News / Events

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Unpacking Plastic Symposium 20th May 2025

Plastic is everywhere—woven into our daily lives, embedded in our environment, and even present in our bodies. But what does this truly mean?

Unpacking Plastic is an event that delves into the complex role of plastic in our modern world, exploring its presence across multiple scales, from global pollution concerns to its impact on personal health and daily behaviors. Through an engaging keynote, hands-on workshops, and interactive activities, this event brings together knowledge and action, helping us rethink our relationship with plastic and discover practical steps toward change.

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ENLIGHT 2025 Impact Conference

Registration is now open - please find the programme info here

We are excited to announce that the 2nd ENLIGHT Impact Conference will be held at the University of Groningen. On 27-28 March 2025, we welcome international impact experts, practitioners, academics and management staff to explore and share the progress of integrating impact into all facets of the university, including teaching, research, innovation and service to society. The event will also present the ENLIGHT Impact Awards.

Impact Awards Nominations
The call for nominations for the ENLIGHT Impact Awards 2025, recognizing outstanding contributions by our academic community in advancing knowledge, research, and societal impact, is now open.

If your work has made a significant societal difference, we encourage you to submit a nomination! Awardees become ENLIGHT Impact Ambassadors, which further offers opportunities to spread knowledge about your work. The deadline for internal submissions is January 15, 2025. The selection of the maximum 3 UG nominees will be announced on January 31, 2025.

For full details on categories, submission guidelines, and the application form, please check the criteria and application form below. The awards will be presented on 28 March 2025, in Groningen, during the ENLIGHT Conference.

We are looking forward to your participation!

Criteria and Application form

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UG successful in ENLIGHT Calls 2024

The results of the ENLIGHT Calls 2024 have been announced. Over 1,000 academics from the ten ENLIGHT partner universities together submitted 80 proposals for the ENLIGHT Thematic Networks (ETN) and Incubator Grants. Both the quality and balanced participation of the partner universities played a role in the final rigorous selection. We are proud to announce that the UG participates in eight of the ten winning ENLIGHT Thematic Networks, and is also represented in two of the seven selected Incubator Grants.

ENLIGHT Thematic Networks and Incubator Grants
The ETN funds are intended to support and establish interdisciplinary networks linking education, research and outreach to the six ENLIGHT focus areas. For the Incubator Grants, proposals could be submitted for future-proof international education projects, again linked to the ENLIGHT focus areas. The UG participated in 46 of the 80 applications. Please find an overview here of all selected projects in which the UG is involved.

What about the other applications?
The UG will also financially support non-selected UG proposals. This contribution can provide time and space to, for example, prepare for a next call or to look at other funding opportunities. For questions or more information, please contact the UG-ENLIGHT team: enlight@rug.nl.

Rector Jacquelien Scherpen: We are very pleased with the large and especially UG-wide interest in these ENLIGHT Calls. It shows that our university community wants to continue to use the potential of international networks to strengthen our research, education and innovation. Especially given the government's planned major budget cuts and reduction of English-language programmes in higher education, commitment to collaboration is necessary to ensure our impact. Securing our scientific quality in research and education, but also addressing global issues such as climate change, health crises and technological advancement can only be achieved through cooperation with international partners and a joint approach. Therefore, we believe it is important to support as many of these collaborative initiatives as possible.

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ENLIGHT Joint Courses (BIPs) - Apply until 15 November

The ENLIGHT program offers short-term courses (Blended Intensive Programmes - BIPs) abroad for University of Groningen students, combining online and onsite learning with peers from 10 universities. These courses may award extra ECTS and are available in Spring 2025. Courses include AI, sustainability, climate adaptation, and more. Students can apply for an ERASMUS+ grant to cover costs, though this is not guaranteed. The deadline to apply for all courses is 15 November 2024. For details on ENLIGHT courses and ERASMUS+ grants, students should contact their faculty's Exchange Office.

