Our success stories

Hear the stories of our students, staff and partners, explore the latest event highlights, and see how ECIU University and its community make an impact.

Funding for the next ECIU University phase announced: Building a higher education system of tomorrow

With a grant of 7.2 million euros received, ECIU University will begin its next phase in November 2026. 11 universities are set to continue building the digital campus and pursuing innovation in higher education for the next 2 years.

July 9, 2026
Impact story

ECIU University in the making: How we connect the community across Europe

The main goal of Work Package 5 (Community Building and Mobility) is to build, support, and empower the ECIU University community. Here's how they make it happen - from mobility opportunities to community-building events.

July 9, 2026
Impact story

Funding granted for ECIU E-Campus: Turning student ideas into European ventures

ECIU members have secured funding for the new project, the ECIU University Entrepreneurial Campus (ECIU E-Campus) - set to strengthen innovation and entrepreneurship capacity of the European University Alliances and funded through EIT HEI.

July 8, 2026
Impact story

ECIU University Forum 2026: The power of new learning in a community under construction

On June 16-17th, ECIU University Forum 2026 took place at the University of Aveiro (Portugal), spotlighting the power of the community, real impact and innovation in higher education.

June 23, 2026
Event story

Building a European community beyond borders: Why a sense of belonging matters

A Coffee4ALL initiative, workshops for university rectors and FestivAlliance were among the twelve prototype solutions developed during last week’s ForEU4All conference in Strasbourg. University of Twente staff member Sandra Pool and Hamburg University of Technology student Eddie Arriaga Flores attended on behalf of ECIU University.

June 11, 2026
Event story

How the ECIU Leadership Programme strengthens the university leaders of the future

For Malin Lindqvist Appell and Aliaksei Kazlou, the ECIU Leadership Development Programme was not just a leadership programme but an educational journey that continues to shape their work. Here's what they had to say about it.

May 12, 2026
Impact story

Community talk: A UAB student shares her journey as an ECIU intern

First introduced to ECIU and ECIU University through courses her peers at the Autonomous University of Barcelona took, Vanessa Caiza went on to become an intern at ECIU’s Brussels office, captivated by the impact, values and potential for growth. We talked about how her journey unfolded – and what makes such opportunities for students important.

April 30, 2026
Student story

A Competitive Future with European Universities: A closer look at ECIU University’s high-level conference

This March, a high-level conference ‘A Competitive Future with European Universities’ took place in Brussels - reflecting on how European Universities alliances contribute to European competitiveness through collaboration and engagement of societal actors.

April 20, 2026
Event story

Beyond Classroom Walls – the ECIU University course where sustainability is experienced, not just studied

Students from different European countries and educational backgrounds gathered at Linköping University to explore sustainability in a way that few university courses offer: through encounters, site visits, outdoor education, and collective problem-solving. This is a real example of how sustainability teaching can take place beyond the classroom walls.

April 9, 2026
Student story

ECIU University in the making: Meet the people behind our portfolio of learning opportunities

At the heart of ECIU University are its learning opportunities – and behind them is a large team of community members across 12 institutions that tirelessly work to create and integrate the course portfolio into universities' curricula. Here’s how their efforts tie everything together, shared by the team’s representatives Dorothea Ellinger and Silvia Perzolli.

March 31, 2026
Impact story

ECIU University in the making: Go behind the scenes of our digital campus

For over three years, the IT team at ECIU University has been building a constantly evolving digital campus that connects institutions and communities. From the latest AI developments to the Engage platform that redefines the studying process, here’s what has been achieved – and what’s next.

February 3, 2026
Impact story

Out now! ECIU University Magazine showcases impact and innovation

The new ECIU University magazine was launched today. It brings together stories from across the network of 13 universities that highlight real impact beyond research and education.

December 12, 2025
Impact story

The University of Twente Challenge showcases the power of practical engineering

43 students from across Europe gathered at the University of Twente (UT) to participate in the Humanitarian Engineering Challenge. Together, they worked to design technology-driven solutions that encourage sustainability and support vulnerable communities.

November 25, 2025
Student story

For learners, by learners: How a student-led platform UniMate reshapes decision-making

Academic life is all about choices – choosing the right path, the right university, the right study program – but choices can be hard without enough information at hand.

