortium. In addition to the high scientific quality of the research plan, the committee placed particular emphasis in its funding decisions on academy projects where high quality is combined with strong academic and social impact and scientific renewal. Funding for the Academy project will be used to hire a research team and other research costs. Research projects of the University of Oulu that received funding from the Academy of Finland for the years 2022-2026: Skolt Sámi Grammar for Skolt Sámi: Descriptive Reference Grammar of Skolt Sámi. (Ylikoski, Jussi), 491 453 e. The research project investigates Skolt Sámi, a seriously endangered Finnish indigenous language. The main objectives of the project are to describe 1) the grammar of modern Skolt Sámi, 2) the main features of its historical development, and 3) the main features of sociolinguistic variation. The project will result in 1) a comprehensive descriptive reference grammar, 2) nine research articles, 3) a collection of scientific articles, 4) two text collections, and 5) a dissertation. Reference Link:https://www.oulu.fi/fi/uutiset/koltansaamen-kieliopin-laatiminen-sai-suomen-akatemian-rahoituksen

PhDs receive AUFF's talent awards

An anthropologist, a doctor, a psychologist, a theoretical chemist and a software engineer. 5 talented PhDs receive the Aarhus University Research Foundation's PhD prizes, which are awarded for the 20th time this year. This will take place in connection with AU's award ceremonies on Wednesday 25 May. The Aarhus University Research Foundation's talent awards go to 5 new PhDs, who within each of their disciplines have attracted extraordinary attention for their results and their dissemination of them. The prize recipients each receive DKK 50,000. The PhD award recipients have contributed new knowledge about the mentally vulnerable young people's joint reading of fiction, treatment of cardiac arrest in hospitals, emotional development in adulthood, quantum chemical method development and effective IoT data transfer. Reference Link:https://www.au.dk/nyheder/artikel/5-phder-modtager-auffs-talentpriser

UK: ISEB and CENTURY partner on assessments

The Independent Schools Examinations Board in the UK has agreed a long-term strategic partnership with educational technology specialist CENTURY Tech. The companies will collaborate on initiatives aiming to “innovate the assessment sector”, beginning with improvements to the online admissions tests that pupils take as part of their application to UK independent senior schools. Changes to the Common Pre-Tests and other ISEB tests will focus on enhancing the user experience, improving accessibility for different learning needs, and broadening the data and insights available to schools on pupils’ skills and abilities, the partners said. Reference Link:https://thepienews.com/news/uk-iseb-and-century-partner-on-k12-assessments/

How sport is taking the lead in international recruitment for the UK

The US sport scholarship system has always been seen as the route to education for aspiring student athletes around the world but the UK has emerged as an alternative destination that balances sporting and academic excellence. Investment in sports has been a priority for UK universities over the last decade as part of enhancing the student experience, with many campuses now routinely boasting multi-million-pound facilities. In the two years preceding the pandemic, the UK higher education sector had spent over £350m in developing sports facilities and the University of Portsmouth is the latest example, due to open its new £57m Ravelin Sports Centre in 2022 that will feature a swimming pool, climbing wall, ski simulator, sports hall and 175-station fitness suite.  Reference Link:https://thepienews.com/analysis/how-sport-is-taking-the-lead-in-international-recruitment-for-the-uk/

Calls to enhance NZ HE funding in 2022 budget

Leading sector voices are calling for systematic funding of universities in New Zealand, prior to the announcement of this year’s national budget. New Zealand’s finance minister, Grant Robertson, is to deliver the 2022 budget on May 19. “We would like to see government invest into the university sector in a slightly more systemic way, in order to be able to develop the skills and knowledge that will actually underpin the areas that are so critical for our success in the future,” Chris Whelan, chief executive of Universities New Zealand, told The PIE. Universities New Zealand would like to see the government look at the university sector as a provider of a “potential solution” to the major areas that are likely to be the government’s focus in the forthcoming 2022 budget, Whelan noted. Challenges include climate change, post-Covid economic recovery, as well as improving the overall lives of New Zealanders, he suggested. Reference Link:https://thepienews.com/news/new-zealand-calls-for-enhancing-university-funding-in-the-2022-budget/
 

Reproducing the energy transfer in photosynthesis

Anna Ros?awska and Guillaume Schull, who are researchers at the Surfaces et interfaces department of the Institut de physique et de chimie des matériaux de Strasbourg (IPCMS) have succeeded in reproducing the energy transfer at work in plant photosynthesis using a model composed of three pigments (organic molecules).     Guillaume Schull’s team work at the scale of a single molecule. Within this context, it launched a study of a system linked to photosynthesis. This was a first for the researcher. I didn’t know anything about the field and I found it fascinating to see how, during photosynthesis, plant leaves absorb solar energy and transform it into chemical energy. The ultimate goal is to understand how energy can be transferred from the light-collecting areas to the area responsible for using it, in such an efficient way. Reference Link:https://en.unistra.fr/unistra-news/research/reproducing-the-energy-transfer-in-photosynthesis

Levelling up UK rare disease research

The UK needs new approaches to developing treatments for rare diseases, according to a new report led by UCL researchers describing how universities, the pharmaceutical industry and the NHS could improve life sciences collaborations. The report authors are calling for an independent British Office for Rare Diseases, comparable to the Office of Rare Disease Research in the US. Report co-author Professor David Taylor (UCL School of Pharmacy) said: “Better treatments are already becoming available, particularly for more common forms of rare disease. The advent of cell, gene and other advanced therapies promises more gains. But progress will depend on funding early stage research in settings like universities and providing sufficient financial incentives for companies to develop and provide safe and effective licensed medicines. Reference Link:https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2022/may/levelling-uk-rare-disease-research

Imperial partners with laboratory in DR Congo for Rapid Polio detection

Late detection of poliovirus transmission is one of the greatest risks to polio eradication. Imperial developed a method for rapid detection of polio. Imperial's Vaccine Epidemiology Research Group (VERG) is based at the MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis. Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the team developed a method for the direct detection of poliovirus in stool samples and environmental surveillance samples. This novel method, published in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology, uses next-generation sequencing offering a real opportunity to reduce outbreak response time.  Not only significantly reducing laboratory testing time, this method allows for on-site sequencing. Delays with international transport of samples are avoided and sample to outcome is reduced to days instead of weeks. Reference Link:https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/236294/imperial-partners-with-laboratory-dr-congo/

Raising Awareness through Training on Green Transition Challenges

By providing a course on Environmental Transition and Societal Issues, Université Paris Cité aims to raise awareness among the student community of the Anthropocene and planetary limitations, equip them with ideas on growth and degrowth, and help them become active players in the green transition. At a time when the Ministry of Higher Education and Research recommends that, within five years, “100% of learners in the French higher education system should be trained in the green transition,” universities are opting for theoretical scientific teaching, aimed at a community of students studying science. Université Paris Cité has chosen to offer content that is accessible and understandable to everyone, without any disciplinary prerequisites, by proposing the Environmental Transition and Societal Issues teaching unit (UE). Reference Link:https://u-paris.fr/en/raising-awareness-through-training-on-green-transition-challenges/

European Universities Initiative is a ‘game-changer’ – Norway

The Norwegian government has officially welcomed the push by the European Commission for greater higher education cooperation, describing the European Universities Initiative (EUI) in particular as a ‘game-changer’ in relation to fostering closer collaboration between European higher education institutions, but some concerns still remain.In a written response to the European Strategy for Universities and the European Council recommendation on building bridges for effective European higher education cooperation proposed by the European Commission on 18 January, Norway’s ministry of education and research said on 27 April that the initiatives, aimed at strengthening transnational cooperation, have been met with a positive response by Norwegian stakeholders. Reference Link: https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=2022050615131989

University network strengthened on Europe Day

An alliance of leading research universities has been strengthened by the addition of two new partners on Europe Day. University College Dublin and Universität Zürich are the latest members of Una Europa, a network of 11 institutions – including the University of Edinburgh – that seeks to increase collaboration and cooperation between universities from across the EU and beyond. It comes as the University today marks Europe Day, an annual celebration of peace and unity across the continent. Close collaboration Una Europa hopes to offer opportunities for facilitated teaching, learning and research across borders by working together to create a virtual ‘multi campus’ European University of the Future. Following the launch of the European Commission’s new flagship programme ‘European University Initiative’ the University joined the Alliance in 2019 to build links and investigate new transnational opportunities for collaboration with Una Europa member universities across a network of European cities.   Reference Link:https://www.ed.ac.uk/news/2022/university-network-strengthened-on-europe-day
 

Scotland’s Future Series gets underway with podcast recordings

A new project launched by the Principal at the start of this semester to stimulate discussion and debate around Scotland’s future has taken its first major step by awarding funding to nine unique projects. Thanks to £35,000 of financial assistance from the University to support relevant research and outreach work, the Scotland’s Future Series opened its first round with applications invited for funding of up to £3000. A number of outstanding applications were received from academics, students and professional staff. The panel, comprising Professor Brad Mackay, Senior Vice-Principal and VP (International and External Relations); Professor Tom Brown, Vice-Principal (Research and Innovation); Ester Ruskuc, Director of Strategy and Policy; Niall Scott, Director of Communications; and Professor Stephen Gethins, Strategic Adviser on External Relations, awarded funding to a number of projects submitted in the first round, while several other applicants were encouraged to develop their proposals and resubmit to the next funding round. Reference Link:https://news.st-andrews.ac.uk/archive/scotlands-future-series-gets-underway-with-podcast-recordings/

The basics of AI - Sweden top among summer courses

Interest in artificial intelligence is growing. This shows not least the admission figures for this year's summer courses. There, the course Basics in AI at Linköping University is the summer course in Sweden with the most accepted. This summer, a total of 1168 students want to learn more about artificial intelligence and how it can affect our future and everyday life. The basics of AI at Linköping University is the summer course in Sweden with the most accepted according to this year's figures from the University and College Council, UHR.The course is aimed both at those who want to learn a little more about what AI is and at those who want to take the first step to start working with AI. Fredrik Heintz is one of the world's foremost AI researchers and examiner for the course:- AI is a current topic that many talk about, at the same time relatively few know what it actually is. That is why it is very good that so many have chosen to learn more about this important subject. My hope is that they will have a much better understanding of what it is, and what it is not, after taking the course, he says. Reference Link:https://liu.se/nyhet/grunderna-i-ai-sverigetopp-bland-sommarkurser

National Comenius Leadership Fellow grant for Jan Riezebos

The Netherlands Initiative for Education Research (NRO) and The Dutch Research Council (NWO) have decided to award the national Comenius Leadership Fellow grant 2022 to Jan Riezebos, professor of Educational Innovation at the Faculty of Economics and Business. This grant for experienced professionals in higher education is offered by the minister of education. The grant includes membership of the national Comenius Leadership Fellow network and a prize of 500,000 euros to be spent on implementing an educational innovation within the University of Groningen. The educational improvement should be of direct benefit to students in Dutch higher education; thus, it is also important that the innovation is disseminated in the national context too. NRO and NWO have been involved in the application and assessment process. It is the first time that an employee of the University of Groningen has received this national grant. Reference Link:https://www.rug.nl/feb/news/2022/national-comenius-leadership-fellow-grant-for-jan-riezebos

University takes leading role in creation of new Scottish think tank

St Andrews is one of three Scottish Universities taking the helm of a dynamic new global affairs institute, launched this week (Wednesday 27 April). The Scottish Council on Global Affairs has been set up by the Universities of St Andrews, Glasgow and Edinburgh to provide a non-partisan hub for the sharing of Scotland’s world-leading expertise. The Council has received backing from both Scottish and UK Government Ministers as well as from across the political spectrum and wider civil society. The Council aims to forge links with civil society partners and the business community across the UK and internationally, placing their expertise on international issues at their disposal. It will support ambitious research projects designed to inform public policy and encourage wider public discussion. Reference Link:https://www.sussex.ac.uk/news/article/57635-stephen-hawking-s-famous-black-hole-paradox-solved-after-hair-raising-discovery

Bristol researcher wins British Ecological Society prize for best paper

Academic Kate P. Maia, from the University of Bristol has been awarded this year’s Elton Prize for their Journal of Animal Ecology paper. In their study, Kate and colleagues used computer simulations to investigate how resistant plant-pollinator and plant-herbivore networks are to the loss of species. They found that when network structure was static, pollination networks were less resilient than herbivory networks. But when interaction rewiring was incorporated in the models, they showed that the structure of pollination networks enhanced resilience to extinctions. Reference Link:https://www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2022/april/bes-award.html

New €2.8m project will seek insights into aging from pre-term births

University of Warwick research to investigate whether many age-related conditions are determined for us before we are born Project received funding from European Research Council of 2,803,123 euros In another ERC-funded project, physicists from Warwick will use NMR to study how the architecture of plant fibres changed over millions of years of evolution New research at the University of Warwick will investigate whether many of the physical and psychological effects of aging are already determined for us by the time we are born thanks to new funding of 2,803,123 euros. The European Research Council today announced the winners of its 2021 Advanced Grants competition. The funding, worth in total €624.6 million, will go to 253 leading researchers across Europe. Their work is set to provide new insights into many subjects, such as using mathematics to find better ways to use antibiotics and chemotherapy, how to protect the biodiversity of islands, exploring the Cosmic Dawn, and understanding how language sounds change over time. Reference Link:https://warwick.ac.uk/newsandevents/pressreleases/new_28m_project

New process enables 3D printing of small and complex glass components in just a few minutes

Because of its outstanding transparency and stability when it comes into contact with heat or chemicals, glass is relevant for many high-tech applications. However, conventional processes for shaping glass are often lengthy, energy-intensive and quickly reach their limits when it comes to small and complicated components. The Freiburg materials scientists Dr. Frederik Kotz-Helmer and Prof. Dr. Bastian E RappIn cooperation with the University of California in Berkeley/USA, they have developed a new method with which very small components made of transparent glass can be produced quickly and precisely using micro 3D printing. Possible applications are, for example, components of sensors and microscopes, but also of lab-on-a-chip systems. The researchers were able to publish their results in the current issue of the renowned journal Science . Glass powder in plastic binder The new technology is based on so-called glassomer materials that Kotz-Helmer and Rapp developed at the Institute for Microsystems Technology (IMTEK) at the University of Freiburg. "Glassomer materials consist of glass powder in a special plastic binder," says Kotz-Helmer, "so glass can be processed like plastic." The resulting components then go into a furnace, which burns the plastic and sinters the glass, that is compacted: "In the end, the components consist of one hundred percent highly transparent quartz glass," says Kotz-Helmer. Reference Link:https://kommunikation.uni-freiburg.de/pm/2022/neues-verfahren-ermoeglicht-3d-druck-von-kleinen-und-komplexen-bauteilen-aus-glas-in-wenigen-minuten
 

New Erasmus + climate project at Køge Business School

The Ministry of Education and Research has given the green light to a new climate project, where students and teachers from HHX will collaborate with partner schools in the Netherlands, Germany and Spain to develop sustainable initiatives for their schools and local areas over the next two years.  “In our international department, we have long worked to develop our idea for a new project that will sow seeds to promote climate and sustainability in schools. Our project application has now been approved, and we look forward to our students and teachers being able to help develop sustainable initiatives, ”says Tina Biil Eriksen, international coordinator at Køge Business School. During the project's 2-year period, selected HHX students will travel to the partner schools, where they will collaborate with students from the other countries. Finally, the students present their work at a climate summit at Køge Business School. Reference Link:https://khs.dk/om-khs/nyhedsarkiv/koege-handelsskole/nyt-erasmusplus-klimaprojekt-paa-koege-handelsskole/
 

KLAUS TSCHIRA FOUNDATION BOLSTERS FUNDING FOR HEIDELBERG INSTITUTE FOR GEOINFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Freely accessible route planners that can be quickly used after catastrophes for work by aid organisations or can point people who have difficulty walking to the route with the fewest obstructions: the Heidelberg Institute for Geoinformation Technology (HeiGIT) is working on intelligent routing and navigation services that access diverse geodata using geoinformation technologies and methods from geoinformatics. HeiGIT under the direction of Heidelberg University researcher Prof. Dr Alexander Zipf is backed by the Klaus Tschira Foundation, which has recently extended and substantially increased its funding. “We believe in the important, first-rate work HeiGIT performs and want to give the institute the necessary backing to pursue high-quality research and develop more useful applications for the good of society,” states Prof. Dr Carsten Könneker, Managing Director of the Klaus Tschira Foundation.   Reference Link:https://www.uni-heidelberg.de/en/newsroom/heigit-making-geodata-useful-for-mobility-support-and-humanitarian-aid
 

Recruitment campaign for future doctoral students

The campaigns for interdisciplinary doctoral programs and Institutes and initiatives are renewed for this year 2022. Those of doctoral schools are also gradually arriving. Programs Institutes and initiatives   Most doctoral projects offered by the Institutes and Initiatives programs are now online. Candidates must first contact the project leaders. Project leaders are invited to submit online the application they have selected to attend the auditions. With their agreement, the pre-selected candidate may then submit their application via the online form . The file must be complete to be examined.Schedule Deadline for submitting applications: May 2 Calling of candidates: May 10 Hearing before a jury: May 16 to 27 Display of results: June 3 Reference Link:https://www.sorbonne-universite.fr/actualites/campagne-de-recrutement-des-futures-doctorantes-et-futurs-doctorants
 

Start-up Sampling Human received $ 1.5 million in support

The Czech-American technological start-up Sampling Human, whose co-founder and executive director is Daniel Georgiev from the UWB Faculty of Applied Sciences, supported the i & i Biotech investment fund, which focuses on promising biotechnology companies. Investors were attracted by the "live information technology" method. The i & i Biotech investment fund (i & i Bio) has invested $ 1.5 million in the Czech-American technology startup Sampling Human, which is developing a unique diagnostic method that improves the detection and monitoring of serious diseases. The company uses synthetic biology to genetically transform microorganisms (eg yeast) into so-called "living information technology". According to the assignment, the modified yeasts are able to detect and subsequently analyze rare cells, such as tumor cells, which are found in a very small amount in the blood sample. Thanks to this "live diagnostics", the whole diagnostic process becomes an order of magnitude faster, cheaper and more accurate. The i & i Bio fund's investments will support research activities, the company's growth and preparations for the next investment round. Reference Link:https://info.zcu.cz/clanek.jsp?id=4316&lang=cs
 

New photovoltaic systems planned Solar energy from the university roof

Climate protection in front of the office and seminar room - or rather above it: The UDE is planning to produce more green electricity on its roofs in the future. The first new photovoltaic systems are expected to supply energy as early as 2023. Some buildings are already equipped with the technology. The R09S and V15R buildings on the Essen campus are initially being considered, as construction work is pending here anyway. Photovoltaic systems are also to be installed on the two new car parks in Essen and Duisburg - and there are also considerations for the Future Water Campus. In a second step, other building roofs could then follow, such as the canteen building, the LD and MD buildings on the Duisburg campus and the R11T building in Essen. They are particularly well suited, as a potential analysis by the Duisburg public utility company has shown. BA, BE, LC, LX, ST could also follow in Duisburg. Reference Link:https://www.uni-due.de/2022-04-14-photovoltaikanlagen-auf-uni-dach
 

High-Risk Research Across Disciplinary Borders

The NOMIS Fellowship enables multidisciplinary connections in science. Many problems in modern science require researchers to think beyond the borders of their discipline. Together, neuroscience and computer science investigate how the human brain works and information theory paired with physics might help to shed light on how cells make decisions. However, science is still usually organized into departments and research fields. The NOMIS Fellowship at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria wants to support scientists in bringing disparate fields together. To draw new connections and gain insights, scientists often need to employ a multidisciplinary approach. This is exactly what the NOMIS Fellowship at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) offers. Established in 2021, this program has been made possible by the partnership between ISTA and the NOMIS Foundation. Reference Link:https://ist.ac.at/en/news/high-risk-research-across-disciplinary-borders/
 

OBIGA: a Grenoble Alpes Biodiversity Observatory has been launched!

The preservation of biodiversity does not only concern rare species on the other side of the planet, it concerns all of us and everyone can contribute to discovering it and making it known close to home. This is the meaningful vocation of the Grenoble Alpes Biodiversity Observatory: OBIGA. The project is based on the collection and centralization of naturalist data carried out in actions and by various audiences: informed walker, professional naturalist, confirmed associative naturalist or supervised student. OBIGA relies on the deployment of the GeoNature open source database management system (managed by OSUG), which generates a biodiversity atlas that can be consulted via the OBIGA website.. Data collection is done via specific tools (traps, camera-trap, etc.) used by experienced people (students, teachers) and via smartphone applications ( Pl@ntNet and iNaturalist ) chosen for their ease of use. use by non-specialist audiences (automatic identification of species) and from which data can be automatically collected by GeoNature. Reference Link:https://www.univ-grenoble-alpes.fr/francais/obiga-un-observatoire-de-la-biodiversite-grenoble-alpes-est-lance--1049446.kjsp?RH=2320611992734654

Big data in geochemistry for international research

Largest database for chemical analyses of rocks and minerals now hosted at Göttingen University   Geochemistry was established as one of the central pillars of the geosciences by Victor Moritz Goldschmidt in Göttingen. It describes the formation and evolution of our planet, as well as the mass transport processes within the Earth systems. Applications of geochemistry include resource and environmental research. Large data sets are playing an increasingly important role in solving scientific questions in geochemistry. Now the University of Göttingen has inherited GEOROC, the largest geochemical database for rocks and minerals from the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry (Mainz). The database has been revised and modernised in its structure and made available to its global users in a new form.   The "GEOROC" database, the largest global data collection of rock and mineral compositions, currently contains analyses from over 20,000 individual publications (the oldest dating back to 1883) from 614,000 samples. Together, these data represent almost 32 million individual analytical values.   Reference Link: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/3240.html?id=6645
 

Unique project studies fire smoke in detail

Everyone knows it smokes when it's burning. But what do you really know about what the smoke contains and how different fire processes affect the smoke? And how do the particles in the smoke affect the rescue personnel who are first on site when a fire is to be fought. Researchers at LTH have in a unique experiment together with the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) carried out measurements where the smoke has been studied in detail in fires in realistic environments.   Reference Link:https://www.lu.se/artikel/unikt-projekt-studerar-brandrok-i-detalj
 

Edinburgh and Kyiv strengthen links with new pairing

Reference Link:https://www.ed.ac.uk/news/2022/edinburgh-and-kyiv-strengthen-links-with-new-pairi
  The University and Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv in Ukraine are to join forces on a new strategic partnership as part of a twinning initiative. Recognising their complementary strengths and shared values, the two universities have signalled their intention to work more closely together on opportunities ranging across teaching, learning and research. Fostering connections  The new partnership will strengthen existing ties between the two institutions and will boost the exchange of people and ideas, the creation of joint research initiatives and foster greater virtual connections and digital learning. Despite the ongoing war in Ukraine, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv remains open, with many students and staff studying and working remotely.

The Dutch Microbiome Project: using large-scale population research to identify what shapes a healthy gut microbiome

People often talk about a healthy intestinal flora, but until now it has not been clear what a 'healthy' gut microbiome actually means. Researchers at the University Medical Center Groningen have now been able to properly determine the composition of a healthy gut microbiome through large-scale research in more than 8,200 Lifelines participants. The detailed analysis, reported today in Nature, allowed the UMCG team to not only compile a deep catalog of the microbiome but also to indicate which gut microbes are associated with disease and which with health. Their study also shows that people living together in a household share a more similar composition and that sharing a living environment and lifestyle has a greater influence than our genetics. Interestingly, the composition of the microbiome is not only determined by current living conditions but also by past circumstances such as the urbanicity of one’s childhood home.   Reference Link:https://www.rug.nl/about-ug/latest-news/news/archief2022/nieuwsberichten/the-dutch-microbiome-project-using-large-scale-population-research-to-identify-what-shapes-a-he

New cooperation accelerates Sweden's green transition

Sweden will become a world leader in battery research and electrification of the transport sector. A new collaboration between Chalmers University of Technology, Lund University and Uppsala University will contribute with more research, more engineers and continuous competence development in battery technology and power electronics.   The transport sector worldwide is currently switching to fossil-free operation and electrification is the dominant strategy. This has led to an increasing demand for research and expertise in battery development. The Swedish transport sector is in the middle of this green transformation with the goal that the vehicle fleet will be completely fossil-free by 2045, with a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by 70 percent by 2030. For industry to take a leading role in the transition to an electrified society, new knowledge is needed and skills - applied research, training of engineers and further training of already professionals. Reference Link:https://www.uu.se/nyheter/artikel/?id=18462&typ=artikel

This is how sunshine electricity is stored to order

Reference Link:https://www.chalmers.se/sv/institutioner/chem/nyheter/Sidor/Sa-blir-lagrat-solsken-el-pa-bestallning.aspx
  A research project at Chalmers is developing an energy system that can capture solar energy, store it for up to eighteen years and release it when and where it is needed. Previously, researchers have shown how energy can be extracted as heat. Now they have taken another step and managed to get the system to produce electricity. In the long run, the new technology can power electronics that charge themselves with stored solar energy - to order. - This is a radically new way of extracting the sun's energy as electricity. We can produce electricity regardless of weather, time of day, season or geographical distance. It is a closed system that is operated without causing carbon dioxide emissions, says research leader Kasper Moth-Poulsen, professor at the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Chalmers.

Blockchain offers a solution to post-Brexit border digitisation to build supply chain trust, research shows

Reference Link:https://www.surrey.ac.uk/news/blockchain-offers-solution-post-brexit-border-digitisation-build-supply-chain-trust-research-shows
  As a result of the UK leaving the European Union, logistics firms have faced additional friction at UK borders. Consequently, there have been calls for automated digital borders, but few such systems exist. Surrey researchers have now discovered that a blockchain-based platform can improve supply chain efficiency and trust development at our borders. Blockchain is a system in which a record of transactions made in bitcoin, or another cryptocurrency, are maintained across several computers that are linked in a peer-to-peer network. The blockchain based platform studied in this case is known as an RFIT platform; a pilot implementation blockchain system that links data together and ensures that this data is unalterable. This end-to-end visibility of unchangeable data helps to build trust between supply partners.  

DUKE LAW AWARDED $10 MILLION CHALLENGE GRANT FROM THE DUKE ENDOWMENT

The Law School will leverage the award to increase financial aid for students through scholarships, public interest fellowships and loan repayment assistance. The Duke Endowment has given a $10 million award to Duke University to create new financial aid opportunities in the Law School and help remove economic barriers for students to study law and launch their careers. The challenge grant will provide matching funds for endowments supporting scholarships, summer and post-graduate public interest fellowships, and loan repayment assistance. Minor Shaw, Chair of the Board of Trustees at The Duke Endowment, said, "James B. Duke's original vision for Duke University included the training of lawyers and the Endowment is delighted to support this continuing tradition." Reference Link:https://today.duke.edu/2022/04/duke-law-awarded-10-million-challenge-grant-duke-endowment

The University of Gothenburg puts in extra courses in Ukrainian

The University of Gothenburg is Sweden's leading university for education in the Ukrainian language. Now they are expanding the range and putting in extra courses for the autumn. - We do everything we can to meet the great need for language skills in Ukrainian, says Petra Platen, Deputy Head of Education at the Department of Languages and Literatures. The war in Ukraine has meant that tens of thousands of Ukrainians are expected to go to Sweden in the future. By mid-March, 14,000 had already come here and in its main scenario, the Swedish Migration Board estimates that 76,000 will seek protection in Sweden before the end of the first half of the year. This means a great need for people who have knowledge of Ukrainian, such as interpreters, mother tongue teachers, translators and officials at state and municipal authorities. Beginners course is given this fall At the Department of Languages and Literatures, courses in Ukrainian have been held since 2018. At short notice, the beginners' course Introduction to Ukrainian has now been launched this autumn. The course, which is 7.5 higher education credits and internet-based, should not have taken place until the spring of 2023. Several completely new courses are also under development and will be available as early as the autumn. Reference Link:https://www.gu.se/nyheter/goteborgs-universitet-satter-in-extra-kurser-i-ukrainska
 

Event to take place showcasing fully-funded business support on offer at Lancaster University

An event taking place at Lancaster University’s flagship Health Innovation Campus will showcase the 12 business support programmes offered across the institution. The European Regional Development Fund-supported programmes offer organisations skills and innovation support across various themes, including health, cyber security and clean growth. The Programmes for Growth event on Wednesday 20 April will see SMEs invited to attend and meet some of the University’s business support teams and find out how the institution can support them and their organisation. Lancaster University currently has 12 live support projects running through to the end of June 2023. Reference Link:https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/news/event-to-take-place-showcasing-fully-funded-business-support-on-offer-at-lancaster-university
 

Cleaner fuels from CO2 is the promise from the University of Surrey

Using the planet's air to create new chemicals for fuel, and other essential chemical products is the bold ambition of a new research project from the University of Surrey.  The project aims to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) directly from the air and use dynamic catalysis to create methanol - a valuable chemical that, made this way, could be carbon-negative. Its value could offset the cost of direct air capture. The project has been awarded £250,000 by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council through the Adventurous Energy Research for a Sustainable Net-Zero scheme. Reference Link:https://www.surrey.ac.uk/news/cleaner-fuels-co2-promise-university-surrey
 

Stoneygate Trust and University of Leicester combine to create pioneering new Centre for Empathic Healthcare

The Stoneygate Trust and University of Leicester have combined to create a pioneering new Stoneygate Centre for Excellence in Empathic Healthcare. This unique £10m Centre, co-funded by the University and The Stoneygate Trust, will ensure that medical students and healthcare professionals across the UK are taught about the vital importance of empathy as an integral part of all aspects of their medical training.  As part of its work, the new Centre will develop and deliver empathy-focused training for undergraduate and postgraduate healthcare students and professionals in Leicester, with the aim of making this available nationally. Reference Link:https://le.ac.uk/news/2022/april/empathic-health

Breakthrough success in provision of automated psychological therapy using virtual reality

In a landmark development, psychological therapy has been automated in virtual reality (VR). With the user guided by a virtual coach, there is no need for a real-life therapist, meaning the treatment can reach many more patients. In the largest ever clinical trial of VR for mental health, published today in The Lancet Psychiatry, and funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), the automated therapy was shown to work well for patients diagnosed with psychosis. The biggest benefits were experienced by those with the most challenging psychological problems. Reference Link:https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2022-04-05-breakthrough-success-provision-automated-psychological-therapy-using-virtual-reality

UCL partners with OECD to tackle global challenges through infrastructure delivery

Dr Juliano Denicol (UCL Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction) is leading on a partnership with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to boost global social and economic development through infrastructure investment and delivery. As countries around the world work to tackle climate change and build back better post-pandemic, many are investing more heavily in implementing major projects to enable this work. The USA is one country investing heavily in infrastructure, with President Joe Biden predicting an ‘infrastructure decade’, after the House of Representatives approved the Build Back Better Act in November 2021. Major countrywide infrastructure projects, often called ‘megaprojects’, require investment running into billions of pounds of public money every year. Many fail to deliver on their goals, due to the complex challenges such projects face, from people and project management to dealing with everyday difficulties and implementing effective financial management. A pre-pandemic example in the UK is Crossrail, which is over-budget and now scheduled to open in the first half of 2022, having been delayed since 2018. Reference Link:https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2022/apr/ucl-partners-oecd-tackle-global-challenges-through-infrastructure-delivery
 

£1.25m initiative to build a diverse energy research community

A £1.25m project is tackling the lack of diversity in energy research by harnessing the talents of researchers from all backgrounds. The University of Nottingham is part of the IGNITE Network+ which is led by Strathclyde alongside partners Imperial College London, the University of Manchester, the University of Bristol, Queen’s University Belfast and Brunel University London. The Innovation and Growth Needs Inclusion and engagement of all Talent in Energy research project aims to build an interdisciplinary community of energy researchers based on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and accessibility. The project is funded by an EDI Network+ grant from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), part of UK Research & Innovation and will work to support sustainable, abundant, clean and equitable energy for all, by harnessing the talents of energy researchers from all backgrounds. Reference Link:https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/news/1.25m-initiative-to-build-a-diverse-energy-research-community

Leeds University Rocketry Association takes launch

Theo Youds has always dreamt of going to space. Since forming the first ever rocketry association at Leeds and leading two successful rocket flights, he's set his sights on the Spaceport America Cup. “Ever since I was a child, I’ve been obsessed,” says Theo, third year mechanical engineering student. “But space travel has always been one of those things you see in the movies. By building rockets, understanding how things work, I realised it’s all possible and other Leeds students are seeing it too.” Leeds University Rocketry Association (LURA) is a student-led, multi-discipline engineering team capable of designing, building and flying sub-orbital rockets. Their mission is simple: “We want to prepare the Mars generation. In the next 10 years Mars will happen and we want to make sure Leeds is a part of it.” Theo’s aspirations follow in the footsteps of Leeds alum and astronaut Matthias Maurer (Materials Science Erasmus Scheme 1993), who began a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in November 2021 – you can read all about the role Leeds played in his journey to space in our >recent magazine feature. Reference Link:>https://www.leeds.ac.uk/alumni-2/news/article/5052/leeds-university-rocketry-association-takes-launch
 

UK: Transnational education numbers continue to grow

The latest data from Universities UK International (UUKi) shows continued growth in the number of foreign students enrolled in transnational education programmes (TNE) offered by British institutions.>The scale of UK higher education transnational education 2019–20 reports that there were more than 453,000 students from 225 countries and territories pursuing qualifications from 156 UK institutions in 2019/20. This represents year-over-year growth of nearly 11% for the year leading up to the start of the pandemic, and overall growth of roughly 17% over the previous five years.Just over half (50.3%) of those students were based in Asia, but significant proportions were also enrolled from the European Union (16.5%), the Middle East (13.1%), and Africa (10.7%). The following table highlights the top 20 countries by UK TNE enrolment. Reference:->https://monitor.icef.com/2021/12/uk-transnational-education-numbers-continue-to-grow/

Foreign enrolment in UK higher ed surpasses 600,000-student target

The UK released a new international education strategy in March 2019. The strategy set out some concrete targets for growth through 2030, including a goal to reach a foreign enrolment of 600,000 students by that year – an overall increase of roughly 30% compared to 2017/18 levels. Just about two years later – and nearly a decade ahead of schedule – that enrolment target has already been reached. The >latest data release from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) reports a total of 605,130 international students enrolled for the 2020/21 academic year. This represents a year-over-year increase of nearly 9% from 2019/20 and extends a pattern of steady growth for UK higher education over the last five years. That growth trend is all the more remarkable as it occurs alongside the UK’s departure from the European Union in January 2020 and of course the COVID-19 pandemic. “Despite fears about the potential effect of the pandemic on international student numbers, the 2020/21 student data still shows an overall increase in international first year students,” said HESA policy and research analyst Lucy Van Essen-Fishman. “First-year first degree student numbers from the EU are up by 8%, only slightly below the rate of increase for first year students overall; EU-domiciled postgraduate student enrolments are also up…The 2020/21 academic year was the last year in which EU students were guaranteed home fee status, which may have encouraged EU applicants not to defer their studies, despite the uncertain pandemic situation.” Reference:- >https://communications.icef.com/e/937843/rpasses-600000-student-target-/23t2bj/106572650?h=Mxvl6Ol4C8fAYPbM4hSDODN0nCud4khV11w-50_-bsM

New online Masters course in Mediation and Dispute Resolution

Reference Link:>https://www.ncl.ac.uk/press/articles/latest/2022/03/onlinemastersmediation/
  Newcastle Law School has launched a new online Master in Laws (LL.M.) degree programme in Mediation and International Commercial Dispute Resolution. Working with online education provider Mediator Academy to deliver the programme, the new skills-based course has been designed to meet the demands for quality, specialised education in international commercial dispute resolution. This is an area which is seeing exponential growth internationally. Mediator Academy has a strong track record in working with universities to design and deliver in-demand skills-based postgraduate and professional education.  

UK: Latest UCAS release shows continued growth from non-EU markets

The latest UK data indicates that the broad patterns for British undergraduate admissions are holding steady into 2022. >A 17 February data release from UCAS reports on the admissions volumes for the key “Early Consideration Deadline” (ECD), which fell on 26 January this year. That deadline relates to undergraduate applications for admission for the coming academic year, and it is an important indicator for how overall admissions volumes will unfold. “The ECD is the largest milestone in our annual cycle,” says Des Cutchey, managing director of UCAS International. “And the numbers we see there tend to be fairly reflective of how the rest of the year is going to pan out.” Some of the key numbers for this year include: UCAS has received a total of 111,410 international applications so far in 2022. This is essentially the same as the volume in 2021 (111,630). Within that total, however, we see two contrasting trends. The number of applicants from outside of the European Union continues to rise, and grew by 5% this year to reach a total of 90,590. In contrast, the number of EU applicants fell off by 19%. There were just under 21,000 EU applicants as of the January deadline this year, which means that only about one in five international applicants to British higher education are coming from within the European Union. Not surprisingly, China and India continue to drive non-EU applicants numbers this year, with record numbers of students applying from both key markets. Applications from China grew by 12% this year for a total of 28,930, and the number of Indian students applying grew by 11% year-over-year to reach 8,660 as of the January deadline. Nigeria, meanwhile, recorded the greatest proportional increase with 47% growth and 2,380 applications. “As we recover from the Covid pandemic and see the increased opening up of international travel, this year was always going to be pivotal for the international student market,” said UCAS Chief Executive Clare Marchant. “Whilst applications have been very resilient throughout the pandemic, the robust demand from China, India, and Hong Kong, as well as demand from a number of new and emerging global regions, shows the enduring appeal of our world-class universities…We are expecting, as part of the journey to a projected million applications by 2026, the number of international students to grow by two-thirds.” Reference:- >https://monitor.icef.com/2022/02/uk-latest-ucas-release-shows-continued-growth-from-non-eu-markets/
 

UK ELT stats reveal pandemic’s impact

The latest full-year data release from English UK provides a high-level picture of how sharply the sector has been affected over the last two years by the COVID-19 pandemic. Total student weeks declined by more than a quarter year-over-year (-27%), from 261,843 weeks in 2020 to 190,939 weeks in 2021. The compiled charts below show the marked decline with the full onset of the pandemic in Q1 2020, and then a gradual recovery throughout 2021. Students weeks, notes English UK, “rose incrementally from 28,389 weeks in Q1 to 64,099 in Q4.” As we also see in the following charts, the junior market – which at its peak accounted for just over half of all ELT students in pre-pandemic times – essentially evaporated after the first quarter of 2020. With those major shifts in student volumes, segments, and even modes of delivery (89% of English UK members report providing some level of online delivery in 2021), British ELT providers also saw some important changes in sending markets last year. Reference:- >https://monitor.icef.com/2022/03/uk-elt-stats-reveal-pandemics-impact/

EUA welcomes new collective member from Georgia

The EUA Council recently approved the application for full collective membership by the Standing Conference of Rectors of Georgian Public Higher Education Institutions, taking the number of national rectors’ conferences represented within EUA to 34. The Standing Conference of Rectors of Georgian Public Higher Education Institutions will thus be represented in the EUA Council, which consists of the presidents of the national university associations. The Council defines EUA’s priorities and policies and approves membership applications. It meets three times a year. The Standing Conference of Rectors of Georgian Public Higher Education Institutions was established in 2019. It has 17 founding members (public institutions) and 17 associate members (private institutions) and is the primary representative body for universities in Georgia. EUA now counts 10 university members in Georgia, six of whom are also members of the Standing Conference of Rectors. Its aims are to uphold the principles of the Magna Charta Universitatum, including academic freedom and institutional autonomy, in the Georgian higher education system, to represent universities’ interests in national policy discussions, and to support the sector in addressing common challenges. Amanda Crowfoot, EUA Secretary General, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to welcome the Georgian rector’s conference into our family of European university associations. Cooperation with the Georgian higher education sector was already strong before and will certainly be given new momentum through this collective membership. We hope to provide our Georgian members with support through European information-sharing and best-practice exchange and, in turn, look forward to Georgian perspectives being fed into EUA’s work.” EUA was formed in 2001 as the result of a merger between the Association of European Universities (CRE) and the Confederation of European Union Rectors’ Conferences. In addition to its activities in the context of the European Union, EUA has been engaged as a key actor in the Bologna Process, an intergovernmental higher education reform process involving 49 countries, since its inception. The Republic of Georgia has been a full member of the Bologna Process since 2005.  