ENLIGHT Teaching & Learning Conference and Awards 2024

The 4th edition of the ENLIGHT Teaching and Learning Conference was recently held in Tartu. From 7 - 9 October, more than 230 students, teachers and educators from the ENLIGHT partners gathered to share examples of innovative teaching, network and look at collaboration opportunities. Part of the programme could be followed online. The UG was also present and participated in workshops, discussions and gave presentations. In addition to this participation, Meghan Muldoon was nominated for the Teaching and Learning award for her master’s level course “Critical Tourism Studies” and Adham Alaa Ibrahim El-Dabaa Ahmed received a Diversity Award for his project “Break the Fast”. UG is very proud to participate in this event, of the collaboration of all the wonderful colleagues in attendance and of those nominated for an award. 

Here are some impressions from UG participants:

Adham’s information and social outreach event (Ramadan “Break the Fast”) was nominated for the ENLIGHT Inclusion Award. Break the Fast shared third place for this award due its community impact and inclusivity of different communities. Given the social and political context, it’s very important to raise the voices and sense of belonging of the Muslim community at the University, as well as raising awareness for non-Muslim students and staff, which Adham’s project contributed to.

Adham Alaa Ibrahim Eldabaa Ahmed (University of Groningen Student, Faculty of Economics and Business)

“Every effort worthy of an award started with an idea. My idea was to organize an enjoyable event that represents a community from outside of the Netherlands.

Winning this award granted me the wonderful opportunity to attend the Enlight conference in Tartu. Attendees from various European countries were present, and in addition to receiving my award, I felt delighted to represent the institution at the event as a non-European attendee. My award was a hand crafted porcelain lighthouse, resembling the Enlight logo. While the award was very thoughtful, the true rewarding experience for me was seeing my message resonate with the audience. 

I received praise from participants across the many various universities throughout Europe. The attendees agreed with my points on the value of representation and how embracing one another's cultures may be an engaging and instructive way to handle diverse groups more effectively. This recognition was truly rewarding, and I hope that this experience will now ignite a light in people’s minds that could lead to more great ideas."

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Malini Miles-Christiansen (Management Assistant, TEM co-coordinator)

“I am very grateful to have been given the opportunity to participate in the ENLIGHT Conference in Tartu 2024. It is not always that I am able to take a wider view of my work, and of the things that seem to be happening parallel to each other at different universities. The conference gave me a real understanding of the international aspects of the challenges that the teaching community faces, and how it may seem like we're functioning according to standard measures - whereas the reality is actually very different! These differences in approaches are quickly exposed in such intense conditions where brainstorming, networking and cooperating are the underlying currents, and become the foundation to many great conversations. Not to mention, Tartu University and Tartu itself are so beautiful and historic! “

Catherine Meissner (Curriculum Developer, EQUIPPING, International Classroom project)

“As we arrive in the charming university city of Tartu, the sun is shining, and autumn has already settled in. We’re here for the ENLIGHT Conference on Teaching and Learning, and for many colleagues like myself, it’s not our first time. There’s a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation in the air for the days ahead.

The first day kicks off with breakfast at the hotel, accompanied by a lively discussion about interdisciplinary education and the importance of keeping an open mind to diverse perspectives. This is what I truly appreciate about this conference—it’s genuinely focused on teaching and learning, with all participants sharing a passionate interest in education. Another reason it’s one of my favourite conferences is the active involvement of students in shaping the programme. Many presentations and workshops are co-presented with students, which naturally brings a valuable student perspective into the discussions.

At the end of the day, I find myself in conversation with two STEM students about my presentation on inclusive assessment. Their insights make me realise that I should consider disciplinary differences when thinking about assessment methods. As we stroll along the river toward the welcome dinner, I reflect on this with two colleagues, and we decide to set up a collaborative project between Groningen and Bordeaux—our shared interest in the topic, coupled with our diverse perspectives, makes it an exciting opportunity.

Back in Groningen, we’ve already scheduled a meeting. Once again, this conference hasn’t just been a source of inspiration; it’s given me a concrete opportunity to learn from and collaborate with colleagues from the incredible ENLIGHT network.”

Meghan L. Muldoon (Assistant Professor, Sustainable Tourism & Society, Campus Fryslân)

Meghan Muldoon’s masters level course, Critical Tourism Studies, was nominated for a teaching and learning award. The course was driven by critical conversations regarding the social, cultural, environmental, health and well-being, economic, and political impacts of global tourism in the 21st century.