October 27, 2025
Impact story

‘Driving real change’: Team Impact Award 2025 winners share their journey

Team Impact Award 2025 was one of the ECIU University Forum’s biggest highlights, celebrating innovation, teamwork and desire for change. Now the winning team from Dublin City University shares their story in more detail...

August 19, 2025
Impact story

ECIU University students seek new solutions for wind power at University of Stavanger

Over 30 students from six countries gathered at the University of Stavanger to develop solutions that could make the wind power industry even smarter and more environmentally friendly.

June 24, 2025
Impact story

ECIU University Forum 2025: Two days of meaningful connections and real impact

Last week, the second ECIU University Forum took place in Trento (Italy), gathering over 200 learners, teachers, researchers, staff and external stakeholders from all over Europe – for a unique chance to connect and lay the foundation for..

June 20, 2025
Event story

ECIU University students at ESA 25: Helping shape the future of Europe

On May 26-28, ECIU University students joined over 200 participants from all over Europe at the European Student Assembly in Strasbourg. The goal was to introduce policy recommendations on 8 diverse topics, share their voices.

June 4, 2025
Student story

‘A great opportunity’: A closer look at Creathon 2025

This May, ten teams from across Europe gathered at the University of Aveiro for Creathon 2025 – a three-day challenge focused on creating impactful solutions for a sustainable future.

May 30, 2025
Event story

ECIU University Student Council vice president: ‘Students want to save the world’ (video)

What do students want – and how can ECIU University help them achieve it? During her powerful closing speech at ECIU University Forum, Ellen Andersson from Linköping University talks about the student perspective on ECIU University...

May 23, 2025
Student story

‘Be open to new perspectives’ – an interview with student ambassador Judita Švaikauskaitė

We talked to Judita about her ambassador path, the skills she gained along the way, and the ambassadors’ role in the ECIU University community.

April 15, 2025
Student story

AI Hackathon 2025: Three days of connections, teamwork and new experiences

This March, almost 40 students from 8 ECIU University institutions gathered at Tampere University for one of the final stages of AI Assistant Hackathon.

April 1, 2025
Event story

New book explores the contemporary challenge-based learning (CBL) practice within ECIU University members

Recently, Kenan Dikilitaş and ECIU University colleagues Tim Marshall and Masoumeh Shahverdi published a new book on challenge-based learning (CBL) – offering a closer look at the methodology and its potential.

February 5, 2025
Teacher story

Changing the landscape: Vice-Rector of Kaunas University of Technology – on transforming as part of ECIU University

Now, the Vice-Rector for Education assoc. prof. Kristina Ukvalbergienė shares more on how this journey has been unfolding – and what comes next.

January 21, 2025
Impact story

‘We are building something meaningful’: A look back at ECIU University Student Ambassador Training Days

ECIU University Student Ambassador Training Days became a unique opportunity for student ambassadors from all over ECIU University to enhance leadership skills and strengthen their community.

December 19, 2024
Student story

‘A powerful platform’: Participants of Team Impact Award 2024 share their stories

Part of the ECIU University Forum, Team Impact Award spotlights some truly unique journeys of ECIU University community members. With Team Impact Award 2025 underway, three participants of last year’s edition share their stories.

December 2, 2024
Impact story

Over 10 inspiring stories: Introducing ECIU University Magazine 2024

ECIU University Magazine 2024 is officially out, showcasing incredible stories from learners, educators, team members, and stakeholders. As ECIU University celebrates its 5th birthday, explore the latest more than 10 inspiring interviews.

November 7, 2024
Impact story

An Important Milestone: First Meeting of the ECIU University Student Council Takes Place

With the council established and new student members of the ECIU board elected, more opportunities to spotlight students’ voices and keep building the future of ECIU University together emerge.

October 14, 2024
Event story

ECIU University Forum 2024 participants share what ECIU University means to them (video)

What is ECIU University for you? We asked ECIU University Forum 2024 participants this question and heard some incredible answers. Hear their stories in our latest video.

October 9, 2024
Event story

What is ECIU University for you? ECIU University Forum 2024 participants answer (video)

We talked to participants of the ECIU University Forum 2024 about what ECIU University means to them – and heard some truly empowering stories.

September 19, 2024
Event story

BeeCause We Care: ECIU University learners and Intelligent Hives work together to save the bees

What can we do to protect the bees? That was the question Polish tech company Intelligent Hives asked ECIU University learners. The challenge proved to be a unique experience for both them and the company...