£1.25 million Project to build a diverse energy research community

Reference Link:https://www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2022/march/diverse-energy-community.html
A £1.25 million project is tackling the lack of diversity in energy research by harnessing the talents of researchers from all backgrounds. The University of Strathclyde leads the IGNITE Network+ with partners Imperial College London, the University of Manchester, the University of Nottingham, the University of Bristol, Queen's University Belfast and Brunel University London. The Innovation and Growth Needs Inclusion and engagement of all Talent in Energy research project aims to build an interdisciplinary community of energy researchers based on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and accessibility.  

University in Romania to allow students to pay tuition fees in cryptocurrency for first time

More than 11,000 students in Romania will be able to use cryptocurrency to pay their university tuition fees for the first time from July. The Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu (ULBS) will become the first higher education institution in the country to offer the payment option when admissions begin for the next academic year this summer. The move comes following a partnership between the university and a Sibiu-based start-up called Elrond. Founded by a local team of researchers, entrepreneurs and programmers, Elrond is looking to make improve on existing blockchain platforms like Bitcoin and Ethereum, including using average computers instead of high energy processors. Virtual currency payments to the university will be made in Elrond, or EGLD, a cryptocurrency developed by the start-up. Link:- https://www.euronews.com/next/2021/04/12/university-in-romania-to-allow-students-to-pay-tuition-fees-in-cryptocurrency-for-first-ti
 

Madrid university offers young Afghan refugees prospect of a future in Spain

Nasratullah Jabarkhil fled Afghanistan to start a new life in Spain as a student at a university where he can choose what he wants to study. "Either Law or Computer Engineering. I like Law because it would allow me to integrate well in the country as I would learn the rules and the legislation here. I also like Computer Engineering because I've always liked technology," Jabarkhil told Euronews. Five years ago, the Camilo José Cela University became the first in Spain to welcome young people from areas of conflict.       This year, the 'Integra' programme has allowed 40 Afghans to start a course that will help them in their professional life, starting with language lessons. "I would like to speak Spanish because I need to work," said Nasir Rahimi, another Afghan student at the university.   Link:- https://www.euronews.com/2022/01/20/madrid-university-offers-young-afghan-refugees-prospect-of-a-future-in-spain

Towards Equity and Inclusion in Higher Education in Europe

This Eurydice report focuses on the topic of equity and inclusion in higher education in Europe. It analyses the current level of alignment of European higher education systems with the ten Principles & Guidelines agreed by all EHEA countries as a blueprint to take forward the commitment of improving the social dimension. There are ten chapters, addressing each Principle. Each chapter opens with the full exposition of the relevant Principle and its accompanying Guidelines. Following that is a succinct explanation of how the particular Principles and Guidelines relate to equity, the methodological challenges that are addressed, and the choice of the indicators. Finally, the data collected is presented mostly in the form of maps. A scoreboard indicator at the end of each chapter summarises how the European countries perform based on the extent of implementation of the particular Guidelines. This gives the reader a clear visual picture of the current level of attention in European systems to equity and inclusion in higher education. Finally, a concluding chapter recaps the main findings of the report. The report’s prime source is information on top-level regulations and policies collected from Eurydice National Units, representing 38 education systems across 36 European countries, with the academic year 2020/2021 as a reference.   Link:- https://eacea.ec.europa.eu/national-policies/eurydice/content/towards-equity-and-inclusion-higher-education-europe_en

Queen Mary academic wins major funding for European ‘rising stars’

A Queen Mary academic has risen to the top of thousands of proposals to win a prestigious European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator Grant worth €2m as part of the EU’s new R&I programme Horizon Europe. ERC Consolidator Grants fund talented mid-career scientists to consolidate their teams and conduct pioneering research over 5 years on topics and with methods of their choosing. One of these ‘rising star’ researchers is Andrew McPherson, Professor of Musical Interaction in Queen Mary’s School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science, who won funding for his exciting research project ‘Reflective Understanding of Digital Instruments as Musical Entanglements’ (RUDIMENTS).

A school for future Data Analysts and Digital Transformation Specialists

Reference Link:https://www.uniroma1.it/it/notizia/una-scuola-i-futuri-data-analyst-e-digital-transformation-specialist
  La Sapienza participates in the activation project of the Maria Gaetana Agnesi Institute, the new school of excellence with high post-diploma technological specialization to train Data Analysts and Digital Transformation Specialists La Sapienza participates in the project of a school of excellence to train the specialists of the future in the disciplines of data and digital. The Foundation - Its 'Maria Gaetana Agnesi - Tech & Innovation Academy' is born in Rome, a school of excellence with high post-diploma technological specialization to train Data Analysts and Digital Transformation Specialists. The Foundation, financed by the Lazio Region, will have its registered office at the TIM Academy in via Angelo Emo with the aim of becoming a reference point in avant-garde training on information and communication technologies thanks to the collaboration of universities, companies and Local societies. The start of the training activities is expected by the end of the year. The Institute offers a unique training opportunity for young people by contributing to the creation of an ecosystem dedicated to the development of new skills in technological areas considered strategic for the economic development and competitiveness of the country.

New master's program on sustainable development and global health

Reference Link:https://www.uu.se/nyheter/artikel/?id=18436&typ=artikel
  The autumn of 2022 marks the start of a new master's program in implementation, transformative learning and sustainability. The program focuses on learning processes and implementation of activities and projects in sustainability and global health.   Neil Powell, senior lecturer at SWEDESD, Center for Research and Learning on Sustainable Development, is the program coordinator for the new program. He emphasizes the importance of finding new ways to solve the complex problems facing the world: - Today there are many so-called 'wicked problems', complex and difficult-to-solve challenges where different interests are set against each other. It can be about conflicts over water supply, how we can increase health and quality of life for all while reducing our impact on the climate, or the balance between conserving nature and biodiversity and securing food supply. These challenges cannot be met in a conventional way but require new approaches and perspectives. The new master's program has this in focus and offers an innovative education based on co-creation and interdisciplinary, says Neil Powell.

New grants and requirements/conditions per 1 September 2022

Reference Link:https://www.rug.nl/alumni/support-research-and-education/groninger-university-fund/actueel/new-grants-and-requirements-conditions-per-1-september-2022
  Per 1 September 2022 the GUF grants and requirements/conditions will change. This applies to grants for organizing conferences/symposia as well as travel grants for Bachelor and Master students. These new grants and requirements/conditions come into effect for all travels and conferences/symposia that start after 1 September 2022.Travels that start before 1 September 2022 but end after 1 September 2022 are covered by the current requirements/conditions.  

India set to overtake China as UK’s main overseas student source

UK universities have been warned not to create a new “over-reliance” on one source country for international students after new data suggested India was set to overtake China as the biggest source of new entrants. Latest figures from the Home Office show that almost 100,000 study visas were issued to Indian nationals last year, nearly double the year before and only about 20,000 fewer than those granted to Chinese citizens. Study visas granted to Indian nationals were just 8 per cent of the total in 2018, as opposed to 23 per cent last year, while China’s share fell from 42 per cent in 2019 to 28 per cent in 2021. Although visas may not directly translate to enrolments, the data suggest that the UK is well on track to smash a goal put forward in a report led by former universities minister Lord Johnson of Marylebone for 100,000 students from India to be studying in the country by 2025: official figures show that there were already around 85,000 Indians studying at UK institutions in 2020-21, most of whom would have obtained visas before 2021.   Reference Link:-  https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/india-set-overtake-china-uks-main-overseas-student-source

The UB and Planeta Formación y Universidades create a chair on higher education studies

Reference Link: https://www.ub.edu/web/ub/ca/menu_eines/noticies/2022/03/022.html
  The University of Barcelona and Planeta Formación y Universidades have today presented the UB Planeta Chair in Higher Education Studies, attached to the faculties of Economics and Business and Education. The Chair was proposed by four professors from the University —Amelia Díaz, Francisco Esteban, Miquel Martínez and Ernest Pons— who wanted to create a tool to delve deeper into the reality of current universities; analyze the performance of higher education institutions in their own missions, such as research and the transmission of knowledge, and above all deepen the relationship with students and the role of universities as future trainers professionals and, more generally, citizens.  "The chair was created to join forces and promote new research, and also to contribute to the further dissemination of studies on higher education," explains Professor Amelia Díaz, director of the Chair. “We aim to generate a network to share and build new knowledge, so that study objectives and lines of research can be identified that can be addressed in a transdisciplinary way. With all this, elements will be provided to develop teaching policies that face the challenges posed by the digital society, and to train students who are also able to face them ", he continues. For Planeta Formación y Universidades, the creation of this chair reinforces the commitment to education as an engine of progress and development of people. Its CEO, Carlos Giménez, points out that “one of the fundamental axes of this project is to make the transfer of knowledge have a practical approach and be connected with the needs of the world of work, which is also the goal of the twenty -two educational institutions that today form the international higher education network of Planeta Formación y Universidades 

New research funding for sustainable forest transitions announced

Reference Link:https://www.manchester.ac.uk/discover/news/new-research-funding-for-sustainable-forest-transitions-announced/
  Reversing forest loss is essential for climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation. We are pleased to announce that Dr Johan Oldekop has been awarded a grant of €2 million to investigate sustainable forest transitions from the European Research Council.SDG 15 aims to protect, restore and promote the sustainable use of ecosystems such as forests. Amidst growing interest in natural climate solutions, such as tree planting schemes around the UN climate negotiations, the Bonn Challenge aims to restore 350 million hectares of forests globally by 2030 – an area larger than India.  

Pedaling to a scholarship for Ukraine

https://www.tau.ac.il/news/cycle_student_scholarships_fundraiser
Take part in a global bicycle race to raise emergency scholarships for Ukrainian male and female students Want to help displaced Ukrainian students continue their studies at Tel Aviv University? Do you have a bicycle? It's time to join hundreds of Tel Aviv University graduates from around the world in an extraordinary fundraising campaign for scholarships, organized by the American Friends of Tel Aviv University ( AFTAU ): Bicycle Journey. Reach out to the Ukrainian peo The target amount for the special event, which will take place between April 3 and 10, is a $ 500,000 fundraiser. All proceeds will be donated to the Tel Aviv University Emergency Fund, which was recently launched for the benefit of Ukrainian graduate students, whose studies were discontinued due to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. The fund will allow Ukrainian postgraduate and postdoctoral students to spend an entire semester at Tel Aviv University. Part of the admission requirements are Ukrainian citizenship, and proof of registration for a Ukrainian university, in any field of study and discipline  

Game-changing R&D facility to help level-up the North West

Reference Link:https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/news/game-changing-rd-facility-help-level-north-west
  A major new state-of-the-art research and development facility that is set to be a game changer for the economy in the North West of England, has officially opened today (10 March 2022). The University of Sheffield has opened a major new research and development facility to boost UK manufacturing and attract jobs to the Lancashire region The AMRC North West is based on a hugely successful model for academic and industry collaboration that has driven innovation and attracted major investment into South Yorkshire New facility will focus on advanced manufacturing sectors including aerospace, digital manufacturing, clean energy technologies and additive manufacturing Situated near Preston, the AMRC North West has been described as a ‘game changer’ for the economy of the region, and will play a key role in growing businesses, creating high value jobs, closing the skills gap and helping level-up the region.

UofG LENDS SUPPORT TO SP ENERGY NETWORKS NET ZERO PROJECTS

Reference Link: https://www.gla.ac.uk/news/headline_837214_en.html
  Researchers from the University of Glasgow are lending their support to three new projects led by SP Energy Networks to help tackle some of the UK’s biggest and most complex network challenges. The projects, which focus on novel approaches to heat, data and digitalisation, are among a total of nine of SP Energy Networks’ newly-funded initiatives, worth £1.2m, funded by network users and consumers under the Strategic Innovation Fund, an Ofgem programme managed in partnership with Innovate UK. The projects are set to move into an early trial phase where their solutions to help move the country towards achieving its net zero emissions targets will be assessed. The SIF initiative was launched in 2021 by energy industry regulator Ofgem and Innovation UK to find and fund ambitious, innovative projects with the potential to accelerate the transition to net zero across the electricity and gas sectors.  

Bristol awarded over £2 million for global particle physics research

Reference Link: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2022/march/stfc-funds-for-bristol-physics.html
  The University has received £2.38 million to support the work of the Bristol Particle Physics Group over the next three years.The grant will fund various research projects at CERN and other international laboratories, including searching for dark matter and looking for signs of new phenomena in the decays of subatomic particles The award is part of the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) £60 million investment in particle physics research community in the UK. Prof Joel Goldstein of Bristol’s School of Physics said: “This is an exciting time in the field - after the LHC discovery of the Higgs boson as the "missing piece" of the standard model of particle physics in 2012, we have been extensively studying the data from the LHC and elsewhere and the first major cracks in the model are beginning to show.

University of Warwick researchers receive over £2 million funding in boost to UK particle physics community

Reference Link:https://warwick.ac.uk/newsandevents/pressreleases/university_of_warwick_researchers_receive_over_2_million_funding_in_boost_to_uk_particle_physics_community1Forms
part of new £60 million investment by Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) to keep UK at the forefront of global particle physics researchScientists investigating the Universe’s most fundamental building blocks at the University of Warwick have received £2.57 million to continue their work revealing its mysteries.The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) is investing £60 million as part of its continued support to the particle physics research community in the UK.This funding helps to keep the UK at the forefront of answering some of the biggest and most complex questions in science and supports the next generation of UK particle physicists. The latest particle physics experiment grants from STFC will fund teams from 18 UK universities to carry out world-leading particle physics research over the next three years. Particle physics studies the world at the smallest possible distance scales and the highest achievable energies, seeking answers to fundamental questions about the structure of matter and the composition of the Universe.   The University of Warwick elementary particle physics group is making key contributions at the frontiers of high energy and flavour physics at CERN’s ATLAS and LHCb experiments.They are involved in the quest to understand the neutrino through contributions to the T2K, Hyper-K and DUNE neutrino oscillation projects

Scientists create new lead-free piezoelectric materials

Reference Link:https://actu.epfl.ch/news/scientists-create-new-lead-free-piezoelectric-mate/
  EPFL researchers have discovered that gadolinium-doped cerium oxide, a compound they created in the lab, could be a promising alternative to certain piezoelectric materials: it has the same properties yet may be 100 times more effective. It’s also lead-free, unlike the best piezoelectric materials, which means that it could be employed in bio-compatible medical applications. Further research will be conducted on this highly promising compound and similar materials. Scientists at EPFL’s School of Engineering have found that by manipulating atomic defects in a lead-free material that is normally not piezoelectric, it is possible to induce a large piezoelectric effect. Piezoelectric materials are used widely in modern-day devices, such as digital watches, cars (for controlling emissions of harmful gases) and ultrasonic instruments (for medical diagnosis and imaging). “Piezoelectric materials convert electrical energy into mechanical energy and vice-versa,” says Dr. Dae-Sung Park, a postdoc at EPFL’s research group for ferroelectrics and functional oxides, headed by Prof. Dragan Damjanovic. “They are practical and versatile and can be used as force sensors, actuators for moving objects or high-frequency resonators for imaging and electronic filters.” These types of miniaturized devices with both electrical and mechanical properties are known as micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS).

The State Study Fund invites students to apply for state-supported loans for the spring semester of 2022

Reference link:https://lsmuni.lt/lt/naujienos/naujienos/valstybinis-studiju-fondas-kviecia-studentus-teikti-prasymus.html
We would like to inform you that the State Studies Fund, in accordance with the Description of the Procedure for Granting, Administration and Repayment of State-Supported Student Loans approved by the Government of the Republic of Lithuania in 2017, March 1 by resolution no. 149 “On the Implementation of the Law on Science and Studies of the Republic of Lithuania” announced the start and end dates of applications for state-subsidized loans to pay for studies, living expenses and state-subsidized loans for partial studies under international (interdepartmental) agreements. 2022 In the spring semester, students will be able to apply for an online state-sponsored loan from February 14 at 8 p.m. until March 9. 15 hours. The expected date of publication of the lists of students offered loan agreements is March 24. The following state-supported loans will be provided during the spring semester: ? loans to pay for studies. The amount of this loan during one academic year may not exceed the tuition fee or a part thereof paid by the student for the current academic year. The amount of the loan provided in the spring semester may not exceed the part of the tuition fee paid in the spring semester;? loans for living expenses. The amount of this loan may not exceed 80 BSI (basic social benefit) amounts (EUR 3360) during one study year. The amount of loans for living expenses provided in the spring semester may not exceed 40 BSI (EUR 1680);? loans for partial studies under international (interdepartmental) agreements. The amount of this loan during one study year may not exceed 60 BSI (basic social benefit) amounts (2520 Eur).   In order to receive the above-mentioned state-supported loans, students must fill in and submit the borrower's application in the prescribed form on the Foundation's website https://studentai.vsf.lt/studentai/
and submit it to the Foundation by 2022. March 9 Please note that part of the loan for the spring semester will be paid from 2022. February 1 until July 1, when the student submits a request to the bank to transfer the remaining part of the loan to pay the tuition fee. Without an application, the second tranche of the loan is not repaid. More information about state-supported loans: https://vsf.lrv.lt/lt/studentams/vrpaskolos
Person in charge of the administration of state-supported loans at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences: Senior Specialist of the Study Center doc. dr. Jurgita Dailidavi?ien?, tel .: + (370) 620 23302, + (370) 685 47251, e-mail: e- mail: jurgita.dailidaviciene@lsmuni.lt

Registration open for the second edition of the master's degree in Global Challenges for Sustainability of the CHARM-EU

https://www.ub.edu/web/ub/ca/menu_eines/noticies/2022/02/031.html
The second edition of the innovative master's degree in Global Challenges for Sustainability will begin in September 2022. Interested students can register until March 8. This program is accredited and jointly granted by the five member universities of CHARM-EU: the University of Barcelona, Trinity College Dublin, Utrecht University, Lorand Eotvos University in Budapest and the University of Montpellier. The master's degree, which focuses on the social issues of water, food and health, is multidisciplinary, so admission to various profiles is a priority in admission. The program consists of three mandatory phases. In the first, of a preparatory nature, general skills are worked on, especially those related to sustainability, social innovation and multidisciplinary research. In the flexible phase, students choose a module on one of the three topics of the master's degree: water, food or life and health. In the final phase, we work on a project on a specific sustainability challenge, in collaboration with a (social partner). Among the various innovative aspects of the program are the flexible course structure, integrated mobility, a broad content approach, a transdisciplinary approach, an emphasis on inclusion, and challenge-based teaching.

The European funding program COST rewards Unipd

https://www.unipd.it/news/programma-finanziamento-europeo-cost-premia-unipd
NGP-NET Non-globular proteins in molecular physiopathology  is a Biomedicine project coordinated by Silvio Tosatto, professor of the  Department of Biomedical Sciences of the University of Padua , which involved 140 researchers from 33 countries around the world. It is a COST Action that took place between 2015 and 2019, and is the first of four Success Stories of the Breakthrough series , a short collection of projects funded by COST with a high scientific / social impact, which have led to a significant turning point in its research area. COST - European Cooperation in Science and Technology is the main European funding program for the creation and development of EU science networks. COST Actions do not directly finance research, but activities such as events, meetings, training schools, exchanges through which it is possible to create collaboration networks between European research groups (and not only) in any field of research and innovation. NGP-NET, which has had a significant impact in the study of non-globular proteins, has over 60 associated publications, one of which has reached 947 citations, becoming the most cited scientific article associated with a COST Action ever. Another great result for this project was the multiple networking opportunities that have allowed many European and extra-European groups engaged in research on non-globular proteins to establish new and productive collaborations. 

RTU IS RECOGNIZED AS THE 50TH GREENEST UNIVERSITY IN THE WORLD BY GREENMETRIC

Reference Link:https://www.rtu.lv/en/university/for-mass-media/news/open/rtu-is-recognized-as-the-50th-greenest-university-in-the-world-by-greenmetric&
nbsp; Riga Technical University (RTU) has increased its position in the GreenMetric World University Rankings and has become the 50th greenest university in the world. RTU is still the only Latvian higher education institution that is rated so high, because no other Latvian and Baltic higher education institution has been able to rank among the 400 greenest universities. The world’s higher education institutions are ranked by GreenMetric for their commitment to reducing environmental impact. The compliance of higher education institutions with the green principles has been assessed according to six criteria – common infrastructure, energy efficiency and climate change mitigation activities, waste management, efficient use of water resources, transport infrastructure and environmental education and science. RTU has achieved the highest results in the categories of transport infrastructure, environmental education and science, efficient use of water resources and waste management. RTU has been consistently implementing a sustainable policy for several years, and sustainability issues have also been raised at the level of RTU strategic development, including the principles of sustainability and the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals in RTU Development Strategy 2021–2025. RTU has also made an ambitious strategic decision to achieve climate neutrality by 2030, ensuring that in 2030 RTU activities will produce very little or no carbon emissions. «To facilitate this activity, RTU has joined the UN Climate Change Initiative «Race to Zero» and the Climate Ambition Alliance, which already includes 624 universities worldwide», says RTU Director of Administration Juris Iljins. RTU is switching to electric transport, implementing the concept «Green ??psala» in ??psala campus, managing sustainable resources, enhancing the understanding of RTU staff and students about environmental issues and promoting the development and deployment of environmentally friendly technologies using green technologies created by RTU researchers in the campus infrastructure. According to the GreenMetric ranking, Wageningen University and Research in the Netherlands is ranked first, followed by the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom and the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. From Latvia, the ranking also includes the University of Liepaja and Rezekne Academy of Technologies that are ranked 450th and 764th, respectively.

New research will help develop future generations of maritime spatial plans

Reference Link: https://www.lu.lv/par-mums/lu-mediji/zinas/zina/t/69599/
Leila Neimane, a researcher at the University of Latvia, is developing a study aimed at analyzing the current state of maritime spatial planning in the Baltic Sea region, including a comparison in the wider context of the European Union's coastal states. The researcher presented the main findings of her research and the creation of legal principles in Baltic Sea planning to the audience at the New Technology and Innovation Days Knowledge Agora. “Maritime spatial planning is a public process that analyzes and implements the spatial and temporal distribution of human activities in marine areas in order to achieve the ecological, economic and social goals set as a result of political processes. It is a process in which the authorities of the Member States concerned analyze and organize human activities in maritime areas, ”explains Leila Neimane.   The necessary set of principles of maritime spatial planning law is being developed, as well as their applicability is being developed in the development of second and future generations of maritime spatial plans. The comparative analysis was carried out in the coastal states of the European Union. In total, they are 23 coastal states. "Although each country has different geographical and socio-economic circumstances, such an analysis with more than 30 indicators provides a transfer of knowledge with different theoretical and practical experience in maritime spatial planning. Accordingly, such understanding and information provide greater opportunities for co-operation and coherence between maritime spatial planning countries, ”emphasizes the researcher. As a result of the comparative analysis, previously known as well as new principles guiding the maritime spatial planning process were identified. L. Neimane noted as important basic principles: the principle of ecosystem-based management (approach), the principle of integrated management, the principle of transparency and coordination, the principle of re-use, the principle of prioritization of activities, the principle of hierarchy, the principle of functional integration and the principle of systematic conservation planning. The researcher emphasizes that the issues of further research are related to the theoretical need to identify and deepen the content and regulatory orientation of the principles, so that they can be incorporated into policy documents and legislation, applying them to the development of future generations of maritime spatial plans. According to the requirements of the directive, new plans must be drawn up at least every ten years.  

Call for Applications! MASTER LEVEL DOUBLE DEGREE “MA IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS”

Reference Link:https://www.epoka.edu.al/news-call-for-applications-master-level-double-degree-ma-in-international-business-5848.html&
nbsp; EPOKA University and the University of Applied Sciences (HMBS) in Mainz, Germany offer the opportunity to apply for a MASTER LEVEL DOUBLE DEGREE “MA IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS” in which EPOKA`s students of the first year of the programmes: - Master of Science in Banking and Finance; - Master of Science in Business Administration; - Master of Science in Economics; - Professional Master in Business Administration; - Professional Master in Banking and Finance. Will be able to spend their second year at HMBS with the goal of completing both the Master degree of the respective Epoka programme and the degree of a Master of Arts in International Business (MA.IB) at HMBS. The year spent at HMBS is financially supported by ERASMUS+. The students will receive travel costs and subsistence costs. APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 25, 2022 The documents must be submitted to the International Relations Office, 1st Floor, Rectorate Area, E-building, The candidates who fulfill the eligibility requirements will be invited to an interview (Exact date and time to be announced later).  

Erasmus + Scholarship for teaching / training at Aurel Vlaicu University în România

Reference Link:https://univlora.edu.al/2022/01/28/bursa-erasmus-per-mesimdhenie-trajnim-ne-universitetin-aurel-vlaicu-aurel-vlaicu-university-ne-rumani/&
nbsp; Call for teaching mobility / training under the Erasmus + Program for the KA International Credit Mobility component at Aurel Vlaicu University în Romania. “Ismail Qemali University, Vlora în cooperation with Aurel Vlaicu University în Romania, within the “Erasmus +” Program for component KA107, invites UV staff to apply for teaching / training mobility. Number of teaching scholarships: 1 (one) Number of training scholarships: 2 (two) Travel cost: 275 Euros The distance is calculated based on the distance referred to the link: https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus/resources/distance-calculator_en
Daily diet: 140 Euro / day Mobility period: Spring semester "Spring 2022"  

New technology for clinical computed tomography

Reference Link:https://www.tum.de/die-tum/aktuelles/pressemitteilungen/details/37179&
nbsp; A research team from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) has for the first time integrated a new X-ray method, dark-field X-ray, into a computer tomography designed for patient use. Darkfield X-ray provides additional information to conventional X-rays. With the new prototype, three-dimensional dark-field X-ray images are possible. Computed tomography (CT) is one of the most important methods in clinics for precise and quick diagnosis. So far, conventional X-ray images have been used to convert them into a three-dimensional CT image. A new X-ray technology, dark-field X-rays, can provide additional information and depict fine tissue structures, especially in the lungs, in much more detail than before. Due to technical challenges, however, there was previously no way of examining patients with the new X-ray technology in a clinical CT device. A research team led by Franz Pfeiffer , Professor of Biomedical Physics and Director of the Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering at TUM, has now further developed a CT device that combines both X-ray technologies. "We were able to show for the first time that dark-field X-rays can also be integrated into a clinical computer tomography. Although still a new technology, previous preclinical studies with mice already show clear advantages of dark-field computed tomography, especially for imaging lung tissue," says Franz Pfeiffer, leader of the study. The new CT prototype has already been successfully tested with a so-called thorax phantom, an artificial model of a human upper body, and is large enough for the planned use in patients.

Registration procedures for international students

Reference Link: https://www.news.uliege.be/cms/c_13348202/en/registration-procedures-for-international-students
Registration procedures for international students Admissions 2022-2023 open on the online form from Monday, 7 February 2022. Important notes for students from countries outside the European Union: The online form must be completed and the PDF documents must be uploaded before 30 April 2022. If you are an Outside EU student (with the exception of assimilated students, doctoral students, students coming in the context of an international codiplomation as well as holders of a CFWB higher diploma), you will have to pay the sum of € 200.00 (administrative fees/account) to be able to finalise your online application. This payment of € 200,00, with all bank charges at your expense, will be a condition for the examination of your application.If your application is accepted, this sum will be deducted from the registration fee.In all other cases, the down payment is not refundable. It is therefore very important to check that you meet the entry requirements. Assimilated students If you are a student in a situation of assimilation, you are exempt from paying the down payment of €200.00  for the processing of your file, on the condition that you can prove this by providing the documents relating to the selected condition of assimilation. Examination of the file The payment of the €200,00, all bank charges at your expense, is a condition for the examination of the file. Before completing the online form, please read the entry requirements and make sure that they are fulfilled. Then consult the list of documents to be provided according to your situation. You will then be able to complete the online form after consulting the warning and instructions for use.

LAUNCH OF THE CALL FOR PROJECTS "SCIENCE WITH AND FOR SOCIETY - SAPS 2022"

Reference Link:https://www.universite-paris-saclay.fr/actualites/lancement-de-lappel-projets-science-avec-et-pour-la-societe-saps-2022&
nbsp; Paris-Saclay University is one of the 8 establishments to have obtained the "SAPS - science with and for society" label awarded by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation. Accompanied by a financial endowment, this label aims to support projects and actions that promote the development of new interfaces for dialogue between science, research and society and to strengthen the structuring of a territorial network through partnerships between educational establishments. institutions, associations and local authorities. In this context, the Diagonale · Université Paris-Saclay is launching the call for projects "science with and for society - SAPS 2022" intended to support projects promoting exchanges between the scientific community and society with a view to sharing knowledge. and dissemination of scientific, technical and industrial culture and/or citizen involvement. Funding: between €4,000 and €10,000 per project Application deadline: February 23, 2022 Information and applications - AAP SAPS 2022 If you don't have a project yet but you have an idea, a desire, an intention related to the science-society theme? Submit it via the "science-society idea box" before February 3, 2022. Applications - The science-society idea box 2022 We encourage all projects to develop in partnership or plan to develop later (artists, designers, associations, media libraries, museums, etc.) with the possible participation of doctoral students from the University on a scientific mediation mission. Information: aap.diagonale@universite-paris-saclay.fr

Recruitment campaign for doctoral programs

Reference Link:https://www.sorbonne-universite.fr/actualites/campagne-de-recrutement-pour-les-programmes-doctoraux&
nbsp; The campaign for interdisciplinary doctoral programs and Institutes and initiatives is renewed for this year 2022. Holders of doctoral projects can start submitting their subject via the online form. Some programs have already published topics, candidates can already apply. At the moment, this concerns I-Bio . More information on Institutes and Initiatives programs More information on interdisciplinary programs

Internship program for students and young professionals

Reference Link:https://www.um.si/univerza/medijsko-sredisce/novice/Strani/novice.aspx?p=3686 
Internship program for students and young professionals at the Special Court for Kosovo and the Special Prosecutor's Office. The European External Action Service (EEAS) is announcing an internship program for students and young professionals with a university degree from the Special Court for Kosovo and the Special Prosecutor's Office. The place of internship is The Hague, the Netherlands. The duration of the internship is 6 months. The selected candidates will be covered by a cost of € 750 per month. Applicants must arrange their own transport to and from The Hague, accommodation and food; the Special Court for Kosovo or The special prosecutor's office provides adequate health insurance. All details about the program and tender conditions are available here . Candidates who can apply for a maximum of three places (they must be ranked as a matter of priority) must submit their application via this website , which must be completed and Annex No. 3 must be attached to the application. The application deadline is 24 January 2022 until 17.00 CET.

Erasmus + is the European Union program in the fields of Education, Training, Youth and Sport for the period 2021-2027

Reference Link:https://www.us.es/actualidad-de-la-us/quieres-un-proyecto-europeo-el-programa-erasmus-es-una-oportunidad-unica-para&
nbsp; Participation in this program is an opportunity to support and facilitate transnational and international cooperation between organizations in the fields of education, youth and sport, facilitating the circulation of ideas, transmission of good practices and specialized knowledge. If you are going to present an Erasmus + proposal, or want to know the benefits of coordinating Erasmus + projects and the general characteristics of the actions contemplated, as well as being aware of the technical and administrative support offered by the General Office for International Projects, write to ogpi@us.es. The 2022 call for proposals of the Erasmus+ program has a budget of more than 3,000 million Euros to finance projects. Some of the calls of interest are:   Cooperation associations: expand and strengthen your international cooperation networks. The short duration and the simplicity of the requirements make small-scale cooperative associations your type of project to start consolidating an international consortium. Deadline: March 23.     Innovation Partnerships – If you are looking to identify, develop or test innovative approaches to improve the education system. Deadline: March 15.       Alliances for innovation: if you want to increase or promote innovation and new skills in your area of knowledge, through alliances and exchanges with other international institutions. Deadline: September 15.          Erasmus Mundus Joint Master: if you want to organize a high-level master's study program delivered by an international set of institutions. Deadline: February 16.        Teacher Academy: if you want to create education networks for the improvement and increase of teacher training around the key priorities of the EU (digital, green, inclusive). Deadline: September 7.     Capacity building: if your idea is part of a consortium of European institutions and other world regions, to strengthen the role of universities through new curricula and teaching methods, cooperation with the business world or reforms at the national and regional levels. Deadline: February 17.    Jean Monnet Actions: if your interest is focused on reflection on European integration and the promotion of issues related to the European Union through different activities such as the organization of courses. Deadline: March 1. You can check all the information at this link and contact ogpi@us.es for any questions.

Girdle muscular dystrophies: Unipd proposes a new model for the study of the disease

Reference Link:https://www.unipd.it/news/distrofie-muscolari-cingoli-unipd-propone-nuovo-modello-studio-malattia&
nbsp; A small molecule identified for the treatment of cystic fibrosis could also be useful for sarcoglycanopathies, rare genetic diseases belonging to the group of limb girdle muscular dystrophies for which no specific therapy is currently available.  This is suggested by the results of a study CFTR corrector C17 is effective in muscular dystrophy, in vivo proof of concept in LGMDR3 , obtained in a new animal model of the disease, carried out by the research group coordinated by Dorianna Sandona, professor of the Department of Biomedical Sciences of the University of Padua and just published in the scientific journal "Human Molecular Genetics". The results emerged using this new model indicate that the CFTR C17 corrector allows a complete recovery of the strength of the treated animals, without toxic effects. «One of the great difficulties in the study of sarcoglycanopathies is the lack of suitable animal models, which however are fundamental for evaluating the effect of potential new drugs - says Dorianna Sandona -. A key part of this work was to develop a new model of one of these diseases, girdle dystrophy referred to as LGMD3, which is closer to reality than traditional cell cultures. Thanks to this new animal model - a genetically modified mouse - we were able to test for the first time in a living organism a small molecule already successfully tested in the case of cystic fibrosis: the CFTR C17 corrector ». The model consists of mice lacking the gene corresponding to the one that, in humans, encodes the protein involved in LGMDR3 dystrophies. In these animals the human gene is introduced at birth, with the mutation responsible for the disease. Once grown, mice show effects similar to those of dystrophy in humans, such as the absence from the localization on the membrane of muscle cells of a particular protein called sarcoglycan, essential for the correct functioning of muscles and, at the level of symptoms, a noticeable decrease in muscle strength. “In many cases of LGMDR3, the mutated protein is produced, but in a different form than the physiological one. For this reason, even if it could still perform its function, it is recognized as defective by the cell's quality control systems and eliminated even before it can reach its location - explains Dorianna Sandona -. Something similar happens in cystic fibrosis, where the CFTR C17 corrector has been shown to be able to recover the proteins from the "wrong" shape, allowing them to arrive at the destination site and restoring a situation similar to the physiological one. Hence the idea of evaluating the effect also in the case of sarcoglycanopathies. The most promising data of this study - underlines Sandona - is that the treatment with the corrector of the disease model mice that we have developed allows the complete recovery of muscle strength, which returns to be the same as that of healthy animals ".

International iLIVE PROJECT researches palliative care in Europe

Reference Link:https://www.meduniwien.ac.at/web/ueber-uns/news/2021/news-im-dezember-2021/internationales-ilive-projekt-erforscht-palliativ-versorgung-in-europa/&
nbsp; The iLIVE Project, Live well - die well, an international research project on the best care for people with advanced and incurable diseases, has put a new website online. Those responsible for the project encourage direct citizen participation by means of questions and surveys on terminal care. The international research project "The iLIVE Project, Live well - die well" aims to expand knowledge about palliative care in Europe and to provide applicable policy advice. In this project, the effectiveness and cost efficiency of two innovative interventions in end-of-life care are evaluated. The aim is to develop and evaluate a digital clinical tool to optimize drug management for the relief of symptoms that occur at the end of life, as well as an international volunteer program to support dying patients and their families in hospital. LIVE also aims to provide a deep understanding of the concerns, expectations and preferences of dying patients and their caregivers and to provide the first core outcome set for end-of-life care. Judit Simon as Principal Investigator and team, Claudia Fischer as Lead Researcher and Michael Berger, from the Department of Health Economics at the Center for Public Health at the Medical University of Vienna are working as part of the iLIVE consortium on a work package that focuses on the cost-effectiveness of these tested interventions focused . This project is fully funded by the European Union and has been running since the beginning of 2019. The consortium launched the new website to publicize their work and also provide a space for the debate on how to deal with death and dying in society today. The website with a very interactive spirit encourages visitors to share their ideas and experiences in order to enable greater community participation in terminal care, to support a good death experience and to reduce the social and individual silence that surrounds dying. Under the motto “I want to decide”, this new website comprises several areas: an area for the direct participation of visitors with questions and surveys about their opinion on terminal care; a detailed explanation of the main studies that are part of the iLIVE project, which involves 14 palliative care centers and universities in thirteen countries in Europe, America and Oceania; and a news area and calendar of activities both in person and online for people to get involved. The website is available in English and Spanish, a German version is planned.

