Looking back at the Aurora Fall Biannual 2023
Last month, Palacký University Olomouc hosted the Aurora Fall Biannual 2023 on October 17th and 18th for in Olomouc, Czechia. The event brought together over 200 participants hailing from 18 universities from within the Aurora community and beyond.
Watch the Aurora Fall Biannual aftermovie
The Aurora Fall Biannual focused on taking stock of Aurora’s achievements as part of the European Universities initiative.
These European developments took center stage in the plenary sessions and panels:
- Aurora Pilot Phase: Aurora Model Alliance?
- The impact and role of European Universities on future of Higher Education in Europe
- Alliance Exchange – Balancing Education, Research Innovation and Social Responsibility
- Toward student-centered European University Alliances
Aurora’s commitment to sustainability was also highlighted during the event, with an opening presentation and plenary session dedicated to Aurora’s work on making our community greener and more sustainable.
Collaboration within Aurora was further strengthened by the momentous singing of a Memorandum of understanding on the sharing of research infrastructure, as well as the signing of the second version of the Multilateral Aurora Mobility Agreement (MAMA).
Next to the retrospective of Aurora’s remarkable accomplishments, the Aurora community came together to look forward to the exciting prospects that lie ahead.Participants also engaged in thought-provoking Thematic sessions on prominent Aurora topics suchs as COIL, the Aurora Competence Framework, and Technology Transfer.
Want to relive the biannual or catch up on any sessions you missed? You can watch back the recordings of the plenary sessions below:
🎥 17/10/2023 – Day 1
🎥 18/10/2023 – Day 2
You can find a selection of photos below, the full photo gallery of the biannual can be downloaded here.
Aurora’s European University programme secured continued funding
Aurora’s European University programme secured continued funding
Palacký University Olomouc is delighted to announce that the Aurora European University programme has secured a second round of funding under the 2023 European Universities Initiative Call by the European Commission. This ensures that Aurora can deepen its existing cooperation and continue its mission in higher education transformation.
Michal Malacka, Vice-rector for strategy and external relations commented that: “Aurora’s successful continuation to the next phase is a great achievement of the entire Aurora team and community. It is also a great reward to a hard-working Aurora team at UP, and we are excited to continue building our European University with 8 excellent strategic partners. For UP, Aurora ensures important partaking in the European higher education developments.”
The upcoming Aurora 2030 consortium, led by the University of Iceland, has been granted funding for a four-year period. This programme, which received 90/100 evaluative points from the Commission, builds on the significant progress made during the 2020-2023 pilot phase. Aurora President Jon Atli Benediktsson joyously shares:
“I am delighted that Aurora 2030 has been awarded a four-year continuation grant by the European Commission. This is a strong vote of confidence in Aurora’s mission to equip students with the skills and mindsets needed to address societal challenges. This new grant will allow us to continue working closely with our partners across Europe and beyond.”
The new programme will feature both a continuation of existing, as well as completely new Aurora activities. UP has significantly increased the role it will play in this new programme, with UP Aurora Institutional Coordinator, Selma Porobic commenting:
“I am very pleased to announce that UP has increased its leadership in a number of activities in the next Aurora programme, including Capacity Building and Community Engagement Work focusing on CEE countries and Ukraine, Engaging Regional Ecosystems and Stakeholders, Aurora Sustainable Campus, Aurora Student Community, and overall Sustainability of Aliance 2030+. We have also secured co-leadership in Education for Sustainable Devlopment, Innovative pedagogies, Academic collaboration, Social entrepreneurship and Innovation, Communication and dissemination, as well as Student services.”
More information on Aurora’s goals and priorities for this renewed commitment can be found here.
The Czech National Agency for international education, Dům zahraniční spolupráce, was also happy to congratulate UP being among the select Czech universities awarded continued support by the commission. They provided an overview of continuing and newly funded European University Alliances with Czech members here.
About Aurora
The Aurora 2030 consortium comprises the University of Iceland (UIce), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VUA), University of Innsbruck (UIBK), University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE), Copenhagen Business School (CBS), Palacký University Olomouc (UP), Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), Université Paris Est Creteil (UPEC), and the University of Napoli Federico II (UNINA) as well as seven associated academic and non-academic partners including University of East Anglia (UEA), South-West University “Neofit Rilski” (SWUNR), Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice (UPJSK), the University of Tetova (UT), Kharkiv National University, European Forum Alpbach, Information Centre on Academic Mobility and Equivalence (CIMEA) who together span 13 countries.
Aurora Fall Biannual at Palacky University Olomouc
Join us at the Palacký University Olomouc on October 17th and 18th for the highly anticipated Aurora Fall Biannual 2023 in Olomouc, Czechia.
More information on the biannual can be found here.
