We are pleased to invite you to participate in the *Workshop Series on Responsible AI in Higher Education*, organised within the framework of the EU-GREEN European University Alliance.

The workshops are organized by Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (OVGU), Germany, and will address key ethical, legal, and practical dimensions of artificial intelligence in education and research.

Participation is free of charge, but registration is required. To register, please complete the following form: https://forms.gle/U2m2u1HpTqK6hYzk7

The access link and further details will be sent to registered participants before each workshop.

We warmly encourage students, PhD students, academic staff, researchers, and all colleagues interested in responsible AI, digital education, and sustainable higher education to join us.

This Webinar is about AI implementation and is lead by Hannes Tegelbeckers. 

We are pleased to invite you to participate in the *Workshop Series on Responsible AI in Higher Education*, organised within the framework of the EU-GREEN European University Alliance.

The workshops are organized by Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (OVGU), Germany, and will address key ethical, legal, and practical dimensions of artificial intelligence in education and research.

Participation is free of charge, but registration is required. To register, please complete the following form: https://forms.gle/U2m2u1HpTqK6hYzk7

The access link and further details will be sent to registered participants before each workshop.

We warmly encourage students, PhD students, academic staff, researchers, and all colleagues interested in responsible AI, digital education, and sustainable higher education to join us.

This Webinar is about privacy and data minimisation and is lead by Hannes Tegelbeckers. 

How can telework become a driver of both well-being and sustainable performance? In this first webinar, the Swedish researcher will share an optimistic perspective on the future of work, highlighting the importance of autonomy, trust and collegial support in creating more balanced and sustainable teleworking practices.

“Bright Findings from Telework Research: When Flexibility Supports Well-Being and Performance” by Tea Korkeakunnas, researcher at the University of Gävle (Sweden)

  • Date: Thursday, 25 June 2026
  • Time: 11:00 to 12:00 CET
  • Target audience: Open to all
  • Language: English
  • Format: Online via Teams

 

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As part of the United for Mental Health webinar series, the EU GREEN Alliance invites participants to explore how simple relaxation techniques can support student well-being and enhance learning. Sowing the Seeds of Calmness to Learn presents an innovative educational experience developed at the University of Angers, where short sophrology sessions have been integrated into university teaching to help students manage stress and improve their ability to focus and learn.

Led by Maya Desmarais, a Spanish teacher at the University of Angers, and Éléonore Cussonneau, Head of the Germaine Tillion Research Centre and certified sophrologist, the webinar will share the project’s development and outcomes, as well as practical insights into incorporating brief relaxation exercises into the classroom. Participants will also take part in a live demonstration of a five-minute sophrology session and discuss how similar initiatives could be adapted to their own educational contexts.

The webinar is open to students, teachers, researchers, and anyone interested in promoting mental health and well-being through innovative approaches to teaching and learning.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

How can science education help address today’s sustainability challenges? This MasterClass presents the main research lines and educational experiences developed by our group, and related initiatives focused on sustainability, emotions and science education. Through examples involving primary school pupils and pre-service teachers, the session will explore how ecological literacy, biodiversity perception, emotions, misconceptions and sustainability competences influence science learning and environmental awareness. The MasterClass will also showcase innovative educational experiences based on active and experiential methodologies, including school gardens, gamified geology, biodiversity activities and inquiry-based science workshops. The session aims to reflect on the need for a more meaningful, emotionally connected and transformative science education capable of linking scientific knowledge with responsible action and sustainability.

Speakers: Prof. Isaac Corbacho-Cuello & Prof. Jesús Sánchez-Martín. University of Extremadura.

REGISTRATION LINK
LINK TO THE WEBINAR

The EU GREEN Early Stage Researchers Conference 2026 will bring together Master’s and PhD researchers from across the Alliance for three days of interdisciplinary exchange, collaboration, and academic development at the Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Sligo Campus, in Ireland.

Under the theme “EU GREEN Research & Sustainability, Insights Across Disciplines”, the conference will provide early-stage researchers with the opportunity to present their work to an international academic audience, receive constructive feedback, and connect with peers and experts from different disciplines and institutions. The event also aims to foster collaboration around sustainability-related research and strengthen the EU GREEN research community.