NEW ARCHAEOGENETICS STUDY IN NATURE

Reference Link:https://www.elte.hu/content/uj-archaeogenetikai-tanulmany-a-nature-ben.t.24783&
nbsp; In recent years, the genomes of nearly 800 prehistoric human individuals have been analyzed in a large-scale program with extensive European and American collaboration. Employees of ELKH and ELTE also took part in the research, and the results were published in a prestigious journal. The aim of the project was to map the population movements that reached the British Isles in the second half of the Bronze Age (1300–800 BC). This influx of settlers may have been related to the spread of the Celtic languages, and the settlers may have formed the basis of the later Iron Age population of the British Isles. The Central European findings were essential reference materials in the study series. The results will also serve as a basis for answering the Iron Age population history questions of our region in future research. The research team, led by researchers at York University, Harvard Medical School and the University of Vienna, found that in the second half of the Bronze Age (1300-800 BC), the gene pool of early farmers living in Europe since the Neolithic period had strengthened again and became dominant. . As a result, the genes of the Late Bronze Age populations of Central and Western Europe were more similar. By this time of the Bronze Age, extensive trade routes had already networked much of Europe, transporting bronze tools and the raw materials needed to make them. The new findings suggest that strong trade relations have also led to significant population mixing, with a major impact on the composition of Europe's future population. Unlike the Bronze Age, genetic analysis found no evidence of major population movement in the hereditary material of Iron Age communities. Researchers conclude from this that Celtic-speaking groups had arrived in the British Isles earlier, during the Bronze Age. An extensive domestic collection and research network participated in the research. The work of the Hungarian participants was coordinated by Anna Szecsenyi-Nagy (Institute of Archeogenomics, Eotvos Lorand University) and Tamas Hajdu (Department of Anthropology, Eotvos Lorand University, Budapest). Additional participants The results were published by the research team on December 22, 2021 in Nature.Summary of the importance of the research  

AMONG THE BEST IS THE TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY IN THE QS RANKING

Reference Link:http://www.bme.hu/hirek/20211217/A_legjobbak_kozott_a_Muegyetem_a_QS_rangsoraban&
nbsp; BME is sixth place in the ranking of emerging European and Central Asian countries compared to last year, making it one of the top 30 universities this year. The list of Emerging Europe and Central Asia (QS University Rankings for EECA 2022 | Top Universities ) (EECA) published by the British Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) includes indicators and results from 450 universities. 16 Hungarian higher education institutions were added to the international list; and only four in the TOP50. The Technical University took the 29th place, and the second in a row shared with the University of Szeged (29th place) after the Eotvos Lorand University (26th place) in the Hungarian comparison. Compared to the QS World Rankings, EECA is a narrower ranking that provides a clearer picture of the performance of universities in emerging countries with similar funding opportunities due to its European focus. The rankings were weighted according to 10 criteria: academic and employer recognition, faculty / student ratio, number of publications per faculty, citation of publications, number of PhD holders, proportion of web appearances, foreign faculty and the proportion of students and the number of international collaborations. BME ranks first among Hungarian universities in terms of the number of publications per lecturer (21st place) and employer recognition (25th place). In terms of the number of web appearances (14th place), the university achieved the best result, and in terms of the number of international collaborations (29th place) it also finished well. Among the technical universities in Hungary, BME was the first to perform well, and BME performed well when examining the results of the technical universities of the neighboring and Visegrad countries. Lomonosov Moscow State University ranks first, followed by Charles University in Prague and Saint Petersburg State University in St. Petersburg. The first technical university on the list is the 10th Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology. In the list of 450 institutions, BME and ELTE preceded the Slovak, Slovenian, Serbian, Croatian and Romanian universities, only Czech and Polish universities from our region are ahead of them.  

Register for the Open University spring courses!

Reference Link:https://www.aalto.fi/fi/uutiset/ilmoittaudu-avoimen-yliopiston-kevaan-kursseille
Check out the spring course offerings and celebrate the New Year with inspiring studies. You still have time to register for the Open University's spring 2022 courses! New courses open for enrollment throughout the winter. The entire spring study offer has already been published, and you can take a look at it from our course menu. At the Open University, you can complete your studies in all fields of study at Aalto University. You can choose studies in the fields of arts, technology and economics that interest you. We also offer language and communication studies. Start your new year by studying too and come to the Open University!

New AU research center to strengthen the digital citizen

Reference Link:https://www.au.dk/forsideelementer/nyheder/artikel/nyt-forskningscenter-skal-styrke-den-digitale-borger
A new research center is taking shape at Aarhus University. The interdisciplinary center SHAPE will focus on citizenship and democracy in a digital age. The research in the new interdisciplinary center, called SHAPE, will deal with projects that, in their own way, will shed light on the conditions of citizens in the digital society. SHAPE stands for 'Shaping Digital Citizenship' One project, for example, is to make us wiser about our 'digital doubles' - understood in the sense that the authorities have a number of data about us, which paints a picture of who we are. But are the data detailed enough - or are they too detailed? And what happens if government data is not accurate so our digital twin does not look good enough to us? Another project will examine different forms of digital activism and how we ensure that democracy can accommodate activist forces - and perhaps even be inspired by them in connection with the development of IT or new legislation. SHAPE will be realized on the basis of a green light from the board to allocate 10 million kroner from the university's strategic funds in 2022-2023 to the center. There is a great will to get the center started, emphasizes Rector Brian Bech Nielsen. “Digitization has some very obvious potential, and we must cultivate and utilize them. But at the same time, we must keep an eye on the fact that technology wants to serve us as human beings and as citizens. Not the other way around. That dimension is important to strengthen in the Danish research landscape,”he says.  

The university labeled University Pole of Innovation (PUI)

Reference Link:https://lactu.unistra.fr/n217-edition-du-19-novembre-2021/focus/luniversite-labellisee-pole-universitaire-dinnovation-pui
The University of Strasbourg obtained on Tuesday November 16, 2021 the labeling of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation as a University Pole of Innovation (PUI). This first wave of labeling comes within the framework of the measures resulting from the Research Programming Law (LPR) around the theme “Partnership research and innovation” and launches the experimentation phase for the five selected establishments. It will allow better visibility and readability of the promotion offer and the transfer of knowledge and technology, which will facilitate relations and partnerships between the public and the private sector. “This new national labeling for the University of Strasbourg and its ecosystem is a great recognition, welcomes Michel Deneken, president of Unistra. We wish to share our experience and we are delighted to support universities which wish to innovate and which are looking for models for their strategy. It is also a new posture in the ESR: to designate universities whose mission is to support other universities. These poles will make it possible to build site identities, "signatures" to differentiate them from the specificities of the territories and industrial, technological, economic partnerships and territorial institutional ecosystems, by practicing a new collegiality within the same territorial space."  

Final session of two EIT Food programs

On December 1, there will be a double summary of the EIT Food programs: RIS Government Executive Academy (GEA) and RIS Research Infrastructure Network (RIN). They are coordinated by the Faculty of Management of the University of Warsaw and the EIT Food consortium as part of the EIT Food Public Sector Representatives Activity Line. EIT Food is part of the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) belonging to the European Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC), which was established to transform food ecosystems. The consortium consists of enterprises, universities, centers and research institutes from 15 countries in Europe.  They want to create a future-proof and efficient food sector within a common food ecosystem. The consortiums together with the Faculty of Management of the University of Warsaw, through EIT Food PSRAL, are trying to develop the potential and vocational education in the Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS) countries in Central, Eastern and Southern Europe. They run the EIT Food RIS Government Executive Academy (GEA) and EIT Food RIS Research Infrastructure Network (RIN) programs. GEA is a training program for senior public sector representatives from the EIT RIS countries to broaden their knowledge of agri-food innovation and sector regulation. RIN from 2021 (pilot implementation), supports scientific organizations in the agri-food sector with research infrastructures by providing participants with interactive training and support to increase the commercial use and visibility of their publicly funded research infrastructure. Reference Link: https://www.uw.edu.pl/sesja-finalowa-dwoch-programow-eit-food/

Students can get acquainted with the future form of Udolni 53

Reference Link:https://www.vut.cz/vut/aktuality-f19528/studenti-se-mohou-seznamit-s-budouci-podobou-udolni-53-d218284?aid_redir=1 
The academic community of the BUT Faculty of Architecture invites students to a presentation of  Pavel Nasadil's architectural study on the modernization of the Udolni 53 complex in the center of Brno. Those interested can look at the new look of the building, which should house the FA and FaVU in the future. The lecture will take place at the Faculty of Architecture, Porici 5 in the large hall A310; however, for capacity and hygiene reasons it will also be streamed via MS TEAMS after registration. You can find more information in this FB event.  

Massive open online course Ethics of AI translated in Finnish and Swedish

Reference Link:https://www.helsinki.fi/en/news/artificial-intelligence/massive-open-online-course-ethics-ai-translated-finnish-and-swedish&
nbsp; The open and free online course Ethics of AI is designed to help us understand what it means to use AI ethically, and what it requires from society and individuals. The course uses examples of practical issues from its collaboration partners. The Finnish and Swedish translations for the University of Helsinki’s online course Ethics of AI will open on 23 November, in connection with a seminar on information policy at the Ministry of Finances. The course will help public administration, companies, and citizens understand what it means to use AI ethically and what that requires of both society and the individual. The course has been developed in collaboration with the cities of Helsinki, Amsterdam, and London, as well as the Finnish Ministry of Finances. Since AI is increasingly being used as a support for decisions concerning citizens, new kinds of questions emerge that the course is designed to sort out. What ethical viewpoints do the users and developers of different AI systems need to take into consideration? What are the ethical stumbling blocks when e.g. handling information on people's health? How is our information used? Who is responsible for decisions made by computers? How do we use face recognition ethically? Lecturer Anna-Mari Rusanen, the person responsible for the contents of the course, wants to point out that the ethics of algorithms and intelligent technologies in general are still being formed, and the whole discussion on how to evaluate intelligent technologies socially is still ongoing.

An exploratory study has started on the effects that the lockdown has had on the quality of life

Reference Link:https://www.unipi.it/index.php/news/item/22479-partito-uno-studio-esplorativo-sugli-effetti-che-il-lockdown-ha-avuto-sulla-qualita-della-vita&
nbsp; The online questionnaire is also promoted by a group of researchers from the University of Pisa and the Pisa CNR The questionnaire has been active for a few days and will allow you to evaluate the quality of life before and after the lockdown period, focusing on the levels of physical activity, the quality of sleep and the quality of movement. The online questionnaire, which can be found at bit.ly/lockdown_PA , is part of an exploratory study promoted by a group of researchers from various Italian institutions: University of Pisa, University of Milan, University of Insubria and CNR of Pisa. The Pisan contact persons are Dr. Michela Natilli of ISTI -CNR (michela.natilli@isti.cnr.it) and Dr. Alessio Rossi of the University (alessio.rossi@di.unipi.it). The aim is to analyze how the habits of Italians have changed after the gradual return to normality in recent months, identifying the main factors of change and consequently suggesting any advice to improve the quality of life or, at least, to return to the levels prior to the lockdown. In fact, from March 2020 to May 2021, there were several lockdown periods which limited, with varying degrees of severity, people's ability to move. During this difficult period, the levels of physical activity and the quality of sleep, life and movement have deteriorated throughout the population. With the arrival of summer 2021, all Italian regions returned to the white zone, thanks also to the vaccination campaign which significantly reduced the risk of contagion, allowing the population to return to the habits that the lockdown period had changed. Did the return to normal actually bring us back to behaving as we did before the lockdown? Is our perception of the quality of life still altered or is the lockdown just a bad memory now? Will we ever go back to being what we were before or has the lockdown changed us persistently? The research will try to answer these questions, through the proposed questionnaire, which will be treated in a totally anonymous form, which takes about 15 minutes to complete.

STU presented the potential of MTF workplaces in Trnava for international cooperation

  The scientific research and innovation potential of top modern research institutes of the Faculty of Materials Technology, STU in Trnava was presented by the management of the university and the faculty by ambassadors accredited in Slovakia. This happened as part of the "Innovation Day in the Trnava region", which was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic (MZVaEZ SR) together with the Trnava self-governing region. A delegation of managers of more than two dozen embassies operating in the Slovak Republic, employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic and TTSK visited the Slovakion Scientific Research Center of Excellence for Materials and Interdisciplinary Research and the Center of Excellence for 5-Axis Machining. For these top workplaces in the field of materials research, advanced production technologies and industrial automation, it was an opportunity for wider promotion abroad. "I believe that this event will significantly help to mediate new cooperation for innovative Slovak companies and scientific research institutions, including STU," said Acting Vice-Rector Stefan Stanko. The significance of the event for MTF STU was also confirmed by Dean Milos Cambal. He considers the fact that if MZVaEZ wanted to show ambassadors in the region one exceptional company and one exceptional educational institution, it directed them directly to MTF STU in Trnava as an award for the faculty. He sees it as a confirmation of the quality of the faculty, which has a lot to offer in the field of education, cooperation with practice in the field of science and research, but also in solving specific problems of companies. "On the one hand, it is good feedback, which confirms that they know about MTF abroad, on the other hand, ambassadors from more than twenty countries will report to companies in their countries that we are a faculty with which they could cooperate," said the dean. MTF STU Milos Cambal. Reference Link:https://www.stuba.sk/sk/diani-na-stu/prehlad-aktualit/stu-predstavila-potencial-pracovisk-mtf-v-trnave-pre-medzinarodnu-spolupracu.html?page_id=14529

ENVIRONMENTAL AND RISK COMMUNICATION - E.RI.C COURSE REGISTRATION OPEN

Registration is now open for the 1st edition of the postgraduate course in Environmental and risk communication - E.Ri.C promoted by the University of Genoa, Department of Education - DISFOR, in partnership with TICASS - Innovative Technologies for Environmental Control and Sustainable Development. The course provides theoretical and practical knowledge necessary to promote the environmental image of public and private environmental protection bodies, companies and associations. The general reference figure is that of the "environmental information technician" defined in the National Atlas of qualifications. In particular, environmental communicators are responsible for detecting, in the context of both public and private reference, the need for environmental information to promote the sustainability of the proposed initiatives and to plan and manage awareness and information campaigns, with particular attention to environmental policies. Risk prevention. The course meets the requirements for the Liguria Region initiative "Specialize to compete" which provides for the financing of vouchers for the full reimbursement of the registration fee to residents of Liguria under 35. All participants are provided with support and assistance in compilation of the application on the website of the Liguria Region. Course structure: 250 hours entirely online starting from February 2022.  Application deadline: January 11, 2022 Reference Link:https://unige.it/it/news/13683-aperte-le-iscrizioni-al-corso-in-environmental-and-risk-communication-eric

Computer science: the State University algorithms in the new version of Java

The pseudorandom number generators developed by Sebastiano Vigna, professor of the IT department, are available in the new version of Java. An important contribution of the State University of Milan, with its Laboratory of Algorithmics for the Web ( LAW ) of the "Giovanni Degli Antoni" Department of Computer Science , to one of the main innovations of the latest version of one of the most popular programming languages, Java , of which Oracle has just released version 17. In fact, thanks to the work of Sebastiano Vigna , computer science teacher and scientific manager of the LAW, Java 17 uses a new package for the generation of pseudorandom numbers, which are fundamental for artificial intelligence technologies, video games and simulation. The new Java 17 package, in particular, provides all programmers with two generators designed by Professor Vigna and a new family of generators, LXM, designed in collaboration with Guy Steele, one of the original authors of Java. "Many commercial and scientific applications - explains Sebastiano Vigna -they need to simulate random behaviors, such as movement in video games, the behavior of particles in physics, or changes in weather in climatology. To achieve this, it is necessary to quickly generate random numbers, that is, numbers that come from a random source, such as the repeated toss of a coin. But using a truly random source such as flipping a coin would be a very slow process: efficient pseudorandom number generation algorithms, such as those in the new Java 17 package, are capable of generating billions of pseudorandom numbers per second. The name "pseudorandom" derives from the fact that the numbers seem to come from a random source, but are actually generated by algorithms ”. The University's Laboratory of Algorithmics for the Web (LAW), founded in 2002, is a center of excellence for this sector: already in 2016, an algorithm for the generation of pseudorandom numbers designed by Sebastiano Vigna was in fact adopted by all major browsers (Chrome, Edge, Safari, Firefox) by fixing a flaw in the JavaScript generator.   Reference Link:https://lastatalenews.unimi.it/informatica-algoritmi-statale-nuova-versione-java
 

The new publication portal brings out the expertise of TAMK's experts from one address

TAMK's publication series, the online magazine TAMKjournal and TAMK's blogs are easily accessible under a common portal. The publications can be found at: https://sites.tuni.fi/tamk-julkaisut/tamk-journal/&
nbsp;the portal is maintained by TAMKjournal's editorial board. TAMKjournal - an online journal and learning environment The TAMKjournal online magazine offers a window into Tampere University of Applied Sciences' multidimensional activities: education, research, development and innovation. TAMKjournal has been serving as a platform for making the activities of the university community visible for six years now, and the magazine is constantly being developed. It is published as an online magazine in Finnish and English. - This autumn, we are especially familiar with taking accessibility requirements into account, says the magazine's editor-in-chief Liisa Marttila. The editorial board also includes Tuula Isosuo, Eija Lahteenmaki and Kirsi Saarinen. Reference Link:https://www.tuni.fi/fi/ajankohtaista/uusi-julkaisuportaali-tuo-tamkin-asiantuntijoiden-osaamisen-esille-yhdesta?navref=curated--grid 

Virtual institutes for research and doctoral training highlighted in the EC2U forum

The virtual institutes to be built within the joint EC2U alliance of Turku and six other European universities will be presented on October 27-28. at the EC2U Forum. Research and innovation cooperation is also highlighted through the Joint Research & Innovation for Cities & Citizens project. The forum will be held in Salamanca, but can also be attended remotely. The EC2U Alliance creates innovative collaborations and forms of free movement between seven European universities and cities. The universities of Coimbra, Iasi, Jena, Pavia, Poitiers, Salamanca and Turku have been cooperating for a long time, but EC2U was accepted as an alliance of the European Universities Initiative last year. According to Piia Bjorn, Vice Rector of EC2U at the University of Turku, EC2U, which celebrates its first year of operation on November 1, has met all expectations. - Cooperation within and between work packages are open and close. Problem areas have also emerged, as decision-making bodies vary from country to country and from university to university, but so far no issues have been resolved. The international program of the University of Turku, which will be launched soon, and its measures will be implemented in many ways already in EC2U activities, Bjorn says. The meetings of the project management team have already turned their attention to the application for the extension period.   Reference Link: https://www.utu.fi/fi/ajankohtaista/uutinen/tutkimuksen-ja-tohtorikoulutuksen-virtuaali-instituutit-esille-ec2un

DRESDEN RESEARCHERS: INSIDE DEVELOP WIND POWER CONVERTERS FOR THE ENERGY NETWORK OF THE FUTURE

Scientists from the professorship for power electronics at TU Dresden and the industrial companies SEMIKRON and FREQCON are pooling their expertise to develop the next generation of wind converters. In the “NextWIND” research project, energy storage systems are being integrated into wind power converters, which in future will allow electricity to be supplied exclusively with renewable energies. For many years, wind energy has provided the largest share of renewable energies in Germany's electrical energy supply. In 2020, wind was the energy source with the largest share in total energy production. So far, electricity from renewable energies has been integrated into a network in which the majority of the output was provided by conventional power plants (coal and nuclear power plants). With the gradual shutdown of these generators, the rotating masses used to stabilize the grid are no longer necessary (instantaneous reserve). In conventional power plants, these short-term power reserves can provide the required power during an abrupt generation outage or a sudden increase in the consumer load in the electrical network. This is where the “NextWIND” joint research project comes into play: By integrating and using energy storage systems in wind turbines, the above-mentioned network services should be able to be provided reliably and cost-efficiently by wind turbines in the future. For this, the mode of operation of the wind converter must also be further developed from a network-downstream to a network-forming operation. A wind energy installation with an integrated energy store and a converter, which is equipped with a grid-forming control system, can thus function as a voltage source in a power grid. This means that such wind turbines are not only able to In addition, the new system has to withstand the strong fluctuations in load due to the frequently changing wind conditions for many years. In the “NextWIND” project, solutions are being developed which are intended to help ensure the desired network services cost-effectively in a wide operating range while at the same time being robust against errors. The project is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy as part of the 7th energy research program “Innovations for the Energy Transition” with a total of 1.8 million euros. Reference Link:https://tu-dresden.de/tu-dresden/newsportal/news/dresdner-forscher-innen-entwickeln-windstromrichter-fuer-das-energienetz-der-zukunft

New TUM School of Social Sciences and Technology starts

With the conversion from faculties to schools, the Technical University of Munich (TUM) has initiated a historic structural reform. The next step on Thursday was the TUM School of Social Sciences and Technology. The transformation of the Technical University of Munich (TUM) is making strong progress: the new TUM School of Social Sciences and Technology has “revolutionary potential”, said TUM President Thomas F. Hofmann at the founding ceremony in Munich on Thursday. In addition to scientific and technical excellence and entrepreneurship, this school opens up an important third dimension - on the way to people-centered, socially acceptable and trustworthy innovations. Engineers, natural scientists and social sciences have to learn from each other, work together as equals and as a matter of course, stressed Hofmann. With the new school, TUM is bringing the governance and educational sciences faculties and the Munich Center for Technology in Society under one roof at the heart of the university. According to THE ranking, the education sector has taken first place this week among all German universities. The new school has 39 chairs and professorships and around 2,200 students. TUM is thus committed to shaping the social and political relationship between science and technology. The new school is intended to provide answers to the rapidly growing need for knowledge, understanding and explanation of technical sciences. Reference Link:https://www.tum.de/die-tum/aktuelles/pressemitteilungen/details/36961
 

A new international Master’s Programme in Pharmacy at the University of Helsinki

The English-language Master's Programme focuses on the study, development and safety of drugs and pharmacotherapy, with a close link to the sustainable development of pharmacy and green pharmacy. In 2022, the University of Helsinki’s Faculty of Pharmacy is taking an expected step, as the international Master’s Programme in Pharmaceutical Research, Development and Safety will be launched. In the first application round, 20 student places are available in the two-year programme, whose scope is 120 credits. The degree completed in the international master’s programme is the Master of Science. Up to now, only a Finnish-language bachelor’s degree in pharmacy has provided eligibility for master's degree studies at the Faculty of Pharmacy. “The University of Helsinki’s Admission Services has received a great deal of enquiries from outside Finland about the opportunity to study pharmacy at the University. Thanks to the new international master’s programme, we will be expanding the opportunity to complete a degree to students of other fields. Specialists in drugs and drug therapies are needed in academic research and other fields of society. Graduates of the Faculty of Pharmacy can choose from a number of career options, in both the public and private sectors,” says Dean Jouni Hirvonen of the Faculty of Pharmacy. Reference Link: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/news/education/new-international-masters-programme-pharmacy-university-helsinki

A new international Master’s Programme in Pharmacy at the University of Helsinki.

The English-language Master's Programme focuses on the study, development and safety of drugs and pharmacotherapy, with a close link to the sustainable development of pharmacy and green pharmacy. In 2022, the University of Helsinki’s Faculty of Pharmacy is taking an expected step, as the international Master’s Programme in Pharmaceutical Research, Development and Safety will be launched. In the first application round, 20 student places are available in the two-year programme, whose scope is 120 credits. The degree completed in the international master’s programme is the Master of Science. Up to now, only a Finnish-language bachelor’s degree in pharmacy has provided eligibility for master's degree studies at the Faculty of Pharmacy. “The University of Helsinki’s Admission Services has received a great deal of enquiries from outside Finland about the opportunity to study pharmacy at the University. Thanks to the new international master’s programme, we will be expanding the opportunity to complete a degree to students of other fields. Specialists in drugs and drug therapies are needed in academic research and other fields of society. Graduates of the Faculty of Pharmacy can choose from a number of career options, in both the public and private sectors,” says Dean Jouni Hirvonen of the Faculty of Pharmacy. Reference Link: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/news/education/new-international-masters-programme-pharmacy-university-helsinki

New educational centre for Craigmillar

Two new learning centers have officially opened in Edinburgh and Glasgow this week and are set to empower thousands of young people to achieve their academic and career ambitions. The centers in Craigmillar and Govan are a ground-breaking collaboration between the University of Edinburgh, the University of Glasgow and education charity IntoUniversity to provide additional educational support to those aged 7-18. The collaboration will connect young people, who may never have dreamed of going to university, with two of the world’s leading Higher Education Institutions, providing exceptional opportunities to support their learning and nurture their ambitions, whatever those might be. IntoUniversity Craigmillar is based at The White House. The community cafe and venue is run by the Community Alliance Trust for the benefit of the Greater Craigmillar Neighbourhoods. IntoUniversity Govan is based at The Pearce Institute in Govan, Glasgow, and a third centre in Maryhill, Glasgow, will be launched in Spring 2022. Reference Link:https://www.ed.ac.uk/news/2021/craigmillar-education-centre-opens

BeviMI: the app for responsible consumption at the University is coming

The BeviMI Project "takes off" on 13 October , the initiative that brings together the State University of Milan, the University of Milan-Bicocca, the Milan Polytechnic and the Italian Committee on the World Water Contract (CICMA) to promote the use of mains water, the reduction and recycling of plastic starting from the university classrooms. Students from the State University and other partner universities will therefore be able, from 13 October, to download the new app on their smartphone , to use it every time they draw water from the dispensers present in the universities. In this way, with each withdrawal, the BeviMI app will measure the CO? avoided and the amount of new plastic saved in real time , a way to become aware of the impact on the environment generated by daily consumption choices. The app will also allow a virtuous 'challenge' between female students and students who are more attentive to their consumption. On 13 October, from 12 to 14, each University will simultaneously promote events for the presentation of the BeviMI app at its offices. near dispensers and water houses, where students can also collect gadgets and water bottles. In Statale , in particular, it will be possible to participate in the two launch and presentation events of the BeviMI app at the dispenser in via Festa del Perdono 3 (ground floor) and at the Casetta acqua in via Golgi 19 , where you can also collect a free bottle, previously booked , to start using the BeviMI app right away. The University will deliver a maximum of 300 water bottles per site. On the occasion of the release of the app (13 October), an eco-compactor will also be installed in each University (in Città Studi for the State University), offered by Coripet, another partner of the BeviMI project, for the selective collection of PET bottles to be used for the production of R-PET bottles for food use, according to the principles of the circular economy. At the end of the day, at 6 pm, it will be the turn of the round table, at the Centrale dell'Acqua in Milan and in streaming on all MM's social channels , which will see the presence of Cristiana Capotondi , who has been committed to promoting sustainable behavior for years , of the sustainability delegates of the three Universities (for the State University, Stefano Bocchi, professor of the Department of Environmental Sciences and Policies) and of the representatives of the Italian Committee on the World Water Contract, Coripet and MM on the interdisciplinary approach to sustainability for the promotion of responsible behavior capable of contributing to the ecological transition of the city of Milan. Finally, during the round table,contents and methods of inter-university research, based on LCA analysis, on the impact of the different water supply chains (from the network or with plastic bottles) and of the different treatments of PET waste, as well as videos related to the BeviMI project such as the video tutorials on the BeviMI app and on the operation of the eco-compactors. A page on the unimi.it portal is also dedicated to the BeviMI project , where, starting from 13 October, the QR code will be available to download the app.   Reference Link: https://lastatalenews.unimi.it/bevimi-arrivo-lapp-per-consumi-responsabili-universita

Last Campus Mundi application opportunity for the spring semester

The scholarship program is coming to an end, so apply now, spend your spring semester at a foreign university or company, and gain lifelong knowledge and experience! International experience and confident language skills - here’s your last chance to explore the world with Campus Mundi and gain an unbeatable advantage in the job market! Campus Mundi part-time - passport for your semester of life! Get to know yourself and the culture of a distant country while studying and developing at any university in the world! The amount of Campus Mundi part-time scholarships varies from country to country, which can mean HUF 200,000-250,000 per month. Details in the call for proposals . The program has adapted to the changed circumstances since the pandemic, so the scholarship is available in physical, virtual ( digital credit acquisition ) and semi-virtual, i.e. blended mobility forms ( details in the call for proposals ). As the entry rules of the countries are also constantly changing, you can change the form in which you participate in university education abroad even after winning the application. Campus Mundi internship - connect the pleasant with the useful! Are you planning to complete your compulsory internship for your spring semester? Gain credits and international experience at the same time! Find the right company for you and get the most out of your Campus Mundi internship abroad! Reference Link: https://u-szeged.hu/sztehirek/2021-szeptember/utolso-campus-mundi?objectParentFolderId=19355

Students interested in the EU "Erasmus +" program take an English exam

  On September 22-23, ASUE Department of International Relations organized an English exam at the university for those students who are interested in "Erasmus +" program , but do not have a document certifying English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge Assessment English). According to the International Relations Department, the exam participants will receive the exam results in their personal email within 1-2 days, and the students can get acquainted with the new announcements and news of "Erasmus +" program by following ASUE official website, Facebook page, Facebook of the International Relations Department page: In addition to international relations of the department of information that students this year during an English exam may be passed only one time, so those who have passed from this time, will not be able to participate in the current academic year, the department 's organized in other investigations.   Reference Link: https://asue.am/am/news/students-interested-in-the-eu-erasmus-program-take-an-english-exam

DIGITAL GENIUSES ARE LOOKING FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS THROUGH SMART CAMPAIGNS

  8-10 Until October, teams of 2 to 5 will take part in a smart task to tackle a special task - to create digital data-based solutions that will save the environment and lead to a sustainable future for the world. Register your digital genius team no later than September 30th. A prize fund of 5,000 euros has been set up for the best teams, but the strongest participant will also be directly in the top 50 of Prototron.  The international competition DeepHack takes place virtually for three days. This means that the teams do not meet each other and communication with mentors and other participants also takes place via the Internet.  On the first and second days of the brainstorming sessions, the teams meet with mentors and active work towards the completion of the solution begins. During lunch on the third day, the teams will present the already completed solutions. Students interested in technology, data and the environment, representatives of start-ups and companies, and freelance specialists are welcome to compete. In particular, the aim is to create innovative digital solutions that help facilitate energy savings and support the transition to a circular economy and more efficient use of resources. Top-level mentors and renowned jury members The role of the mentors is to support and assist the teams during the hacking by answering their questions and specifying the challenges. Taibutalgute mentors for the Cleantech Finland project manager Kadri Piho , Tallinn University of technology transfer expert and patent attorney  Mart Enn Koppel , Tallinn Strategy Center data analyst Hanna-Greta Veersalu , TCachet founding member of Kalle Palling , Tehnopol's green technology cluster manager Ragmar Saksing , RagnSellsi Marketing and Communications Rainer Pest , Upper City green revolution leader Mati Fjodorov , CEO of Cleantech Estonia Erki Ani ,  and Kaido Sipelgas, Team Leader of Enterprise Estonia Innovation Funding . The list may be extended. The winner of this third day of the final solutions for the presentation of the jury members, who are the Tallinn University of the green revolution, Vice-Rector Helen Sooväli-Sepping, Tallinn innovation leader Toomas Türk , Ülemiste City innovation leader Ursel Velve , K FINEST Bay Area Development Kustaa Valtonen, Telia IoT department head Vyacheslav Antipenko and IEEE Estonia expert and researcher of the Thomas Johann Seebeck Institute of Electronics Alar Kuusik. The competition is organized by TalTech together with EIT Digital, EIT Raw Materials and UltraHack. As such, this is the first similar test of strength in Estonia. Competitors and ideas that need to be solved are expected until September 30. Sign up HERE.     Reference Link:https://taltech.ee/uudised/digigeeniused-otsivad-taibutalgutel-keskkonnalahendusi

The new university-wide course will help with starting a business

  Favorite workshops come to do business! Focused on business know-how, teamwork and the preparation of own projects, this year has been transformed into a university-wide subject Development and implementation of a business idea. In the course, students will gain knowledge and skills, thanks to which they can evaluate the potential of their business idea. At the same time, they will learn to plan, create cash flow, work in a team, and assess risks and approaches to problem solving. The course will include interactive lectures and exercises, but also teamwork on projects. "One subject will not make you an entrepreneur, but it will help you find answers to where to get an idea and how to work with it? Students will learn how to find customers and how to sell. But they will also think about how much it will all cost and what not only will they gain by business, but they will also lose, "says the subject guarantor Vít Chlebovský from the Faculty of Entrepreneurship, BUT. Experts from the JIC and other experts will also be actively involved in teaching. Those interested can register in the StudIS system on September 15 from 8 am to 10 pm. The capacity of the course is 80 students per semester. In the winter semester 2021/2022, the course is scheduled for Monday afternoon, in the case of regular full-time teaching, the course will be taught once in 14 days for 4 hours. In the case of online lessons every week on Monday for 2 hours. Reference Link: https://www.vut.cz/vut/aktuality-f19528/novy-celouniverzitni-predmet-pomuze-s-rozjezdem-podnikani-d215077

MATHEMATICAL HELPING HAND FOR FUTURE AAU STUDENTS

  This year, more students than ever will be offered to participate in Aalborg University's (AAU) brush-up course in mathematics prior to the start of studies in September. The offer must strengthen the students' academic and social preconditions in order to get a good start in their studies and help to ensure that fewer students drop out. Mathematics is a cornerstone of all engineering and science educations, but also of a number of social science educations, solid mathematical competencies are a necessary prerequisite for getting off to a good start in the study. Therefore, AAU offers a brush-up course in mathematics as a prelude to the start of studies on 1 September. Here, prospective students who already have mathematics at A- or B-level will have the opportunity to refresh and practice the mathematical concepts before starting their studies. The initiative must both give the students a better start to their studies and ensure that fewer drop out because the basic mathematical competencies have not been properly dusted off. - We can see that students, who come in with a low grade in mathematics from high school or have had a longer break, often have a harder time at the beginning of their studies. This means something both for the well-being of the individual and for the risk of dropping out. Therefore, it is a really good idea to accept the offer, says Henrik Brohus, who is the leader of the First Year of Study and Admission Course and responsible for the brush-up course.   Reference Link: https://www.nyheder.aau.dk/2021/nyhed/matematisk-haandsraekning-til-kommende-aau-studerende.cid515972

TUZVO begins full-time teaching on September 20, 2021 in all study programs and forms of study

Reference Link: https://www.tuzvo.sk/sk/tuzvo-zacina-prezencnu-vyucbu-20-septembra-2021-vo-vsetkych-studijnych-programoch-formach-studia
The Operational Working Group of the TUZVO Crisis Staff (OPP KŠ TUZVO) decided at its meeting on 31 August 2021 to start teaching in the academic year 2021/2022 in full-time form, in all study programs and forms of study. This resolution applies unless the pandemic conditions deteriorate radically. The Rector appeals to the responsibility of students and staff of the university. In terms of ensuring the operation and educational process of TUZVO students, OPS KŠ TUZVO has decided, based on the valid Covid Automata, to adopt the protocol of the educational process in compliance with all principles in terms of Covid automat, ie ROR (drape, distance, hand disinfection). Entry and stay in the university, resp. participation in full-time teaching, accommodation in student dormitories (except foreign students and teachers), will be available to all employees and students of TUZVO with a strict recommendation for OTP (vaccinated, negatively tested or after overcoming Covid-19). The process of students entering accommodation in TUZVO student dormitories will begin on September 6, 2021. The TUZVO management supports the maintenance of full-time teaching in the academic year 2021/2022 to the maximum extent possible, taking into account the current conditions of the Covid vending machine. With the new academic year approaching, management is appealing to students and staff to be vaccinated as soon as their health allows. Rector prof. Rudolf Kropil asks staff and students to be responsible:"Our effort is to implement teaching in person as long as possible. Although distance learning methods are an adequate substitute for full-time, students' personal contact with teachers is irreplaceable. In the coming days, the TUZVO Crisis Staff will meet and determine the conditions of full-time teaching in the academic year 2021/2022, as well as guidelines for boarding and accommodating students in the TUZVO Student Homes. Students and staff will be informed about the conditions through the communication channels of the university, " he said. More detailed information on ensuring the educational process in the academic year 2021/2022, the regime of accommodation in TUZVO student dormitories and the regime of boarding in the student canteen during the new academic year will be the subject of a separate guideline of the TUZVO Crisis Staff, which will be available.

THE UNIVERSITY INVITES YOU TO THINK: HOW TO PROMOTE A CULTURE OF DONATION?

The Technical University invites all its employees, students and alumni to think about how to create donation habits in the university family. The best proposals will receive up to 10,000 euros to implement the idea. Reference Link:  https://taltech.ee/uudised/ulikool-kutsub-kaasa-motlema-kuidas-edendada-annetamiskultuuri-0
At the world's leading universities, fundraising and donation is very common, and many of the university's activities have been funded by donations through various funds, research projects and scholarships. Each of us can also contribute to the progress of TalTech, to the more exciting projects of future generations, and through it also to change society.  How can you help?  Suggest a specific solution that could significantly contribute to the collection of donations, whether in the form of a specific donation campaign or by improving the donation process.           For what specific purposes should we raise donations?          How could the donation process ideally take place?          How do we ensure that donations are used in the best possible way?          How to involve alumni to donate?  Submit your idea by October 7!  THE BEST IDEAS WILL RECEIVE UP TO 10,000 EUROS FOR TESTING AND IMPLEMENTATION AND THE ASSISTANCE OF SPECIALISTS.??  “Each of us has the opportunity to contribute to the development of the University of Technology, to the more exciting projects of future generations and through it to change society. TalTech could be one of the examples and pioneers for the development of the donation culture in Estonian society at large, ”explained Vice-Rector for Entrepreneurship  Sven Illing , who leads the co-creation initiative and the topic of scholarships and donations at the university. "So far, the University of Technology has been supported for many years primarily by our alumni, mainly with scholarships for students," the Vice-Rector for Entrepreneurship noted.?  Donations benefit students, researchers, companies, university staff and future generations. Each donation contributes to the university's pioneering research and education activities.??  How exactly do ideas come true?           Submit your idea by October 7th.           We get to know the ideas and invite the best to brainstorming to develop the ideas, put together teams to implement them and validate the ideas with stakeholders.           The wisdom campaigns will take place on November 12 and 19. Project plans for piloting ideas are completed.           The jury will evaluate the project plans and in early December we will announce 1-3 ideas for implementation in the first half of 2022.            These ideas will receive expert advice and funding of up to € 10,000 according to the budget.?  Donation is the first topic of TalTech's new co-creation initiative, which annually specifies challenges and seeks solutions in one specific area. In 2022, we will create solutions together on the next topic.  Read more:  www.taltech.ee/koosloome.  