September 10, 2024
Impact story

Team Impact Awards: Get to Know the Winners (video)

One of ECIU University Forum highlights, Team Impact Awards provided participants with a platform to share their ECIU University stories – and the impact they made as part of the community. Watch our video about the winners!

September 3, 2024
Event story

ECIU University Forum 2024 Video Release

The first-ever ECIU University Forum, held at Kaunas University of Technology on June 6-7, 2024, was a landmark event that brought together over 210 participants from 14 ECIU University member institutions. Watch our video!

August 28, 2024
Event story

ECIU University students meet at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona to make an impact

From July 1-5, students from seven ECIU University member institutions met in person in Barcelona for the final stages of the latest challenge and micro-module.

July 15, 2024
Event story

Winners of the Team Impact Awards: ‘This is a powerful motivation’

This June marked the first ECIU University Forum – with the Team Impact Awards among its highlights. Teamchers and students from the winning team share their unique impact journey.

July 3, 2024
Impact story

ECIU University Creathon 2024: Building Digital Cities of the Future

Future digital cities and municipalities face several challenges. How can they deliver socially beneficial information when digital development is faster than ever, and the audience is overrun with a constant flow of information?

June 28, 2024
Event story

ECIU University Forum 2024: Looking back at two days of making an impact – and fostering a community

June 6-7th marked the first ECIU University Forum – two days of event-packed workshops, passionate discussions and inspiring sessions set to help over 210 participants from all over ECIU University make an impact...

June 13, 2024
Event story

'Truly inspiring’: Collaboration between Vinted and ECIU University highlights the importance of diversity in teams

A thriving unicorn company that aims to empower more climate-friendly fashion behaviours. A challenge offered to ECIU University – protecting the environment by making second-hand the first choice.

May 29, 2024
Impact story

Solving offshore wind challenges in Norway

How can we build wind installations in the sea with the least possible environmental impact? That was the task for 38 ECIU University students last week.

April 26, 2024
Impact story

ECIU University Student Representative Meeting Held at Hamburg University of Technology

Participants from 13 student unions worked together on shaping a model for student representation at ECIU University – with discussions set to continue throughout the upcoming months.

April 23, 2024
Event story

‘Expect the unexpected’: How ECIU University transformed the University of Trento’s approach to challenges

When it comes to challenges, few have as much experience as the University of Trento, which introduced them before even joining ECIU University. However, the university’s approach to challenges has changed since then...

February 20, 2024
Teacher story

Teaching to teach: Over 35 participants attend the ECIU University CBL workshop

Participants from all over ECIU University attended a CBL workshop at the University of Stavanger last week – embracing an opportunity to walk in the students' shoes and exchange perspectives with colleagues during the community event.

February 12, 2024
Teacher story

‘We want to provide a space for their ideas’: How the ECIU University’s Learner Engagement Coordinator Strives to Empower Learners

Ryan’s journey with ECIU University is quite a personal one – once a University of Twente student, now a fully-fledged team member, he’s following his long-time dream to change the global educational landscape.

January 25, 2024
Teacher story

Always learning new things: An ECIU University alumnus shares his journey from student to team lead

Tim Marshall’s ECIU University journey is truly one-of-a-kind – he started it as a University of Stavanger student and has since become a full-fledged team member. Read the dull story.

October 26, 2023
Teacher story

Making Yourself Heard: Students Share Their ESA 23 Journey

This year, June didn’t just mark the beginning of Summer, but the second European Student Assembly (also known as the ESA) – a global event aimed at connecting students from all over Europe in a joint effort to foster change.

September 14, 2023
Student story

It’s About More Than Learning: How Joining ECIU University Reshaped One Student’s Path

A student at the University of Aveiro, João Pedro Santos has come a long way – switching his courses from physics to environmental engineering, finished not one but three ECIU University challenges...

June 26, 2023
Student story

ECIU University joins Create Tomorrow think tank with nine teams

“Use your bright minds.” With these words, Novel-T’s Mike Verkouter kicked off the student think tank Create Tomorrow, last Wednesday. In a huge festival tent on the event grounds of the University of Twente’s campus...

May 10, 2023
Event story

Students created a sustainability plan for a company to reduce the carbon footprint

An international team of students has completed an ECIU University challenge: they have created a plan to help reduce the CO2 footprint for a company. The results of the sustainability plan for “Scania Lithuania” can be used to reduce CO2.