In addition to academic sessions, participants will have the opportunity to engage in networking, social, and cultural activities showcasing the West of Ireland. The conference is open to researchers from all EU GREEN partner universities.

 
REGISTRATION HERE

To celebrate the International Day for Biodiversity 2026, several EU GREEN universities will organise local activities connected through the BioUNIVERSITY initiative, encouraging students, staff, researchers, and citizens to actively engage with biodiversity on their campuses and surrounding environments.

Through citizen science activities using the iNaturalist platform, participants will contribute to documenting local flora and fauna while learning more about biodiversity, sustainability, and conservation. The initiative highlights how universities can act locally while contributing to a broader international effort to better understand and protect ecosystems.

The programme includes activities hosted by the University of Gävle, the University of Évora, the University of Parma, and Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, ranging from biodiversity walks and BioBlitz events to hands-on campus biodiversity labs. Participants will have the opportunity to explore nature, collaborate with researchers, and contribute directly to citizen science projects.

Activities include:

  • University of Évora (Portugal) – BioBlitz Herdade da Mitra
    📅 May 15–16, 2026
    A 24-hour biodiversity exploration at the University of Évora’s experimental farm.
  • University of Parma (Italy) – BioUNIVERSITY Lab
    📅 May 19, 2026
    Students and researchers will document biodiversity on campus using iNaturalist.
  • Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (Germany) – BioUNIVERSITY Walk
    📅 May 22, 2026
    A biodiversity walk focused on citizen science and species observation.
  • University of Gävle (Sweden) – International Day for Biological Diversity
    📅 May 27, 2026
    Including a presentation on citizen science and biodiversity observation activities using iNaturalist.

Participants are encouraged to join the BioUNIVERSITY project by installing the iNaturalist app, contributing observations, and helping build a shared biodiversity record across EU GREEN campuses.

 
On behalf of the EU GREEN Alliance, it is a pleasure to welcome you to this session in the framework of World Harmony Day.
 
Harmony is not only about peaceful coexistence between cultures and communities—it also begins within ourselves. In the university context, fostering harmony means creating environments where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. This is precisely the spirit behind the work developed within WP8: Campus Life, where mental health and well-being are central priorities.
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Today, we are glad to present an activity that reflects this commitment: the integration of relaxation and active breaks into university life.
We will begin with an introduction from the University of Évora, who has been leading important work in this area.
 
Following that, we will explore students’ perspectives through the study on “University Students’ Perceptions and Preferences Regarding Relaxation Breaks.” Understanding what students actually need and value is essential if we want to design effective well-being strategies.
 
We will then move beyond the lecture hall with a qualitative exploration of how short relaxation breaks can influence student well-being and focus. These insights highlight that even brief interventions can have a meaningful impact on attention, stress reduction, and overall academic experience.
 
To complement this, we will look at the broader picture:
 
What does the scientific literature tell us about active breaks among university students?
This joint contribution from the University of Évora, the University of Gävle, and the University of Extremadura brings together evidence that supports the integration of movement and relaxation into daily academic routines.
 
A key highlight of today’s session is the presentation of the aBREAK4you project—its origins, development, and the official launch of its video resources. This initiative represents a concrete tool that universities can adopt to promote healthier study habits and improve student well-being in a simple, accessible way.
 
We will also hear about the practical experiences of the University of Extremadura and the University of Évora in producing and implementing these videos. Their collaboration demonstrates how shared efforts within the EU GREEN Alliance can lead to tangible and scalable outcomes.
And, in the true spirit of today’s theme, we will not only talk about relaxation—we will also experience it together, with a short guided relaxation moment.
 
To conclude, this activity embodies what EU GREEN stands for:
collaboration, innovation, and care for the university community. By integrating small but meaningful practices into everyday academic life, we can move towards more balanced, inclusive, and harmonious campuses.

The EU GREEN Alliance proudly marks the International Day of Light (IDL), a UNESCO initiative celebrated annually on May 16th, through the EU GREEN Light Festival: Light for Sustainability, a vibrant, multi‑institutional programme of events across Europe.

