Application deadline:  July 31

Call for Student Participation:

Empowering Minds to Support a Peaceful Society

This year’s EC²U Forum at the Johannes Kepler University Linz is titled "Empowering Minds to Support a Peaceful Society", opens an external URL in a new window. 
Over the course of four days, between October 21 and 24, 2024, representatives, researchers and students from all eight EC²U partner universities will come together to share ideas, discuss examples of best practices, and address current issues in an effort to foster an open-minded society and build a sustainable future through education, inclusion and respectful dialogue.

The Students' Challenge, SDG "Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions", opens an external URL in a new window, features five sub-topics, each of which the students involved work on as part of small groups (with other members from all eight universities). The idea is to share ideas, perspectives and experiences, jointly identify key aspects, and work together to formulate potential approaches. The results will then be creatively presented on Thursday during the "Voice of Students". Mentors, faculty members, and researchers from the EC²U partner universities will be on hand to provide student support.
 

Student Challenge Sub-Topics:, opens a file

1. Creating Strong Universities:

   Discussions will focus on strategies and initiatives to improve the quality, infrastructure and future direction of universities, including innovative advancements in research and strengthening partnerships.

2. Successfully Integrating Refugees and International Students:

   The spotlight will be on best practices, examples of best practices, and new approaches to welcome refugees and international students to universities and successfully provide support during their academic journey.

3. How Do You Create a "Narrative of Peace" in a Polarized World?

   The objective is to identify solution-oriented discourse strategies that foster mutual understanding and respect for different perspectives.

4. Students at Risk

   Define methodologies and processes to help students continue their education despite global conflicts and adverse circumstances.

5. Challenges and Opportunities for Universities in a Growing Digital World:

   Examine how new technologies are impacting higher education and exploring ways in which digital tools can improve learning methods.

Application Process:

• Who: All JKU students currently enrolled at the time of application, and at the time of the event. 
• Application period: June 14 to July 31. (Selected participants will be notified by mid-July)
• Registration period: Beginning in mid-July to mid-September (detailed information will be available by mid-July)

The selected participants will receive detailed information about the program.

General Forum Highlights:
The following program points are open to the general public:

• Photo Exhibition
  • Picture yourself traveling to all 8 partner universities and their home cities: Coimbra (Portugal), Iaşi (Romania), Jena (Germany), Linz (Austria), Pavia (Italy), Poitiers (France), Salamanca (Spain), and Turku (Finland).
• Career Session
  • Learn how to advance your career internationally as part of the EC²U network.
• Think-Tank Session
  • Discover the think-tank outcomes during “Social Innovation to Build Peace”. Panels will present summaries and submit joint recommendations to the EU Commission.
• Science Contest
  • Watch EC²U teams from Salamanca, Iasi, and Linz compete in scientific challenges. Witness their creativity and innovative approaches to addressing problems.
• Student Voices
  • Listen to EC²U students as they present the findings, outcomes, and results of their discussions on the five sub-topics.

Apply now to be part of an inspiring event aimed at empowering minds to support a peaceful and inclusive society!