Experience a retrospective of Aurora’s remarkable accomplishments and delve into the exciting prospects that lie ahead. Engage in thought-provoking high-level panel discussions on the future of European Higher Education and connect with colleagues from across Aurora and much more.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of something truly extraordinary. Register now to claim your spot at the Aurora Fall Biannual 2023.
Connect with us on social media using #AuroraBiannualUP
International Summer University Programme at Copenhagen Business School
We are happy to inform you that Copenhagen Business School will be organizing International Summer University Programme (ISUP) in Summer 2023.
As part of the ISUP, two Aurora courses will be offered, each for 7,5 ECTS:
|
Bachelor |
An Introduction to Social Entrepreneurship |
BHAAI1097U |
|
|
Graduate |
Social Entrepreneurship and Business Model Innovation |
CCMVI2115U |
Duration of the courses: 27 June – 13 July 2023
Exam period: Home assignments written in parallel with the course: 27 June – 14 July 2023.
Please note that in order to help students get the maximum value from ISUP-courses and to jump-start the learning process before the start of classes, students are expected to do a preliminary assignment – eighter a generic test/assignment that will be developed concerning “Nordic Nine” for all bachelor/undergraduate courses or an assignment prepared by the course coordinator & instructor for the graduate courses. The workload is approx.. 20 hours.
Application process:
Application period will start on 7 February 2023 at 12.00.
Students will have to fill out an online application through www.cbs.dk/isup
You can read more about the application and student categories here: https://www.cbs.dk/en/study/international-summer-university/application-and-fees
The students are asked to tick the AURORA student box and selecting their home university when applying for exchange. Each Aurora Alliance university can nominate up to 6 students to apply and to participate during the programme.
Palacký University students who will want to participate need to follow below mentioned procedure:
- Students needs to register at the application website between 7 February and 14 February 2023 – applications will be accepted on first come, first serve basis
- At the same time, students must inform about their application (until 15 February the latest) the Aurora Mobility Coordinator on e-mail lyckova@upol.cz
Finances:
Students accepted to the programme can apply for Aurora student mobility scheme. Financial fee should cover accommodation, travel and allowance. From January 2023, the new Aurora student mobility scheme will be as follows:
- Travel allowance: 200 EUR
- Accommodation etc.: 1-14 days 160 EUR/day, 15-30 days 140 EUR/day
Frequently Asked Questions:
Admission requirements
- Please consult: https://www.cbs.dk/uddannelse/international-summer-university-programme-isup/application-and-fees/exchange-students
- If any, students must fulfill course prerequisites stated in course descriptions.
- Students of good academic standing. Students are not required to submit any proof of English proficiency, but since all courses are taught in English and at a high academic level it is highly recommended to have a strong command in both oral and written English otherwise it might be difficult to follow the courses and pass the exams.
Housing
- Accommodation/housing will be available for international students.
- Link to the application for housing will be sent to students by e-mail in April 2023.
- Move-in date: 23 June 2023 at 12:00 noon (CET) the earliest.
- Housing must be financed by the student; however, the home institutions should have mobility money from the Erasmus+ project Aurora Alliance to cover housing and travel costs for their student.
Arrival service
Arrival service will be arranged.
Social programme
- Social programme will be available for students.
- Social programme will be announced in spring 2023 – it is a wonderful opportunity for international participants to get to know each other, Copenhagen, and the Danish culture through specially arranged activities such as guided city tours of Copenhagen, Danish folk-dancing, comedy night as well as a weekend trip around Denmark.
Introduction meeting
Date: 26 June 2023. Students will get important information about different aspects of ISUP such as studying at CBS, courses and exams, library resources etc.
Electronic transcripts
Electronic transcripts will confirm the courses taken and grades received. We do not issue certificates of attendance, and we do not indicate failing grades on transcripts.
Extra information
Please check our websites at www.cbs.dk/isup and the aurora webpage www.cbs.dk/aurora for further information.
The contact person at ISUP for Aurora partners is Casper Lindblad Andresen, and the contact e-mail regarding Aurora courses for both partners and students is aurora@cbs.dk
European Universities Forum at Palacký University Olomouc
On the 1st and 2nd of December, Palacký University Olomouc will organize the European Universities Forum. This high-level event, organized in the light of the Czech EU presidency, will provide an opportunity to discuss and assess the role of European Universities Initiative pilot phase in the Czech higher education context and within the European aims of building the Higher Education Area.
This event will be an incubator for new ideas on the mobilisation of universities, in the broadest sense, to promote shared European values and a strengthened identity, and also to improve the quality, attractiveness and international competitiveness of Europe’s higher education establishments.
This forum will be opened by the Czech Deputy-Minister for Education, and brings together the participating universities from various Member States, the European Commission and of course all of the relevant stakeholders, in particular the alliances of European universities.
