ChallengeEU Alliance
To enhance opportunities for international collaboration in studies and science, the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU) has become a member of the European Universities alliance ChallengeEU. This membership will significantly accelerate the university's development pace, including expanding existing international mobility opportunities for students, faculty, and researchers. It is one of the 14 new university alliances supported by the European Commission under the 2024 Erasmus+ European Universities call.
To achieve the transformation of higher education in Europe and create a unified and competitive higher education space, the European Commission has supported the establishment of 64 university alliances in recent years, bringing together more than 560 higher education institutions.
LBTU has become a member of one such alliance and, in the coming years, will collaborate with eight European universities from Germany, France, Sweden, Switzerland, North Macedonia, Spain, and Poland to implement study programs, research projects, and promote good governance principles.
In the CHALLENGEEU alliance, LBTU will begin joint work with Offenburg University of Applied Sciences (Germany), European University of Lisbon (Portugal), Mid Sweden University (Sweden), ECAM La Salle (France), University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (Switzerland), South East European University (North Macedonia), European University of Valencia (Spain), and University of Warmia and Mazury (Poland).
European University alliances bring together a new generation of Europeans and allow them to study and work in different European countries, in various languages, fields, and academic disciplines. Students can receive a high-level education by combining studies in several European countries, enhancing the attractiveness and competitiveness of European higher education on the international stage. These alliances also drive innovation in European regions, enabling students to collaborate with academics, researchers, businesses, cities, institutions, and civil society organizations.
The goal of European Universities is to improve the international competitiveness of European universities and promote European values and identity. This initiative will foster long-term and strategic cooperation among higher education institutions, promoting innovative research and education activities to address societal challenges.
For more information please visit ChallengeEU Alliance webpage: https://challenge-eu.eu/
What is ChallengeEU?
ChallengeEU is a European University Alliance in which nine universities come together to jointly develop study courses, research initiatives, mobility opportunities, and international activities for both students and staff. The alliance’s goal is to provide modern, interdisciplinary, and international education in the long term.
How is ChallengeEU different from Erasmus+?
Erasmus+ is a mobility programme for students and academic staff (studies, internships, teaching abroad). ChallengeEU offers much broader cooperation: joint courses, joint programmes, collaborative projects, research activities, staff development, and more.
Does ChallengeEU offer opportunities to study or complete an internship at the partner universities?
Yes. Students will have opportunities for study mobility at partner universities, to participate in short intensive programmes, and to take part in internships and international projects.
What opportunities does ChallengeEU offer students - beyond studies and internships?
In addition to studies and internships, students gain access to jointly developed international courses, participation in international project activities, intensive weeks and summer schools, and support from international mentors. Students may also benefit from additional research opportunities, a wider European network, and the chance to engage in online activities offered by partner universities, expanding their knowledge and international experience.
How can I apply for ChallengeEU activities?
Each course or activity will have its own application procedure. All relevant information will be provided when activities are announced.
How courses will be recognised within LBTU study programmes?
ChallengeEU courses are coordinated across the universities, and once successfully completed they will be recognised as part of the study programme or as elective courses/modules.
Will I receive a certificate or will activities appear in the diploma supplement?
Yes. A certificate will be issued for completed ChallengeEU courses and activities, and they will also appear in the diploma supplement as internationally completed courses.
What financial support is available for participants?
Support typically includes scholarships or daily allowances for mobility, reimbursement of travel expenses, and funding for short-term visits. The exact amounts depend on the specific activity and funding model.
Which study programme or faculty students can participate?
Participation is generally open to all faculties. However, students should review the course descriptions, where specific requirements or conditions will be listed.
How can LBTU academic staff participate in ChallengeEU?
Academic staff can contribute to the development of joint courses, participate in project working groups, engage in research collaborations, and go on mobility visits to partner universities.
What research collaboration opportunities are available with other alliance universities?
These include joint research projects, co-authored publications, access to partner infrastructure, and participation in international research teams.
How are modules or courses co-developed among partners?
Universities create shared course content, develop shared study materials, co-teach, and support mixed student teams within an international learning environment.
Does ChallengeEU offer additional mobility opportunities such as seminars, conferences, or short visits?
Yes. The alliance organises short visits, staff exchanges, conferences, seminars, and joint summer schools.
What support is available for LBTU academic staff?
Staff usually receive funding for travel, support for developing study materials, opportunities to attend training and professional development courses, as well as administrative assistance for project implementation.
How can ChallengeEU enhance study quality and interdisciplinarity at LBTU?
By providing international joint courses, introducing innovative teaching methods, creating interdisciplinary programmes, strengthening cooperation with industry, and attracting foreign experts and lecturers.
Will there be professional training courses for staff?
Yes. European University Alliances offer digital skills training, pedagogy courses, teaching mobility opportunities, seminars, and thematic workshops for staff.
Where can I find the latest information about the alliance’s activities?
A dedicated section on the LBTU website provides up-to-date information about ChallengeEU and includes an option to subscribe to the alliance’s newsletter. You can also follow the alliance on its social media channels and official website.