On 17-18 September 2024, Kiel University hosted a meeting for the Expert Group working on Task 4.2: Increasing Student Participation through the Alliance. This task aims to develop strategies that foster student collaboration and networking through seed funds joint calls, thereby enhancing the visibility of the student approach to education, research, and innovation while disseminating good practices.
The gathering included in-person representatives from Nord University, the University of Split, the University of Cádiz, the University of Algarve, and the University of Malta, while members from the University of Brest and the Parthenope University of Naples participated virtually. The event provided a platform for productive discussions and collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing student engagement across partner universities, particularly regarding joint calls for proposals.
Representing the University of Malta, Bianca Pace, the KSU Student and International Affairs Officer, attended the meeting. Her participation contributed insights from a student perspective, ensuring that discussions were aligned with the real needs and experiences of students. Fernanda Giraldo, from the SEA-EU Office, also participated, sharing her experiences from an administrative viewpoint and the role she plays as a contact point for students.
The meeting was especially significant as it provided updates on the progress of student projects currently underway. The University of Malta, for instance, provided updates on its two ongoing projects: MedVoyAge, led by student Alessio Marrone under the supervision of Prof. Alan Deidun, and Buddies' Experiments, led by student Aspasia Marmaritsaki and supervised by Dr Paula Guzzanti Ferrer. This exchange of information fostered a collaborative atmosphere, allowing attendees to reflect on previous experiences, discuss challenges encountered, and review the application processes, guidelines, and forms for the upcoming Student Project Fund call, which is set to launch later this year.
Overall, the meeting not only provided updates on ongoing projects but also reinforced the SEA-EU Alliance’s commitment to enhancing student participation through shared experiences and collaborative learning.
