Board of Rectors in the frames of EURECA-PRO Review Week

A plenary Board of Rectors, thematic discussions on various forms of education and a session on financing international projects - these were among the events on the agenda of the second day of the international EURECA-PRO Review Week held at the Silesian University of Technology.

Since Tuesday, representatives of eight European universities associated in the EURECA-PRO consortium have been in Gliwice. The meeting organised at the Silesian University of Technology is attended by over 140 persons - rectors of partner universities, scientists, students and administration officers.

A crucial item on Wednesday's agenda was a plenary Board of Rectors of universities associated in EURECA-PRO consortium. Authorities of the Silesian University of Technology also attended the meeting: Rector Professor Arkadiusz Mężyk and Vice Rector for Science and Development Professor Marek Pawełczyk.

- (...) Today's Board of Rectors was an opportunity to present the achievements of the whole consortium, as well as to discuss the directions of further work and development of the initiative, which is the European University - said professor Marek Pawełczyk, who is the head of the EURECA-PRO project at the Silesian University of Technology.

The Educational Council also met on Wednesday. - (...) During the meeting we discussed all matters related to the introduction of a common educational offer in the field of responsible consumption and production at all levels of study at universities associated in the consortium. Moreover, we planned additional forms of education (summer schools, MOOCs, online lectures, workshops) and innovative education methods (PBL and STEM) - said Marcin Górski, PhD, deputy head of the EURECA-PRO project at the Silesian University of Technology.

In addition, the Research Task Force discussed, among other things, the European Commission's offer of funding for international projects, and meetings were scheduled between scientists in thematic groups corresponding to priority research areas.

On Wednesday morning, a side event of EURECA-PRO Review Week took place, prepared by the Science Popularisation Centre of the Silesian University of Technology - "We support sport scientifically". The academic community also got a chance to see the post-competition exhibition of ECO with EURECA made by children and young adults.

On Thursday, May 19th, among other things, there will be a discussion on the development of the scientific potential of the alliance, directions and areas of joint research and project activities of EURECA-PRO scientists. The closing of the event will take place on Friday.

The Rector, Professor Arkadiusz Mężyk, reminded us that the whole activity of the EURECA-PRO consortium revolves around the 12th UN Sustainable Development Goal, which concerns responsible consumption and production.

- (...) Among the activities results of universities and research institutes are scientific achievements, which are implemented later in the economy. However, for many years, these have often been used very short-sightedly, without looking at the long-term effects. It is, therefore, time to start thinking about how to implement these scientific results so that they not only do not harm the environment but actually begin to help our planet. Hence the idea to develop goals for sustainable development and link them with the university's activities - emphasised the Rector.

The EURECA-PRO (European University on Responsible Consumption and Production) consortium brings together 8 European universities: Silesian University of Technology (Poland),  Montanuniversität Leoben (Austria), Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg (Germany), Technical University of Crete (Greece), Universidad de León (Spain), University of Petrosani (Romania), University of Applied Sciences Mittweida (Germany) and Hasselt University (Belgium).

Participation in the EURECA-PRO consortium is beneficial for students, researchers and doctoral students of member universities. Students can participate in joint study programmes, benefit from classes organised by lecturers from other countries at partner universities. Doctoral students can participate in mutual programmes, while researchers can implement various European programmes and jointly apply for funding.