A PIONEERING MASTER'S PROGRAM WAS LAUNCHED WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF ELTE

Reference Link: https://www.elte.hu/content/uttoro-mesterkepzes-indult-elte-s-reszvetellel.t.24100
“Global Challenges to Sustainability” is the first internationally accredited full master's degree of the European Universities Initiative. On 2 September 2021, the CHARM-EU Association held the official opening ceremony of the Master's Degree Program in “Global Challenges of Sustainability”, attended by the Rector of the Association's five partner universities and the European Commission, industry leaders, the student community and external partners. also gave a speech. Minister of Innovation and Technology László Palkovics also welcomed the event , describing the many centuries of history of European universities as a continuous development and the European Universities initiative as the latest milestone in this development, expressing his pleasure that Hungarian universities play an active role in the development of Hungarian higher education. He emphasized that Hungary intends to spend 1.2% of GDP this year on the higher education sector, which is currently undergoing the biggest transformation in its history. At the Hungarian venue of the ceremony, on the ELTE Lágymányos campus, Rector László Borhy greeted the gathered new students and colleagues working in CHARM-EU. Demonstrating the internationality of Eötvös Loránd University, he said that he still has students from about 100 countries and has Erasmus connections with more than 500 universities. He called it an honor that Eötvös Loránd University could be one of the founders of the innovation association. He recalled that ELTE had played an important role in the project: it was responsible for the "Mobility" and "Inclusivity" work packages. In conclusion, he highlighted that a new university is being set up with new students, partners and staff.

Aquarium System Development And Optimization: Another Step Towards Sustainable Food Production (FoodOASIS)

Reference Link: https://www.uth.gr/news/anaptyxi-kai-beltistopoiisi-systimatos-enydreioponias-ena-akomi-bima-gia-tin-aeiforiki-paragogi
In the framework of the Research Program entitled: “Development and optimization of an aquarium system: another step for sustainable food production (FoodOASIS) we present to you the Prospectus of the program for the month of August. In addition, on the official page of the research program   http://foodoasis.eu/&
nbsp; you will find all the newsletters of the research program available. The FoodOasis project involves research teams from the two Departments of Agriculture (1: Plant Production and Rural Environment & 2: Ichthyology and Aquatic Environment) of the School of Agricultural Sciences of the University of Thessaly as well as the companies Agrostis and EMMANOUILIDIS BROS. Scientific Project Manager: Professor Nikolaos Katsoulas. Scientific Research Officers: Professor Nikolaos Katsoulas, Professor Elena Mende, Professor Konstantinos Kormas, Assistant Professor Efthymia Levizou. The program is implemented in the framework of the RESEARCH-CREATE-INNOVATE Action, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) of the European Union and national resources through the OP. Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship & Innovation (EPANEK) (project code: T1EDK-01153) »

New discoveries about the role of mitofusin 2 in the energy metabolism of the cell

Reference Link: https://www.ub.edu/web/ub/ca/menu_eines/noticies/2021/07/048.html
Mitofusin 2 is a key protein in regulating the physiology of mitochondria — the energy-producing cell organelles — that is involved in various neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Now, an article published in the journal EMBO Reports reveals that the regulation of bioenergetic activity in mitochondria requires that mitofusin 2 is also found in the endoplasmic reticulum, a system formed by a complex network of membranes in the cell cytoplasm. The work is directed by Professor Francesc Soriano, from the Faculty of Biology and the Institute of Neurosciences of the UB (UBNeuro). The authors are also Ofelia M. Martínez and Francesc Villarroya, from the UB Faculty of Biology and the UB Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), and Manuel Reina, from the Faculty of Biology, among others.

Personality of International Cooperation is from TUKE

Reference Link: https://www.tuke.sk/wps/portal/tuke/university/news/osobnost-medzinarodnej-spoluprace-je-z-tuke
On Tuesday, 29 June 2021, five Slovak scientists received the prestigious award Scientist of the Year of the SR 2020 in the Moyzesová sie? /Moyzes Hall/ of the Faculty of Arts of the Comenius University in Bratislava. They have achieved extraordinary success in the fields of molecular biology, biobanking, virology, engineering, and geotechnology, and have succeeded in strong competition – this year the jury selected the winning five out of a record 84 nominations. The 24th annual awards event for the most significant scientists, technologists, and young researchers was held under the auspices of Ms Zuzana ?aputová, the President of the Slovak Republic. The ceremony afternoon was made more pleasant by the string quartet VIVA QUARTET. One of the laureates was from the Technical University of Košice. Awarded in the Personality of International Cooperation category was: Dr. h. c. prof. Ing. Michal Cehlár, PhD., (Faculty of Mining, Ecology, Process Control and Geotechnologies, TUKE) – for significant development of international cooperation in the field of projects, science, and research at the Faculty of Mining, Ecology, Process Control and Geotechnologies, TUKE.

Project Effective teaching for student engagement and success in digital learning environment (StudES)

Reference Link: http://www.bg.ac.rs/sr/vest.php?id=1603
  The project entitled Effective teaching for student engagement and success in digital learning environment (StudES) has been approved for co-financing by the ERASMUS + K2 program (KA226 Partnerships for Digital Education Readiness), within the call 2020, first round. The online environment became the primary environment for the teaching process during the COVID-19 pandemic. Teachers and students jointly recognized the untapped potential of the online environment in higher education, as well as the need to adopt new pedagogical approaches that would support success and a greater degree of student engagement. For this reason, the goal of this project is to: - Provide an effective teaching process in the digital environment; - Provide academic staff with knowledge, skills and tools to properly adapt to a wide range of teaching methods and content; - To revise existing standards and guidelines related to online learning. In this way, teachers will have the opportunity to develop and apply new, innovative learning methods and adopt new pedagogical approaches that will support a higher level of student engagement, ensure their advancement and success in the online environment. As partners, the University of Belgrade, the Center for e-Learning at the AGH University of Science and Technology and the University of Maribor are participating in the project . You can follow all past and future results through the StudES project website and through the LinkedIn profile of the project.

The second enrollment deadline for enrollment in basic academic, integrated academic and basic vocational studies has been announced

Reference Link: http://www.bg.ac.rs/sr/vest.php?id=1604
After the session of the University Enrollment Commission, the second enrollment deadline for enrollment in basic academic, basic vocational and integrated academic studies has been announced, for the school year 2021/2022. year. There are 1286 places left on the budget and 1495 self-financing places (a total of 2781 places). Second enrollment deadline for basic academic, basic vocational and integrated academic studies: - Candidate registration: September 2 and 3, 2021; - taking the entrance exam: September 6 and 7, 2021; - Candidate registration: until September 16, 2021. You can see an overview of vacancies at the University of Belgrade here.

FROM THE NEW ACADEMIC YEAR, UBB WILL USE A NEW HIGHTECH EDUCATIONAL PARADIGM!

Reference Link: https://news.ubbcluj.ro/event/din-noul-an-universitar-ubb-va-utiliza-o-noua-paradigma-educationala-de-tip-hightech/
Babe?-Bolyai University of Cluj-Napoca (UBB) will use, from the academic year 2021-2022, a HighTech technology in the academic education process, through a paradigm shift towards a new university pedagogy, which will be presented on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at 18.00 , at the Creative Industries Center of UBB in Cluj Innovation Park (CREIC - 1 Valea Chintaului Street). In this sense, UBB founded, a few months ago, together with the American company EON Reality, an academic center called UBB-EON-XR Center for Higher Education ( https://news.ubbcluj.ro/ubb-introduce-in
-the country-standard-of-education-of-the-future-establishing-ubb-eon-xr-center / ), the first and planned to be the largest center of this kind in Romania and neighboring countries, with two fundamental components: (1) an educational one, to introduce a new standard in teaching / learning, based on a “new university pedagogy” in virtual / augmented / mixed reality and (2) a research-development-innovation (RDI), to generate innovative products and services to society (for example the product VR Mind -https://news.ubbcluj.ro/noua-structura-academica-ubb-eon-xr-center-lanseaza-in-romania-formula-comerciala-a-vr-mind/&
nbsp;). The rector of UBB, prof. Univ. Dr. Daniel David, states that, “ so far, several hundred UBB teachers and researchers (approximately 500) are enrolled in the first training modules organized by EON Reality, to implement the reality of the academic year 2021-2022 virtual / augmented / mixed in the teaching-learning process. The presentation of this new "university pedagogy" - which combines innovative education strategies with advanced technologies - will be made on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, with concrete examples, at the UBB-EON-XR Center for Higher Education at the UBB Creative Industries Center in Cluj Innovation Park. Indeed, through these developments, which change the academic paradigm, UBB students can enter a new educational era ”. UBB-EON-XR Center for Higher Education also benefits from the collaboration and coordination with the new Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality and Robotics of UBB (founded on the centers of Computational Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Mining, Metaheuristics for Complex Systems, Virtual Reality, Modeling and Simulation - from the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics within UBB) and with the already known Matrix Platform of the Institute of Advanced Studies of Psychotherapy and Applied Mental Health (Robotherapy and Virtual Reality Therapy Platform - Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of UBB) . Sequences of the educational act in the new paradigm ( https://eonreality.com/platform/&
nbsp;)

Summer opening hours at the university

Current processing times, telephone and reception times for study guidance and contact information for our activities during the summer. University-wide activities For the university-wide student service functions' opening hours during the summer - see the respective website:          General study guidance          Libraries at Lund University - lub.lu.se          Educational support for you with a disability          Student health          The student reception             ·  The study workshop

THE SUCCESS OF OUR STUDENTS IN PROMOTING HUNGARIAN SCIENTIFIC RESULTS

  CEU and Qubit's first joint essay competition for university and college students has been closed, in which writings reflecting on or reflecting on what has been said at CEU's Infinite Knowledge events were awaited. The main prize was won by Dormán Hanga, a master's student at ELTE PPK, who also finished second and third place at ELTE.  The   aim of the competition, launched in May , was to get as many young people as possible to take an active part in the public discourse and professional discourses on the results of modern science. In the Infinite Knowledge series of the CEU Institute for Democracy, Hungarian scientists present their research results in topical topics such as climate change, network research, data science, religious history, economics, psychology or even prehistory. In the end, 42 applications met the medium-stringent formal and content requirements emulating scientific work, citing a wide range of topics, from the social impact of the epidemic on climate change and biodiversity, to the use of artificial intelligence for military purposes, and the latest network. The received essays were judged by renowned experts, prestigious scientists and researchers: Zsolt Enyedi, political scientist, György Fábri, sociologist of science, El?d Gáspár Merse, cognitive researcher, János Kertész, Széchenyi Prize-winning physicist, climate researcher, senior analyst at the IPCC and geneticist Máté Varga. Hanga Dormán , a graduate student of the MSc in Computer and Cognitive Neuroscience at Eötvös Loránd University, a member of the Rajk Vocational College , won the 1st place in the competition with  her dissertation entitled It is difficult but worthwhile to rely on foreign minds , the winning article can be read here . The 2nd place  Bagi Esther , ELTE Cultural Anthropology Department of master's student performed during Grief, trauma and "good death" epidemic work on, while the 3rd place both share: Békefi Valentine of the University of Chester graduate theology-Master student ( Religion and corporeality in a modern approach : on Christian physicalism ) and  Nikol Janszky-Máriás , an English-Chinese teacher at Eötvös Loránd University ( Climate Change - Crisis in the World and at Home ). The lectures and discussions on which the competition is based can be viewed on the   pages  of Infinite Knowledge , and regular  reports and interviews about the events can be read on Qubit. Source: Qubit  The cover image is an illustration of Róbert Jónás Tóth (Qubit) for the winning work.   Reference Link: https://www.elte.hu/content/hallgatoink-sikere-a-magyar-tudomanyos-eredmenyek-nepszerusiteseben.t.23979

Enrollment in the EU-CONEXUS Minor Programs continues!

  During the UTCB Minor Open Day event , organized on May 6, we started a new stage of enrollment in the courses of the EU-CONEXUS Minor programs: Blue Economy and Growth and Coastal Development and Sustainable Maritime Tourism ! EU-CONEXUS Minor Programs open up opportunities for EU-CONEXUS university students to build flexible, international, multidisciplinary curricula and to receive up-to-date skills that are highly needed in the labor market. During the event, the offer of confirmed Minor courses for the next semester was presented, which you can also consult here - Minor Programs - Technical University of Constructions Bucharest (utcb.ro) Also, UTCB students already enrolled in these programs had the chance to share their experiences from this semester, explaining both the advantages and the responsibilities of this opportunity. For the following registrations, we address the target group represented by UTCB students enrolled in the Bachelor's degree - English speakers - minimum B2, who aim to expose themselves to an international, multidisciplinary and interactive learning environment. Regarding the conduct of Minor courses, EU-CONEXUS is developing a Smart Campus - a virtual learning space that helps the students and teachers of each partner institution to share information and work together. Therefore, the services of this Smart Campus, the Moodle platform and the POD were briefly presented during the same event. Last but not least, out of the desire to have as many informed UTCB students enrolled in Minor as possible, we also presented the proposal for Academic Mentoring for Minors , the initiative of Package 5, coordinated by UTCB. Therefore, a mentoring period is proposed between the teachers of the Minor courses for the next semester and the interested students who have questions about the courses offered for the next semester. We hope that all these initiatives will convince as many UTCB students to apply by May 20! Contact person: Ramona Diac, EU-CONEXUS Minor Mobility Coordinator, ramona.diac@utcb.ro   Reference Link: https://utcb.ro/inscrierile-la-programele-de-minor-eu-conexus-continua/

THE WORK PROGRAM OF THE EUROPEAN RESEARCH COUNCIL FOR 2022 IS WELL KNOWN

Reference Link: https://www.uni-lj.si/aktualno/novice/2021071911294777/
As part of its work program for 2022, the European Research Council (ERC) plans to award € 2.4 billion in grants to around 1,100 European researchers.  Funds will be awarded in a series of calls, and applications will be evaluated by commissions of internationally renowned researchers. The funds are intended to support research projects that push the boundaries of human knowledge.  Some application deadlines are already open. The European Research Council (ERC) , established by the European Union in 2007, is the leading European organization for funding cutting-edge pioneering research in all scientific fields. Each year, the ERC selects and funds the most creative individuals to carry out their projects. It offers four long-term and financially rich research project schemes, which you can read more about  here . The ERC's total budget from 2021 to 2027 is more than € 16 billion under Horizon Europe, under the responsibility of the European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Mariya Gabriel. The work program includes several schemes of research projects: ERC project for the start of an independent research path (Starting Grant) with an application deadline of  13 January 2022 , ERC project for consolidation of an independent research path (Consolidator Grant) with an application deadline of  17 March 2022 , ERC project for Advanced Researchers with an application deadline of  28 April 2022,  for the ERC project for research synergy (Synergy Grant) with an application deadline of  10 November 2021. More information on the program and application deadlines can be found on the  ERC website  and in the full  2022 work program . In the autumn, we will start conducting workshops at the University to prepare ERC projects. For more information, write to the e-mail address  erc@uni-lj.si .  

IV STUDENT CONFERENCE OF THE FACULTY OF ECONOMICS OF THE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

Reference Link:  University College "LOGOS" in partnership with the Department of Finance - Accounting, Faculty of Economics and Agribusiness of the Agricultural University of Tirana organizes on July 27, 2021 the Student Conference on "Studying economics to address its challenges". The purpose of this conference is: Collaboration with students to address economic challenges and problems by future professionals. All students are invited to become part of this Conference through a paper, which will be mentored by professors of the University College "LOGOS" and the Agricultural University of Tirana. University College "LOGOS" supports students in creating scientific research methods during their studies. IMPORTANT DATES: • July 7: Opening the call • July 12: Deadline for accepting abstracts • July 14: Evaluation of abstracts • July 25: Submission of the final paper • July 26: Delivery of Power Point presentations • July 27: Conference Day Submit your paper within the above mentioned dates to studenti4@kulogos.edu.al. Welcome! For more information contact us: Tel: +35569 30 30 277 Email: students@kulogos.edu.al. University College "Logos" - Light and life force!

Recommended Annual Instruction Time in Full-time Compulsory Education in Europe 2020/21

  Effective learning depends on many factors, but undoubtedly, the instruction time available to students plays a key role in their learning process. Along with the quality of instruction and the time available for learning after school, the increase in the amount of instruction time allocated to a discipline can help to raise students’ interest in that subject and can have positive effect on students’ performance. Moreover, the positive relationship between increased instruction time and student achievement is more apparent when the increase is accompanied by other support measures and directed at disadvantaged students. This report analyses the recommended minimum instruction time in full-time compulsory general education in 37 European countries. The data refer to the minimum requirements set for the compulsory curriculum by the competent authorities of 39 education systems for the year 2020/21. Special attention is paid to four core subject areas: reading, writing and literature; mathematics; natural sciences; social studies. The analysis shows that annual minimum instruction time tends to increase with the education level, and differences between countries become less significant. At primary level, the focus for most countries is on reading, writing and literature (about 25 % of total instruction time), while in secondary education the teaching of mathematics and natural sciences becomes equally important. The report also identifies the main changes in total instruction time that have taken place in the last year especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the comparative analysis, the report includes national diagrams that illustrate data by country and by subject, jointly collected by the Eurydice and the OECD NESLI networks. Reference Link: https://eacea.ec.europa.eu/national-policies/eurydice/content/instruction-time-full-time-compulsory-education-europe-202021_en
 

Poland: National Reading Development Programme 2.0

Over one billion PLN will be allocated to the National Reading Development Programme (NPRCz) 2.0 for 2021-2025, to support the various forms of promoting reading habits in Poland.  NPRCz 2.0 is an extension of the previous Programme, implemented during 2016-2020 and is the largest and one of the most important – in terms of scale, impact sought and budget – amongst the national multi-annual Programmes. The Programme NPRCz 2.0 aims to create conditions for the development and growth of readership in Poland by shaping and promoting pro-reading attitudes and strengthening the role of the public, as well as the pedagogical and school libraries (as local centres of social life) that constitute a centre of access to culture and knowledge. The new elements of the NPRCz 2.0 Programme include, among others features: a subsidy to activate new and/or local communities; a national campaign promoting the objectives of the Programme; connecting about 500 libraries to the national platform; making content available on the National Library;  support actions to better understanding of readers' needs and librarian’s expectations and improve competences. Implementation of measures in public libraries are foreseen in several steps.  First, in continuing the key tasks of the previous Programme, i.e. the purchase of new publications and the acquisition of services of remote access to content in digital formats – eBook, audiobook or synchro-book.  Second, institutions located in cities with up to 100,000 inhabitants can apply for funding for infrastructural investments under NPRCz 2.0, which is an increase in relation to the previous Programme, which took into account smaller centres with up to 50,000 inhabitants.  Third, particular support will be given to historic library buildings and libraries in an inadequate technical condition, with preference to the construction or adaptation of new, energy-efficient facilities.  In this context, an important element is the continuation of the activities aimed at schools’ and pedagogical libraries. With a total budget of 1.080 million PLN, 59% is financed with public funds –representing an increase of nearly 40% of state subsidies in relation to the previous Programme.  The remaining 41% come from private investment.  NPRCz 2.0 includes four priority areas of support: Priority 1 - Improving the supply of public libraries Priority 2 - Investment in infrastructure of public libraries  Priority 3 - Purchase of new publications for pre-school, school and pedagogical libraries Priority 4 - Subsidy programme for libraries, promotion of reading. The Ministry of Culture, National Heritage and Sport is responsible for the coordination the Priorities 1, 2 and 4, implemented by its subordinate institutions: National Library (Priority 1), Book Institute (Priority 2) and National Centre of Culture (Priority 4), acting at the same time as the Programme Evaluation and Monitoring Unit. Coordination of works with regard to Priority 3 lies within the competences of the Ministry of Education and Science. Public funds of approximately PLN 14.5 million will be allocated to public libraries for purchasing new releases. This amount comprehends the activation of digital formats – e-Books, audiobooks or synchro books; the construction of a nationwide network of 500 libraries, through an integrated system for management of resources; the development of infrastructures; development of competencies of library staff and a social and information campaign.  At the same time, approximately 10.3 thousand school and pedagogical libraries will receive co-financing for the purchase of approximately 4 million new publications and equipment items.  A novelty is the inclusion in the programme of more than 1.3 thousand pre-schools establishments. The estimated impact is that, resulting from purchasing new books – under Priority 1 and 3 – e the NPRCz 2.0, over PLN 500 million will reach the publishing market (including public and private funds). A new grant Programme called CLOSER (BLISKO) will be launched under the auspices of the NPRCz. As part of the Programme, 180 public libraries will have the opportunity to receive funds, totaling PLN 24.5 million, to improve the competence of library staff, develop partnerships, involve new communities and activate local communities in activities to promote reading. It has been estimated that during the five years of the CLOSER programme more than a thousand projects may be implemented. The NPRCz 2.0 additionally provides for funds for monitoring and evaluation of the activities carried out, as well as management and functioning of the Programme.  More information:  https://www.gov.pl/web/edukacja-i-nauka/narodowy-program-rozwoju-czytelnictwa-20-na-lata-20212025-zostal-przyjety-przez-rade-ministrow
Reference Link: https://eacea.ec.europa.eu/national-policies/eurydice/content/poland-national-reading-development-programme-20_en
 

FFUL research with Tel Aviv University selected for “Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory” program

  The study, coordinated by  Helena Florindo  (FFUL) and  Ronit Satchi-Fainaro  (UTA), focuses on an immunotherapy consisting of nanoparticles that aims to activate immune cells with the aim of improving therapeutic effectiveness and enhancing the elimination of cancer. The  integration of the work into the NCL characterization program  provides a detailed characterization of the physicochemical properties of the formulation, allows the evaluation (by an independent laboratory) of its safety and efficacy and also validates its feasibility for clinical use. The results of the characterization process will be crucial to accelerate the conversion of immunotherapy into new therapies for cancer patients.   Reference Link: https://www.ulisboa.pt/noticia/investigacao-fful-com-universidade-de-tel-aviv-selecionada-para-programa-do-nanotechnology

HANNO TOMBERG: UNIVERSITIES OFFER A NEW KIND OF EDUCATION IN THE AUTUMN

Reference Link: https://taltech.ee/uudised/hanno-tomberg-ulikoolid-pakuvad-sugisel-uutmoodi-opet
Until now, traditional higher education has been based on defined curricula in bachelor's and master's studies and a prescribed curriculum. They have been taught in this way for at least the last hundred years, if not longer. However, the modern approach to learning forces us to take more into account the needs and opportunities of students themselves, which also forces universities to change. This autumn, at least three major Estonian public universities will start with microcredit programs or programs, which are primarily intended for working students who cannot commit to full-time studies and who would like to acquire education in parts or so-called learning opportunities. Universities therefore offer smaller curricula from the new academic year, starting with one to two subjects per year and lasting up to six to eight subjects per year and a half. The subjects passed through the microcredit program form a unified whole, which gives the student certain competencies. Depending on the university, you can choose between 10-30 microcredit programs in the next academic year. Successful completion of the microcredit program provides a certificate of in-service training, which helps the employer to prove that they have improved their qualifications or acquired new competencies as a result of their studies. However, for many good people, the acquisition of a microcredit allows them to continue their studies in the future and thus achieve a bachelor's or master's degree in their chosen field. European education ministers agreed to create flexible learning pathways with last year's Rome-Bologna communiqué, which aims to ensure equal access to education regardless of previous levels of education. The same principle is enshrined in the European Skills Action Plan, which was also adopted last year. Both documents emphasize the role of universities in ensuring lifelong learning and quality education, which could grow significantly by 2030. The strength of universities is that microcredit programs are compiled on the basis of subjects included in higher education curricula, which ensures the content of subjects and the quality of teaching. As an added value, it is possible to combine subjects from different curricula in microcredit curricula and to develop new curricula based on the needs of future jobs (eg green circle or circular economy) in cooperation with entrepreneurs. The increased role of universities in in-service training and retraining has also been discussed in US higher education publications over the past five years. One part is certainly to adapt curricula to the needs of the labor market, but there is also talk of a lasting link that universities could make with their alumni. After graduating from university, the graduate usually loses touch with the university, but it could be re-established, for example by offering the opportunity for continuous in-service training through microcrats. The twenty microcredit programs offered by Tallinn University of Technology in the autumn range from marketing and digital society business processes to strategic management and policy analysis in the public sector, from the circular economy of crustal resources to mathematical modeling and environmental data analysis, We are probably convinced today that while the World Economic Forum proposed eight scenarios for the future of work three years ago (EF Futures of Work, WEF 2018), technological change and talent mobility will continue to evolve rapidly over the next ten years. Therefore, the education system has a choice between maintaining the status quo or changing it. In the first case, there is a risk that, as a result of technological developments, existing jobs will simply disappear and that lower-skilled jobs will move to where high technology is already ahead and create demand for the services they provide. If the education system is able to change and provide quality lifelong learning opportunities, we will be able to adapt to the great changes that technological development has already brought about. The Competitiveness Expert Group, which contributed to the creation of the Estonian Education Strategy 2035, found that the Estonian education system must be streamlined and it must be ruled out that a student's educational path ends because he or she can no longer enter the next level. This can be supported through the creation of a lifelong learning system that provides flexible retraining and further training for people of all ages. The creation of microcrats also bridges the gap between different levels of education and helps to create a more flexible way of continuing education after completing upper secondary or vocational secondary education. According to surveys, 68% of today's students go to work, including 53% working regularly (Eurostudent VII, 2020). The latter is also the reason why many young people drop out of higher education at some point and choose to work. Microcrats make it possible to continue interrupted studies and choose a study path that is better suited to the desired career path in order to raise one's current level and acquire additional competencies. The future could bring micro-degree schemes that are not only internal to one institution, but are grouped together across several universities, and could also cover different levels of education, thus increasing cooperation between vocational and higher education. Internationally, the first examples of higher education institutions already exist in Europe, and the University of Technology also wants to offer micro-degrees in the coming years as part of a consortium of six European universities of technology, EuroTeQ. Microcredit schemes allow for the integration of different disciplines, the subjects concentrated in the scheme create cross-curricular knowledge that gives students a key advantage for future jobs, and they could include project-based subjects that address real problems that cut across different areas. The world is undergoing great change, especially after the defeat of the COVID-19 pandemic, so microcredit schemes are sure to gain popularity in the coming years. It is important to keep in mind that microcrats should be based on the needs of the labor market and allow subjects to be combined in such a way that they best take into account the needs of students and future tasks.

SUA in Nitra was included in the QS World University Ranking. It is one of the most prestigious rankings of world universities.

  For the first time, the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra was included in one of the most prestigious rankings of world universities: QS World University Ranking. In the edition for 2022, it was placed in the shared 1001st - 1200th position. Thousands of universities were evaluated in collaboration with Elsevier. In the accompanying QS EECA University Ranking focused on the evaluation of universities from Eastern Europe and Central Asia, SUA ranked 154th out of 400 ranked universities. QS WUR evaluates universities according to six criteria:          research reputation (40%),          Scopus citation per employee ratio (20%),          ratio of number of students to teacher (20%),          reputation among employers (10%),          ratio of the number of foreign students (5%),          ratio of the number of foreign teachers (5%). In addition to SUA, Slovakia was represented in the ranking by five other universities - Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Technical University in Košice, University of Žilina in Žilina and the most successful was PJ Šafárik University in Košice, which ranked 601st - 650th. . The top five places were taken by universities from the USA and Great Britain: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA), University of Oxford (UK), Stanford University (UK), University of Cambridge (UK), Harvard University (USA). See QS WUR 2022 for more information.   Reference Link:https://www.uniag.sk/en/news-reader/sua-in-nitra-was-included-in-the-qs-world-university-ranking-it-is-one-of-the-most-prestigious-rankings-of-world-universities/&
nbsp;

Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu supports access to online teaching activities

Reference Link:https://www.ulbsibiu.ro/news/universitatea-lucian-blaga-din-sibiu-sprijina-accesul-la-activitati-didactice-on-line/
The Operational Competitiveness Program ensures the development of information and communication technology (ICT) for a competitive digital economy "Lucian Blaga" University of Sibiu has won a new investment project within the Competitiveness Operational Program 2014-2020. The amounts from this project will be used to increase the quality of online university education, by purchasing tablets for school use with internet access for 526 students of the "Lucian Blaga" University of Sibiu who meet the criteria to benefit from social scholarships and / or or occasional social scholarships, as well as the endowment with equipment and devices necessary for the teaching activity: laptops, conference webcams, interactive whiteboards, so that the online teaching activities can be carried out in the best conditions. The project is in the contractual stage, will be financed with ERDF support, and its total value is over 1.1 million lei. The project was submitted under Priority Axis 2 - Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for a competitive digital economy, Investment Priority 2c. - Strengthen ICT applications for e-government, e-learning, e-inclusion, e-culture, e-health, Specific Objective OS 2.4 - Increasing the use of the Internet, Action 2.3.3 - Improving digital content and systemic ICT infrastructure in the field of e-education, e-inclusion, e-health and e-culture - E-EDUCATION SECTION of the Competitiveness Operational Program 2014-2020. The total value of the financing request is 1,101,999.80 lei, of which the value of the non-reimbursable financing allocated for the investments is 1,079,959.80 lei, respectively 98.00% of the eligible value of the project .The difference is the contribution of ULBS to the eligible expenses of the project, namely 22,040 lei (2%). The project entitled "Digital solutions to increase student participation and improve the quality of the online teaching process" - Smis code 149674 is in line with strategic line ED1. “Providing ICT infrastructure in schools” within the Digital Agenda Strategy for Romania 2014-2020. The project envisages equipping students from the "Lucian Blaga" University of Sibiu with ICT hardware equipment, respectively tablets for school use with internet subscription for min. 24 months and the endowment with equipment and devices necessary for the teaching activity: 24 laptops, 21 conference webcams, 21 interactive whiteboards, so that the teaching activities can be carried out online, to prevent the risk of infection with SARS-CoV- 2. The project is in the contractual stage, will be financed with ERDF support, and its total value is over 1.1 million lei. The project was submitted under Priority Axis 2 - Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for a competitive digital economy, Investment Priority 2c. - Strengthen ICT applications for e-government, e-learning, e-inclusion, e-culture, e-health, Specific Objective OS 2.4 - Increasing the use of the Internet, Action 2.3.3 - Improving digital content and systemic ICT infrastructure in the field of e-education, e-inclusion, e-health and e-culture - E-EDUCATION SECTION of the Competitiveness Operational Program 2014-2020. The total value of the financing request is 1,101,999.80 lei, of which the value of the non-reimbursable financing allocated for the investments is 1,079,959.80 lei, respectively 98.00% of the eligible value of the project .The difference is the contribution of ULBS to the eligible expenses of the project, namely 22,040 lei (2%). The project entitled "Digital solutions to increase student participation and improve the quality of the online teaching process" - Smis code 149674 is in line with strategic line ED1. “Providing ICT infrastructure in schools” within the Digital Agenda Strategy for Romania 2014-2020. The project envisages equipping students from the "Lucian Blaga" University of Sibiu with ICT hardware equipment, respectively tablets for school use with internet subscription for min. 24 months and the endowment with equipment and devices necessary for the teaching activity: 24 laptops, 21 conference webcams, 21 interactive whiteboards, so that the teaching activities can be carried out online, to prevent the risk of infection with SARS-CoV- 2.

Ural Federal University: Slovenia Will Support The Development Of The Ural Research Center

Reference Link: https://indiaeducationdiary.in/ural-federal-university-slovenia-will-support-the-development-of-the-ural-research-center/
Ural Federal University and Iskratel will sign an agreement at Innoprom on cooperation in the areas of the Ural Research Center. On July 2, Victor Koksharov, rector of Ural Federal University, and Branko Rakovets, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Slovenia, agreed on this. “The university is interested in joint research and development in the field of urban environment and industry, new energy, new materials and technologies. Thanks to the new agreement Iskratel will join the implementation of the projects of the Urals Interregional Scientific and Educational Center,” said Victor Koksharov. Iskratel develops software and also provides the whole lifecycle of products for industrial companies. The capacities of the company were presented by zeljko Pulic Director General of Iskratel, and Vladislav Davydov, Director General of Iskra-UralTel. According to them, the courses given by the company’s experts in fifth generation network technology and communication and telecommunication technologies might be adapted for UrFU students. We are interested in developing students’ competencies in the field of 5G technologies and the Internet of Things, these areas may become the first experience of cooperation with the University of Ljubljana. UrFU specialists are ready to organize joint educational programs, summer and winter schools for Russian and Slovenian students,said Victor Koksharov. Cooperation between Ural Federal University and scientific centers of Slovenia is developing in the field of nanomaterials and materials science, mathematics, and social sciences, and scientists have prepared 14 joint scientific publications. The University of Maribor is among UrFU’s partner universities over the past five years, seven students from Slovenia have visited UrFU on exchange programs.

Fact Check: Are 9 EU Countries Accepting Covishield Vaccines for Travel In Spite of EU’s Decision Not To

It has recently been reported that as many as nine European Union and Schengen Area Member States are accepting the AstraZeneca vaccine manufactured by the Serum Institute India (SII) known as Covishield, as proof of immunity for travel. The news comes just days after it was reported that travellers vaccinated with Covishield are not allowed to enter the member states under EU digital vaccination passport. According to media reports, the Covishield vaccines are accepted as proof of immunity when travelling to these countries, Austria,Estonia, Germany. Greece,Iceland,Ireland,Slovenia,Spain,Switzerland Even BBC has reported that countries as Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Greece, Ireland and Spain have made Covishield eligible for travel after, according to it, the Indian Foreign Affairs Ministry requested from the EU states to individually consider extending the exemption to people who had taken COVID-19 vaccines in India – Covishield and Covaxin – and “accept the vaccination certificate” issued by the government. SchengenVisaInfo.com has looked into these news and has found that so far, not all of these countries are actually accepting Covishield, and so far have not made any official statements whether they will accept the vaccine or not.

Ghent University leaves its mark on energy transition with five new projects

Reference Link: https://www.ugent.be/nl/actueel/ugent-drukt-stempel-op-energietransitie-met-vijf-nieuwe-projecten
UGent is project leader or partner in five projects of the latest Energy Transition Fund, raising 3.7 million euros The purpose of the Energy Transition Fund is to encourage and support energy research, development and innovation within the federal energy powers. These competences have been translated into three thematic axes: renewable energy sources in the Belgian exclusive economic zone of the North Sea and biofuels; nuclear energy applications; security of supply and grid balance. Every year a call is launched to submit projects that fall within these themes and this year Ghent University is allowed to coordinate or supervise five of these projects.

Germany Removes India and Other Countries from Red Zone List, Eases Travel Ban on Indian and British Travellers

Germany has reclassified few countries, including India as “high-incidence areas", removing them from the red zone list of countries with high case load of Delta variant of coronavirus. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) said India, Nepal, Russia, Portugal and the UK, currently listed as so-called virus variant countries, would be reclassified from Wednesday as “high-incidence areas". On Monday, Germany’s health agency said it would lift a ban on most travellers from India and four other countries hit by the Delta variant of Covid-19. The change in status will ease travel ban on non-German travellers to the country. With rising cases of Delta variants, Germany banned flights of India this April, and only German citizens were allowed to travel back to the country. The new rule means anyone will be able to enter as long as they observe quarantine and testing rules. Germany earlier introduced its “virus variant country" travel category in a bid to stop new coronavirus variants that have not yet spread widely on home soil. Chancellor Angela Merkel also hinted at a potential softening in Germany’s stance towards travellers from Britain during a visit to London on Friday. Last month, Merkel had called for tough restrictions, including longer quarantine, for people travelling from Britain, where the Delta variant has caused a surge in cases. But she indicated that the stance could soften as travel advice was reviewed. “We think that in the foreseeable future, those who have received double jabs will… be able to travel again, without having to go into quarantine," she said. Only citizens and residents of Germany are permitted to enter from a variant country and are subject to a two-week quarantine, regardless of whether they are fully vaccinated or can provide a negative Covid-19 test. By contrast, anyone can enter from a high-incidence country as long as they provide a negative test on arrival. They must in principle enter a 10-day quarantine but can end it after five days with another negative test. Travellers from high-incidence areas are also exempt from quarantine if they have been fully vaccinated. Countries where variants other than Delta are circulating, such as Brazil and South Africa, remain in the variant category.

Innovative ink developed at the University of Coimbra allows the printing of flexible multilayer circuits

Reference Link: https://noticias.uc.pt/universo-uc/tinta-inovadora-desenvolvida-na-universidade-de-coimbra-permite-a-impressao-de-circuitos-flexiveis-multicamadas/
The technology can be widely used in healthcare monitoring, to produce artificial skin, flexible solar panels, LCDs, or wearables. The paint composition patent belongs to the University of Coimbra and Carnegie Mellon University. A recent article from the “Soft and Printed Microelectronics” Laboratory (SPM-UC) of the University of Coimbra, led by Mahmoud Tavakoli – member of the Carnegie Mellon University ( CMU) Portugal team and Principal Investigator (PI) of the WOW project – was selected to be the cover of the scientific journal “ ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces ”. The research work in question presents a unique printable ink that allowed for the first time the digital printing of multilayer flexible circuits, electronic artificial skin and medical adhesives for electrophysiological surveillance. The paint composition patent belongs to the University of Coimbra and Carnegie Mellon University . The article is by Pedro Alhais Lopes, Daniel Félix Fernandes, André F. Silva, Daniel Green Marques, Aníbal Traça de Almeida and Mahmoud Tavakoli, researchers at the Institute of Systems and Robotics (ISR) of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Faculty of Science and Technology of the University of Coimbra; and also Carmel Majidi, from  Carnegie Mellon University, in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, United States. The work presents the first report on materials and methods that allow the scale manufacture of flexible circuits, using extrusion printers. These electrical circuits can be printed on a medical adhesive for biomonitoring patients in an elastic polymer to artificial skin for robotic application or even in tissues used in wearable monitoring devices ( wearable ). According to Mahmoud Tavakoli, “to integrate electronics into textiles for wearablesor in polymers for biomonitoring adhesives, these electronic circuits need to be extensible and elastic. Although many researchers have been working on extensible electronics over the last decade, it has been difficult to produce these types of circuits quickly.” With this new invention “these circuits can be easily printed using low-cost printers”, using a technology that will allow companies to produce billions of these circuits quickly and profitably. As everything is done at room temperature, the ink is compatible with heat resistant materials such as medical wound adhesives and is now being used in the “WoW” project to make electronic skin adhesives.”  

Plant physiology: How three proteins regulate photosynthesis

Reference Link: https://www.lmu.de/de/newsroom/news-und-events/news/pflanzenphysiologie-wie-drei-proteine-die-photosynthese-regeln.html
LMU biologists found that a partial step in photosynthesis only works properly if a “controller” and a “motivator” control the activity of the central protein. Plants, algae and cyanobacteria extract energy-rich biomolecules from sunlight, carbon dioxide and water. This process, also known as photosynthesis, is extremely complex. So far, researchers have understood important steps, but by no means all of the details: a topic that Prof. Dr. Dario Leister from the Department of Biology I at LMU. He studies how photosynthesis is controlled. Leister's team has now found that three proteins, namely PGRL1, PGRL2 and PGR5, control each other during a partial process of photosynthesis. PGRL2 has now been rediscovered in the course of the work. Background: Photosynthesis consists of several partial reactions. In the beginning, various pigments absorb electromagnetic radiation from sunlight. Light energy is converted into chemical energy via complex steps. Certain molecules serve as energy stores or as building materials for the growth of living things. Photosynthesis involves two basic mechanisms. The best known is the linear path with two pigment-protein complexes, the photosystems I and II. Linear means that electrons are transferred from one complex to the next, starting from the water. Your energy increases gradually. In addition to the energy currency ATP, reduction equivalents are formed which plants need to build up sugar. In addition, scientists know the cyclical path. It only takes place in the area of photosystem I; Electrons return to their original position via other proteins. Only ATP is created here. “Plants need both ways,” says Leister. "The cyclical reaction is particularly important under stress conditions, when more ATP is required." Without this mechanism, plants would not be able to survive in the wild.