Aligned with the 2026 theme, “Light for a Sustainable Future”, the festival showcases the transformative role of light and light‑based technologies in advancing scientific innovation, cultural expression, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through a diverse mix of in‑person and online activities, EU GREEN partner universities invited students, researchers, and communities to explore how light contributes to sustainability, education, and societal wellbeing.

 

Festival Highlights

University of Évora, Portugal (14–15 May)

Light, Science and Society: From Cultural Heritage to Global Atmospheres

The University of Évora will deliver a multidisciplinary programme combining scientific research, environmental action, and cultural heritage.

Date: 15 May

Time: 10:00 GMT

  • “From Light to Actions: How Spectroscopy Saved the Ozone Layer”
    A public lecture by Dr. Daniele Bortoli exploring how light-based analysis has supported global environmental protection efforts.

Link to the conference:
https://zoom.us/j/96115289132?pwd=awXKORbVwRNcmPHEfhYLDEMKibeQUa.1

 

Date: 14 May

Location: Local Public Event in Évora District Court and Library

 

“Haja Luz!” Public Engagement Programme will take place in Évora, featuring guided tours and talks at the District Court and Library. These sessions will highlight how light-based techniques are used in art analysis, manuscript preservation, early photography, and scientific investigation.

These activities highlight the intersection of science, culture, and society through light‑based innovation.

 

University of Parma, Italy (21 May)

Illuminating Sustainability: The Future of Optical Networks

The University of Parma will host a high‑level seminar event under the patronage of the IEEE Photonics Society Italy Chapter, exploring the critical role of optical fibre technologies in sustainable communication systems.

Date: 21st May

Time: 10.30-12.30pm (CET)

The programme will feature two expert-led sessions:

  • Dominique Chiaroni (Nokia Bell Labs) – Key directions for In-building Sustainable Optical Networks
  • Gudrun Gudmundsdottir (Technical University of Denmark) – Toward sustainable data transmission: Environmental impact of a fixed telecommunication network in Sweden 2024

This event will provide participants with valuable insights into how light-based technologies are shaping sustainable digital infrastructure.

To participate, you must register at this link:

Seminars International Day of Light – May 21st

The event is also part of the national Sustainable Development Festival.

University of Oradea, Romania (12–16 May)

SDG Glow‑Up Challenge 2026 – “Light Up the Future”

The University of Oradea will host a creative competition challenging students to transform sustainability concepts into innovative light‑based installations using recycled materials and simple circuitry or digital tools.

Participants will create original artworks representing one of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, submitting a digital project package including:

  • A final illuminated image or video
  • A short explanation of their concept
  • Evidence of sustainable material use

Winning projects will be announced on May 16th and transformed into professional digital campaign materials and showcased in a virtual “Hall of Light” gallery, highlighting student innovation across the EU GREEN Alliance.

 

Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Ireland

Illuminating Discovery: Research Image Competition

The ATU EU GREEN Team, in collaboration with the ATU Library, will host a Research Image Competition inviting undergraduate, postgraduate, and staff researchers to visually demonstrate how light drives discovery.

Submissions will explore themes such as:

  • Light as a scientific tool
  • Revealing invisible phenomena
  • Natural light and the universe
  • Data visualisation through light and colour

Winning images will be announced on 18th May, awarded prizes and featured across EU GREEN and ATU platforms, showcasing the visual power of research.

This masterclass offers an exploration of the One Health (OH) concept. This integrative and federative approach aims to consider human, animal, and environmental interactions for solving health concerns and crises. After defining the concept, the session will offer an interactive activity supported by educational tools that can be adapted for use within your university. Finally, this masterclass will examine how the OH concept provides a systemic perspective and places health at the heart of sustainable development, which should be a positive driver of change.

 

This masterclass will be led by:

  • Camille Savary, Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology ; Professor of Environmental health ; Project manager for ecological transition focusing on the educational aspect.
  • Matthieu Eveillard, PhD in Microbiology and Education ; Professor of Microbiology, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health, University of Angers ; and Vice- President teaching transformation, University of Angers.
  • Nicolas Papon, Ph.D. in Molecular biology ; Professor in Parasitology and Medical Mycology, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health, UA ; Head of the Fungal Respiratory Infections Research Unit ; Head of the Federative Structure for Research in Health Science ; University Hospital of Angers
REGISTER HERE