March 1, 2023
Impact story

Students met in Barcelona for the final project of ECIU University micro-module

On 6 February, students from ECIU University members met in Barcelona to work together on the final project of the ECIU University micro-module “Intercultural Competences: Guiding Practical Insights through Citizen Science.

February 23, 2023
Event story

A brand new #ECIUuniversity magazine

In a brand new #ECIUuniversity magazine: interviews with our community members, colleagues sharing experiences, stories about how ECIU was founded and much more.‍

December 21, 2022
Impact story

Challenges bring together students and employers: experience at Tampere University

ECIU University offers an opportunity for hands-on, challenge-based learning, the idea being that learners find solutions to real-world challenges in multidisciplinary teams. The challenges are posed by businesses and cities.

December 1, 2022
Impact story

Students meet to work on the Big Data and Climate Change challenge

On 14 November, students from different European universities came together to work on-site on one of the ECIU University challenges organised by the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona.

November 14, 2022
Event story

Students’ idea – a game changer in household waste sorting

Household food waste is a key factor in food waste generation globally. Therefore, municipalities are searching for new ways to encourage citizens to recycle at home. The idea, has been awarded 5,000 EUR.

October 24, 2022
Impact story

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Funding for the next ECIU University phase announced: Building a higher education system of tomorrow

With a grant of 7.2 million euros received, ECIU University will begin its next phase in November 2026. 11 universities are set to continue building the digital campus and pursuing innovation in higher education for the next 2 years.

July 9, 2026
Impact story

ECIU University in the making: How we connect the community across Europe

The main goal of Work Package 5 (Community Building and Mobility) is to build, support, and empower the ECIU University community. Here's how they make it happen - from mobility opportunities to community-building events.

July 9, 2026
Impact story

Funding granted for ECIU E-Campus: Turning student ideas into European ventures

ECIU members have secured funding for the new project, the ECIU University Entrepreneurial Campus (ECIU E-Campus) - set to strengthen innovation and entrepreneurship capacity of the European University Alliances and funded through EIT HEI.

July 8, 2026
Impact story

ECIU University Forum 2026: The power of new learning in a community under construction

On June 16-17th, ECIU University Forum 2026 took place at the University of Aveiro (Portugal), spotlighting the power of the community, real impact and innovation in higher education.

June 23, 2026
Event story

Building a European community beyond borders: Why a sense of belonging matters

A Coffee4ALL initiative, workshops for university rectors and FestivAlliance were among the twelve prototype solutions developed during last week’s ForEU4All conference in Strasbourg. University of Twente staff member Sandra Pool and Hamburg University of Technology student Eddie Arriaga Flores attended on behalf of ECIU University.

June 11, 2026
Event story

How the ECIU Leadership Programme strengthens the university leaders of the future

For Malin Lindqvist Appell and Aliaksei Kazlou, the ECIU Leadership Development Programme was not just a leadership programme but an educational journey that continues to shape their work. Here's what they had to say about it.

May 12, 2026
Impact story

Community talk: A UAB student shares her journey as an ECIU intern

First introduced to ECIU and ECIU University through courses her peers at the Autonomous University of Barcelona took, Vanessa Caiza went on to become an intern at ECIU’s Brussels office, captivated by the impact, values and potential for growth. We talked about how her journey unfolded – and what makes such opportunities for students important.

April 30, 2026
Student story

A Competitive Future with European Universities: A closer look at ECIU University’s high-level conference

This March, a high-level conference ‘A Competitive Future with European Universities’ took place in Brussels - reflecting on how European Universities alliances contribute to European competitiveness through collaboration and engagement of societal actors.

April 20, 2026
Event story

Beyond Classroom Walls – the ECIU University course where sustainability is experienced, not just studied

Students from different European countries and educational backgrounds gathered at Linköping University to explore sustainability in a way that few university courses offer: through encounters, site visits, outdoor education, and collective problem-solving. This is a real example of how sustainability teaching can take place beyond the classroom walls.

April 9, 2026
Student story

What the community says

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Anastasiia Ivanchenko
Kaunas University of Technology
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Martin Tosheski
Kaunas University of Technology
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Video Thumbnail of Judita Švaikauskaitė
Judita Švaikauskaitė
Kaunas University of Technology
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