ENLIGHT European University awarded to Vakis

We are pleased to announce that the NextGenOffshore project, Educating the Next Generation of Offshore Renewable Energy Professionals, has been selected for funding under the ENLIGHT European University Thematic Networks. Led by Professor Antonis I. Vakis, this initiative brings together expertise from across Europe to advance interdisciplinary education and research in offshore renewable energy (ORE).

Project Overview

NextGenOffshore focuses on wave and tidal energy conversion, offshore wind, and floating solar technologies, as well as related fields such as energy storage, asset management, hybrid energy farms, and life-cycle sustainability. The project also addresses policy, legal, social, economic, environmental, and spatial planning aspects, ensuring a comprehensive approach to ORE development.

A multidisciplinary team including experts in engineering, economics, psychology, law, and spatial planning will design a course that combines online self-study with onsite challenge-based learning. Bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD students from the University of Groningen, Ghent University, the University of the Basque Country, and Uppsala University will collaborate in interdisciplinary teams, using digital twins (virtual models of ORE technologies) to solve real-world challenges.

After an initial self-study phase, students will participate in a one-week intensive programme at one of the partner universities, following the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme framework. The project will also explore opportunities for research funding (e.g., Horizon Europe) and short-term exchanges for PhD students and early-career researchers.

A Collaborative Vision

NextGenOffshore reflects the strength of collaboration within the ENLIGHT European University Alliance. By bringing together leading institutions and experts, the project aims to educate future ORE professionals and drive innovation in sustainable energy.