Increase energy efficiency: help for smaller companies

Reference Link: https://www.uni-bremen.de/universitaet/hochschulkommunikation-und-marketing/aktuelle-meldungen/detailansicht/energieeffizienz-steigern-hilfe-fuer-kleinere
unternehmen In the future, smaller companies will receive tools, knowledge and an infrastructure to support them via a platform in order to be able to use energy more efficiently. Research on this has now begun under the direction of the BIBA - Bremen Institute for Production and Logistics at the University of Bremen. The way from the prototype from the research laboratory to the market is arduous and takes a long time. The step into operational application, especially by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), is still too seldom taken. The research and technology platform ecoKI aims to remove hurdles and accelerate the processes. The project focuses on the transfer of knowledge and developments from publicly funded research. The aim of the partners: to collect knowledge about digitization and AI methods especially for machine learning and make it easily and clearly accessible, build up further knowledge and network experts with users in order to gain a low-threshold and fast entry into the benefits of the new technologies Enabling increase in energy efficiency. Permanently available solutions Permanently available, expandable solutions are to be created - with the platform itself as well as through the implementation of individual projects in the company with the aim of increased energy efficiency. In addition, the network partners expect new questions and further insights into the needs of the industry through their research. A central task in the ecoKI project is the development and organization of the platform as the basis for a long-term, functional business model. The second major work is the development of standard building blocks for the platform. These should serve the users as a knowledge base and be used for new tasks. The reusable modules implemented in the platform are intended to offer companies support in further developing their processes cost-effectively and efficiently through the use of AI methods. Synergies from different use cases should be able to be used.  The economic prospects for exploitation of the project are long-term strategic and are based primarily on the future cooperation between developers and users of innovative AI technologies in operational practice, which will be improved by ecoKI. With CRISP-DM, rigorous models and machine learning When collecting, processing and using the data, the project partners rely on the CRISP-DM (Cross Industry Standard Process for Data Mining) method. This is a tried and tested, standardized process model with the help of which a uniform approach to the development of data mining processes is achieved in order to be able to recognize trends and relationships. To develop the generic building blocks for the platform, the project also deals with so-called rigorous models and - in the field of artificial intelligence - with deep learning, a sub-area of machine learning. Rigorous models represent a technical mechanism with exact scientific methodology. You have the advantage of being able to understand simulated processes more precisely with their help. In contrast to formalized specialist knowledge, machine learning deals with the automated creation of prediction models based solely on data. Due to the development of deep learning approaches and their successful applications, the use of machine learning has been growing rapidly for years. Key data on the ecoKI joint project The idea arose in the workshop "Increasing energy efficiency in production through digitization and AI", initiated by the BIBA - Bremen Institute for Production and Logistics, with representatives from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) and the project sponsor Jülich (PtJ) for the realization of a research and technology platform and network structure geared to the issues of sustainable energy efficiency. In particular, it is intended to make innovative R&D results more accessible to SMEs and to promote their application. In addition to the BIBA as coordinator, the partners in the resulting ecoKI research project are the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) in Kaiserslautern, the Institute for Neuroinformatics (INI) of the Ruhr University Bochum and the Professorship of Process Control Technology / Working Group System Process Engineering of the Technical University of Dresden. The four-year project ends on November 30, 2024. It is funded by the BMWi as part of the Federal Government's 7th Energy Research Program and supervised by Project Management Jülich (PtJ).

Enhance science communication

Reference Link:  https://www.tudarmstadt.de/universitaet/aktuelles_meldungen/einzelansicht_320832.de.jsp
The TU Darmstadt anchors the Strategic Communication department in the Presidium. The TU Darmstadt will in future attach particular importance to strategic science communication: The newly created department will be anchored in the Presidium with the position of Chief Communication Officer (CCO) from July 1st. In future, strategic science communication will be an independent area of responsibility in the Presidium of the TU Darmstadt, where the Chief Communication Officer will be responsible. Science contributes to dealing with societal challenges. As TU Darmstadt, we will communicate our scientific methods and results in an even more transparent and understandable way. Open, fact-based communication is the best way to secure the public's trust in science, emphasizes the President of TU Darmstadt, Professor Tanja Brühl. Our focus is increasingly on a pluralistic and equal exchange with society, said the President. We want to adapt specifically to their different values, interests, wishes for participation and communication preferences. Dr. Patrick Honecker. He set up the Department of Communication and Marketing at the University of Cologne and headed it for many years. The trained journalist and science manager has already supported numerous universities and non-university institutions in establishing strategic communication structures. With Dr. Honecker, we have gained an experienced and excellent communicator who, with his profound knowledge, will advance TU Darmstadt in many areas says TU President Brühl. Among other things, the new CCO will further develop and implement the communication and branding strategy of the university and also involve partners and networks, such as the Alliance of Rhine-Main Universities. Another field is the expansion of the national and international reputation by providing strategic advice to scientists. As a holistic task, science communication takes into account both the strategic interests of an organization and the common good, emphasizes Dr. Patrick Honecker. With its excellent research, the TU Darmstadt makes significant contributions to relevant global challenges. As a new member of the TU Darmstadt, I look forward to contributing to a broader understanding of these scientific processes.

The UAIC leadership decided to conclude a partnership with the National University of Economics in Odessa

Reference Link: https://www.uaic.ro/conducerea-uaic-a-decis-incheierea-unui-parteneriat-cu-universitatea-nationala-de-economie-din-odesa/
On Monday, June 7, 2021, the "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University of Iasi (UAIC) participated in an online meeting with representatives of the National University of Economics in Odessa (UNEO). UAIC was represented at the meeting by prof. Univ. Dr. Tudorel TOADER - rector, prof. univ. dr. Daniela COJOCARU - vice-rector for international relations and study and research partnerships, associate professor dr. Florin BRINZA - vice-rector for master's programs, doctoral studies, quality management and UAIC Extensions and Assoc. dr. Constantin-Iulian DAMIAN - vice-rector for bachelor's programs and training activities for teachers in pre-university education, while from UNEO participated prof. dr. hab. Anatoliy KOVALYOV - rector, Oleksandr LITVINOV - vice-rector for scientific activity, ES Tiberiu-Leonida SARPE, During the talks, a partnership was established between the "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University of Iasi and the National University of Economics in Odessa, through the Consulate General of Romania in Odessa, Ukraine, and the Cross-Border Cooperation Agency "Lower Danube Euroregion". The partnership aims to initiate projects in areas of common interest, collaborate in community programs, train specialists to access grants. The meeting also discussed the possibility of developing joint programs with a double degree or setting up an extension of the UAIC in Odessa. Currently, the "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University of Iasi has concluded bilateral agreements with nine higher education institutions in Ukraine. During 2010-2020, 250 academic visits were made by UAIC students, professors and researchers to universities or other organizations in Ukraine, in the form of study, teaching or internships, research visits or participation in various scientific events.

THE CSC ALUMNI COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FUND 2020-2021

Reference Link: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/the-csc-alumni-community-engagement-fund-2020-2021/
The CSC’s Alumni Community Engagement Fund (ACEF) supports Commonwealth Alumni in raising awareness of key development issues at the community level through an event or engagement activity. Each year, the CSC selects the focus themes and invite alumni to draw on their knowledge and skills in delivering a community engagement activity addressing the theme. This year, the theme was to address two international days: World Water Day on 22 March and World Health Day on 7 April. In 2020/21 ACEF was adapted to an online delivery method and alumni had the opportunity to design and create a video information session for their chosen community. The aim of the session was to communicate key information and raise awareness about valuing water or tackling a health concern. Six alumni were selected to develop a video information session from over fifty applicants. You can read more about this year’s selected ACEF videos below and visit the Alumni Community Engagement Fund 2020-21 page to read the full report on the project. All the videos are available to watch on the CSC’s YouTube channel now.

Volume 3 Number 1 of the Journal of Baroque Studies now out!

The International Institute for Baroque Studies at the University of Malta has just published Volume 3 number 1 of its scholarly Journal of Baroque Studies. This peer-reviewed academic journal is edited by Professor Frans Ciappara. Beautifully produced and illustrated by Hermann Bonnici, this journal contains eleven original contributions, a 53-page supplement and four book reviews.This issue of the Journal of Baroque Studies features an interesting contribution by Christine Muscat entitled Women Entrepreneurs in Malta’s Porto Grande in the Baroque Age.Charmaine Falzon of the University of Malta writes about Late Baroque Sociability, the Culture of Sensibility and the Queen of the Night’s Rage in Mozart’s The Magic Flute.Mario Pace of the University of Malta discusses in depth Il linguaggio della comicità e dell’amore nelle commedie di tre drammaturghi mediterranei del seicento: Carlo Magri, Francesco Cavanna, Niccolò Amenta.Carmen Depasquale of the University of Malta contributes an article on Les Lumières à travers la correspondance de trois chevaliers de Malte.Martin Micallef writes about A seventeenth-century artistic and venerated crucifix at the Capuchin Church in Gozo while Chiara Cecalupo from the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid discusses as a conclusion to her recent research Le radici europee della collezione di Giovanni Francesco Abela who is also the subject of a contribution by Thomas Freller of the University of Applied Sciences in Aalen, Germany, on Aspects of Scientific Exchange in the Age of Baroque.Hilary Spiteri and Reno Saliba respectively discuss Filial Churches in Malta: A historical-artistic outline and The Baroque – a sensual explosion which touches the heart and lifts up the soul.Francesco Frasca from the La Sapienza University in Rome offers an interesting contribution on L’ascesa degli imperi iberici: Esplorandazioni ed insediamenti coloniali nei secoli XVII-XVIII while in his contribution titled La Cappella Sistina di Sicilia: The Baroque Church of the Benedictine nunnery of S. Giovanni Evangelista in Piazza Amerina in Sicily, Denis De Lucca writes about a little-known Baroque church in Sicily with professionally restored Borremans frescoes by the Sopraintendenza per I beni culturali e Ambientali di Enna, treated within the context of the political and cultural history of Piazza Armerina.This issue of the Journal of Baroque Studies also contains a supplement dealing with the Jesuit contribution to the compilation of the fascinating Spanish Escuela de Palas treatise on the fortification of cities in the Baroque Age. This supplement was prepared by the director of the International Institute for Baroque Studies, Professor Denis De Lucca.Four book reviews on John Debono’s Documentary Sources on the Maltese Eighteenth Century Carnival: Il Ballo del Battito or Parata; Mario Pace’s Marco Largi ovvero Carlo Magri drammaturgo maltese (1617-1693): Vita e Opere; Jonathan Farrugia’s Ir-Redentur: History, art and the Cult of the Miraculous Effigy of Christ the Redeemer at Senglea, Joan Abela and Emanuel Buttigieg’s Malta: Parallel Existences. The Notarial Archives: A Photographer’s Inspiration and Charles J. Farrugia’s Maltese Archives.This issue of the Journal of Baroque Studies which bears witness to the multi-faceted nature of Baroque Studies, is dedicated to the memory of Monsignor John Azzopardi, a former member of the Board of the International Institute for Baroque Studies, whose commitment to the promotion of research on the cultural history of the Maltese islands with special reference to the Baroque, has been widely appreciated.  

AN INVENTORY ROBOT IS BEING MADE AT ELTE

The consortium formed by Martin Metal Product Kft. Eotvos Loránd University won a non-refundable grant in excess of HUF 574.5 million in the tender entitled “Support for Market-Driven Research and Development and Innovation Projects”. The MOBOT to be developed as part of the project could help the work of companies storing raw materials and semi-finished products in the future.The investment with a total budget of more than HUF 964.2 million will result in the creation of an automatic warehouse storage robot system based on machine vision, supported by artificial intelligence. MOBOT allows fully robotic inventory of raw material and semi-finished product warehouses as long as the stored goods are clearly visible and accessible. The system to be developed consists of a new inventory robot unit to be developed in the project, a central control unit and a telephone application based on an existing robot platform. The operator can schedule a pre-set time or start the inventory using the telephone application on an ad hoc basis. The inventory robot unit continuously communicates with the central unit and travels the storage space in a fully automatic manner according to a pre-programmed route. At each storage location, it is positioned using the identification marks affixed to the visible point on the shelving system and then starts the inventory process supported by machine vision. Depending on the type of product programmed, the inventory can be performed by counting a pipe, section, plate, bale, or automatically by recognizing and reading the barcode.MOBOT can be a great help in the future for companies that store both domestic and international raw materials and semi-finished products. Reference Link: https://www.elte.hu/content/leltarozo-robot-keszul-az-elte-n.t.23558

Czech Companies Looking To Increase Hiring In 2021

A survey conducted by ManpowerGroup on the Labor Market for the second quarter of 2021 found that Czech companies are planning to hire more employees soon. These findings were revealed by a regular survey among 607 private and public sector employers in the Czech Republic. The most optimistic recruitment plans were reported in the Moravian and Silesian regions in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, finance, insurance, and real estate. Employers in the accommodation and catering sectors are more pessimistic.   Reference Link: https://brnodaily.com/2021/03/17/news/business/czech-companies-looking-to-increase-hiring-in-2021/

Recovery plan: UGA and Grenoble INP - UGA are mobilizing with companies to develop jobs through innovation

The University of Grenoble Alpes (UGA) and Grenoble INP, an engineering and management institute of the UGA have responded to the State's call to help companies overcome the crisis as part of the first wave of France Relance scheme in favor of the creation of private R&D jobs. Thanks to this mobilization and the financial contribution of the State, 59 R&D jobs will be preserved or created in the partner companies of the UGA in the Grenoble Alpes territory. The preservation device to use R & D in France Recovery is to maintain and develop employment in businesses while increasing their capacity for innovation to prepare for the crisis. Through public-private research collaborations massively supported by the State, companies are trained at the highest level of the doctorate and forge research partnerships with the university. UGA and Grenoble INP - UGA mobilized with companies Concretely, the 59 private sector personnel benefiting from the measure (31 for the UGA, 28 for Grenoble INP - UGA) will be accommodated in the public research laboratories of the UGA and of the Grenoble INP - UGA component establishment for jointly carry out research programs lasting a maximum of two or three years. The beneficiaries can be current people or recruited young people, thus ensuring the preservation and creation of R&D jobs. The State will cover up to 80% of the salary of the staff thus accommodated. More than 1,700 R&D jobs funded nationally At the national level, the system represents a budget of 300 million euros obtained by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation. A total of 70 research structures were mobilized and 1,727 high-level jobs thus secured in France. This support for innovation is part of the first wave of the France Relance system. A second wave begins with the census of companies interested in driving between May 10 and June 11. The UGA and Grenoble INP - UGA, key players in their territory, mobilized massively from the first wave on this system which resonates perfectly with their values and missions: developing innovation through a partnership policy and ensuring the professional integration of our young graduates. Reference Link: https://www.univ-grenoble-alpes.fr/francais/plan-de-relance-l-uga-et-grenoble-inp-uga-se-mobilisent-aupres-des-entreprises-pour-developper-les-emplois-par-l-innovation-862134.kjsp?RH=2320611992734654

Russia to Soften Visa Policy for Tourists, Relatives of Russians

Russian lawmakers have moved toward easing visa rules for tourists and relatives of Russian citizens. The reforms introduced last week will allow foreign tourists with valid hotel bookings to stay in Russia for up to six months, up from the current maximum visa stay of one month. The new visa policy will also allow Russian citizens to apply for their relatives’ entry through a diplomatic mission without requesting an invitation through the Interior Ministry. Reference Link:  https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2021/03/22/russia-to-soften-visa-policy-for-tourists-relatives-of-russians-a73317
 

E-residency, education, e-governance drives India-Estonia ties

India has announced the opening of an Embassy in Tallinn, capital of Estonia, by year-end and there are a number of reasons why New Delhi has decided to do so as part of its efforts to enhance diplomatic presence in Europe including Baltics. Estonia also continues to be an attractive destination for higher education seekers as several programs in English are available and Estonia is known for its high quality of education. Reference Link: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/e-residency-education-e-governance-drives-india-estonia-ties/articleshow/81588487.cms

EU BUSINESS SCHOOL IS REAFFIRMED AS A FOUR-STAR INSTITUTION FOR BUSINESS EDUCATION & FIVE STARS FOR EMPLOYABILITY AND ONLINE LEARNING BY QS

EU was awarded a maximum five stars for employability which reflects the tremendous achievements of its alumni, and in recognition of its reputation among employers, its employer presence on campus and level of graduate employment: EU achieved the remarkable score of 91.4% in graduate employment. This result clearly indicates the success of its career’s strategy comprising personalized advice to students, coaching services, professional workshops and guest speaker sessions. EU’s online campus attained a top five-star rating in acknowledgement of the engaging experience of its online campus, founded in 2012. Its online learning was recognized for high student-faculty engagement, student interaction and its services and technology. EU recognizes that its online campus was a key success factor behind the successful teaching experience the school has offered students during the worldwide health crisis. Its online MBA program ranks #11 worldwide in the QS Online MBA rankings. Five stars were also awarded to EU’s Master of Business Administration (MBA), achieving 92% as a graduate employment rate and 100% for its international student body.   

The University of Vienna offers students virtual guidance to choose the right study program

Is studying at the university right for me? And if so, what goal do I want to pursue? The University of Vienna supports prospective students with a wide range of digital services when choosing a course. With a comprehensive digital offer, the University of Vienna allows prospective students to learn about their future studies and student life. The University of Vienna invites prospective students from 6. until April 12th for this year's digital study fair "uniorientiert" . In live and service sessions, lecturers, employees, and students present the respective courses. They offer prospective students the opportunity to ask questions and find out about the individual courses' content. They will also answer questions on admission procedures, the start of studies and scholarships. Besides, further information will be available for a conscious study choice. The comprehensive online tool "uni: check" provides general information about studying at the university and offers interactive decision-making aid when choosing a future study course. The tool is aimed specifically at students but also at everyone else who is considering starting a new course of study. A team of psychologists and education experts was responsible for uni:check to support prospective students in making a thoughtful decision.  

Conference on the future of Europe: Have your say on the future of education in the EU

How can we ensure quality education, lifelong learning and more opportunities for all?On 24 March 2021, the European Parliament, Council of the European Union (EU) and the European Commission officially launched the Conference on the Future of Europe. Its multilingual digital platform is now available for European citizens, including young people, authorities at the national, regional and local levels, civil society and other organisations, to contribute.How can you take part?Share your ideas, attend or organise an (online) event to discuss the future of education in Europe, the Union’s priorities and how to address the challenges we face together.Have your say on the following topics and more: lifelong learning early childhood education and care schools vocational education, training and traineeships higher education adult education multilingualism mobility opportunities mutual recognition of diplomas networks across universities in Europe education, business and innovation Your input will be collected, analysed and published on the platform, furthering the discussions taking place in the European citizens’ panels and plenaries.  Next stepsA feedback mechanism will ensure your ideas are followed up on with concrete recommendations for EU action.The final outcome of the Conference will be presented in a report to the Joint Presidency of the Council of the EU.In spring 2022, the Parliament, Council of the EU and the Commission will then examine how to effectively action its conclusions within their respective competences.   Link: https://ec.europa.eu/education/news/conference-future-europe-have-your-say-education_en

Vaccine rollout makes UK a more attractive study location

The United Kingdom’s successful rollout of COVID-19 vaccines is making the country more attractive to international students, according to new global research.Nearly one in five (17%) prospective international students interested in studying in the UK think it is the best country in the world in terms of distributing the vaccine to its population.Almost half (47%) of students think the UK is becoming a more attractive destination to international students as a result of its vaccine distribution – which is more complete than in countries that are key competitors for international students, such as the United States, Canada, Australia and Germany – according to the research from Quacquarelli Symonds, the higher education think-tank and compilers of the QS World University Rankings.Director of Marketing at QS Paul Raybould said: “Education is one of the UK’s greatest exports, and it’s therefore extremely encouraging to see that the successful vaccination rollout is having a positive impact on student perceptions.“The sector must capitalise on this as a key opportunity to help expand international student recruitment and strengthen the UK’s position as a global study destination.”The data comes from QS’ annual International Student Survey (ISS), published on 26 April.   Link: https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20210426133819563
 

PORTSMOUTH ACADEMIC NAMED WINNER OF INTERNATIONAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE

Dr Jackie Batey, Senior Lecturer in Illustration, has been named winner of the annual International Award for Excellence by the Information, Medium and Society: Journal of Publishing Studies. Dr Batey’s article Are You Okay? was selected for the award from among the journal’s ten highest-ranked articles. Dr Batey is invited to be a featured speaker at the next conference, where she will be acknowledged with a short presentation. Dr Batey is an internationally recognised academic researcher and practitioner, responsible for the construction of Zineopolis, a field defining digital research and dissemination platform for the genre, which has increased the participation and visibility of non-academic artists. In her writings and lectures, Dr Batey has shown how zines can reveal visual narratives often from voices that usually remain unheard. She is particularly focused on what we can learn from visual narratives about lived experiences concerning mental health. Link:- https://www.port.ac.uk/news-events-and-blogs/news/portsmouth-academic-named-winner-of-international-award-for-excellence

EU outlines proposed COVID 'vaccine passport' that could boost travel this summer

As the vaccination roll-out accelerates around the world, many countries are starting to think about how they can enable vaccinated citizens to travel and visit public places such as restaurants and sports stadiums. The EU has unveiled its proposed digital vaccine passport in time for the summer tourism season.What will it do to help restart travel in Europe?Vaccine passports - which aren't passports as we know them, but rather a certificate of vaccination - will provide evidence to other countries that a traveller has received full vaccination against COVID-19.This means that, in theory, people will gain unrestricted access to flights, restaurants, bars, tourist attractions and festivals. It also means quarantine protocols, like locking down for up to 14 days in a hotel, can be avoided.What is the EU vaccine passport going to look like?On Wednesday (17th March), European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen outlined proposals for the EU's ‘digital green pass’.Officially called the "Digital Green Certificate," the pass will be free, bilingual in the language of the issuing member state and English, secure, non-discriminatory, and available in digital or paper formats, both of which will have QR codes, according to von der Leyen. Link: https://www.euronews.com/travel/2021/03/17/eu-plans-to-boost-summer-travel-with-its-proposal-for-a-digital-vaccine-passport

2021 Marks the 20th Anniversary of the European University Association

It has been 20 years since European university representatives and national rectors’ conferences joined forces to form the European University Association (EUA) with the aim to create a single organization to speak for the interests of all higher education representatives, universities and national associations.This anniversary allows us to look back at the achievements in the field of higher education in general. Over the years, EUA has been one of the key driving forces that has encouraged peers to come together and address important challenges to European higher education. It has also helped developments in education policy resonate within learning and teaching, research and innovation.Today the independent voice of European higher education is made up of more than 800 universities and rectors’ conferences from 48 countries, which cooperate with leading organizations worldwide and represent the interests of almost 20m students and 2m lecturers, researchers and administrative staff.The main task of EUA is to increase the strength of universities and the quality of activities in implementing its mission. EUA President Michael Murphy believes that ‘Europe will be as strong as its universities,’ which embodies this motto. This can only be fully realized through a close cooperation network and by sharing experience.Link  https://www.rsu.lv/en/news/2021-marks-20th-anniversary-european-university-association

Great success. Students of the Faculty of Economics scored unprecedentedly in the investment competition

Students of the Faculty of Economics TUL managed to overwhelmingly beat other competitors from other universities involved in the autumn round of the investment student game Studentbroker. A fifteen-member group of our "brokers" won first place in the Stocks category. She left behind teams from eight Czech and Slovak universities. In addition, individuals occupied all the front rungs . 366 participants entered the international competition in the autumn. "This great success may be due to the fact that they are students in the field of Systems Engineering and Informatics, so they probably approached the task 'informatics' and 'data'. In other words, it was not a coincidence, but their targeted effort to monitor the markets. The success came perhaps due to the fact that they now spend more time at the computer and had time to watch what is happening in the markets, " thinks their teacher, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Economics TUL (EF) Lenka Strý?ková.    

Coventry University launches the first International Conference in Techno-Auditing for 2021

The Centre for Financial and Corporate Integrity (CFCI) are inviting paper submissions for the first ever International Conference in Techno-Auditing 2021 (ICTA2021). The free two day conference will be led by CFCI in collaboration with ISACA. The event will draw from the centre’s expertise in finance and governance and analyse new and emerging research to understand how technology is shaping the future of the external audit profession. The virtual conference, which is free to attend, will take place on 28 and 29 June 2021. Developments in IT systems such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and big-data analytics are changing the way that business is conducted with the external audit industry increasingly relying on IT for fraud detection and prevention.    

EU to Allocate €95.5 Billion for Horizon Europe Research & Innovation Programme for 2021-2027

The European Parliament and the EU Council have reached a political deal on the budget for 2021-2027 for Horizon Europe programme, the largest transnational programme ever supporting research and innovation. The Parliaments negotiators and the Council have agreed to allocate a budget of around €95.5 billion for the next seven years, including €5.4 billion in current prices from NextGenerationEU, and additional reinforcement of €4.5 billion both in current prices. In comparison to the current research and innovation programme, the budget for the new Horizon programme represents an increase of 30 per cent. Commenting on the deal, the German federal minister of education and research Anja Karliczek applauded the deal, noting that the new Framework Programme provides a strong signal by the EU for a competitive and forward-looking Europe.  

Ireland focuses on UK/EU relationship in three-year higher ed strategy

The Irish government has pledged to “promote continuing linkages and deeper connections” between higher education institutions in Ireland and the UK, as well position itself as a leading knowledge economy, it has said as it set out its 2021-23 higher education strategy. The plan also focuses on the country’s relationship with Europe, and covers a raft of strategic goals, from talent, innovation, inclusion, governance and capacity. It has been widely welcomed by stakeholders in the country. Five targets within the international stratum include: becoming a leading knowledge economy; developing an updated strategic framework for international education and research; advancing partnership with the EU; enhancing cooperation between the North/South; and foster “deeper connections” with UK partners. “The department has ambitious goals to reform our higher education sector, to grow our research and innovation system and to develop the skills agenda,” minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris said. The minister has also suggested that institutes of technology and new technological universities, which will be central in the “next step in the evolution of Irish higher education”, will boost international reach. This latest strategy reaffirms a commitment to work with the European Commission and EU partners to support the recovery of the region’s economy, achieve the European Education Area, and promote green and digital transitions. It will also seek to build a future relationship with the UK along with other EU member states, following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. Harris has also suggested this week that a doubling of application numbers to Irish universities from other EU countries could be the result of a Brexit.

Swiss hospitality schools top global ranking

Eight of the ten best hotel schools in the world are located in Switzerland, according to the annual Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) university ranking by subject.A total of 29 Swiss programmes landed in the top ten in 2021, compared to 26 in 2020, making the Swiss higher education system the third best in the world, after the United States and the United Kingdom. In the hospitality and leisure management discipline, there were twice as many Swiss schools in the top ten this year as in 2020. The Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne retained the top spot.The FederalTechnology Institute ETH Zurich came in first place in three disciplines – earth and marine sciences, geology and geophysics – and made the top ten in twelve additional disciplines. Its sister institute in Lausanne, the EPFL, was among the ten best universities in four disciplines: chemistry, computer science, civil and structural engineering, and electrical/electronic engineering.    

Uni­versi­ties pre­par­ing to or­gan­ise en­trance ex­am­in­a­tions on cam­puses

Universities have continued to prepare student admissions for 2021, taking into account the current coronavirus situation. The aim is to organise the spring and summer entrance examinations on campuses or other physical facilities.  Entrance examinations for the University of Helsinki will be held at the Messukeskus Expo and Convention Centre. The tests are supervised and follow strict safety arrangements.Universities have also decided that no changes will be made to the selection criteria. This means that the quotas for students selected based on diplomas and entrance exams will remain unchanged regardless of the progression of corona.Although the aim is to organise the exams on campuses and other physical facilities, universities are also prepared in case the corona situation becomes significantly worse and orders from authorities prevent organising the entrance exams in physical locations.Applicants will be informed how the exams will be carried out before the start of the application period, by 16 March 2021 at the latest."Applicants can rest assured that they will be informed, by mid-March at the latest, of all the information relevant to the application process: How students are selected for different degree programmes and how the pandemic may affect the organisation of entrance examinations. The preparations carefully consider the safety of student admissions and the legal protection of applicants", says Petri Suomala, the Chair of the Unifi meetings for vice presidents for education.

Coronavirus News – Vaccine Development

The University of Pecs is working on vaccine development in partnership with the Austrian biotechnology company CEBINA. The Virological Research Group of the UP Szentágothai Research Centre started working with the Austrian company last year on active substance testing, and now they have achieved breakthrough success in vaccine development, so animal testing could begin soon. Prof. Ferenc Jakab, the leader of the Group explained that the vaccine developed by researchers in Pecs and Austria is different from Pfizer-BioNtech and Moderna vaccines now available in Hungary.

The Erasmus+ charter renewed until 2027 for SKEMA

SKEMA will continue to develop European and international academic cooperation by actively participating in the Erasmus+ programme.With SKEMA, over 300 Erasmus mobility programmes are financed each year as well as 10 mobility programmes for team members or professors, and there are over 45 European academic partners and partnership opportunities with countries outside Europe, like the one already established with the American University of Armenia (financed by the Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility programme)."We are delighted with this success and the top score of 100/100 awarded to SKEMA. The Erasmus+ mobility programmes are jointly managed by the International Department and the Talent & Careers Department. The finalisation of the application to renew our Erasmus+ charter also owes a great deal to the Quality & Accreditation Department headed by Elise Tosi, to whom I extend my warmest thanks," said Amanda Nagèle, Head of the International Service (Student Office).Erasmus+ is the European Union's programme promoting education, training, youth and sport in Europe. With a budget of €14.7 billion, Erasmus+ provides a chance for over 4 million Europeans to study, train and gain experience abroad. Its main goals for the next few years include the roll-out of a comprehensive digitisation process, the automatic recognition of credits, environmental protection and a broader inclusion of people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Germany to test travellers from risk areas twice for coronavirus: Merke

Travellers arriving in Germany from risk regions will have to test for the coronavirus twice, Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Tuesday after announcing an extension of an existing lockdown as well as some tougher measures. Even if a first test was negative, travellers from risk regions would in future have to enter quarantine for five days and take a second test, Merkel said.

Montpellier Business School reveals its 2020-2025 strategic plan and builds on its values to meet the needs of a world in transition.

A unique education introduces new profession in Sweden.

Pedorthist (in Swedish: Fotortist) is a brand new vocational education starting this spring at Jönköping University. The education is conducted as a distance programme and introduces Pedorthist as a professional role in Sweden.A Pedorthist is a professional working in a diabetic team which handles all foot-related issues and aspects. In many ways the profession is similar to a certified prosthetics and orthotist, but with a specialization in only foot-related issues – meaning they become experts in the foot and shoe-area with patient/customer responsibilities.&ldquo To cover the need of well-educated patient handlers within this area spread over the entire country, the School of Health and Welfare has, together with the prosthetic and orthotic sector, worked on developing a distance education. In the current plan, the students will be in Jönköping for about five physical meetings during their two-year educational period, each of those occasions will have a duration of between 2-5 days. During these meetings in Jönköping the students will mainly focus on important practical elements as well as examinations,” says Simon Ramstrand, who has led the team behind the application to start the Pedorthist programme. Besides Simon, three external representatives from the orthopedic business sector have been part of the team.All theoretical education will be conducted via a distance learning platform. The practical part of the education will be done through internship-placements at orthopedic departments, with support from the school in the form of instructions, seminars, and individual supervision. Hopefully, this will be a good arrangement for the departments, as the students can be a resource both during the educational period and then, after two years, as a fully trained new member of staff.&ldquo It is great to finally have managed to make this education happen and that Jönköping University together with the business sector is bringing a whole new professional role to Sweden,” says Rickard Bergman, responsible for the Pedorthist education.This form of education also means that a student can remain in their hometown during the entire educational period, as long as an internship can be offered there. The student can thereby be a resource already used to working within the team during their education and when they have graduated, they would have a natural place to work in their home region.

UP digitally interlinks health scientists with companies across Europe

Easier access to information and faster implementation of medical knowledge in practice – this is the goal of the Digital Innovation Hub DIGI2Health. Within its framework, data from scientific institutions, medical facilities, and commercial entities from all over Europe will be mutually accessible. The project of Palacký University Olomouc and its partners makes the Olomouc region a Central European leader in the use of IT technologies in medicine. According to the founders of the hub, there is great potential for the development of business activities as well as for the future of patient care in the digitisation and sharing of knowledge and experience. “We have formed this consortium and initiated the creation of the Digital Innovation Hub DIGI2Health to make the results of medical science research available, by means of digital technology, to all who need it – be it in molecular and translational medicine, spiritual health, the health of athletes at Palacký University, or in telemedicine at University Hospital Olomouc,” said Roman Jure?ka, Director of the UP Science and Technology Park, which serves to connect the academic environment with the application and commercial spheres. The results of their work, experience, and knowledge will be shared within the Digital Innovation Hub of UP workplaces, such as the Department of Geoinformatics which focusses on collecting, managing, analysing, and visualising spatial information in various areas of society, or the Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine (IMTM) whose team, among other things, developed the CovIT software solution enabling the computerisation of processes associated with high-capacity blanket testing of COVID-19. The newly created Digital Innovation Hub DIGI2Health is part of an emerging network of centres enabling the digitisation of small and medium-sized enterprises and public administration with the use of knowledge and research findings of universities, large companies, and other entities across science disciplines. This network based on mutual cooperation is the result of the European Union’s Digital Europe programme which aims to support the digital transformation of European society and economy.

Develop Your Business Idea at B-Space

Starting from 14 December, prospective entrepreneurs can apply to INK, the R?ga Stradi?š University (RSU) Business Incubator B-Space incubation programme.Teams with a business idea in which at least one member is an RSU student, employee or graduate can apply. Experienced mentors will help the teams to develop their ideas over the course of four months.On 10 December, B-Space held an online meeting on with M?ris Gr?vis, who founded RB Café (the only café in the Baltic States run by a team of people with physical or mental disabilities), Antibrux, the team that won the Health Tech Hackathon, and J?nis Zalt?ns, a Business Developer at Unifiedpost.B-Space launched this autumn and around 30 participants in the pre-incubation programme (PINK) attend a weekly online course. The INK programme is available both to PINK alumni and other interested parties. ‘After having created a business idea, which is the main focus of the PINK programme, the next step is to test, develop and realise that idea. Interdisciplinary teams have unique strengths and talents, and each team member is an important resource to realise these ideas. The INK programme focuses on helping teams research their market, create a prototype of their product or service and test it on the end user. This helps participants prepare for Demo Day, which is scheduled to take place the end of the programme, and start their business successfully,’ says Kristaps Za?ais, B-Space Manager.INK will take place in three stages: first teams will define a business idea and possible business model and build their team, then they will conduct market analysis and create a project or service sketches with the help of a mentor, and finally teams will create the financial and legal structure of a company and develop their pitching skills in preparation for Demo Day. Teams will have access to all B-Space resources including the common rooms at 12 V?lipa iela in P?rdaugava, MakerSpace equipment for creating product prototypes as well as the support of mentors.Applications for the INK incubation programme are open until 12 January and the programme is scheduled to begin in February.

Foreign Language Centre recognises additional alternative certificates: Language Cert IESOL and Language Cert of English (LTE)

Do you want to study in English at Lazarski University? Instead of taking an exam, you can confirm your language competence by submitting a foreign language certificate.Foreign Language Centre recognises extra alternative certificates that candidates can submit:Language Cert IESOL (B2 level)Language Cert Test of English (LTE)Candidates for studies in English have to score the minimum of 60 points, which confirms the English language skills at the B2 level. 

A unique education introduces new profession in Sweden

Pedorthist  is a brand new vocational education starting this spring at Jönköping University. The education is conducted as a distance programme and introduces Pedorthist as a professional role in Sweden. A Pedorthist is a professional working in a diabetic team which handles all foot-related issues and aspects. In many ways the profession is similar to a certified prosthetics and orthotist, but with a specialization in only foot-related issues – meaning they become experts in the foot and shoe-area with patient/customer responsibilities. All theoretical education will be conducted via a distance learning platform. The practical part of the education will be done through internship-placements at orthopedic departments, with support from the school in the form of instructions, seminars, and individual supervision. Hopefully, this will be a good arrangement for the departments, as the students can be a resource both during the educational period and then, after two years, as a fully trained new member of staff. This form of education also means that a student can remain in their hometown during the entire educational period, as long as an internship can be offered there. The student can thereby be a resource already used to working within the team during their education and when they have graduated, they would have a natural place to work in their home region.

Educational Sciences at the University of Helsinki ranked 52nd in THE ranking

Educational Sciences at the University of Helsinki are ranked 52nd in the Times Higher Education by Subject comparison 2020. Improvement was eight positions from last year. Johanna Makela, Dean of the Faculty of Educational Sciences, is delighted of the Education subject results. “We are ranked almost among the top 50 worldwide. The results show that the hard and purposeful work of the faculty members is paying off. I am very proud of the achievements of our staff. I'm hopeful that we continue to improve our result which on their behalf show how competent our researchers and teachers are.”

UP holds its positions in THE World University Rankings, improving in research

Palacky University Olomouc is ranked 601st–800th in the prestigious international ranking of universities THE World University Rankings 2021. UP has thus confirmed its position from previous years. In the domestic comparison, UP shares second place with Masaryk University in Brno; domestic leader Charles University in Prague occupies the 401st–500th positions once again. In five monitored areas, UP performed best in the International Outlook category, where it finished in 432nd place. The oldest Moravian university is making its sixth appearance in the evaluation. In this year’s edition, along with Charles University and Masaryk University, it has maintained its positions in global and domestic comparison. Czech higher education is represented by 18 universities in the THE rankings; the University of South Bohemia in ?eské Bud?jovice has also managed to be included among the one thousand best universities in the world. The indicators monitored by THE World University Rankings are divided into five areas: International Outlook, Citations, Teaching, Research, and Industry Income. UP has improved its position in the Research category compared to the previous year, as it leaped from 681st to 572nd position, and defended the third position in the Czech Republic after Charles University and Masaryk University. Traditionally, UP has high standings in Citations, with a score of 49.5 points compared to 46.9 last year. Among Czech universities, only Charles University had a better result (56.3 pts). For example, the University of South Bohemia scored 40.4 points and Masaryk University 33.9 points. The rest of domestic universities did not even reach 30 points. The rankings, which are one of the three most recognized global rankings of universities and higher education institutions, have been published by the British newspaper Times Higher Education since 2010. The THE rankings are dominated by the University of Oxford, followed by Stanford University and Harvard University. For example, neighbouring Poland is represented by nineteen universities, Slovakia by six, Hungary by nine, and Germany by 48. More detailed information is available here.

