Student initiative and innovative legal education recognized at ENLIGHT Awards

A student-led initiative supporting Black female students and a serious game that challenges law students to tackle complex legal and technological issues: both received international recognition at the ENLIGHT Teaching & Learning Conference 2026 in Bern.

Ashley Monteiro was named runner-up for the ENLIGHT Inclusion Award with the Black Girl Support Collective. María Lorena Flórez Rojas, Assistant Professor of Technology Law at the Faculty of Law, was nominated for the ENLIGHT Teaching & Learning Award for her serious game You Are Hired!.

Creating a more inclusive university

The Black Girl Support Collective (Instagram and LinkedIn) is a student-led initiative that creates safe and supportive spaces for black female students. It focuses on fostering a sense of belonging, wellbeing and empowerment within the university.

Ashley Monteiro represented the University of Groningen with this initiative at the ENLIGHT Teaching & Learning Conference. The collective was named runner-up for the ENLIGHT Inclusion Award, receiving international recognition for its contribution to a more inclusive university environment.

Developing legal skills through a serious game

Innovative legal education at the University of Groningen also received international attention. María Lorena Flórez Rojas was nominated for the 2026 ENLIGHT Teaching & Learning Award for You Are Hired! A Serious Game for Building Communication, Problem-Solving, and Team Dynamics in Legal Education.

The serious game is part of the MasterClass on Technology Challenges. Students take on the role of consultants working for public and private organisations. They analyse realistic legal and technological challenges, develop solutions and present them to external stakeholders.

Alongside legal knowledge, students develop skills in communication, teamwork and problem-solving. Earlier in 2026, You Are Hired! was also named runner-up in the University of Groningen's Best Practice in Teaching & Learning Award.

International exchange on teaching and learning

The sixth ENLIGHT Teaching & Learning Conference took place at the University of Bern from 22 to 24 October 2026. The conference brings together students, teachers and education professionals from the ENLIGHT European university alliance to exchange experiences and ideas on innovative, student-centred approaches to teaching and learning.