"Although I was unable to attend the conference this year, I feel that the RUG was well represented by a former Cultural Geography Master's student, Monica van der Veen, who attended in my stead. It was an honour to have my course, Critical Tourism Studies, representing the RUG at this important conference. Events like the ENLIGHT conference are incubators for sharing innovative ideas regarding teaching pedagogies and bringing together like-minded practitioners who see the value in trying new and creative approaches to teaching at the university. ENLIGHT is an important network focusing on sustainability, innovation, and social justice in its partner organizations, and these are priorities that I cherish and am happy to be a part of the RUG's commitment to social change and transformative actions."

The next ENLIGHT Teaching Learning Conference will be hosted by the University of Uppsala, from 8 - 10 October 2025.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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Second edition of the Deep Learning for Forestry Course successfully finalised

The second edition of the "Deep Learning for Forestry" course, hosted by the University of Groningen, was a great success. This unique learning experience brought together students from 6 ENLIGHT partner universities from different disciplines, allowing them to develop their teamwork and intercultural skills as well.

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ENLIGHT Staff Weeks: training opportunities for support staff

Would you like to take a training course abroad and meet peers from other ENLIGHT universities? ENLIGHT has published a calendar of different training opportunities for support staff from member universities. These staff weeks last from two to five days, take place on location and cover a wide range of topics. It's a great way to expand your professional network, learn about other cultures and maybe even forge new collaborations. Find each university's current offerings for next year here.

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ENLIGHT Impact Awards

On June 11th in Bilbao, the ENLIGHT Impact Awards recognized research projects with significant societal impact. The University of Groningen's projects included the Invi Bracelet: a nonviolent self-defense tool against (sexual) violence, Enhancing National and Cross-Border Security: Automatic detection of Face Morphing Attacks, and Michi Noeki as social infrastructure: a rest stop in the neighborhood. The event featured discussions and workshops on research impact, concluding with the announcement of the ENLIGHT Impact Ambassadors.

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ENLIGHT Teaching and Learning Conference

The fourth ENLIGHT Teaching and Learning Conference will take place at the University of Tartu from 7 to 9 October 2024. The conference theme is Innovation and Creativity in Higher Education. Until 12 May, 2024, interested people can submit their proposal that they will then present at the conference!

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Online ENLIGHT Matchmaking Events:

The Online ENLIGHT Matchmaking Events on April 29 and 30 offer opportunities for ENLIGHT researchers to connect, collaborate, and develop partnerships. On Monday, April 29, participants can pitch research ideas for collaborations, with sessions focused on matchmaking tools and joint funding proposals. Early Career Researchers (ECRs) are specifically invited to join on Tuesday, April 30, for a workshop on leadership and networking led by Juko-Mart Kõlar.

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ENLIGHT Teaching & Learning Conference and Award 2023

The 3rd edition of the ENLIGHT Teaching and Learning Conference was recently held in Bordeaux. From 11 - 13 October, more than 200 students, teachers and educators from the ENLIGHT partners gathered to share examples of innovative teaching, network and look at collaboration opportunities. Part of the programme could be followed online. The UG was also present and participated in workshops, discussions and gave presentations. In addition, the programme included a keynote by Robert Coelen of Campus Fryslan entitled 'Empowering students of Higher Education with Diversity' and the Global Dialogue Awards and the T&L Awards, the prizes for best programme of the year, were presented. We congratulate Benjamin Leruth of the Faculty of Arts on winning a T&L Award. His team received 3rd prize for the course 'Democratic Innovations'.

Here are some impressions from UG participants:

Dr. Liga Klavina, Psychology Department, Faculty of Behavioural & Social Sciences
The team Liga is part of won the first T&L Award in 2021

“Compared to the earlier editions this had, I think, the highest student representation and engagement. It is one of the things that makes the conference special, students are co-presenters and presenters, and also have active roles in shaping the conference. What I value is the resulting dynamic conversations about teaching and learning. In every subgroup discussion I was involved in, students were there readily sharing their perspective and experience. Student co-creation to some may seem like a distant and not always a realistic scenario, whereas in this conference it really comes to life. With the ENLIGHT project moving forward, I am curious if the sometimes apparent disconnect in how some topics, such as sustainability and diversity, are thought about by different groups (based on age, region, discipline) can be bridged? Perhaps through the role of moderator(s) in key moments in the conference representing a multitude of such voices?
The set-up of our peer mentor system at psychology received interest from students and staff of other universities, and I learned a lot about challenge-based learning, both from diving deep into exploring the opportunities and limitations, and from the other ENLIGHT colleagues sharing what they learned from their own Challenge-based learning courses”.