HAMK partnering with European vocational education institutes to develop marketing education in Europe.

Another success of VSB-TUO in the world of medicine

The team led by doc. Radek Martinek from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at VSB-TUO has developed the Foetal Electrodiagram Phantom technology, which is used to model the activity of the foetus’s and mother’s heart.It is based on devices used in clinical practice. The team is already working with a private investor to use the technology in practice.The Foetal Electrodiagram Phantom technology evaluates the foetal response. “By measuring the foetal pulse, many emerging diseases can be prevented. Thus, mothers can make sure their baby is all right,” explain the scientists. The technology enables accurate modelling of the electrical activity of the foetus’s and mother's heart within the 3D model of the pregnant woman’s body. The researchers model different foetal positions, gestational age, or physiological or pathological course. The key feature of this technology is the possibility of simulating pathological conditions that cannot be obtained by measurement in clinical practice, since these conditions are the basis for surgical abortion. “Heart rate is an essential indicator that the foetal condition is good. During the delivery, it is the basic diagnostic tool for the determination of hypoxia (oxygen deficiency) of the foetus. Natural birth can then turn into Caesarean section,” the scientists add.The equipment of the scientists at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science is also innovative in that the expectant mother will be able to take the device home, and the measurements will be easy for her. “We do not plan to send data to the hospital yet, but the mother will be able to view and monitor the foetus’s condition on a mobile device. She will know that her baby is all right. In case of any anomaly, she will go to the doctor immediately – thanks to the device, we will avoid many possible problems.”

The University of Ostrava Will Open a New Research Centre for SMART Technologies.

The University of Ostrava wants to focus more on the future of SMART technologies. In cooperation with research and non-profit organizations, businesses and public administrations, the University will explore their use in cities and municipalities on a more massive scale. The whole research, sponsored by the Faculty of Science of the University of Ostrava, is a response to the development of innovative technologies and the increasing requirements for their application.The University of Ostrava and its partners received a subsidy from the Operational Programme of Research, Development and Education for the project of long-term inter-branch cooperation entitled “SMART Technologies for Improving Life in Cities and Regions”. The Ministry of education will allocate about 87 million Czech crowns among the involved subjects. Moreover, the project has also received a subsidy from the ITI Programme (Integrated Territorial Investments) of the Moravian-Silesian Region.A science and research centre for the area of SMART technologies will be set up in the region. It will have two parts – one at the University of Ostrava and one at the Silesian University in Opava. These two centres will provide proposals for methods and procedures for the creation and implementation of social-technical innovations on the basis of SMART technologies that will improve the life in cities and municipalities of the Moravian-Silesian Region. They will deal with experimental use of modern technologies in telemedicine, within digital inclusion of seniors and disadvantaged social groups, for determining the needs of citizens and for communication of citizens with public administration authorities. In addition, both centres will also explore the application of such technologies in air quality and traffic monitoring, intelligent building or urban district management, electromobility and mobility. However, there might be many more areas of application in relation to the fast development of technologies.Besides solving the aforementioned tasks, the members of the individual research groups will also participate in SMART conferences in the Czech Republic and abroad in relation to the expansion of competences. Naturally, cooperation with selected partners in the form of businesses, cities and municipalities will be established.

BANGOR UNIVERSITY TO BECOME A WORLD LEADER IN A NUCLEAR-POWERED FUTURE

Bangor University is to become a world-leading nuclear research site after a £3 million Welsh Government investment in 15 new science posts.The highly qualified jobs will be at the university’s Nuclear Futures Institute and have recharged the region’s nuclear ambitions after the disappointment of Hitachi’s pull-out from the Wylfa Two project.The cash injection has been welcomed by NFI Director Professor Bill Lee, one of the UK’s leading nuclear scientists, who says it will enable the university to expand its work in the nuclear field into medicine, control and instrumentation, structural materials and fusion energy.He said that it could open the doors to further investment of hundreds of millions of pounds across North Wales as the region becomes one of the UK’s carbon-free energy hubs.&ldquo If we are going to convert the whole country to electricity for transport and home heating by 2050 then we are going to have to double or even treble current capacity so we will need wind, solar, hydro and nuclear and we have them all here in North Wales – then you can wind down coal, gas and oil,” he said.The money for the new positions comes from the Welsh Government’s Sêr Cymru programme and the European Regional Development Fund and the University is also funding one additional post at the Institute.Professor Lee, formerly at Imperial College London and one of the world's top material scientists, added: "This support from the Welsh Government and Europe gives us a real opportunity to put Bangor University at the heart of developments in low carbon energy.&ldquo This is a great opportunity for North Wales, providing excellent research and training infrastructure along with a much more significant nuclear programme.&ldquo It’s a key benefit for North Wales that we have two licensed nuclear sites at Wylfa and Trawsfynydd and although Hitachi-GE pulled out of the Wylfa Newydd project there are ongoing conversations with other companies – that site will be used by someone.”The NFI was set up in 2017 to focus on research into nuclear technologies in North Wales where nuclear energy has played a key role at Wylfa and Trawsfynydd and where the University and the M-SParc science park provide academic and industrial support.The new investment will help NFI expand into the fields of nuclear medicine, using radioactive chemicals to diagnose and treat heart disease and many cancers, structural materials, to prevent radioactive leaks from nuclear reactors, and nuclear fusion.Professor Lee said: “The new appointments will become part of a world-leading team supporting large regional projects funded through the North Wales Growth Deal such as the Low Carbon Energy Centre of Excellence at M-SParc on Anglesey.&ldquo There are also significant projects such as the National Thermal Hydraulics Facility slated for North Wales in the Nuclear Sector Deal.&ldquo There are a number of elements you need to worry about when developing the sort of capability we need here, including money and facilities but the most important is people and this investment in people gives Bangor a head start.”He has been backed by Welsh Education Minister Kirsty Williams who said: “I’m pleased our Sêr Cymru scheme can support this programme at Bangor University, creating several high-quality jobs and strengthening the University’s research base even further.”

Private Renting: Guidance for Students

Many students live away from home when they go to university, so if you are living in privately rented accommodation or university halls it is important to know what your rights and responsibilities are.Luckily UUSU are here to help and have collaborated with Housing Rights NI to develop an in-depth overview of how to rent safely. UUSU and Housing Rights have experienced an increase in renting issues during the pandemic and this resource is designed to help those who are or may experience issues. Unfortunately, the pandemic has not advanced renters’ rights much and your tenancy agreement remains a legally binding document-so please read it with care before signing.

Study­ing and well­be­ing: Stu­dents of the University of Helsinki offered ways to de­ve­lop their stress man­age­ment skills

A course developed by Henna Asikainen and Nina Katajavuori, senior lecturers in university pedagogy working on Viikki Campus, University of Helsinki, helps students practise the promotion of their wellbeing, stress management and study skills. The aim is to make the course available to all University of Helsinki students, and to doctoral students and staff later on.Research has shown that as many as half of higher education students have experienced exhaustion, inadequacy and cynisism in their studies. New students struggle with the changes brought about by beginning their studies and the heavy demands of studying at university.As an initial reaction, they may avoid situations that cause anxiety or procrastinate. However, distressing situations occur all the time, and studies do not progress if you are unable to get things done.Henna Asikainen and Nina Katajavuori, senior lecturers in university pedagogy on Viikki Campus of University of Helsinki, have already been offering an online course for a couple of years in which students can, through various exercises, identify things that are important to them, learn to work in spite of stressful thoughts and, in this way, increase their wellbeing. The course is based on the development of psychological flexibility.“Studies have demonstrated that psychological flexibility has a strong connection with wellbeing. In our research, we have also identified a strong link with the progress of studies, which is why we came to the conclusion that this must be promoted in one way or another,” says Henna Asikainen.Psychological flexibility means that people are able to differentiate between their negative thoughts and their self. They are able to base their actions on their personal values and goals in spite of being anxious and stressed in certain situations.With the help of the digital leap in education funding granted to the project, Henna Asikainen and Nina Katajavuori aim to establish the course as an online offering available to all students of the University of Helsinki. Another goal is to add new material in order to provide a more comprehensive perspective on wellbeing.“We already have notable professors of education involved, such as Minna Huotilainen, Katariina Salmela-Aro and Mari Tervaniemi. We could also add to the course information on the significance of sleep, exercise and nutrition for wellbeing, among other things. Still, the course focuses on psychological flexibility and related support,” Katajavuori outlines.The development of the course is associated with WELLS, a more extensive research project. Last autumn, a case-control design was utilised in the organisation of the course, and research activities have also been carried out with the help of technical solutions.

Ulster University launches Northern Ireland’s first BSc Paramedic Science degree

With funding support from the Department of Health, the new three year, BSc Hons Paramedic Science course will be based within Ulster University’s multi award winning School of Nursing on the Magee campus.Educating the next generation of paramedics, this course will help meet the growing workforce demands for more paramedics in Northern Ireland.These future Paramedics will be required in the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and will also have a wider role to play in the transformation of the provision of health and social care within primary and secondary care in Northern Ireland as outlined in the Bengoa Report.The BSc Hons Paramedic Science degree will provide students with the knowledge, critical understanding, skills, values and resilience to apply to enter the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) register as a qualified Paramedic.Students will develop confident clinical decision-making skills and leadership attributes that will empower them to provide safe and effective patient care as a Paramedic across a range of settings.Ulster University has been working in partnership with the NI Ambulance Service Health and Social Care Trust (NIAS HSCT) since 2018 and other care providers, delivering a Foundation degree in Paramedic Practice.A change in HCPC Standards of Education and Training requires that from September 2021, people seeking entry to the HCPC register as a paramedic must have completed a HCPC approved course at the level of Bachelor degree with honours.Ulster’s BSc Hons Paramedic Science course has been recommended for HCPC approval, intaking the first cohort of 40 students in September 2021.

SCHOOL OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING AWARDED ATHENA SWAN BRONZE AWARD

Bangor University is delighted to announce that a recent Athena SWAN application for a Bronze award from the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering has been successful.These awards recognise the Schools’ and University’s ongoing commitment to gender equality for staff and students.Dr Iestyn Pierce, Head of School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded Athena SWAN Bronze in recognition of our commitment to gender equality. The School has outreach activities at its core, with Technocamps Bangor an integral part of the School. We have been working hard for many years to attract more girls and women to our subject areas and are delighted that our hard work has been recognized. The School will continue to place equality at the forefront of its activities to broaden opportunities and contribute towards increasing diversity amongst staff and students”.Professor Iwan Davies, Vice-Chancellor, said "I would like to congratulate the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering on their successful application. I am delighted that another School has been awarded an Athena SWAN awards in recognition of our work towards gender equality at Bangor. We are fully committed to continuing our work in this area and to embedding equality into everything we do.”  The Athena SWAN charter was established in 2005 to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) in higher education. The charter was expanded in 2015 to include all academic departments and professional services staff. Athena SWAN now recognises work undertaken to address gender equality more broadly and the awards recognise commitment to gender equality and diversity, excellent working practices, and the inclusive culture we promote for staff and students at all levels.

Ulster University partners with the Antonio Carluccio Foundation to promote access to higher education

Ulster University has entered a partnership with the Antonio Carluccio Foundation to encourage young people in Northern Ireland to consider studying in the fields of Hospitality and Culinary Arts Management. The outreach programme, officially launched on 30 September 2020, is specifically aimed at those who may not be considering university as an option.Antonio Carluccio, the chef and restaurateur considered by many to be the godfather of Italian gastronomy in the UK, established the Foundation in his name to provide resources and development opportunities to aspiring chefs and hospitality professionals. Forming part of the university’s ambitious widening access and participation agenda, the Antonio Carluccio Outreach Programme will involve university lecturers, students and representatives of the local hospitality industry engaging with school leavers through a series of workshops and field-trips that highlight the many exciting career opportunities available in this sector.The launch of the Antonio Carluccio Outreach programme comes as Ulster University has been ranked first in the UK for Hospitality, Leisure, Recreation and Tourism (Complete University Guide 2021).

Fin­land con­tin­ues its quest to teach 1 % of the world the ba­sics of AI – Open on­line course Build­ing AI pub­lished

A new open online course by the University of Helsinki and technology company Reaktor explains the algorithms behind AI. Building AI is a sequel to Elements of AI, the international phenomenon that has been voted the world’s best computer science course.As Artificial Intelligence impacts all industries and individuals, everyone should have an opportunity to understand what it is and how to use it. To democratize information and empower people to shape the future, the University of Helsinki and Reaktor now continue their quest to teach 1 % of the world the basics of AI.The new massive open online course Building AI looks into the actual algorithms behind AI. Some basic Python programming skills are recommended to get the most out of the course, but it also offers exercises with no programming needed. The level of assignments can be changed over the duration of the course, which encourages students to pick the more challenging ones.Building AI is a continuation of Elements of AI, the world’s first online course published in all official EU languages. With over half a million participants, Elements of AI has been voted the best AI course on Class Central and Forbes.&ldquo Artificial intelligence appears in our lives, for example, as the recommendation algorithms of streaming services and facial recognition techniques. We wish to familiarize people with the tools used to create AI-based systems, engaging them in this societal transformation instead of people just adapting to the doings of a technological elite,” said Professor of Computer Science Teemu Roos from the University of Helsinki, Lead Instructor for Building AI.&ldquo Europe is only at the beginning of realizing how much is possible with AI. You can’t recognize the potential functions of Artificial Intelligence without getting to know the technology and context. That’s why we want to provide people with concrete tools to recognize these possibilities,” said Hanna Hagström, Business Director of AI at Reaktor.The courses focus on people who are most often left out of technology discussions has paid off: Nearly 40% of participants in Elements of AI are women, and 25% are over the age of 45. Elements of AI also won the grand prize in MIT’s Inclusive Innovation Challenge in 2019.From Building AI, students can earn a maximum of two ECTS credits by completing the course, depending on the level of difficulty of the assignments. Students have the opportunity to purchase an official certificate of course completion for €50. The certificate is not a requirement, as the entire course can still be completed and the credits earned completely free of charge.

New master's degree in computer science at JU

Jönköping University is increasing its educational offering and will start a new master's degree programme in computer science at the School of Engineering next autumn, 2021.“There are many companies in the region, and also nationally, that need to employ qualified students who have deeper technical knowledge in IT. That is why we are starting a five-year master's degree programme in computer science. The new programme is developed in collaboration, based on the companies’ needs, and is linked to JU’s research in artificial intelligence (AI) and computer science,” says Patrik Cannmo, Associate Dean of Education at the School of Engineering.The Master’s degree programme in Computer Science and Engineering is in Swedish only. The two final years of the education will be in English as it is a complete joint reading with the international master's program AI Engineering.The two final years of the education will consist of the master’s program in AI Engineering.The School of Engineering has greatly expanded its research in recent years and the number of registered students in the study programmes has increased significantly. The Master of Science in Computer Science is the second master's degree in engineering that starts after industrial product development. The School of Engineering already provides Bachelor of Science in Engineering (högskoleingenjör), as well as bachelor’s and master’s programmes.The master's degree programme in computer science will start in August 2021, but already in January the basic science year begins, which is linked to the new master's degree programme. This is for students who need to improve their qualifications in mathematics, physics and chemistry before the programme starts.

ULa in 3rd place in the Ranking of Law Departments of “Rzeczpospolita”

The editors of Rzeczpospolita for the ninth time awarded universities best educating young lawyers. Lazarski University took the 3rd place among private universities."The position in the ranking was decided by, among others application reliance and scientific potential - that is, staff who transfer knowledge to students. " - Rzeczpospolita wrote in the justification for the classification."In 2019, graduates of 51 universities took part in exams: 19 public, 25 non-public and seven foreign. The average pass rate of exams of law graduates at private universities was 34.8%, and at state universities 58.9%. 2862 graduates of the 2019 year group from 39 Polish universities took the entrance exams in 2019. 1844 of them obtained a positive result; the average pass rate was 64.4 percent.As can be seen from the ranking data, the quality of education translates into the success of graduates taking application exams. The data on the incidence of applications also shows that the higher the grade obtained in the diploma, the greater the likelihood of getting to the dream legal application. "- the newspaper says.

The FM UPJS took and examined samples for COVID-19 from foreign students free of charge

The Faculty of Medicine, UPJŠ takes a responsible approach to the risk of spreading the new coronavirus and provided free of charge testing for its foreign students by the highly sensitive RT PCR method. The Faculty ordered testing for each of its international students prior to a teaching period, involving approximately 1,300 students.The nine samplings were carried out and a total of 1271 students were tested from September 3, 2020 to September 30, 2020. We captured eighteen SARS-CoV-2 positive students and about half of them were from so-called safe countries.measuThe samplings were carried out by the students of our Faculty at the mobile sampling site of the L. Pasteur University Hospital in Košice under the supervision of a doctor from the Department of Infectology and Travel Medicine under strict hygienic measures. The samples were examined by the staff of the Department of Epidemiology and the Department of Medical and Clinical Biochemistry of the Faculty of Medicine, in a joint laboratory established for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is accredited by the Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic.

The largest in the Baltics career fair KTU WANTed Career Days will take place online

SKEMA and Nanjing Audit University hold project management summer school

From 3 to 13 August, 32 finance and audit students from China took part in the very first project management programme offered online by SKEMA and its partner Nanjing Audit University (NAU).For eight days, the students attended 20 hours of classes taught in English on Teams. The seminar was led by professor Yves Alliot.A leading specialist in project management within the Airbus group, Yves Alliot furthers the development of new markets and key international projects. He adapted his course to the students' backgrounds and requirements, alternating between teaching basic knowledge of project management and sharing his invaluable experience, with numerous illustrations from real life.Project-based learning enabled students to acquire essential knowledge and to grasp and implement project management tools and techniques.Through these combined efforts, all of them successfully completed the programme and are now ready to take part in international projects.

STUDIES IN THE AUTUMN SEMESTER WILL TAKE PLACE ON-SITE AND ONLINE

In the autumn semester of the new academic year, lectures at Riga Technical University (RTU) will be organized in a mixed mode, both on-site and online. Special attention will be paid to observing epidemiological safety measures when organising on-site studies.Lectures in the autumn semester will be organized in a mixed mode, both on-site and online, giving preference to on-site classes as far as possible. However, lectures in which the estimated number of students exceeds 100 will be organized online.Such organization of lectures will minimize crowding in study rooms and hallways as much as possible. First-year bachelor students are given priority in planning the lectures, they should be provided with on-site lectures as much as possible.In on-site lectures, academic staff members will register students in the attendance sheet, recording students’ name and surname, the place and time of the lecture.By the beginning of the studies, academic staff members should prepare and insert a detailed plan for the implementation of the study course into ORTUS e-study course, indicating the way in which each lecture will be carried out, whether on-site or online, specifying whether the lecture will take place online, what platform will be used, etc.Each faculty and regional study centre shall appoint the responsible person for Covid-19 issues who shall collect information on the identified or suspected cases, as well as coordinate and manage protective and informative activities.If a student or employee is infected with Covid-19, has been in close contact with someone infected, or has returned from abroad and has to observe self-isolation, the responsible person at the faculty should be informed.In cases where students or employees experience acute respiratory infection symptoms during the on-site study process, they must go home immediately, contact the family doctor, and inform the responsible persons at RTU.In study rooms where lectures are held, surface disinfection is carried out once a day. Disinfectants for individual use are available in the study rooms and hallways. Where possible, two metres distance should be observed and crowding should be avoided, as well as other precautions should be taken.

MCAST collaborates with European partners on vocational training and water-related education

In many countries, especially in Europe, we take our clean drinking water for granted. The process of water production is a complex one which requires a skilled workforce to operate. Several European countries are struggling with a shortage of young people interested in water-related education. This is the main reason why European colleges and professionals from the water industry have joined forces to train water professionals at Vocational Training and Education (VET) level.The webinar of the European Platform of Vocational Excellence Water was held online in May. In this meeting, five European regions, including Malta, discussed the future skilled vocational practitioner in the field of water technology.Dutch partners, Learning Hub Friesland, Vitens, Katapult and CIV Water, shared their knowledge and experience on how to achieve good cooperation between VET education and the water industry. During the online meeting knowledge and insights were shared about how to stimulate collaboration and how to strengthen regional networks.The outcomes of the webinar showed that there are still significant differences between the various European regions. Nicola Murray from Glasgow College, Scotland confirmed: “It was surprising to see that we all have a different starting point”.All project partners operate within a particular context with different challenges and opportunities. Speaking about the Maltese context, Edwin Zammit Deputy Director for Innovation at MCAST, said, “One of our biggest challenges and common factor that unites us in Malta is the high freshwater scarcity on the island. It is vital to invest in the right talent and education to provide good and safe water for all.”PoVE WaterPoVE Water is a transnational project that draws on existing and emerging vocational competences and skills needs in the water sector, translating them into an approach of vocational excellence. The project kicked off in January 2020 in Brussels. The project brings together VET institutions, the water industry, research centres, H.E., governmental institutions and water sector representatives from the Netherlands, Scotland, Latvia, Malta and the Czech Republic. These partners share a common interest in developing the full potential of VET institutions to play a proactive role in support of growth, competitiveness and innovation of the water sector.MCAST – Water Research and Training CentreMalta has the lowest water resources index and highest water competition index in the whole of the Mediterranean basin. Challenges are placed for the nation to be at the forefront of both water technology and in the skilling of water operations and management while operating within challenging socio-economic conditions. It is within this setting that the MCAST Water Research and Training Centre holds strong potential. The Centre focuses on water enterprise, as it aims to embody the application of creative ideas and innovations to practical situations in the water field, as well as solving the challenges that are encountered locally. Three main themes characterise the Centre, these being, Water Quality, Water Systems Control and Water efficiency and innovation.

Erasmus+ Call 2020: projects for international mobility and the new “European Joint Masters in Management and Engineering of Environment and Energy” (ME3+) have been funded

RSU Pre-courses In Demand Also Online

A new blog designed to make management research useful and accessible!

This new media platform is designed to share the expertise of the NEOMA community members related to management, innovation, performance and entrepreneurship through the analysis of real issues and the formulation of practical recommendations from research articles in management science.A blog to answer current questions enlighted by academic researchThe blog features a wide range of current topics, covering the latest innovative ideas, in French and in English, and remains fully in line with the School's strategic direction and the expertise of its community. For example, maybe you are wondering how to identify and deal with toxic individuals in your professional environment, how to select the members of a board of directors effectively, or how to deal with difficult clients? If so, then this blog will provide you with the answers.In effect, the NEOMA blog seeks to provide companies with the insight to help them understand today's complex issues. It is a space for sharing information and exchange on subjects and lines of thought that resonate with the concerns of management professionals.

Digital Badges: a credible tool to prove soft competencies

Technology is changing the world. Students today need not only hard skills but also so-called soft competencies: leadership, communication, and emotional intelligence. A study by LinkedIn found that 92 per cent of respondents think that soft skills are more important than technical capabilities, while 89 per cent claim that bad employees do not have soft skills. According to Marta Talandyt?, a graduate of European Studies at KTU Faculty of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities (SHMMF), extra-curricular activities while studying is one of the ways that helps to form soft skills.  To become competitive in today’s job market, one should invest in themselves. According to experts, extra-curricular activities at the university or college improve employability chances. They also help to develop soft skills, such as leadership, communication, teamwork, job interview skills, time management and flexibility.„KTU offers a range of different extra-curricular activities available to everyone for free. As a chair of KTU SHMMF Students’ Union, I realised that it is important to remind people to get out of their comfort zone and try themselves in different areas”, says Talandye

Tandem Language Learning - academic year 2020-2021 at University of Trento

The University of Trento proposes the Tandem Language Learning as an opportunity to improve oral competences in a foreign language in an informal and different setting which is not the usual classroom, but a more relaxed and casual environment.Usually the Tandem partners meet each other in person and freely decide where to meet. Responding with caution, accuracy and flexibility to the challenges raised by the Covid-19 pandemic, during the 1st semester of the a.y. 2020/2021 the Tandem activities are planned as online exchanges.Tandem Language Learning lasts one semester (20 conversation hours in total). Upon completion of the tandem participants will be awarded with an Open Digital Badge, which certifies the successful accomplishment of this learning activity.Furthermore if you are a student of the Department of Humanities or an Erasmus student incoming of the Department of Humanities you can also get 1 CFU.To be admitted to the Tandem Language Learning, the university kindly asks you to submit your application from 24th August to 24th September 2020

NEOMA Business School placed 61st in the QS 2020 worldwide ranking of top Executive MBAs

QS (Quacquarelli Symonds), a British company specialising in the analysis of higher education institutions around the world, publishes its global ranking of the best Executive MBAs today. NEOMA is ranked 61st worldwide (+30 places) and 29th in Europe (+12 places) amongst the 141 institutions appearing in this year's ranking.NEOMA also moves up to 6th position among French Schools and the Executive MBA scores particularly well in the following categories:&bull Executive Profile (quality of graduates' professional experience) with a score of 99.5/100. This excellent score sees NEOMA take 2nd worldwide and 1st European place.&bull Career Outcomes (career progression within 12 months of graduation) with a score of 78.5/100.This prestigious ranking is one of the most comprehensive in its category. Assessment criteria mainly focuses on graduate employability and career progression, the diversity of student profiles, and, more generally, the programme's 'return on investment'.

Tandem Language Learning - academic year 2020-2021 at University of Trento.

The University of Trento proposes the Tandem Language Learning as an opportunity to improve oral competences in a foreign language in an informal and different setting which is not the usual classroom, but a more relaxed and casual environment.Usually the Tandem partners meet each other in person and freely decide where to meet. Responding with caution, accuracy and flexibility to the challenges raised by the Covid-19 pandemic, during the 1st semester of the a.y. 2020/2021 the Tandem activities are planned as online exchanges.Tandem Language Learning lasts one semester (20 conversation hours in total). Upon completion of the tandem participants will be awarded with an Open Digital Badge, which certifies the successful accomplishment of this learning activity.Furthermore if you are a student of the Department of Humanities or an Erasmus student incoming of the Department of Humanities you can also get 1 CFU.To be admitted to the Tandem Language Learning, the university kindly asks you to submit your application from 24th August to 24th September 2020.

NEOMA Business School placed 61st in the QS 2020 worldwide ranking of top Executive MBAs.

QS (Quacquarelli Symonds), a British company specialising in the analysis of higher education institutions around the world, publishes its global ranking of the best Executive MBAs today. NEOMA is ranked 61st worldwide (+30 places) and 29th in Europe (+12 places) amongst the 141 institutions appearing in this year's ranking.NEOMA also moves up to 6th position among French Schools and the Executive MBA scores particularly well in the following categories:&bull Executive Profile (quality of graduates' professional experience) with a score of 99.5/100. This excellent score sees NEOMA take 2nd worldwide and 1st European place.&bull Career Outcomes (career progression within 12 months of graduation) with a score of 78.5/100.This prestigious ranking is one of the most comprehensive in its category. Assessment criteria mainly focuses on graduate employability and career progression, the diversity of student profiles, and, more generally, the programme's 'return on investment'.

Ulster’s School of Medicine now recruiting future doctors for September 2021

Applicant Numbers Rise by 25% for Social Sciences Programmes at RSU

Montpellier Business School reveals its 2020-2025 strategic plan and builds on its values to meet the needs of a world in transition

In a world in transition and in the face of increasingly complex and fluctuating economic, social and ecological environments, MBS has chosen to build on its convictions to implement a new strategic plan up to 2025. “This plan is organized around 4 main axes, each built with the collaboration of all the school’s stakeholders: teacher-researchers, students, alumni, employees from all departments, governance and corporate partners“, says André Deljarry, President of Montpellier Business School.As a pioneer in the field of social openness, MBS intends to reaffirm its differentiating commitment to serving the general interest through action. “The school is aiming for a campus of 5,000 students, 30% of whom are international and 35% from modest SPCs, by 2025“, explains Bruno Ducasse, Managing Director of MBS. The school is committed to a rational development plan. The sustainable growth of its workforce will be driven by the launch of new programs on the themes of the digital and ecological transition together with the development of postgraduate (after the French baccalaureate) activities in France and abroad.Today nearly 25% of MBS research publications include CSR-related issues and MBS is also one of the Grandes Ecoles with the highest number of teaching hours on this topic. “Our objective is now to structure our expertise around a high-level field”, says Bruno Ducasse.The Programs and Faculty Departments are planning to integrate a new “BEST” (Business Environmental & Social Transition) course of excellence to train women and men who wish to take on an ambassadorial role in the environmental and social transformation of companies and organizations. New modules and certifications will accompany this new area of expertise to give students the keys to “managing diversity”. By 2025, MBS will continue to internationalise its programmes, research and recruitment, with a consolidated presence on three continents (Africa, Asia and America). At the same time, Montpellier Business School will also strengthen its links with regional companies to develop its support in terms of training and consulting. “The aim is to increase the local influence of the school, which will benefit from a new 20,000 m² eco-campus by 2023”, Bruno Ducasse adds.In order to remain concrete and adopt an agile stance, MBS will put in place instruments to measure the impact of its strategy on the lives of its students and the evolution of the society they live in. “The objective is to be able to measure the societal impact of higher education with the establishment of the first observatory of diversities”, reveals Bruno Ducasse. MBS will set up the RIX index (Responsibility Index) to support the local SMEs & ETIs in their social and environmental transformation.

Covid-19: the causes of the poor prognosis in patients with diabetes have been identified

Patients with diabetes are particularly at risk in the case of infection with Covid-19, especially as this syndrome is often accompanied by other pathologies such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease and obesity. This is what emerges from a study carried out by 4th year residents from the Scuola di specializzazione in Endocrinologia e Malattie del metabolismo at the University of Pisa and published in Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. The article contains a systematic assessment of the reasons why Covid-19 implicates a worse prognosis and higher death rate, often 2 or 3 times higher, in patients with diabetes mellitus than in non-diabetic patients.The study was carried out by Dr. Matteo Apicella, Dr. Maria Cristina Campopiano, Dr. Michele Mantuano and Dr. Laura Mazoni, coordinated by Dr. Alberto Coppelli (Section of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases of the AOUP) and by Professor Stefano Del Prato (photo on the right), professor of Endocrinology and Chief of the Section.From the outset of the pandemic, scientific studies on the risks from Covid-19 have focused on patients with diabetes precisely because of their intrinsic ‘vulnerability’, whether it be diabetes mellitus type 2 or type 1. Age, sex and ethnicity were also noted to be amongst the many concomitant risk factors. Anti-cholesterol drugs and antiviral treatment may modulate the risks but the limitations to their use and the potential interaction with anti-Covid-19 treatment must be carefully managed. Finally, the acute respiratory syndrome caused by Covid-19 can lead to metabolic complications in patients with diabetes such as diabetic ketoacidosis or the onset of hyperglycaemia in those patients with undiagnosed or recently discovered diabetes, once they are admitted to hospital.

University of Pardubice brings Double degree program with TU Dresden

The Faculty of Economics and Administration, University of Pardubice together with the Technische Universität Dresden (TU Dresden), Internationales Hochschulinstitut Zittau (IHI Zittau) in Germany organize a Double Degree programme within the Czech postgraduate Master study programme „Economics and Management“, study specialization „Management of Financial Institutions“. Students in the Double Degree programme carry the third semester out at the IHI Zittau by completing the selected compulsory courses offered by the foreign institution (the study stay is covered from the Erasmus+ fund). The study is carried out in the Czech language, the semester abroad is taught in English. After a successful completion of the programme, students are awarded with two diplomas (from the domestic and foreign university).

University of Helsinki has decided on the criteria for certificate based admission in 2023–2024

The University of Helsinki has made a decision on the criteria for certificate-based admission to the bachelor’s programmes included in the joint application procedure in 2023–2024. The release of the criteria will help future upper secondary school students choose their subjects.In 2021 the programmes will revert to the original criteria for certificate-based admission, published on the Studyinfo website (in Finnish only). The criteria includes the scoring tables and the threshold criteria. Due to the exceptional circumstances brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, the criteria used in the second joint application procedure in spring 2020 only applied to this year's application round.As a rule, the degree programmes offering the certificate-based admission route have decided to adhere to the scoring tables published on the Studyinfo website and threshold criteria, or subject-specific minimum points, until 2024. Exceptions to the scoring tables for 2023–2024 are described in more detail below.Publishing the criteria for certificate-based admission will help upper secondary school students embarking on their studies in autumn 2020 to choose their general upper secondary school subjects.

RSU Signs Memorandum to Establish European Digital Innovation Center in Latvia

On Wednesday, July 22, the Latvian IT Cluster signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a European Digital Innovation Hub in Latvia together with several cooperation partners, including Riga Stradins University (RSU). Among the signatories are Latvia’s leading universities and scientific institutions, as well as a number of sectoral organisations. The MoU envisages that the parties involved agree on a common vision and work plan to promote the digital transformation of Latvian business and to jointly develop a national petition for the establishment of a European Digital Innovation Hub in Latvia.The aim of establishing a European Digital Innovation Hub in Latvia is to promote the digital development of small and medium-sized enterprises, thus strengthening the competitiveness of companies’ production processes, products and services in accordance with the European Commission’s Digital Europe Programme. This will be achieved through the use of digital technologies and by providing access to technical knowledge and experimentation. The Digital Innovation Hubs and their network, which will cover the entire European Union, will enable public administrations and private companies to exchange information, receive support, and try and test digital innovations. The Latvian IT Cluster initiated the MoU, which unites leading industry partners – both leading Latvian economic associations as well as universities and science hubs.The MoU was signed by the Latvian Electrical Engineering and Electronics Industry Association, the Institute of Electronics and Computer Science, the Latvian Information and Communications Technology Association, the Association of the Latvian Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industry, the Latvian Forest Industry Federation, the University of Latvia, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, the Association of Mechanical Engineering and Metalworking Industries of Latvia, the Latvian Federation of Food Companies, the Advisory Board of Riga Business School, RSU, Riga Technical University and Ventspils High Technology Park.The association will also promote closer cooperation among universities, research centres and the industry. This will ensure the development of research and development projects by creating an innovation ecosystem, developing an interdisciplinary approach to higher education in computer sciences, strengthen the quality of Latvian higher education, bring international recognition and create more sustainable computer science in accordance with labour market requirements. The parties involved undertake to jointly develop an petition for the establishment of a European Digital Innovation Hub in Latvia, defining the vision, mission and goals of the digital transformation of the national economy, which envisages grounding on the maturity, trends and needs of the digital development of Latvian companies.

Cancer research published in Science Advances

Cancer is a disease that has touched us all, and although we now know a lot about how cancers develop and grow, we still have a lot to learn.  A major factor in cancer development and in treatment resistance is the presence of genome instability. This essentially involves frequent alterations to the genomic DNA of the cell, including changes to the letters of the genetic code as well as more obvious changes such as chromosome deletions, or even movement of large DNA fragments from one chromosome to another. Work in UKRI Future Leader Fellow Dr Chris Staples’ laboratory housed at the North West Cancer Research Institute (in the School of Medical Sciences at Bangor University) focuses on how cells normally prevent such genome instability from occurring.In many cancers, a phenomenon called replication stress is at the heart of these genome instability issues. All cells have to replicate their DNA to divide into two ‘daughter’ cells, and cancer cells are no exception – indeed, they divide more rapidly than normal cells. The term ‘replication stress’ is used to describe any scenario where the cells DNA replication machinery gets into difficulties, and when this occurs, DNA damage and genome instability can result.When the DNA replication machinery gets stuck, the newly-formed DNA is vulnerable to attack by DNA-chewing enzymes called nucleases, particularly a nuclease called MRE11, which is normally involved in fixing broken DNA.Research in the Staples laboratory led at the bench by Dr Laura Bennett identified a largely unstudied protein called MRNIP, as a novel ‘protector’ of this newly-formed DNA. Cancer cells in which the MRNIP gene is ‘knocked out’ by CRISPR-Cas9 technology exhibit high levels of DNA damage, caused partly by excessive degradation of newly-formed DNA by MRE11. The researchers found that MRNIP binds to MRE11 and functions to reduce the rate at which it digests DNA. Without MRNIP, MRE11 extensively degrades this newly-formed DNA, and DNA damage and chromosomal instability ensues.

Psychologists From the National Armed Forces Will Start Using Smart Device Created in Latvia

A new smart device has been created as part of the new computerised individual personality assessment system. It was the result of several years of cooperation between researchers from R?ga Stradi?š University (RSU) and Riga Technical University (RTU). The device will make psychological testing in the army more convenient and efficient. Psychologists, like other specialists, need various auxiliary tools in order to perform their work at a high quality. If we compare this work with the work of a doctor, then a doctor might need an electrocardiograph and an X-ray, for example, to be able to make an accurate diagnosis and make decisions about treatment. The tools that psychologists usually have at their disposal are different types of psychological tests for testing intelligence, attention span, etc. There are also personality assessment tests to assess various aspects of someone’s personality.The beginnings for developing this smart device for psychologists can be traced back to 2013, when a discussion was held between RSU and psychologists from the Latvian National Armed Forces. It was concluded that Latvian psychologists lack a clinical personality assessment tool. More precisely, it exists, but it is complicated and expensive to adapt to the Latvian cultural environment. Consequently, there were no instruments for clinical personality assessment that were legally available to psychologists in Latvia at that moment.With the help of CPAS, a psychologist can identify various pathological personality traits, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. At present, the armed forces have ready-made tools at their disposal that are capable of operating both in Latvia and on missions abroad regardless of wireless coverage. A psychologist can carry out a personality assessment of soldiers by asking them to complete the test. It can take from 40 minutes to an hour and a half. The test contains 322 statements with four answer options. The test results are then interpreted by psychologists. It is scientifically proven that the test provides all the necessary information about certain personality traits. CPAS can be used by psychologists from all sectors.

Faculty of Law and Administration of the Lazarski University is the best in Poland

The Faculty of Law and Administration took the first place among private universities in the 14th Ranking of Law Faculties prepared by Dziennik Gazeta Prawna. Thus, for the twelfth time, we have defended our position as leader in the ranking!The faculties of law were evaluated in four categories:-cadre-quality and educational conditions-requirements for students and quality of graduates-graduates' yield for legal applicationsDuring the ceremonial gala, which due to the epidemiological threat was held in the online formula, the speech was given by PhD Anna Konert. The Dean of the Faculty of Law and Administration emphasized the commitment of staff, administrative staff and students in a smooth transition to a remote teaching system in connection with a pandemic.  