The two-day programme features:
- Two high-level panel sessions addressing the priorities of the European Universities’ ambitions
- Three “Alliance workshops” intended as spaces for exchanging best practices between Czech alliances and their top management focusing on research and education developments, offering initial feedback on their pilot phase in order to contribute to developing the next steps
- A closing session, reporting on the panels and thematic sessions to contribute to Czech national and European level on the future of European universities in Higher Education.
For more information on the event, take a look at euf.upol.cz.
Open Aurora Courses at the Universität Innsbruck.
Open-Aurora-Courses_WiSe22_23_Universitat-Innsbruck_
On the Universität Innsbruck Aurora Homepage the students can find all necessary information about the application process and the registration link. Below you will find a list of courses for WiSe 2022 / 2023. In particular, we would like highlight the first course listed, as it is part of the Joint Programme: Understanding Europe.
- 800.861 Perspectives on Europe in a Global Context (Bachelor Level, online, lecture, 5 ECTS Credits)
This course is the first part of the Joint Programme: Understanding Europe, formed by the Pilot Domain 3.4.4 – Cultures: Diversity & Identity.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
This course introduces students into studying the visions and challenges of Europe and European integration in the making. Trans-European conflict, cooperation and integration is addressed from a historical and contemporary perspective: We look at the historical constitution of Europe, its political institutions, societal objectives and symbolic representations in media, film, literature, popular culture and arts. In six learning units, we will cover:
- The European Union: History and Current Challenges
- Migration and Mobility
- Philosophical and Political Concepts of Europe
- War and Conflict in Europe
- Imagined Others and Memory Cultures
- Narratives of Europe in film, literature and arts
Although the official deadline is September 4th, students can still apply and their details will be processed manually.
- 800.872 Lecture series on climate protection (Master Level, online, lecture, 2,5 ECTS Credits)
- 800.873 Sustainability & Climate Change (Master Level, online, lecture-practical course, 5 ECTS Credits)
- 800.874 Sustainability Communication & Sustainability Thought Leadership (Master Level, online, lecture, 5 ECTS Credits)
- 326.008 Artificial intelligence and the law: Technological Possibilities and Societal Challenges (Bachelor Level, online, lecture-practical course, 5 ECTS Credits)
- 610.017 American Literature and Culture: Infidels like Me: The Barbary Captivity Narrative between North America and North Africa (Master Level, online, seminar, 5 ECTS Credits)
- 645.613 Cultural Encounters and Conflicts: The Making of Europe (Bachelor Level, online, lecture, 5 ECTS Credits)
Should you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact the Aurora Innsbruck Office team: Aurora@uibk.ac.at / www.uibk.ac.at/international/
Aurora Student Schemes
We are pleased to announce that you can now apply for the Aurora Student Schemes for the upcoming Academic year 2022/2023. Become part of an international community of students by taking on one of the following two roles:
Student Ambassador
If you want to be a part of an international community of students, the role of Aurora Student Ambassador will be perfect for you.
In this role, you will be given the opportunity to take part in a variety of online and in-person events, together with students from across all Aurora Universities.
You will be offered several international workshops that will boost you personal and professional development. At the end of the year, you will be invited to participate in the Aurora Student Conference, where you will meet your fellow ambassadors.
Student Champion
This role is created specifically for students that want to go the extra mile. You will directly work on the key Aurora topics, in addition to the joint activities provided to Aurora Student Ambassadors.
Students that amass at least 15 hours of combined participation in the joint program and the working groups will be given the certificate of Aurora Student Champion.
Program
The program for the student ambassadors and champions will take place between October 2022 to July 2023. In October, a first joint online session will serve as an introduction to the scheme and Aurora in general and you will be given information on the various working groups and activities you could join.
More detailed information on the program for the academic year 2022/2023 will be announced soon!
Application
The application is open from July 1st to September 18th, 2022.
Applying is simple, just sign up through the application form below.
Aurora Student Schemes – Application Form
If you have any questions, you can contact your local Aurora Office, or aurora.up@upol.cz.
Aurora Student Schemes 22-23 – Flyer
Aurora Student Schemes 22-23 – Poster
Aurora Spring Biannual a great success for Palacký University
The Aurora Spring Biannual which took place in Innsbruck between the 10th and the 12th of May was a great success for Palacký University, looking back on our achievements so far and paving the way for the road ahead.
Palacký University Olomouc has been elected to become a full member of the Aurora Network, now giving us full access to decision-making within Aurora.
Palacký University Olomouc was awarded this improved position due to our excellent contribution to the Aurora European University Alliance programme, leading by example in its implementation.
The Aurora Network is focused on fulfilling the global mission of Aurora, stretching beyond the borders of Europe and the European Universities Initiative. Its various tasks include lobbying, international outreach, and collaboration with non-European partners in the field of education and research.
