The first edition of the ENLIGHT Student Network Bootcamp took place from 12 to 14 July at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands.

The bootcamp began with a tour, allowing all participating students to explore the university's historical buildings. Following the tour, students engaged in a networking workshop where they learnt how to effectively build connections, an essential skill for their professional roles, which often involve collaboration with various individuals. They also practiced personal introductions and presentation techniques. The day concluded with a dinner, providing an opportunity for both new and existing members of our Student Network to get to know each other better.

The second day started with workshops by our colleagues from the University of Groningen, first one on the history and organisation of the alliance led by Nati Mansilla Ovejero, ENLIGHT Project Manager, and followed by a workshop focused on enhancing the ENLIGHT experience for students led by Jonathan Greggain-Mohr, Education Coordinator and ENLIGHT Policy Advisor. Participants then enjoyed a lunch walk together, during which they discovered the library in Groningen. The afternoon was filled with student-led workshops. The first, led by Adnan El Kharbotly, a former President of the Student Board and a graduate from the University of Groningen, focused on understanding the economics and budget of ENLIGHT. The second workshop, led by Adrian Binka, Community Head of Student Board from Comenius University in Bratislava, discussed organising local events and potential initiatives. The day ended with a networking session, featuring a quiz and a game of Werewolves, a favorite among our Student Network.

On the third day, after an enjoyable breakfast together, participants bid farewell and headed home.

A huge thanks to the students and colleagues at the University of Groningen, and also the Student Board, who all did a great job in organising the bootcamp. We look forward to the next edition!

In the picture above, you can see the city of Groningen and in the picture below are the participants of the Student Network Bootcamp, from the top left: Edgard, Adnan, Alina, Jeffrey, Marija, Herman, Anette-Mai, Kirke, Clara, Lukas, Linda, Adrian, Sara, Julen and Tripti, representing almost all ENLIGHT partner universities.

On 22 and 23 May, the ENLIGHT RISE initiative kicked off its first-ever Research Impact Training, specially designed for Research Support Officers (RSOs) from ENLIGHT partner universities. This new programme aims to help RSOs better understand research impact and build the skills they need to support researchers to make a real difference in our society.

This training fits right into our goal of creating a culture focused on making an impact. By raising awareness and providing the right tools, the programme is set to help RSOs tackle the challenges of research impact, especially when it comes to Horizon Europe project proposals.

Key Goals and Highlights

The training covered five main areas:

1. Understanding Research Impact
   Igor Campillo and Glória Nunes Rodrigues (UPV/EHU) explained the basics of what research impact is all about.
2. Understanding the Institutional Impact Context
   Esther de Smet from Ghent University talked about how institutions shape and influence research impact.
3. Understanding the Impact Journey and Process
   Áine Mhic Thaidhg from University of Galway walked participants through the steps to create impactful research.
4. Providing Knowledge and Tools for Impact Assessment
   Sarah Morton from Matter of Focus shared practical tools and methods to measure research impact.
5. Drafting a Horizon Europe Impact Section
   Jakob Kuhs and Tobias Hermans from Ghent University gave tips on how to write strong impact sections for Horizon Europe proposals.

Engaging Sessions and Active Participation

The training had a great turnout, with 15 people attending in person and 20 joining online, showing a strong interest and need for this kind of program within the ENLIGHT network.

Over the two days, participants got involved in interactive sessions, group discussions, and hands-on activities. The in-person sessions in Ghent offered a rich experience, along with social events that helped RSOs network and collaborate.

Looking Ahead

For those who could not make it, we offer plenty of online resources and training materials available on the platform: ENLIGHT Impact Training Resources.

This first Research Impact Training by ENLIGHT is a big step towards giving Research Support Officers the skills and knowledge to drive impactful research. By continuing to invest in these programs, ENLIGHT shows its commitment to promoting research that not only advances academic knowledge but also generates tangible benefits for our society.

Stay tuned for more training sessions and initiatives that will keep building on this foundation, creating a lively and impact-driven research culture across ENLIGHT universities!

Feel free to share this article on your website and social media platforms to spread the word about this impactful initiative!

ENLIGHT organized a FOREU impact thematic workshop, gathering impact experts of different European University Alliances.  The workshop took place in the context of the ENLIGHT Impact event 2024, hosted by the University of the Basque Country in Bilbao, and counted with the participation of CIRCLE U., EC2U, ENGAGE.EU, ENHANCE, ENLIGHT, ERUA, EUPEACE, EUT+, NEUROTECH EU, U!REKA SHIFT, ULYSSEUS, and UNITA.

Impact experts from the 12 European University Alliances shared and discussed methods, approaches and tools for assessing the impact generated by the European Universities Alliances.

The midyear meeting held in Bilbao was designed as an upholder of areas that need further reinforcement or a more defined vision by key officers and executives.

The next ENLIGHT Public Engagement webinar 8: Social Justice at the centre of learning & teaching in Law will take place on Thursday 4 July 2024, 12.30-13.30 (CET)

The Legal Clinic for Social Justice of the Law Faculty of the University of the Basque Country has developed innovative ways to learn and teach Law, where students are at the centre. Working with local social stakeholders, (mainly NGOs, and other actors), students get involved in real cases related to social justice and systemic discrimination in the local society.  The session highlights the experiences of clinic students and it explains the transferable theoretical grounds, diverse tools and instruments that the Legal Clinic uses to foster the social function of the university, engage students in critical thinking and work with different actors.

REGISTRATION: https://forms.office.com/e/wYdfUY5gkf

ENLIGHT has published a Staff Week trainings calendar with a variety of training options for support staff members of the network.

Are you passionate about the dynamic intersection of tourism and cultural heritage? Join us for an enlightening lecture on ‘Tourism and Cultural Economy’, where we will delve into the fascinating world of Material Humanities and explore the rich tapestry of material, visual and textural cultures of science.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to engage with experts, network with like-minded individuals, and deepen your understanding of the tourism and culture economy. Whether you are a professional in the field, a student or simply curious about the subject, this lecture promises to offer valuable perspectives and inspiring ideas.

Three experts from ENLIGHT universities will share their insights from current research:

• Lenka Vargová - Comenius University Bratislava
• Deirdre Curran - University of Galway
• Margarete Vöhringer – University of Göttingen

All members from the ENLIGHT community, external partners and wider public are welcome to join the lecture. You can register and participate in a Zoom Session or tune in on the ENLIGHT Youtube Channel where the lecture will be broadcasted live. Registration for the Zoom Session is possible on the website of the University of Göttingen (https://uni-goettingen.de/en/654488.html).

Between 13 and 17 May 2024 teaching academics, programme directors, study abroad coordinators, academic support staff as well as ENLIGHT project managers met in Göttingen for a week of networking, discussions, and input on curriculum design and teaching formats in the context of international partnerships.

The ENLIGHT-RISE Research Assessment Working Group cordially invites you to join its third and final online workshop on reforming research(er) assessment. Mark your calendar for 21 May 2024 from 10:00 to 13:00 CEST to engage in our enlightening discussions!

The ENLIGHT BIP course “Connecting cultures: Sustainability, travel, translation and migration” celebrates its onsite week in Vitoria-Gasteiz, at the University of the Basque Country.