Palacky University Olomouc keeps climbing in international rankings

Palacky University has achieved the best position in its history to date in the current issue of the QS World University Rankings 2021. Among more than a thousand evaluated universities from 93 countries, UP ranked 591st–600th place, improving its position year-on-year and reaching the top 50 percent of evaluated universities. An even better result – being included among the top 2.9 percent of evaluated universities – was achieved by Palacky University Olomouc in the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR), which was also published in early June.While two years ago the Czech Republic had five representatives in the rankings, in this year’s edition there are twice as many. Palacký University Olomouc has been included in the rankings for the fifth time. While in the 2018 edition it was at 701st–750th position, UP has gradually improved its position to this year’s 591st–600th position. In domestic comparisons, UP is ranked fifth after Charles University, the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Czech Technical University in Prague, and Masaryk University in Brno.Recently, a comparison of world universities was also brought out by U-Multirank, which includes 1759 universities from 92 countries this year, including 15 Czech universities. This is not a typical ranking, however; universities are compared according to selected parameters. In addition to five basic categories (teaching, research, knowledge transfer, internationalisation, and regional involvement) and their 36 subcategories, in which individual institutions obtain grades A–E, universities are also classified by countries, disciplines, and general characteristics. Palacky University received the highest A grade five times: twice in research, twice in knowledge transfer and once in internationalisation. In nine areas, UP held the first or shared first place in the Czech Republic

SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences is opening a campus in Hamburg

In the middle of the beautiful centre of the Hanseatic city, within walking distance of the Alster River and easily accessible by train, subways and bus, SRH Berlin will be offering English-language Master's programmes at its new SRH Campus Hamburg. Experts from tomorrow are able to study future- and industry-oriented programmes in the fields of technology, IT, logistics and business.Campus director Sabine Westermann: „The new SRH Campus Hamburg is a valuable addition to Hamburg's educational landscape. Thanks to the high living standards and moder­ate living costs, the Hanseatic city is a perfect study destination not only for Germans but also Europeans, Asians, Indians and the rest of the world.“International students in particular do not only find an open and multicultural atmosphere in Hamburg, but also a strong economy that enables attractive career prospects. The Port of Hamburg is Europe's third largest container handling centre and home to numerous hubs and branches from the maritime sector, logistics and trade. But also companies and agencies around the aviation industry, IT and media, life sciences, finance and insurance as well as renewable energies are also located in the north of the country – that’s why Hamburg is also called “The gate to the world”.

The University of Pardubice ranks among the TOP 1,000 schools in the world

The University of Pardubice ranks among the TOP 1,000 higher education institutes in the world and one of the TOP 10 in the Czech Republic, as shown by QS World University Rankings 2021, one of the world's most prestigious rankings. According to its authors, the comparison serves not only for future students and their parents as a school selection guide, but also for current students, academics, employers, government and everyone else as an indicator of the university's quality.The methodology of evaluation of individual universities in the QS Rankings is based on six dimensions. A total of 50 percent of ratings are reputations among academics and graduate employers, 20 percent are citations in the Scopus database, 20 percent are the number of students per academic staff member, 5 percent are the percentage of foreign academics, and 5 percent are the percentage of international students.The QS World University Rankings are among the most prestigious in the world, next to the Shanghai Ranking and the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. It is designed to provide a multidimensional view of the relative strengths of the world's leading universities. The QS Rankings began to be published under the original name THE-QS World University Rankings only a year later than ARWU, i.e. in 2004. This second oldest international ranking of universities is compiled by the research company Quacquarelli Symonds Limited (QS).

Magnetic nanoparticles for Covid-19 testing in practical applications

Miniature particles with a magnetic core and a thin silica shell on the surface to isolate viral RNA developed by scientists at the Regional Centre of Advanced Technology and Materials (RCPTM), the Faculty of Science, are now being translated into commercial applications. Commercial companies have already purchased first batches of the magnetic balls for diagnostic purposes. Nanoparticles are an important part of the new Covid-19 testing technology designed at the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry (IOCB) of the Czech Academy of Sciences, whose help was fundamental at the time of the culminating coronavirus pandemic.The development of the testing protocol was a response to the lack of commercial test kits at a time of the coronavirus crisis. RCPTM’s researchers responded quickly to the demand of colleagues at IOCB. Thanks to extensive experience with research into nanomaterials for biomedical applications, they prepared, within a couple of days, a new type of magnetic nanoballs, dozens of nanometers in size, with a suitably modified surface to isolate nucleic acids.

Start of the Academic Year 2020/2021 at HAMK.

HAMK is preparing to return to campuses gradually during autumn.HAMK is planning to start the autumn semester as follows:Beginning student groups will be present at campuses. Teachers will take care of safety in contact teaching.Beginning international groups will start online, apart from hybrid models.Continuing student groups will study the first module online and return to campuses in the beginning of the second module, 26 October.Lab exercises and other situations requiring contact teaching can be arranged for continuing students also during the first module, taking into account social distancing and good hygiene.The presence of teachers and other staff members on campuses will be scheduled in order to prevent wide transmission of the coronavirus and to secure our activities. Staff can for instance be split into two groups that take weekly turns working on campus and online.This plan is based on the current situation and expectations. Should the coronavirus situation change and/or authorities give new guidelines, these instructions will be changed accordingly.

Novel function of platelets in tumour blood vessels found by Scientists at Uppsala University.

Scientists at Uppsala University have discovered a hitherto unknown function of blood platelets in cancer. In mouse models, these platelets have proved to help preserve the vascular barrier which makes blood-vessel walls selectively impermeable, thereby reducing the spread of tumour cells to other parts of the body. The study is published in the journal Cancer Research.Platelets or thrombocytes, as they are also termed, are tiny cell fragments that form in the bone marrow and circulate in the blood. If we are injured and start bleeding they clump together, sealing off the wound while also helping the blood to coagulate.When the platelets are activated – which occurs not only in wounds but also in tumours – the substances known as growth factors contained in the platelets are released into their immediate surroundings. One is platelet-derived growth factor B (PDGFB).In the study, the researchers investigated what happens when the PDGFB in platelets, but not in other cell types, is deleted in individuals with cancer. PDGFB from platelets was found to be essential, to attract supporting cells to the tumour blood vessels. In healthy tissue, on the other hand, the platelets did not to perform this function. If PDGFB was lacking in platelets, the quantity of circulating tumour cells increased and they spread to other parts of the body to a much higher degree.Previous studies have shown that PDGFB from cells of another kind, endothelial cells that line the inside of blood vessels, is necessary to attract supporting cells to the vessels when they form. According to the new study, this function in tumours also requires PDGFB from platelets, which distinguishes them from healthy tissue.From a medical point of view, it may be advantageous, in some situations, to reduce platelet activity in order to prevent blood clots, for example. Moreover, previous research shows that platelets can promote spread of tumour cells

Start of the Academic Year 2020/2021 at HAMK

HAMK is preparing to return to campuses gradually during autumn.HAMK is planning to start the autumn semester as follows:Beginning student groups will be present at campuses. Teachers will take care of safety in contact teaching.Beginning international groups will start online, apart from hybrid models.Continuing student groups will study the first module online and return to campuses in the beginning of the second module, 26 October.Lab exercises and other situations requiring contact teaching can be arranged for continuing students also during the first module, taking into account social distancing and good hygiene.The presence of teachers and other staff members on campuses will be scheduled in order to prevent wide transmission of the coronavirus and to secure our activities. Staff can for instance be split into two groups that take weekly turns working on campus and online.This plan is based on the current situation and expectations. Should the coronavirus situation change and/or authorities give new guidelines, these instructions will be changed accordingly.

Novel function of platelets in tumour blood vessels found by Scientists at Uppsala University

Scientists at Uppsala University have discovered a hitherto unknown function of blood platelets in cancer. In mouse models, these platelets have proved to help preserve the vascular barrier which makes blood-vessel walls selectively impermeable, thereby reducing the spread of tumour cells to other parts of the body. The study is published in the journal Cancer Research.Platelets or thrombocytes, as they are also termed, are tiny cell fragments that form in the bone marrow and circulate in the blood. If we are injured and start bleeding they clump together, sealing off the wound while also helping the blood to coagulate.When the platelets are activated – which occurs not only in wounds but also in tumours – the substances known as growth factors contained in the platelets are released into their immediate surroundings. One is platelet-derived growth factor B (PDGFB).In the study, the researchers investigated what happens when the PDGFB in platelets, but not in other cell types, is deleted in individuals with cancer. PDGFB from platelets was found to be essential, to attract supporting cells to the tumour blood vessels. In healthy tissue, on the other hand, the platelets did not to perform this function. If PDGFB was lacking in platelets, the quantity of circulating tumour cells increased and they spread to other parts of the body to a much higher degree.Previous studies have shown that PDGFB from cells of another kind, endothelial cells that line the inside of blood vessels, is necessary to attract supporting cells to the vessels when they form. According to the new study, this function in tumours also requires PDGFB from platelets, which distinguishes them from healthy tissue.From a medical point of view, it may be advantageous, in some situations, to reduce platelet activity in order to prevent blood clots, for example. Moreover, previous research shows that platelets can promote spread of tumour cells.

The employee scholarship: a new opportunity for the MBS teams to contribute to equal opportunities

The scholarships awarded by the MBS Foundation and its business partners celebrate the skills, the academic level and the potential of students for whom financial barriers could’ve prevented their ambition to pursue the studies they deserve.MBS Foundation stands out by reinvesting all the donations it receives in actions in favour of equal opportunities. Its mission is to finance the various mechanisms aimed at helping students both socially and financially through grants.It also supports and encourages entrepreneurship with the Young Innovative and Responsible Company prize which finances the project of young entrepreneur students and fresh graduates (less than 3 years).

Riga Stradins University (RSU) is ranked among the 25 best universities in the world in the research category on Open Access publications in the U-Multirank international university rankings published on 9 June 2020.

Overall RSU has received the seven of highest grade A, which is a significantly better result than a year ago. RSU received the most As in the field of regional involvement, which evaluates the employment opportunities of bachelor's and master's degree graduates in the region, as well as the proportion of publications with co-authors from the region.RSU also received A ratings in other areas of the U-Multirank performance evaluation – 2 in the research category, for example. In these areas, the results from creative activities and the availability of publications in open access journals were assessed.Compared to the previous year, RSU has managed to improve significantly in one of the international indicators, where the A grade was given for the high proportion of international academic staff. RSU also has significantly increased its results in the Knowledge Transfer category where the A grade was given for publications cited in international patents.RSU also achieved good results in the Teaching and Learning section, where it received the second-best grade B, for example for the graduation rate in master's programs, and for graduating in the time allocated in the bachelor's programs. In total, the rating evaluates more than 30 criteria in five areas of performance.

Partial lifting of restrictions at Lazarski University

Pursuant to Regulation No. 4/2020 of the Rector and President of Lazarski University, conducting didactic activities in direct contact to the extent necessary to continue the implementation of didactic and research tasks.This applies to classes that cannot be completed using distance learning methods and techniques, including:- laboratory classes, classes at the Center of Medical Simulations and clinical classes at the Medical Faculty of the Lazarski University- conducting some exams and final credits with the consent and under the supervision of the relevant Dean- conducting some diploma and final examinations with the consent and under the supervision of the relevant Dean- conducting selected classes for the last years of studies, education of doctoral students and participants of classes conducted by the Postgraduate Education Center with the consent and under the control of the Dean- resumption of the Lazarski University LibraryCampus catering services are also being restored.Students and employees staying at the University is possible to a greater extent, in accordance with the Sanitary and Epidemiological Principles. Preventive procedures for suspected coronavirus infection are still in force, in particular, Rules for the admission of students, post-graduate students, post-graduate students, employees and persons cooperating with the University on the basis of civil law contracts returning from abroad.  

RTU RETAINS ITS LEADER POSITION IN LATVIA IN THE PRESTIGIOUS QS WORLD UNIVERSITY RANKINGS

Riga Technical University (RTU) has been ranked in the 701 to 750 range of QS World University Rankings 2021, which is the highest score among three Latvian universities included in the ranking. RTU received the highest appraisal for its increase of foreign students, and in this indicator RTU improved its position by 66 places, ranking 371st in the global assessment.RTU has been evaluated on different rankings and with different assessment methods un has been ranked as the best university in Latvia – this is attested by U-Multirank results published on June 9 and by Times Higher Education Impact results published in April, in which RTU was ranked among 200 best universities in the world. On QS Stars ranking as well, RTU was evaluated with five stars, which is the highest evaluation. The achievement of RTU on QS World University Rankings 2021 confirms once more that we are the national leaders. Of course, RTU does not have the success as the University of Tartu, but considering the funding available to us, the results are very good, because our calculations show that as we move towards internationally recognised excellence, among all Latvian universities RTU has the highest return, taking into account budget opportunities, emphasizes Juris Iljins, Director of Administration.1 02 higher education institutions from 93 countries included in the QS World University Rankings 2021 ranking were assessed taking into consideration six criteria – Academic Reputation, Employer Reputation, Citations per Paper, Faculty/Student Ratio, as well as International Faculty and International Students. In four out of six criteria – International Students, Faculty/Student Ratio, Citations per Paper and Academic Reputation – RTU has shown higher results in comparison with the previous year.The assessment of Academic Reputation and Employer Reputation is based on extensive international surveys. Employers and academicians not only from Latvia but also from other countries expressed their opinion about RTU. The performance of higher education institutions in the remaining four criteria was assessed on the basis of submitted data that was verified according to internationally available information. Internationalization is one of the most significant priorities of RTU, which has been emphasised in RTU strategy. Targeted activities have resulted in a rapid increase in the number of foreign students in recent years, and currently there are students from 86 countries studying at RTU.

Ulster University develop COVID-19 symptom checker, diagnostic and contact tracker app

Researchers from Ulster University’s Schools of Engineering and Computing have developed an app to check for COVID-19 symptoms and provide advice. The app collects information, checks for symptoms, helps perform diagnostics and provides advice. Data from the app can also be used to aid contact tracing and inform policy and decision makers in their overall recovery strategy. A novel add-on to improve overall result accuracy is the ability to read an antibody test result that is performed in the home setting.  Led by Professors Jim McLaughlin and Chris Nugent, the Connected Health Innovation Centre Team project team used technology based on their Xprize Tricorder success in 2017 where they finished joint third in a global competition to address similar diagnostic solutions currently required to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.The App is available to download for open access development purposes and the team have presented the App to local, national and international government bodies to demonstrate the new integrated concept of register, symptom check, diagnose (via lateral flow) and then contact track. The multimodal diagnostic algorithm improves the overall operating characteristics by increasing sensitivity and specificity.  It is hoped the app will also form the basis of a new Ulster University led clinical trial on the use of integrated apps and antibody testing.  The app asks questions about the users’ age, gender, postcode, and involvement in the general flu vaccine programme. And checks for symptoms: fever, continuous cough, sore throat, muscle/joint pain, loss of sense of smell or taste, and exhaustion. The presence of any of these symptoms triggers additional questions: the duration of the symptoms, if there are difficulties in breathing, problems with the immune system, difficulty in doing normal activities, and if s/he lives with other people or not. Advice is then given accordingly depending on the severity of the symptoms and risk factors.Clear instructions are provided, which were sourced from HSCNI and NICE guidelines. Emphasis is given in staying at home when possible and in severe cases hospitalisation procedures are detailed. The user can opt-in to send anonymous collected data to a server including current and historical GPS locations via the user’s smartphone. The app is also capable of handling data from biomarkers tests such as RT-PCR tests (to test if you have the virus up to 14 days of infection) and antibody home tests (blood based to check if you have had the virus) such as low cost rapid Lateral Flow diagnostics systems.Data from the app can be summarized within our cloud based viewer and then data can be alerted, trended and monitored for policymakers, decision makers and epidemiology reports which will aid the overall recovery strategy and eventual Exit. The app also uses Bluetooth to exchange anonymous keys with nearby smartphones that have the app installed. These keys are saved in a server. Should one user report a positive result of the biomarker through the app, the users that exchanged keys are notified through their app. This can prompt users to look for testing for COVID-19.

Virtual Summer Start-up Week launched to help students become real-world entrepreneurs

Fifty three entrepreneurial students from Bangor have won places on a free online Summer Start-Up week to help get their business ideas off the ground.  The unique Summer Start-Up Week, beginning on Monday 8th June, offers five days of inspiration, learning and networking to nearly 500 students, to turn ideas into businesses, social enterprises and freelancing careers. The Course, which is now full was open to anyone over the age of 16, who is a current student or has studied at a welsh institution.As the coronavirus pandemic has led to unprecedented times for people living in Wales and across the world, the Summer Start-Up Week has been driven and launched collaboratively by all Welsh Colleges and Universities to ensure young people separated by social distancing can join a virtual start-up community and continue to develop their ideas.  The week will be run by experienced entrepreneurs and business experts, including Katy Hayward from honey farm and education centre Felin Honeybees, Teresa Carnall from TBC Marketing, Colwyn Bay, Chris Walker of People Systems International, Anglesey, Sid Madge of Mad Hen Ltd, Gwynedd and Kath Lewis a business mentor from Llandudno.A mix of daily live webinars and Q&A sessions cover topics such as market research, finance, digital marketing and networking, helping participants to develop skills and gain information and contacts to turn ideas into viable businesses or social enterprises. Over twenty Welsh entrepreneurs will be involved in sharing their start up knowledge. Confirmed speakers include Alana Spencer, owner of Ridiculously Rich confectionary business. Winner of BBC One's The Apprentice in 2016, Alana, originally from Aberystwyth, will share her own business experience and advice to the students and graduates taking part.Emma Forouzan, Student Enterprise Manager at USW and Chair of Summer Start-Up Week: "At universities and colleges in Wales, we see first-hand the exceptional entrepreneurial minds of many of our students and we’re continually looking for ways to nurture and support those students with strong business ideas. Even in this current climate, it's important for ambitious young people with a business concept to think about their options and take advantage of free support available to them. Through this all-Wales collaboration of institutions we are taking the opportunity to nurture a national online community, full of ideas and enthusiasm, connected to the wealth of start-up support available here in Wales.

Adaptation of on-campus education in the autumn semester at Jönköping University

J ouml;nköping University will plan for on-campus education to start in the beginning of the autumn semester 2020. The decision has been made after discussions within the JU executive team and is based on the scenario that the autumn’s recommendations and guidelines allow for the implementation of on-campus education. The discussions have taken several different scenarios into account and has resulted in the directional decision to plan for the operations at JU to be carried out on-campus from the start of the autumn semester. The spring semester will, as planned, be completed off-campus, and all summer courses will be conducted off-campus.An internal work group will be appointed to investigate and develop criteria and guidelines for how the operations on-campus will be implemented with adaptation and regards to the risk of infection. These criteria will be developed with consideration to the fact that different educational programmes and courses require different resources. “We want to give our staff and our students, both current and future, the vital possibility to plan ahead. Therefore, we have made a directional decision regarding the education this autumn. We are planning for adapted on-campus studies that take national guidelines and recommendations into account”, says Agneta Marell, President of Jönköping University.

New project to analyse novel coronavirus in wastewater

The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has been detected in wastewater. Scientists from Uppsala University, KTH and SLU have received support from Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation and SciLifeLab to determine if wastewater treatment plants can effectively eliminate the virus from raw wastewater. The scientists will also investigate if there is a connection between the amount of virus in the wastewater and the spread of COVID-19 in the community, if you can predict the virus spread from the wastewater concentrations and finally if there are any mutations of the virus.The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has spread rapidly around the world and permeated all levels of society. Recent studies have shown that it is possible to detect the virus in wastewater. Scientists hope that they can get information about the virus levels in a community by detecting it in wastewater, which is very useful for epidemiologists and authorities.A team of scientists at the department of Ecology and Genetics at Uppsala University and at the department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health at SLU in collaboration with Uppsala Vatten and scientists at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences in Oslo and Karolinska Institute in Stockholm will study the concentration and genomic composition of the virus in wastewater.The project aims to investigate if the concentrations of virus in the wastewater is connected to the spread of the virus in the community, if it is possible to predict the virus spread by monitoring the wastewater virus concentration and finally the scientists want to investigate the mutations and diversity of the virus in the wastewater.The team is led by Dr Anna Szekely, researcher at the department of Ecology and Genetics, Uppsala University. “Opposite to the virus tests done at hospitals that only look at the sickest patients, wastewater can reflect the amount and diversity of the virus within the entire population of a town,” Anna Szekely said. The team plans to monitor the virus at the wastewater treatment plant of Uppsala, as well as analyse and compare wastewater samples from different regions within Sweden and the world where COVID-19 pandemic is in different stages.

Study at KTU with a scholarship

Education is one of the key factors of success when talking about achieving career goals and overall life satisfaction. Top-quality studies without a hefty price tag is even better. Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), Lithuania is taking care of this: every applicant automatically becomes a candidate to receive the scholarship dedicated to international students with strong academic record and motivation.&ldquo The classes usually aren’t big, the lecturers are friendly and willing to help with any questions you have and you also get a lot of free time outside the university. I like that the university is flexible and the study modules are well adjusted to the job market needs”, says Sona Yavrumyan from Armenia, studying Informatics at KTU with the full scholarship from the University.The girl who had always been passionate about STEM, has chosen computer science for her bachelor’s studies as it is a practical option. Only in her first year, Sona has already joined a GIFTed community – KTU study path for talented students.&ldquo I have had opportunities to develop my soft skills, participate in team projects, hackathons, summer camps, study an extra module, all with some of the best students of KTU”, says Sona.KTU is the 2nd best university in Lithuania, and among the top 53 universities in Eastern and Central Europe and Asia (QS WUR, 2020). The so-called “soft” dimension of humanities, social sciences and arts are included in all study programmes, making the University graduates ready for the global challenges of tomorrow.

Ulster University confirms plans for the 2020/2021 Academic Year

Ulster University’s Interim Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Bartholomew has today confirmed that the first term of academic year 2020/21 will commence on 21 September with plans to deliver lectures and other teaching online for semester one.  Some on-campus activities will take place, following a robust local risk assessment and priority will be given to using campus spaces for practice-based learning activities including lab work.Staff who can work from home will continue to do so until at least the end of August and after the summer, the University will look to move to a phased, managed return of all staff within public health guidelines and with the health, safety and wellbeing of staff and students as its primary concern.In order to actively plan for the return of some campus-based activities, there will be a safe, phased return to campus for some staff in early summer and the University’s People & Culture team will be on hand to inform and support those colleagues through this transition. Looking further forward, as staff and students return to campus over time, so too will the required support services, staff and contractors come back on site.

Digitalisation on a New Level: RSU Students’ Experience Studying at Home

Gusto the dachshund takes every opportunity to compete with the laptop and curl up in its owner’s lap, 5th year medical student at R?ga Stradi?š University (RSU), Lauma Gulbe. The puppy was adopted from a shelter and is the biggest (although very pleasant) obstacle to studying from home during the emergency situation, according to Lauma. The University has taken care of the rest – materials on the e-studies platform, Zoom lectures, classes, tests, problem-solving online with faculty management and even additional tools for coping with stress, says Lauma. Her experience is supported by the first results of the RSU survey that 2,071 students participated in.To look out for the health and safety of its students, academic staff and administration, RSU switched to remote studies already on 11 March, before the national emergency situation was declared. Previously, lectures and classes that had been recorded by lecturers on Panopto were watched on average 250 – 300 hours a day. After the national state of emergency, this curve increased dramatically. Over the last weeks, 8,685 virtual classes and consultations have been held, and more than 2,000 new video materials have been created for students. These are not only lectures, but also simulation technologies and demonstrations of various manipulations. All in all, the activity in the RSU e-studies environment has increased from 50,000 activities a day in February to 150,000 activities a day in April.

ESDHEM third-year apprenticeship: opening at SKEMA’s Lille campus

For 25 years, SKEMA has been promoting apprenticeship courses, which combine alternating periods of professional experience and academic learning, often while encouraging social advancement as these courses are exempt of fee.From the start of the new academic year in September 2020, ESDHEM and its partner FORMASUP, which runs the Apprentices Training Centre (CFA) for the Nord-Pas de Calais region, will offer the possibility of studying for a degree in economic management with apprenticeship at our Lille campus.&ldquo For many years, ESDHEM has been offering this apprenticeship-based degree in Paris, and has seen intake grow from 30 apprentices per year to 90. We would like to extend this success to SKEMA’s other campuses, starting with Lille and a first group of 30 apprentices. This branch is unique as it allows apprentices to combine earning a university degree with preparation for the competitive entrance exams for major business schools, in a Grande École environment,” explained Oussama Ammar, director of undergraduate programmes at SKEMA (BBA/ESDHEM).ESDHEM offers a dual course combining a degree programme with preparation for the competitive entrance exams to the Grandes Ecoles business schools.For more than 25 years, the ESDHEM programme in undergraduate learning and apprenticeship has combined a university degree in private law or economy and management, preparation for the competitive entrance exams to the Grandes Ecoles, work placements, a term overseas and community life. ESDHEM prepares its students for the competitive exams known as Admissions sur Titre (AST) which they can enter at the end of the second and / or third year.More than 90% of the students at ESDHEM obtain their degree and more than 80% go on to a Grande École (90% going to a school that is listed within the top 12 in France).

Biologists have found two new species of Thismiaceae in Borneo

Another two new species of Thismiaceae have been discovered on Borneo by a team of scientists from the Palacký University Faculty of Science and the Crop Research Institute. Thismia ornata is named after the inside of its flower, which is covered with a bright orange net resembling ornate lace. Thismia coronata, on the other hand, was named after the top of the flower, which resembles a crown.The description of the new species was published in the international scientific journal Willdenowia. The team of Czech scientists already has twelve new Thismiaceae species to their credit.Both new species of Thismiaceae were actually found by biologists in Borneo by accident. In the local forests, they were searching for completely different species, which had already been described, but which had not been seen since their discovery. “In the case of Thismia ornata, we set out to find the species described by the Italian botanist Odoardo Beccari in the mid-19th century. Instead, we found a plant whose flower reaches up to 12 cm in diameter and boasts a strong coloration. Especially unique is the inner part of the flower, which is covered with a deep orange net resembling lace – a form not occurring in any other known species of Thismia. This gave us a name for the plant,” described Martin Dan?ák from the Department of Ecology and Environmental Sciences.Thismia ornata is also interesting in that this species is not completely unknown, as it occurs in several localities near the city of Kuching, the capital of the Malaysian state of Sarawak. Therefore, it has not escaped the attention of many amateur photographers, who have published their photos of it on the Internet. “However, no one realised it was a hitherto unknown species. This Thismiaceae also has not so many demands on its environment, and grows even where other species would not occur. For example, we found it on the edge of the forest in the local mini zoo, right next to the crocodile enclosure,” added Michal Sochor from the Crop Research Institute.The second Thismiaceae, Thismia coronata, was discovered by scientists while searching for the species Thismia goodii. Thanks to its bright blue flowers, this plant is one of the iconic species of Thismiaceae. “Interestingly, the two species are actually very similar. Although Thismia coronata has yellow-orange flowers, both species have the top of the flower in the shape of a mitre, which in technical terms is literally used for the upper part of the flower of some Thismiaceae precisely because of its resemblance to a bishop’s mitre. Thanks to its yellow-orange colour and the special skirting around the flower, it also resembles a royal crown, which led us to name it coronata,” described Michal Hroneš from the Department of Botany.This species of Thismiaceae grows in the mountains of northern Borneo, on the border between the Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah, and has so far been found in only one place. Like most other Thismiaceae, it grows in deep shady tropical rainforests. “Another piece of good news is that in January this year we finally did find the blue-flowered Thismia goodii,” added Dan?ák.These two species are now the eleventh and twelfth new species of Thismiaceae that Olomouc scientists have found in Borneo. Experts from the Faculty of Science have been going on expeditions to the rainforest in Borneo for several years. Their first discovered Thismiaceae was Thismia hexagona, followed by Thismia brunneomitra, and the third rare species was a Thismia which was given the attribute inconspicua - inconspicuous

Financial Times - Executive Education - Customised programs – NEOMA ranked for the first time

NEOMA appears in this ranking and is placed 77th in the world and 10th in France.The customised programmes stand out in particular on the following criteria:&bull "Follow up", which assesses the quality of the post-training follow-up (22nd in the world). This criteria is calculated on the basis of responses provided by participants and reflects the satisfaction of our clients.&bull "Faculty Diversity", which assesses teaching staff diversity (ranked 15th worldwide)&bull "Growth", which measures the growth in sales of our custom-built programmes (ranked 20th worldwide)."This remarkable entry is the result of a strong development of tailor-made programs within our Executive Education" explains Delphine Manceau, Dean of NEOMA Business School.

Ulster University playing its part in reducing food wastage across Europe in €4.8m project

Ulster University is playing an important role in reducing food wastage across North West Europe thanks to an innovative €4.8m project which adapts and applies existing innovative technology to food supply chains. ‘REAMIT’ - Improving Resource Efficiency of Agribusiness supply chains by Minimising waste using Big Data and Internet of Things sensors - is an EU project led from the University of Bedfordshire which aims to reduce food waste and improve resource efficiency. Ulster University have been integral to the project having secured funding through the EU Interreg North-West Europe Programme. Ulster’s Dr Joan Condell leads an interdisciplinary team from the university, including Professor Elaine Ramsey (Department of Global Business and Enterprise) and Dr Ruth Price (Trials Manager) alongside Dr Bryan Gardiner, Dr Daniel Kelly and Dr Pratheepan Yogarajah (all from School of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent Systems). With a budget of €4.88m, the project will run for 42 months until 2023, with partners coming from various organisations and companies in the UK, France, Ireland and Netherlands. Reducing food waste is of highest priority for the EU, having committed to halving food waste by 2030 by focusing on all stages in the supply chain. REAMIT focuses on foods typically wasted in large quantities such as fruits, vegetables, meat and fish within the supply chain of farms, packaging sites, food processors, distribution, logistics, wholesalers and retailers. The project’s aim is to adapt existing technologies to best fit the needs of the food supply chain management system in this region of Europe. Through testing and adaptation, these technologies will continuously monitor and record food quality and signal potential food quality issues. This analysis will then help to inform decisions that minimise food waste, such as redistribution to nearby customers.

Are you from Europe? Don’t miss your chance to study at KTU for free

This week, the first stage of general admissions to master’s studies at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) started. During the general admissions, all the applicants are ranked according to their admission score and become candidates to a state-funded study place. All EU nationals and global citizens of Lithuanian origin are granted this opportunity. “KTU grabbed my attention because the Food Science and Safety master’s course is designed to spend your time researching, while also taking the fundamental subjects. It felt like the right fit, it offered something new in the way of studying, they mentioned group works in laboratories, projects that we can build and showcase, this was the kind of hands-on learning experience that I was hoping to find. And Lithuania is part of the European Union, so travelling and living are not strictly regulated, as an EU citizen, I did not have to acquire a visa”, says Nóra Emilia Nagybákay, KTU first-year master’s student from Hungary. Although she was dreaming of studying abroad, the girl was looking for the options to study without needing to pay for tuition. After learning that the state-funded places are available to EU citizens, she contacted the International Office at KTU and I was reassured that she was qualified to apply and to compete for the state funding. So far, Nóra is very happy about her choice: “KTU has the supporting environment, where you can learn and use your knowledge to create, to discover something new and be part of the scientific community. And if you are stuck or have a problem there will always be someone to help you out, be that your groupmate, mentor or academic advisor”. According to national rankings announced on May 6, 2020, KTU’s academic staff is the best in Lithuania, the University’s studies are very well ranked by students and the employers. KTU is the 2nd best university in Lithuania. According to Invest Lithuania Agency, graduates of Lithuanian universities in science, computing, maths, engineering and construction are in the 4th place in EU. If you are thinking about studying in these fields, KTU might be one of the best options for you: KTU is among the world’s best 500 universities in the world in Engineering and Technology, and No. 53 among the universities of emerging Europe and central Asia by QS World Universities rankings. KTU is offering 26 master’s programmes in English. Check them all here. The first stage of general admissions to master’s studies is ending on June 25, 2020. The EU nationals and global citizens of Lithuania descent are automatically eligible for competing for a state-funded study place.

Become a mentor for new international students

The International Department of R?ga Stradi?š University (RSU) invites students to become mentors to new international students starting from August 2020.The aim of the mentor programme is to enhance the international students' experience at RSU by assisting them throughout their first study semester. Mentoring offers a great opportunity for students to get to know foreign cultures and establish contacts and friendships with people from different countries. A mentor is an advisor who guides newly-enrolled international students at the university by explaining the study process and academic requirements, as well as giving practical advice on everyday matters and life in Riga. A mentor encourages the new students and helps them settle into their new homes. The new students can approach their mentors with questions about how to act in certain situations, or how public institutions in Latvia work. Mentors play a significant role in the life of newly-admitted students and are often the first person students turn to.To better prepare for mentoring, we will conduct trainings for new mentors. Trainings are scheduled on 17 and 30 June and 12 August, students who do not have experience in mentoring are asked to attend one of the scheduled trainings.We are kindly inviting students to join the mentors’ family, share experience gained during studies at RSU and make friendships with people, who soon will become a part of the RSU community.

More educational places for Jönköping University

Due to the change in conditions of the Swedish labor market as a result of the coronavirus, more people will want to study in higher education. The Swedish Government has therefore proposed an increase in the number of places within higher education. Jönköping University has been granted more educational places for summer courses and basic year studies. To meet the regional and national need, Jönköping University has shown a great interest for more educational places. The decision that Jönköping University has been granted the opportunity to offer more summer courses, as well as to provide more opportunities to study a basic science year and a basic year in finance, came on 23 April. Jönköping University has also actively shown an interest for more educational places for longer educational programmes. New educational places for studies within all shortage occupations at Bachelor’s and Master’s level will be discussed at the Ministry of Education and Research later this spring.&ldquo With the changed situation, it is very gratifying that our wishes have been fulfilled and that JU already can give notice of more educational places and thereby contribute to further skills development and further education,” says Agneta Marell, President Jönköping University.The distribution of increased educational places applies to the condition that the Swedish Parliament decides on the revised spring budget in accordance with the Swedish Government's proposal. In connection with the demand for more educational places, Jönköping University has ensured that the resources required to carry out an extended education assignment of high quality are available.

Waste2H2 - Waste to Hydrogen

The Polytechnic of Portalegre, through its VALORIZA research center, adds another project to the 30 or so currently underway. The “Waste2H2 - Waste to Hydrogen” project, submitted in November 2019 to the Twinning contest, as part of the Widening program of Horizonte 2020, was one of 13 Portuguese projects recently approved by the European Commission, receiving a financing of around 900 thousand euros. Led by a team of researchers from the Polytechnic of Portalegre, it includes partners from three different countries: Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan - KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden; ENEA - Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, from Italy, and KIT - Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, from Germany. The “Waste2H2” project aims to carry out research and technological development activities in the area of converting waste to hydrogen by thermal gasification technologies, promoting a set of knowledge transfer activities, creating opportunities for networking and collaboration between institutions and companies in the countries involved.

Life as a student in a virtual classroom

IX Symposium on the Iberian Atlantic Margin

It will be held from September 4 to 7, 2018, in Coimbra, the IX Symposium on the Iberian Atlantic Margin. The 1st circular can be viewed here. Integrating the themes of Oceanography, Geology of the Margin, Coastal Dynamics, Resources and Sustainability, Di(geodi/biodi)versity, Use and spatial planning of the Atlantic Margin, the IX MIA Symposium will contemplate 4 excursions and associates to the 2nd Workshop and Field trip of IGCP 655 Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event: Impact on marine carbon cycle and ecosystems. This event is a joint organization of the Department of Earth Sciences of the University of Coimbra and MARE (Center for Marine Sciences and Environment).

Student nurses join the fight against Covid-19

Over 600 final year Nursing and Midwifery students from Ulster University, Queen’s University Belfast and Open University have joined the fight against Covid-19 by entering the Health and Social Care (HSC) workforce early. These students, in the last six months of their pre-registration education, have elected to take their final clinical placement now to support the HSC during this crisis. Nursing and Midwifery students will play a vital role in delivering high quality care in hospitals and healthcare settings across Northern Ireland during this difficult time. The Nursing & Midwifery Council have worked with?the?Government?Departments of the four nations?to develop legislation to enable final year students within six months of registration to go into the NHS/HSC?in a paid capacity. They will undertake all the duties of a final year student to complete the learning outcomes of their programme whilst providing much needed support to clinical teams on the front line. Chief Nursing Officer Professor Charlotte McArdle paid tribute to the nursing and midwifery students: “It is highly commendable that our nursing and midwifery students are embracing the opportunity to help at this time of great need. As senior students I know they have much to offer and will be a valuable asset to our HSC system. I wish to extend a personal thank you to all nursing and midwifery students and assure them of my full support as they rise to this challenge.” Universities have been working hard over the past few weeks to prepare their students for their early entry into the workforce. This has included an update on clinical skills such as the assessment of the deteriorating patient with emphasis on airway and respiratory management, alongside professional issues in practice for the transition from student to registrant.

Bangor University contributes to global COVID-19 related research

Scientists at Bangor University are joining the global fight against the current COVID-19 pandemic. A group of leading academics are to pool their expertise to develop new ways of mass-monitoring levels of SARS-Cov-2, the virus which causes the newly named COVID-19 illness.  Professor Davey Jones of the School of Natural Sciences and one of the project leaders explained: “An accurate estimation of the amount of infection circulating in the whole community would be valuable information for those charged with planning for and controlling the spread of disease. While the number of hospitalisation of COVID-19 cases provides some measure of the disease within the population, it provides no reliable information on mild infections and carriers who show no symptoms.” Random ‘spot checks’ and thermal imaging cameras have been introduced to screen for infections, though these are costly to implement and very imprecise. Better methods are needed to evaluate SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in the wider population.   As SARS-CoV-2 virus is shed in human faeces in high amounts, Bangor University’s research group are to test using wastewater to provide a powerful indicator of disease incidence at any point in time. This is particularly suitable as most UK urban centres are served by only one or two wastewater treatment works, providing a single integrated signal of millions of people in a single sample. This NERC ‘Urgency’ funded project at the Bangor University’s College of Environmental Sciences & Engineering will achieve several goals by using wastewater to provide near real-time information on the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 within the UK population.   Prof Dave Chadwick, a co-leader at the School of Natural Sciences explained further: “Real-time wastewater monitoring of the rise and subsequent decline of SARS-CoV-2 in the UK can be compared to conventional disease reporting metrics such as current COVID-19 hospitalization cases. It will enable similarities in the abundance of SARS-CoV-2 in the major urban centres of the UK to be identified.” Dr Shelagh Malham, also a co- leader of the research at the School of Ocean Sciences explained: “In the longer term, we hope to demonstrate how wastewater can be used for the integrated surveillance of human illness-causing viruses within the human population and provide bodies such as national government, NHS, Public Health England and Wales and water companies with critical scientific information to be able to make informed decisions on disease control and respond and adapt to potential future disease epidemics.”  Prof David Thomas, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research commented: “While the University has inevitably had to place much of its active research projects on hold due to the national importance of this research, it clearly has to go ahead.”