JUDr. Mag. iur. Michal Malacka, Ph.D., MBA, Vice-Rector for Strategy and Regional Affairs and UP’s Aurora Strategic Manager: “We are really pleased with the great success of our entire UP team in paving the way towards becoming a full member of the Aurora Network after one and half year of intense Aurora Alliance collaborations. Network membership guarantees the full potential of our university to accelerate towards becoming global leaders in innovative education, research, and sustainable growth.”
During the biannual special consideration was given to the horrendous aggressions faced by our Ukrainian colleagues at V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University. Tetyana Kaganovska, the president of V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University made the perilous journey from Kharkiv to Innsbruck to show appreciation for our support raising a substantial amount of money and support to Karazin University’s continuing academic mission.
Other important takeaways of the Biannual are UP signing a Letter of Intent with our Aurora Partners to create an innovative European Master’s degree in Digital Society & Global Citizenship. “Palacký University’s contribution to the development of this European Degree is a great opportunity for us to be at the forefront of these cutting-edge developments” according to Vit Zouhar, Vice-rector for Education. This interdisciplinary joint-degree will be developed in the months to come.
Student participation is at the heart of Aurora’s mission and goals through Aurora Student Schemes. Starting this summer, they are being led by Palacký University. A call for application will be published at the end of June.
Sustainable growth and development, one of the main topics of the biannual, remains an important priority for all Aurora Universities. Zuzana Hunkova, Palacký University’s Coordinator for Sustainable Development: “We have proposed to the Board of Presidents that each university will count their baseline CO2e emissions, implement Aurora travel codex, and set and publish at least three targets from eight areas defined in the Sustainable Campus Action Plan.”
For more information on the excellent work of the Aurora Universities, and our continued collaboration offering opportunities to our students make sure to visit our renewed website aurora-universities.eu or aurora.upol.cz
CALL – Aurora International Traineeship Programme
Do you like to discover new things? Do you enjoy accepting challenges and want to test your knowledge and practical skills in the field? Then it is time to start preparing for your traineeship abroad.
An international traineeship will offer you the chance to learn how to communicate and work efficiently in a multicultural environment, developing your foreign language skills. During your traineeship you will have the opportunity to build up your CV and grow your professional network, while also strengthening your self-confidence and independence.
The AURORA European Universities Alliance is here to extend the offer of relevant student traineeships abroad and to increase their impact through the implementation of four AURORA pilot domains (Sustainability & Climate Change, Digital Society & Global Citizenship, Health & Well-being, Culture: Diversity & Identity), Social Entrepreneurship & Innovation element, research and Service Learning.
- Your traineeship shall take place in one of the countries involved in the AURORA European Universities Alliance, i.e. Austria, Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Netherlands, Spain and United Kingdom.
- Its duration is minimum 6 weeks and maximum 5 months during the period September 2021 – August 2023.
- Preference will be given to traineeships related to any of four AURORA pilot domains listed above, Social Entrepreneurship & Innovation element, research or Service Learning.
- We can help you to find a relevant host organisation or you can search for it through our associate partner AIESEC. Of course, you can also find a suitable traineeship provider by yourself.
- You will be supported with a grant covering your subsistence and travel costs in the amount of 750 EUR per month.
- For more information on conditions of participation, financial support, application process etc., please click here. To learn more about AIESEC opportunities, please take a look at the current AIESEC offer.
If you are interested, please contact Soňa Duchoňová or Zuzana Hanelová to discuss your traineeship plans.
- Your traineeship shall take place in one of the countries involved in the AURORA European Universities Alliance International Traineeship Programme, i.e. Austria, Iceland, Italy, Netherlands, and Spain.
- Its duration is minimum 6 weeks and maximum 5 months during the period September 2021 – August 2023.
- Preference will be given to traineeships related to any of four AURORA pilot domains listed above, Social Entrepreneurship & Innovation element, research or Service Learning.
- We can help you to find a relevant host organisation or you can search for it through our associate partner AIESEC. Of course, you can also find a suitable traineeship provider by yourself.
- You will be supported with a grant covering your subsistence and travel costs in the amount of 750 EUR per month.
- For more information on conditions of participation, financial support, application process etc., please click here. To learn more about AIESEC opportunities, please take a look at the current AIESEC offer.
If you are interested, please contact Soňa Duchoňová, or Zuzana Hanelová to discuss your traineeship plans.
Documents:
Information For Financial Support Applicants
Financial support application EN
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Originally formed in 2016, Aurora is a consortium of research-intensive universities deeply committed to the social impact of our activities, and with a history of engagement with our communities. Our overall vision is to use our academic excellence in education and research to influence societal change.
