Researchers from VU Amsterdam are participating in seven new international projects that have received funding from the third round of Aurora's Call for Incentive Research and Education Collaboration.
The projects bring together researchers, faculty, and students from various Aurora universities to address societal challenges and develop new forms of international education.
The programme encourages collaboration among the Aurora universities and places extra emphasis this year on the connection between research and education. Within the selected projects, partners are working together on new research networks, international courses, and innovative educational activities.
1. CARE-AURORA: Research with Society
CARE-AURORA (Community-engaged Action for Research-driven Education & Resilience) brings together researchers, students, and societal partners to address societal challenges. The project focuses on participatory research and education that contributes to resilient communities.
2. CIRCULAR: Towards Circular Fashion
CIRCULAR (Closing the Loop) explores how the global garment industry can contribute to a circular economy. The project focuses on sustainability, producer responsibility, and the future of circular fashion.
3. DLFE: European Education in Digital Law
DLFE (Digital Law Fortnight Goes European) develops an international educational programme at the intersection of law, technology, and computer science. Key topics include digital regulation, algorithms, and fundamental rights.
4. EDGE: Expertise in Digital Environments
EDGE (Exploring Lay Expertise in Digital Environments) examines how citizens develop and share knowledge in digital environments. The project explores the role of participation and expertise in an increasingly digital society.
5. EMPOWER: Futures Thinking for Inclusive Cities
EMPOWER (Futures Literacy as Anticipatory Governance) investigates how futures thinking can contribute to more inclusive policymaking and governance. The experiences of marginalized urban and Indigenous communities are at the heart of the project.
6. PATVOICE: Amplifying the Patient Voice
PATVOICE (The Patient Voice in Healthcare Polyphony) focuses on strengthening the role of patients in healthcare, research, and education. The project explores how patient perspectives can be better integrated into decision-making processes.
7. TRACE: Education, Inclusion, and Democracy
TRACE (Transnational Responses to Antifeminism and Culturalized Explanations in Education) examines antifeminist developments and culturalized narratives in education. The project promotes international knowledge exchange on inclusion, democracy, and social justice.
International collaboration for societal impact
The seven projects align with several Aurora themes, including Digital Society & Global Citizenship, Sustainability & Climate Change, Health & Wellbeing, Cultures: Identities & Diversities, and Peace Education. Together, they contribute to Aurora’s ambition to increase societal impact through international collaboration in both research and education.
For VU Amsterdam, these projects create new opportunities to connect researchers, educators, and students with partners across Europe and beyond, fostering collaborative solutions to complex societal challenges.
More information can be found on the Aurora website.