STUDIES AT RTU CONTINUE TO BE PROVIDED REMOTELY

Studies and scientific work at Riga Technical University (RTU) continue remotely during the period when precautionary measures have to be observed due to Covid-19 and, with the rector’s order, all intramural studies are cancelled until 14 April. Studies are held on different platforms Remote studies are held on three Internet platforms, where online lectures can be provided, and in the RTU E-study environment (Moodle), where the teaching staff can place study courses, presentations, home and test works, as well as other information needed for the studies. Online lectures are provided by RTU on Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Cisco Webex platforms, where video lectures, webinars and online chat can be organised, as well as lectures can be recorded and students can watch them later at any time. Library functions in a restricted mode During the period until 14 April, the RTU Scientific Library invites readers to use its e-resources in the RTU internal network ORTUS or in the library section on the RTU webpage.

TUKE is part of the Ulysseus alliance

Six European universities and a large number of associated partners gathered today in Brussels to sign the Ulysseus Mission Statement. Ulysseus alliance aims to generate a long-term alliance, joint structure and strategy for education and research, linked to the priorities of the members’ regions and cities. Its goal is to contribute to competitiveness, innovation and employability, and to promote active citizenship, social inclusion, cohesion, and personal development of students and staff.The alliance integrates the University of Seville (Spain, coordinator), the University of Genoa (Italy), the Université Cote d’Azur (France), the Management Center Innsbruck (Austria), the Technical University of Košice (Slovakia), and the Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences (Finland). But Ulysseus is more than six members, as it gathers the strong support of local councils, regional governments, as well as social and economic actors from all the six institutions involved."The Technical University of Košice is part of a strong consortium of six major European universities and research centres. We are very pleased with the great cohesion and involvement of members of the Ulysseus alliance. We have just signed a joint mission of our European university and we are working intensively on a project proposal. This activity enables us to see the possibility of making studies more attractive and international, connecting research and improving public services. We are delighted that our effort has the support of the city, self-governing region, regional trade and student organizations as well as clusters". /prof. Stanislav Kme?, the Rector of TUKE/  

A brand-new discipline at LSMU - Clinical Health Psychology

A brand-new modern Master programme has been launched at LSMU. Clinical health psychology programme will be conducted in English language from 2020 fall. Two-year Clinical Health Psychology master programme is a specialized programme which combines clinical and health psychology teaching with research methods training and practice. Clinical health psychology focuses on health promotion and wellbeing, managing illness and disability through psychological methods. Students learn psychological counselling and evaluation in various health disorders. In the programme settings, they can learn the interprofessional teamwork with other health care specialists. Students have exclusive opportunities to choose the specialization and get deeper knowledge in psycho-oncology, neuropsychology, rehabilitation psychology, family and child psychology. The programme includes 400 hours of internship. Students can practice in Lithuania, abroad or their native country. Moreover, the semester might be spent abroad with the Erasmus+ exchange programme. 

KTU sociologist Audrone Telesiene: stay connected and choose reliable information sources

After the World Health Organization (WTO) declared the COVID-19 virus outbreak a pandemic, quarantine took effect in Lithuania. Most of us understand that this means a high risk of getting ill with coronavirus. Among those who are infected, most will recover. However, the high number of deaths among vulnerable groups is likely to occur. In the current situation, people must listen to the instructions of medical staff and of those responsible for managing the situation. Also, the recommendations from psychologists and educators on how to spend quarantine and self-isolation safely. Sociologists add: be sure to foster social contact remotely; have trust in the authorities’ ability to manage the situation, believe the information which is coming from credible sources. Remote social interaction is essential  There are many suggestions out there for coping with the quarantine. In addition, the sociologists suggest: boost your indirect social relationships to enhance your emotional well-being and that of your loved ones. You can strengthen these relationships by maintaining communication remotely, using all available technological inventions. During your days at home, it is important to think about everybody in your social network. This includes not only your virtual network but also in fellowship, kinship and neighbourhood circle during the days at home. Those who have access to the news and information on the internet, press TV or other media may already have all the relevant information on what measures to take while in isolation. During this crisis, in Lithuania, the communication is well organised. However, not everyone has access to the information. Sometimes people do not understand the information or do not take it seriously. Think about the elderly neighbours who live alone, relatives in rural areas, sceptical friends who do not read the news and about others. Call, write, put up an advertisement in the stairwell of your house or make an indirect contact in other ways. Explain why self-isolation and avoiding contact is important, where to seek help. Make sure that these people are not ill. This way, you can help the most vulnerable populations to better prepare and withstand pandemic reaction. The Italian example shows that when people do not take the situation seriously, it is impossible to prevent the transmission of infection. It is important to understand yourself and to explain to others why it is worth following recommendations and trusting what the authorities are saying.   

4th International Week of the OP RDE Project took place at VSB - Technical University of Ostrava from 9th till 11th March 2020.

The event was attended by representatives from eight countries as well as representatives of the University management and faculty coordinators of individual faculties of VSB-TUO. At the opening the participants were welcomed by the Rector of VSB-TUO, Prof. Vaclav Snasel. The launch of this year was also attended by the Deputy Minister for the Legislation and Strategy Section of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports Dr. Dana Prudikova and Ladislav Banovec, Director of the International Relations Department of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports who mentioned priorities of the Ministry in the field of international cooperation. The Head of the University International Office, Dr. Michaela Vrazelova briefly introduced the history and present of VSB - Technical University of Ostrava. Information on the Moravian-Silesian Region was provided by the Head of the International Relations Department of the Moravian-Silesian Region, Tomas Fiedler. Then the individual representatives of the universities presented information or videos of their home universities. The next morning, the participants met for a round table discussion on the topic of "Study and Mobility". The round table discussion was chaired by the Rector Prof. Vaclav Snasel. The discussion was also led by the Vice-Rector for Studies, Dr. Zdenka Chmelikova, Vice-Dean for Studies at the Faculty of Economics, Assoc. Prof. Lenka Kauerova, and also Vice-Dean for Pedagogical Activities at the Faculty of Materials Science and Technology, Prof. Kamila Janovska. All foreign participants contributed to the discussion and talked about reality connected with their studies and their students' trips abroad. Together they sought ways to convince students that a semester spent at a foreign university is an investment in their future. Several interesting suggestions resulted from this highly beneficial discussion. The University International Office will try to incorporate them into the students’ motivation programs.

Changing the lives of people living with dementia with new memory supporting app

InspireD, which has been developed by Scaffold Digital in partnership with Ulster University, the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Health and Social Care NI (HSCNI ), is designed to help people living with dementia and their carers  to store photographs, music and film clips which can then be used to prompt conversations about past experiences and important life events.It is a revolutionary step in the digitisation of the healthcare sector and will make Scaffold Digital a pioneer in the field with a first-of-a-kind app to be endorsed by prominent healthcare authorities and physicians .InspireD will work by enabling people  living with dementia, their carers and families, to create a digital memory book with photos, video and sound.It boasts a guided uploading and navigation process to allow users to add and organise content as well as recording voice notes and more.Pending final tests from industry evaluation authority Organisation for the Review of Care and Health Apps (ORCHA), the app will be available this summer.

RSU to Run Online Q&A Session for Students on Remote Learning Process

On Wednesday 18 March R?ga Stradi?š University (RSU) will run a Q&A session, during which RSU Vice-Rectors and Deans will answer students’ questions on the study process during the national state of emergency. The links to the live online Q&A sessions will also be available on the e-studies platform and e-mailed to students.11:00-12:00 – Prof. Guntis Bahs, Vice-Rector for Health Studies, and Smuidra Žermanos, Dean of the International Student Department, will answer international students' questions (session will be held in English).13:00-14:00 – Prof. Guntis Bahs and Prof. Jana Pav?re, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, and Assist. Prof. Ingus Skadi?š, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, will answer healthcare students' questions.15:00-16:00 – Prof. Tatjana Ko?e, Vice-Rector for Studies, will answer social sciences students' questions.

The first Charity Dinner organized by EUHT StPOL manages to raise more than € 4500 for El Banc dels Aliments Foundation

The facilities of the Hotel Gran Sol hosted the first edition of the Charity Dinner of the University College of Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts of Sant Pol de Mar (EUHT StPOL)on the 27th of February. The Charity Dinner was promoted by the students of the concentration in Gastronomy, Restaurants and Events Management of the Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management. In fact, it was the third year student of this concentration who were responsible for organizing the different phases of the project: dissemination, menu design, contact with suppliers, search for sponsors, etc. 132 people participated in the Charity Dinner prepared by the students and the team of teachers of the Hotel-School of Sant Pol de Mar from the products donated by the sponsoring and collaborating companies of the event. In total, the initiative allowed to collect € 4,545 as a result of the sum of the tickets sold for the Charity Dinner, the donations and the tickets for the raffle of gifts given by the companies and collaborating entities. At the end of the Charity Dinner, the CEO of EUHT StPOL, Lluís Serra, together with the students who promoted the event, delivered the funds collected to the delegate of the Maresme area of El Banc dels Aliments, Cesareo Villagrà. The € 4,545 raised will go to the Banc dels Aliments child nutrition project: they will be used to buy A2 continuity infant milk, baby food and porridge.

Pancreatic Cancer Research: What’s New after Another Year in the Lab?

Detection of pancreatic cancer at an early stage. It was precisely a year ago that Professor Michal Hol?apek of the Faculty of Chemical Technology presented a method that may save the lives of hundreds of thousands of patients. Journalists kept asking for interviews, doctors asked for the test results, and Professor Hol?apek kept receiving one phone call after another. Volunteers wanted to join the research project and offered their samples for analysis. It will take some time, however, to implement the method in practice. The research has not finished. What progress has been made since?At the moment, Professor Michal Hol?apek of the Department of Analytical Chemistry and his team try to register a number of patents, and choose the best strategy to implement the national phase in selected countries which plan to focus on pancreatic cancer; the one with worst prognosis.   In ten months, the team of Professor Hol?apek acted upon all the comments, except for the mice tests. The reason is that it is an extremely expensive experiment carried out only by a few laboratories in the world. “At the moment, we have finished all the tests related to the paper, and we plan to amend the manuscript and resubmit the paper to the same journal,” says Professor Hol?apek admitting that he wished he had made more progress. Unfortunately, there are both internal and external factors hindering the research, such as the high price of patent protection, search for a business partner to implement the project, non-existence of an ethical board at the university and slow development with commissioned research for other university hospitals. “The hospitals that have provided the samples ask for results. We are doing our best to publish the key findings about pancreatic cancer and make initial attempts to translate our method to another laboratory.” At the moment, there are no screening procedures for early detection of a number of cancer types. “The methods that are available use glycoproteins, and they are not that reliable. Their reliability rate ranges from 70 to 80%. They fail, however, for early stages,” adds Professor Hol?apek. What is key about the method developed at the University of Pardubice is that it works the same for any stage of the cancer. It is hard to treat patients with late stages of pancreatic cancer. Depending on the stage, the patient may live for a year or two, and is extremely unlikely to cure. If all tests are completed successfully and the method is translated into clinical practice, it will be success for the team of Professor Hol?apek on a global scale, but more importantly it could save human lives thank to early diagnosis.

SKEMA United scholarships awarded after 250 000 km covered

In October 2019, the first edition of SKEMA United, SKEMA's sports challenge for a good cause, took place, bringing together students, employees and graduates to finance scholarship programmes. The original objective was for participants to walk, run or bike the equivalent of a round-the-world tour of SKEMA campuses (i.e. 45,500 km) but was exceeded by so much that this objective was multiplied by five, to reach 250,000 km!Thanks to the kilometres covered during SKEMA United and to the participating companies (Le Groupe Crystal - Expert & Finance, Roquette SA, Société Générale and AVA) who contributed one euro for each kilometre covered, 40% more scholarships have been awarded, bringing the number of scholarship holders to 250 for this academic year.We hope to do even better next time and are already counting on your participation in the second edition.Sheza is a first-year Master in Management student who received a scholarship thanks to SKEMA United. She explains: “I am very grateful to all the participants of this wonderful project which was a real success with more than 250,000 km covered. This allowed us to increase the number of scholarships distributed as well as the amount of each scholarship. I have received a substantial amount of money to help me finance my first year at SKEMA.”

‘The future of our oceans’ – public lecture at Bangor University by prominent scientist

The future of our oceans will be the focus of a public lecture at Bangor University on Wednesday, 4 March.  The speaker is Jacqueline McGlade, Professor of Resilience and Sustainable Development at University College London, and an Honorary Fellow of Bangor University.  The lecture will take place at 5.30pm in the Eric Sunderland Lecture Theatre of the Main Arts Building.  Admission is free, and no tickets are required.  All are welcome.  Professor McGlade said: “Recent evidence about the extent of plastics and litter in our oceans has led to grassroots rejection of single-use plastics.  Banning them is not enough to safeguard the health of our oceans; what is needed is a complete redesign of global production systems.  In this lecture I will outline ways that we can work to ‘conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development’ (one of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals) in the face of unsustainable consumption and production and the rapidly changing climate.”Jacqueline McGlade is Professor of the Environment at Gresham College.  She holds a Chair in the UCL Institute for Global Prosperity and is also Director of the Sekenani Research Centre of the Maasai Mara University in Kenya.She served as Executive Director of the European Environment Agency from 2003-2013, and from 2014-2017 was Chief Scientist and Director of the Science Division of the United Nations Environment Programme based in Nairobi.  She studied at the Universities of Bangor, Guelph (Canada) and Cambridge.

LSMU Offers Studies for Prospective Students in Ukraine

To expand the geography of international collaboration, representatives of LSMU Jevgenij Razgulin (psychologist for international students) and Anton Rubis (student of Odontology, LSMU student ambassador), had visited Kyiv, Ukraine, on February 7-10.  The Lithuanian University of Health Sciences was presented in the Study.uaFair in Kyiv on February 8-9. More than 5000 participants visited this fair. Prospective students and their parents visited the LSMU desk and were consulted about the study programs, accommodation and students' support system provided by LSMU. The most popular study programs in which prospective students were interested were Medicine, Health Psychology, Veterinary Medicine, Physiotherapy, Odontology, and Public Health. Also, a lot of students, who are finishing their studies in Ukraine were looking for Fellowship programs in LSMU. Representatives of LSMU had also visited the office of the biggest students' recruitment agency in Ukraine - Studies.ua which is now representing the LSMU in Ukraine. During the meeting, Jevgenij Razgulin presented University and discussed the ideas for future collaboration. Many Ukrainians are looking for quality and education which is recognized in Europe and worldwide, that is why there is a great interest in studying at LSMU.

Ulster and Queen’s awarded £2.1million for state-of-the-art high performance computing facility

Ulster University and Queen’s University Belfast have been awarded a major grant of £2.1million for a state-of-the-art computing facility, which will allow researchers to use high performance computing (HPC) technology to address some of society’s biggest challenges. Named “Kelvin-2”, the project has received the funding from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) via the Engineering and Physical Research Council (EPSRC).The facility, which will be based at Queen’s University’s McClay library, will be used to accelerate research in six specialist areas which both institutions are experts in and are economically and socially important to the UK. These are neurotechnology and computational neuroscience, advanced chemistry, innovative drug delivery, precision medicine, metabolomics and hydrogen safety.In neurotechnology and computational neuroscience, researchers will work on brain modelling and on AI for brain-computer interface based rehabilitation technologies. Research in heterogeneous catalysis will involve modelling chemical processes, which contribute to the production of items used in everyday life. There will also be a focus on innovative drug delivery for improving drug based therapies and for use in diagnostics, as well as on precision medicine where automated tools will be created to analyse data and identify indicators for health conditions.The new facility will also help to advance research in food fingerprinting, including techniques for detecting chemical contaminants in food; and hydrogen deflagration to assist with developing accident prevention and mitigation for hydrogen tanks.  

KTU students design new belt to monitor the fetus during pregnancy

A team of students from Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) BeltaMom has designed a belt for pregnant women that monitors the condition of the fetus from the 2nd trimester. It helps to keep track of the baby's heart rate, his or her movements, weight and water volume. The innovation was labelled as the best in the healthcare field at the annual Silicon Valley Innovation Challenge organized by San Jose State University, US. The belt has four ultrasonic sensors (to count fetal weight and water volume) and one stethoscope sensor (to count motion and heart rate). All the information collected is transmitted via Bluetooth to a mobile application that performs data analysis, tracks dynamics and reports changes. BeltaMom is a joint team of students from Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) and biomedical engineering students of San Jose State University. KTU students are representing the School of Economics and Business, Faculties of Mechanical Engineering and Design, and Civil Engineering and Architecture: Paulius Sudintas, Simonas Burneika, Mantas Murauskas, Arnas Pranckevicius, Vytaute Razutyte, Samanta Cepononyte, Paulina Bistrickaite.

Germany has 4th strongest Higher Education System in the world The country in the heart of Europe has a lot to offer to international students.

According to a recent survey by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) Germany ranks 4th in the new QS Higher Education System Strength Rankings.Germany ranks 2nd among European countries, after the United Kingdom and is among strong rivals such as the United States and Australia - known as major destinations for international students.The criteria for the ranking are: Strength of the education system compared to the the rest of the world, accessability to international students, the number of leading institutions and the strength of the country's economy.More information: https://www.qs.com/the-strongest-higher-education-systems-by-country-overview/

New call for UP Endowment Fund grants: Students, take advantage of your opportunities!

With the new year and new semester also come new opportunities. One offered to students is from the Palacký University Endowment Fund, which today announced its sixth call, to which students can apply until 30 March in order to get support for their scientific, academic, and artistic projects.The Palacký University Endowment Fund (UP EF) supports outstanding international scientific, research, and artistic activities of students. Since it was founded in 2015, 42 student projects have been supported, in the total amount of €150,000. “This year we will distribute €25,000 to successful applicants. This is money from private donors. Their contributions are intended for all students of Master’s and doctoral programmes, from all faculties of UP. Students can receive up to €8,000 for their projects. We support scientific, academic, and creative projects. We maintain the same principles upon which the UP EF – a unique project in the Czech Republic – was founded years ago: maximum trust and minimal bureaucracy. In addition to the money, students also receive support via training in key areas such as leadership, project management, popularisation of science, and medialisation,” said Dita Palaš?áková of the UP EF.Students can make use of the monies in various ways: e.g. on airfare, accommodation, or purchasing lab materials, etc. What they all however have in common is the effort to manage their own project, become acquainted with top-notch international professional workplaces, and get to meet leaders in their field. Otomar Pešek, a student from the UP Faculty of Science who was successful in the last call, can attest to the programme’s worth. “The entire process of applying was very simple and quick for me. I am very grateful to the coordinators of the UP EF for their help and support in the application process. Thanks to UP EF support, I gained a new insight on academic work and expanded my horizons. I’m very glad for the opportunity to cooperate with other scientific workplaces, for the possibility to gain new contacts, and for the chance to delve into the world of real science,” the student evaluated, and added a comment for his fellow students across the university: “If you have a vision, you are excited about your project and you believe in it, then do not hesitate to apply in order to turn your dream into reality.”František Zálešák has a similar evaluation of his experiences. This student from the Faculty of Science was also successful in the last call. “The UP Endowment Fund meant the opportunity for me to get to the lab of Prof Cristina Nevado, in snowy Switzerland. I have no idea where else I could have obtained the funds for spending three months in such a pricey country. Filling out the application was like taking a stroll through a rose garden. Compared to applications for other grants, where for example I had to get a signed statement from my doctor that I was physically and mentally fit, UP EF has a minimum of bureaucracy,” the doctoral student said. He also considers making contacts with other scientists as crucial. “I was able to spend more than three months among people who share the same passion for chemistry I have, which was enriching for me personally as well as professionally. In a seventeen-member workgroup there were thirteen different nationalities, so I also made contacts from all over the world, which I intend to make use of in the immediate future.”The sixth call for projects is open as of today. On-line applications including all required attachments must be sent by 30 March 2020. Detailed information including the registration system can be found on the pages of the UP EF. The pages also have a list of all the projects supported in the past, as well as information and experiences from supported students.  

Vitamin C may shorten ventilation in critically ill patients

Vitamin C administration shortened the duration of mechanical ventilation in critical care patients, but the effect depended on the severity of illness.In five controlled trials including 471 patients requiring ventilation for over 10 hours, vitamin C shortened ventilation time on average by 25% according to a meta-analysis published in Journal of Intensive Care. Vitamin C has numerous biochemical effects. It can influence the cardiovascular system through its involvement in the synthesis of norepinephrine and vasopressin, and energy metabolism through its participation in the synthesis of carnitine. In randomized trials, vitamin C has lowered blood pressure, decreased the incidence of atrial fibrillation and decreased bronchoconstriction. A previous meta-analysis of 12 controlled trials found that vitamin C reduced ICU stay on average by 8%. Critical care patients often have very low vitamin C plasma levels. In healthy people, 0.1 grams per day of vitamin C is usually sufficient to maintain a normal plasma level. However, much higher doses, in the order of grams per day, are needed for critically ill patients to increase their plasma vitamin C levels to within the normal range. Therefore, high vitamin C doses may be needed to compensate for the increased metabolism in critically ill patients.Harri Hemilä from the University of Helsinki, Finland, and Elizabeth Chalker from the University of Sydney, Australia, carried out a systematic review of vitamin C for mechanically ventilated critical care patients. They identified 9 relevant controlled trials, and 8 of them were included in the meta-analysis. On average, vitamin C administration shortened ventilation time by 14%, but the effect of vitamin C depended on the duration of ventilation. Patients who are more seriously ill require longer ventilation than those who are not as sick. Therefore, Hemilä and Chalker hypothesized that the effect of vitamin C might be greater in trials with sicker patients who need longer ventilation. Vitamin C had no effect when ventilation lasted for 10 hours or less. However, in 5 trials including 471 patients who required ventilation for over 10 hours, dosage of 1 to 6 g/day of vitamin C shortened ventilation time on average by 25%."Vitamin C is a safe, low-cost essential nutrient. Given the strong evidence of benefit for more severely ill critical care patients along with the evidence of very low vitamin C levels in such patients, ICU patients may benefit from the administration of vitamin C. Further studies are needed to determine optimal protocols for its administration. Future trials should directly compare different dosage levels," says Dr. Hemilä.  

Face the future – Bangor University awarded substantial grant to explore Emotional AI in smart cities

As Emotional Artificial Intelligence (AI) starts to be rolled out in smart cities, a team from Bangor University has won a substantial grant to study ways in which citizens can live harmoniously with technologies that sense, learn and interact with their emotions, moods, attention and intentions.‘Emotional AI in Cities: Cross Cultural Lessons from UK and Japan on Designing for An Ethical Life’ is a 3-year project jointly-funded by British and Japanese research councils and will be led by Andrew McStay, Professor of Digital Life at Bangor University.Japan and the UK are at a critical juncture where technological, social and governance structures can be appropriately prepared before mass adoption of Emotional AI. In the case of smart cities, a mistrust of the latest civic infrastructure and its management has been witnessed recently in social and legal debates surrounding the use of facial detection and recognition technologies.While Japan and UK are advanced nations in AI development and adoption, they differ in social, political, normative and techno-ethics histories. Other issues that will provide a rich scope for the team’s research include the logics of sensing technologies and the extent to which emotion display is universal across cultures; the nature of ethnocentric differences in social media usage and expression of online emotion; and potential differences between Japanese and European conceptions on what constitutes privacy and sensitive data.As well as interviewing key stakeholders developing or deploying emotional AI in smart cities, the international research team will examine governance approaches (laws, norms, values) for collection and use of intimate data about emotions in public spaces to understand how these guide Emotional AI technological developments. It will seek to understand diverse citizens’ attitudes to Emotional AI, and will co-design citizen-led, creative visions of what it means to live ethically and well with Emotional AI in cities. Ultimately, it aims to feed all the research insights, including citizens’ views, back to the diverse stakeholders, including governments, industry and educators shaping usage of Emotional AI in cities.Looking ahead to the study, Professor Andrew McStay said: ‘Only 5 or so years ago, Emotional AI was the preserve of start-ups trying to create services out of affective computing. Today, the largest companies are deploying emotional AI and empathic technology systems in cars, streets, classrooms, homes and more. Its presence is growing in diverse sectors, converging on smart cities. For both Japan and the UK, we urgently need to know what the societal implications of the emergence of these technologies are, how will they be deployed in our cities, what is coming next, how do citizens feel about it, are policies appropriate, and the place of data ethics in societies with quite different histories and demographics.’   

Montpellier Business School renews its commitment to the professional integration of people with disabilities

In 2018, the unemployment rate of people with disabilities is 19%, while it is 9% for the total labour force. This observation underlines the importance of making companies aware of responsible recruitment for a better professional integration. Based on the values of diversity and inclusion, Montpellier Business School is committed to training future responsible recruiters, and to making the necessary adjustments to the professional development of all its employees.Guaranteeing professional integration through access to higher educationNadège Ortiz-Boris says: “Today, only 1% of young people with disabilities have a “Bac +5” degree. To move the lines, we must act against the self-censorship of these young middle and high school students.“Montpellier Business School has set up actions upstream of its courses whose objective is to develop self-esteem among these young people. “Since 2012, in partnership with the FEDEEH, the school has rolled out the PHARES program (which stands for “Beyond Disability Advancing and Succeeding in Higher Education”); 40 young people were accompanied by 45 tutors to participate in activities whose goal is to lift this self-censorship.“Adapt education conditions and facilitate professionalizationMontpellier Business School puts everything in place so that disability does not hinder the smooth running of studies. “The campus is fully adapted to any form of motor disability. In addition, disability referrals are trained in each school’s educational department to offer schooling and examinations.” Nadège adds.Finally, in addition to the traditional professionalization tools (Career Centre, Entrepreneurship Centre), students have the opportunity to participate in specialized recruitment forums (internship offers, work-study contracts, open-ended contracts and fixed-term contracts), co-organized with the FEDEEH.Personalized follow-up for Montpellier Business School employeesMontpellier Business School pays particular attention to the entire integration process. From the selection of applications and as required by the diversity label held by Montpellier Business School for 10 years now, recruitment is based solely on business skills, linguistic and behavioural and can lead to a process of adapting the position to the profile of the candidate.This support resulted in the signing of the first disability agreements in July 2018 and was formalized by the appointment of a dedicated equality coordinator: Nadège Ortiz-Boris. “We carry out regular individual interviews with the employees and managers, to support employees in adapting to the job, their career and their well-being within Montpellier Business School.”To be recognized to fight against the bias Nadège recognizes that “very often, there is a certain shyness or embarrassment to be recognized as a worker with disabilities. These workers may be afraid of being stigmatized or sometimes minimizing their situation by thinking that their colleagues may be in worse situations. Nevertheless, there is a real interest in being recognized as a worker with a disability. First of all to guarantee a good development of the position and the working time but especially to improve the visibility on the handicap and to validate by the example that it is not a brake on good performance. “ 

Groupe ESC Clermont opens its first campus in China

With this new campus, Groupe ESC Clermont aims to develop its academic and research programs in a thriving offshore region, close to a high-tech capital of the world. The campus is housed inside the Guangdong Polytechnic of Science and Technology College (GDPST) in Zhuhai, a top 40 Higher Vocational College*. Zhuhai itself is well-known as a science and tech city of southeastern China. Located in the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and the « Chinese Riviera », Zhuhai is ideally located next to Macao and within  two hour  of Hong-King, Guangzhou and Shenzhen.One hundred undergraduate Chinese students have already enrolled in our joint program ran in collaboration with GDPST. Thanks to this joint program, French students enrolled in our Bachelor and Master programs will be able to study for one semester in Zhuhai next year. Our DBA program, opening in 2020, will also start a collaborative working relationship with local university professors from the district.These programs are consistent with the Higher Education policy in China, focussed on international and professionalized curricula. They also clearly demonstrate how Groupe ESC Clermont has actively pursued its internationalisation and successfully set up international partnerships since 1949. Today, almost a third of students at Groupe ESC Clermont come from all around the world, currently representing 53 different nationalities.  

International collaboration elevates Peace and Conflict Studies

The appointment to the Rotary Peace Center has raised Uppsala University’s already attractive master’s programme in Peace and Conflict Studies to the very highest level. In January master’s student Afaf Doleeb received the Martin Henriksson Holmdahl Prize for her involvement in Sudan’s democratic development.Afaf Doleeb, a master’s student in Peace and Conflict Studies, has been awarded the Martin Henriksson Holmdahl Prize, Uppsala University’s top honour for efforts to promote human rights and freedoms. The explanatory statement emphasises Afaf Doleeb’s great commitment to the peaceful protest movement, which was crucial for Sudan’s democratic development towards rule based on human rights. Doleeb is currently one of 18 Rotary Peace Scholars based in Uppsala, and during her time with the programme, she has played a key role in the formation of a Facebook group that monitors the Sudanese government’s compliance with the agreements it has entered into.In 2011 Rotary International named Uppsala University the world’s sixth international Peace Center. The appointment, which was obtained in competition with several of the world’s highest-ranking universities, means that each year about 10 scholarship holders from around the world begin Uppsala’s highly selective Master Programme in Peace and Conflict Studies. The number of applicants per scholarship is high, and the selection process meticulous.During their two years at Uppsala Rotary Peace Center, the scholarship holders also participate in activities in addition to the regular schedule. These include an Applied Field Experience held in the summer months after the first year of study. Each scholarship holder then participates in peace-promoting activities anywhere in the world based on a self-formulated project plan. In addition to a valuable contribution, it provides an opportunity for each participant to make contacts and to specialise in preparation for their future career.Among the scholarship holders who have already obtained their 120-credit master’s degree at Uppsala University, many have chosen to work in non-governmental peace-building organisations, several of them working close to conflict areas. Others have chosen to build on their academic qualifications, including a couple who have returned to Uppsala for doctoral studies at the Department of Peace and Conflict Research.

SKEMA Ventures launches study on entrepreneur confidence

Recognised for their work on entrepreneurs and the ecosystems of entrepreneurship, SKEMA Business School’s research teams have developed a measurement index based on different criteria tested in real conditions. This index will evaluate the mindset and confidence of entrepreneurs periodically.The index will help in providing institutional, economic and academic stakeholders with data that will help to (re)develop entrepreneur-centric policies in support of entrepreneurship. The aim of this research is to create a recurring index to measure the mindset and confidence of entrepreneurs by periodically assessing:-How entrepreneurs perceive their ability to handle the uncertainty generated by the current state of their environment-How they feel about the support they currently receive from the stakeholders in their ecosystem-How successful they currently feel in terms of their entrepreneurial venture, their professional life, and achieving the goals they had initially set themselves-Their current perception of the image they project to those around them, as well as their perception of the image entrepreneurship currently has in society in general.

New Global Competence in Teacher Education Project Launches with an Erasmus+ Grant

Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK) together with the University of Hull and three other universities, AFS Intercultural Programs (AFS) and the European Federation for Intercultural Learning (EFIL) in Europe have been awarded a Erasmus+ research and programme development grant of €443,540 to advance global competence in teacher education.Shared global challenges including the climate crisis, rising nationalism and economic injustices, coupled with the advances of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, demand that education systems better prepare learners to embrace flexibility, innovation and work across differences in order to find sustainable solutions together. Global competence is a key learning approach to do this. It encompasses the abilities to master new literacies (e.g. digital, information, media) from multiple perspectives, develop an understanding and appreciation of different cultures, values, beliefs and systems, become an able and adaptive communicator, and learn how to work effectively and appropriately with others.Yet, initial research shows that global competence has not yet been widely incorporated within higher education programs for future teachers in most countries. As a result, new teachers leaving university are often unaware of the need for global competence or how to include it in their curricula.The Global Competence in Teacher Education project will directly address this challenge by working with teacher educators and trainee teachers to develop future cohorts of teachers in Europe and beyond who are both globally competent themselves and have the skills to develop global competence in their students.Begun in September 2019, the project will last three years and establish an international Global Competence Network of Educators to help the project consortium analyse and develop global competence curricula, materials and trainings within national teacher education programs. This project will also foster better intercultural education practices, including through teacher and student mobility and the use of virtual reality technology to enable non-mobility based experiences and sharing.The Global Competence in Teacher Education consortium partners include:? University Of Hull, United Kingdom (Lead organiser)? AFS Intercultural Programs (AFS), United States? European Federation for Intercultural Learning (EFIL), Belgium? Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK), Finland? Hellenic Open University (HOU), Greece? University College Leuven-Limburg (UCLL), Belgium? Università Degli Studi Di Genova, ItalyThe consortium partners bring strong experience in project topics, knowledge of European and global realities, and connections with schools? and other education stakeholders – all necessary for developing relevant resources and outcomes.The project partners are initially working on a scoping study and curriculum mapping exercise to gain a better understanding of the existing policies, structures and best practices in global competence education for teachers. Teachers will be directly involved in this activity to help shape the design of improved training practices. Study results will be published in journals and presented at conferences worldwide to inform teacher educators, policy-makers and researchers.  

Guest lecturer from Klaipeda University has started to teach in "Natural Sciences"

In the project “Perfection of the Academic Staff of Liepaja University in the Areas of Strategic Specialization – Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Information Technologies, Art, Social Sciences, Commerce and Law”the guest professor Olga Anne from Klaipeda University (Lithuania) has started to give lectures to Master study programme students of Liepaja University (LiepU) in the strategic specialization field – “Natural Sciences” and the guest professor has been working as a researcher already for half a year in this area at LiepU.Currently the guest professor is giving lectures to 1st year students of the professional Master study programme “Ecotechnologies” in the study course “Economic Activities’ Environmental Impact Assessment” (3 ECTS). This course has been implemented for half a year, involving specialists from environmental field, including the study programme director of Master programme “Ecotechnologies” Lilita ?bele. Moreover, the guest professor has been on a study excursion to Klaipeda city with students, introducing them with different Klaipeda enterprises and their work in this field.The guest professor's teaching activities at LiepU are planned for one more year. The guest lecturer together with two more guest lecturers of Natural Sciences have already published scientific research results in collected articles of scientific conference during this project and will continue to do it.

KTU expert: the number of .lt domains is growing due to expansion of mobile internet

The Internet Service Centre DOMREG at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) – the registry of .lt top-level domain – informs that the number of domains has reached 198 923 in 2019. Since 2018, the growth of 3.15% is observed. The number of registered .lt domains is expected to reach 200 000 in the near future.The Head of KTU Internet Service Centre Daiva Tamulionien? claims the increasing number of .lt domains is related to both the active local business and the extensive use of mobile internet. According to the data of the Communications Regulatory Authority of the Republic of Lithuania, the number of active SIM cards used for the provision of the internet access services has already exceeded 3 million and is approaching the number of SIM cards used for the provision of the voice services. It shows the substantial growth of the use of the mobile internet, i.e. using phones for web browsing.Lithuanians use their mobile phones constantly which prompts businesses to increase their activities online and create more digital content. The activities of the bloggers and influencers must have reached their peak last year. Therefore, the number of websites, blogs and e-shops that need domains keeps increasing."We are glad that .lt domain remains the most popular in Lithuania: soon there will be 200 000 registered websites, which have .lt ending. On this happy occasion, we have decided to celebrate the growth of the Lithuanian internet by awarding the prize – a tablet – to one lucky holder of .lt domain”, says the Head of KTU Internet Service Centre Tamulionien?.Even though 57% of .lt domains belong to the companies and other legal entities, the number of internet names registered for personal use remains high. The private persons were the holders of almost 85 thousand .lt domains last year. According to the Head of the Centre, the majority of the private users create .lt domains for their personal websites, blogs and emails. She believes that more and more self-employed individuals are creating their representational websites or e-shops instead of relying solely on social media.“There is a delightful idea coming from abroad: to create a family’s internet name before the wedding as well as electronic wedding invitations containing a detailed program or even the map of the event’s location. Later, such a website becomes a family chronicle and all the family promotes their name by using the unique email addresses with .lt domain name”, tells Tamulionien?.Even though nearly 38 thousand new .lt domains were created last year, almost 32 thousand domains were deleted at the will of the domain holders. Most often, the domains are deleted when they are not used anymore or at the end of a specific project or event for which a website was created. Part of the domains is deleted after the termination of activities or bankruptcy of a legal entity.“If you change a trademark or create a new project, we always recommend keeping the old domain for some time with redirection to the new one. In this case, you will not lose the flow of visitors and will be protected from the fraudsters who can re-create the domain after its deletion and mislead the visitors or even commit crimes while using the domain name.The people who create new trademarks for a website or e-shop should choose .lt domain because the Lithuanians trust it and automatically type the Lithuanian ending .lt in the browser”, emphasises Tamulionien?. Currently, the procedural services of .lt domain are provided by 66 Lithuanian and 59 foreign registrars. KTU Internet Service Centre DOMREG is .lt registry; its key tasks are the management of .lt domain infrastructure and insurance of the functioning of the domain name system (DNS) online.

Webinar "How to choose your Business School"

Register & attend this LIVE webinar on ‘How to choose your Business School in France‘ by Montpellier Business School and learn- How to differentiate yourself from other professionals by studying in France. Which factors to consider while choosing the right Program and Institution. How to select the Business School that will give you the student experience you are looking for. This Webinar will be animated by Judith Rakotondralay, International Development Manager at MBS. Register and attend the live Webinar here.   

RTU – ONE OF THE TOP 100 GREENEST UNIVERSITIES IN THE WORLD

Riga Technical University (RTU) is ranked among 100 greenest universities in the world, ranking 93–95 in the GreenMetric for green politics and sustainability. RTU has obtained  equal number of points with two Spanish universities. It is a significant achievement compared to 2018, when RTU was ranked 128th. Moreover, RTU remains the only higher education institution in Latvia that has been ranked so high. In the GreenMetric Rankings, world universities are ranked according to their commitment to reducing environmental impact. To reduce human impact on the environment and climate change, RTU is committed to introducing the concept of Green ??psala at its campus by 2023. To achieve the goal, RTU is improving its infrastructure in compliance with sustainability principles, changing student and staff habits, and using innovative green products and technologies developed by RTU researchers in ??psala campus infrastructure.  

RTU HAS ACHIEVED THE HIGHEST RESULTS SO FAR IN THE EDUNIVERSAL RANKING

The Faculty of Engineering Economics and Management (FEEM) of Riga Technical University (RTU) and Riga Business School (RBS) have been ranked high – in the 4 palms league – in the world’s best business school ranking «Eduniversal» for the fourth consecutive year for outstanding academic excellence, outstanding quality and strong international influence in business and management education. The Master study program «Innovations and Entrepreneurship» implemented by the FEEM has been rated the best in Eastern Europe.The Eduniversal Best Masters Ranking 2019 includes ten out of 12 RTU FEEM and RBS Master study programs, attesting their quality and international competitiveness. The evaluation of all progra