Throughout the year, EU-CONEXUS partner universities hosted several BIPs, involving 85 students and 27 professors from diverse disciplines to co-create impactful solutions. EU-CONEXUS BIPs are co-developed and taught by professors from at least 3 universities and socioeconomic partners. They are interdisciplinary and offer not only hands-on experience in challenges common to coastal areas but also an immersive intercultural experience for teachers and students alike.
Designing Sustainable Coastal Pathways in Cyprus
The first BIP took place in March at Frederick University (Limassol, Cyprus). Students focused on creating sustainable educational walking trails that connect coastal ecosystems and urban living, and promote wellbeing in local communities. Using tools like pedometers and GIS mapping, they designed interactive routes highlighting ecological and cultural features. The BIP culminated in a presentation of these routes.
Psychology in Disaster Management: A Multidimensional Approach
In July, the Catholic University of Valencia (Valencia, Spain) hosted two BIPs. The first one examined the psychological, social, and public health aspects of disasters. Apart from the theoretical framework, the students learnt from the witnesses of the latest flood in Valencia, called Dana, and worked in teams to analyse disaster scenarios, assess policies, and design innovative resilience strategies. This hands-on experience, alongside expert-led mentoring, enhanced their ability to apply theory in practice in crisis contexts back in their native countries.
Myles, a Psychology student from South East Technological University, shared: “It was a truly unique experience. We tackled challenges in disaster management, focusing on floods and earthquakes. The collaboration was an inspiring and vital step in preparing for future crises.”
Living on the Coast: Housing Challenges in Dynamic Societies
The second BIP at Valencia addressed urban challenges in coastal areas, including rapid urbanisation, tourism, social inequality, and environmental risks. Students reviewed housing policies and urban planning, proposing solutions to improve sustainability, affordability, and inclusiveness in coastal cities.
Aelita, a Psychology student from Klaipėda University, highlighted the value of interdisciplinary teamwork, sharing that “working across disciplines to develop practical ideas was both impressive and full of potential.” This reflects how Challenge-Based Learning empowers students to turn ideas into real-world solutions with lasting impact.
These first 3 BIPs are the first opportunities to apply CBL methodology to joint EU-CONEXUS offers. They are paving the road for a wider range of the offers, including COILs (Collaborative Online International Learning) planned for the academic year of 2025-2026.