Scholte Boels, trainer en loopbaanadviseur - FEB Career Services
I have never been to the ENLIGHT Teaching and Learning conference before, and I was very curious to find out what the role of students who attended the conference would be. The way professors, staff, and students engaged with each other and shared perspectives resulted in a very dynamic conference with some interesting discussions. What stood out to me was the diversity of instructional strategies and ideas that teachers use to empower learners. A particularly interesting idea that I came across was a career readiness self-assessment tool for students that provides learners with a selection of activities they can engage in (offered by career services). The tool lets students take ownership of their career development process as well as helps them structure the process and support them in their needs.

The T&L Award
During both previous editions, the UG won prizes, so we were very curious if we would succeed again this year. On behalf of the UG, Benjamin Leruth, Assistant Professor of European Politics and Society, Faculty of Arts, was nominated for the course Democratic Innovations, which focuses on innovative approaches to democratic participation and public decision-making. Since Leruth himself unfortunately could not attend, he had asked one of his students, Rabea Scmucker to represent him and convince the jury - this year composed entirely of students - of the innovative nature of the course.. And it worked: Benjamin was awarded the third prize. Well done, Rabea!

Benjamin Leruth, teacher Democratic Innovations: "I am very grateful to the jury for recognizing this course and the efforts we put into making it a unique learning experience. I would like to thank my colleagues Léonie de Jonge and Stefan Couperus (who used to co-teach this course), all stakeholders who agreed to be part of the democratic experiments, as well as all students who took the course over the past three years: the course has become a success story thanks to their invaluable contributions".

Rabea Schmucker, student Democratic Innovations: “Being enrolled in this course and getting to represent Benjamin at the Conference has been a truly enriching experience, which I am very thankful for. What really sets the course apart from others for me is the emphasis on practical application as it makes me engage more deeply with the content and increases understanding."

The next ENLIGHT Teaching Learning Conference will be hosted by the University of Tartu, from 7-9 October 2024. Save the date!

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EU grants ENLIGHT four more years  
ENLIGHT among selected European University alliances and secures €14.4 million

We are very proud to announce that ENLIGHT, now consisting of 10 universities from 10 European countries, is among the 30 selected alliances by the European Commission and will receive €14.4 million for the next four years. ENLIGHT intends to allocate a significant portion of the funding towards academic initiatives, emphasizing its commitment to supporting scholars. Moreover, we are pleased to welcome the University of Bern as our newest alliance member. This collaboration strengthens the diversity and impact of the alliance, furthering its mission to develop a university of the future. 

From project to sustainable network
In the next phase ENLIGHT will be able to expand and enhance the initiatives developed during the pilot phase. The ambition remains to create an open space for students and staff to learn, teach, collaborate, create and innovate. New will be the launch of bottom-up calls for interdisciplinary thematic networks and start-up grants to promote the development of future-proof education. In addition, the alliance has expanded its focus areas, adding 'culture and creativity' to the existing areas of health and well-being, digitalisation, climate change, energy and circular economy, and equality.

UG rector Cisca Wijmenga: “As ENLIGHT, we are moving from a project-based approach to a sustainable network. It is our common ambition, now that the new proposal has been awarded, to anchor this collaboration in our institutions, in our activities and especially in our people. Here in Groningen, our interdisciplinary schools and the University of the North are an excellent stepping stone to make this happen. We look forward to taking the next steps together with all our partners to develop an open and inclusive European university."

ENLIGHT
ENLIGHT is a European University alliance formed by 10 comprehensive, research-intensive universities comprising the universities of Bilbao (Basque Country), Bern (Switzerland), Bordeaux (France), Comenius Bratislava (Slovakia), Galway (Ireland), Ghent (Belgium), Gottingen (Germany), Groningen (Netherlands), Tartu (Estonia) and Uppsala (Sweden). Together, they educate more than 300,000 students per year and share a strong commitment to social responsibility. Just last June the UG hosted the general mid-year meeting bringing together staff and students from all partners for discussions and workshops around the central theme ‘transformation’.