RE-EURECA-PRO – REsearch and innovation dimension of the European University on REsponsible Consumption And PROduction

Project Information

RE-EURECA-PRO

Grant agreement ID: 101035798

DOI

10.3030/101035798

Project closed

EC signature date 3 June 2021

Start date 1 September 2021

End date 31 August 2024

Funded under

• SCIENCE WITH AND FOR SOCIETY

Total cost

No data

EU contribution

€ 1 998 750,00

Coordinated by

MONTANUNIVERSITAET LEOBEN
Austria

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - RE-EURECA-PRO (RE-EURECA-PRO – REsearch and innovation dimension of the European University on REsponsible Consumption And PROduction)

Reporting period: 2023-03-01 to 2024-08-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The RE-EURECA-PRO project is designed to advance the Research and Innovation (R&I) dimension within the European University Alliance on Responsible Consumption and Production. This initiative aligns with the European Commission’s vision to establish collaborative and sustainable research environments across Europe, supporting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12. It aims to:
• develop a common research & innovation mindset and agenda
• establish clustering activities and action plans for pilots and case studies, involving stakeholders across society
• set up approaches for balanced brain circulation, gender equality and comprehensive open science practices
• develop a framework for joint innovation, research and infrastructure utilization
By addressing these challenges, RE-EURECA-PRO seeks to integrate educational, scientific, and community actions to build a resilient, climate-conscious Europe, transforming universities into hubs for sustainable research and innovation while enhancing societal impact through open science and inclusive policies.
The project is vital for society as it:
1.Promotes Sustainable Development: Advances sustainable practices, supporting the EU's Green Deal and addressing environmental, economic, and social challenges.
2.Strengthens Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Encourages cross-disciplinary approaches to tackle complex environmental issues.
3.Enhances Community Engagement and Lifelong Learning: Makes scientific research accessible, equipping citizens with knowledge for sustainable living.
4. Builds Inclusive and Equitable Research Ecosystems: Fosters diversity in research careers, better addressing the needs of European societies.
RE-EURECA-PRO is crucial for fostering a sustainable, informed, and resilient society engaged in research and innovation for sustainability.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The RE-EURECA-PRO project, initiated on September 1, 2021, and running until August 31, 2024, focused on advancing research and innovation dimensions within the European University Alliance, specifically addressing Responsible Consumption and Production (RCP). This initiative involved seven partner institutions: Montanuniversität Leoben, Mittweida University of Applied Sciences, Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg, University of León, University of Petrosani, Silesian University of Technology, and Technical University of Crete.
After 3 years partners from 7 universities developed 46 deliverables and achieved 16 milestones.
RE-EURECA-PRO organised and created:
-7 Project Weeks
-7 Children universities
-7 final exhibitions
-7 Letters of Intent signed by vice-rectors of research
-4 workshops
-1 start-up coffee event
-2 science slams
-1 new Gender Equality Plan
-2 Common deliverables with other 24 alliances
-2 Policy Briefs to EU
-4 clustering activities with other alliances
Among our achievements are:
-all partners’ resources and capacities in science communication were analysed and a strategy concept to strengthen citizen participation was developed
-two Reports on interdisciplinarity and collaboration mindsets in the alliance
-guidebook and cross-national strategy for the implementation of science communication formats
-mapping of the regional economic set-up in relation to a specific SDG12 target
-skills development for research excellence
-implementation of the innovative research strategy for science and innovation-based life-long learning
-model that enables to compare and recognise different research career developments across countries
-recommendations for the alliance on: Researchers’ Career Development, Transversal Skills Training Programme, a healthy brain circulation in EURECA-PRO
-glossary of topics on diversity and inclusiveness and Barometer of Inclusiveness of Scientific Communities
-summary on strategies, policies & case study evaluation of diversity and inclusiveness in the alliance Model
-analysis of legal issues and good practices related to research
-description of universities research and key laboratories
-report on existing innovation structures and policies
-joint innovation strategy for the EURECA-PRO Alliance developed
-potential impact of innovation at individual university and EURECA-PRO level is assessed

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The RE-EURECA-PRO project has significantly advanced institutional transformation in three action areas: ‘Interdisciplinary European Research Area’, ‘New Human Capacity’, and ‘New Shared Potential’. Key expected results include pilot actions that enhance interdisciplinary collaboration and translate scientific knowledge into concrete SDG12 solutions, alongside improved transversal skills through research career development and mobility initiatives.

Action Area 1: New European Open Research Area
A comprehensive analysis of partners’ resources led to the development of a strategy to enhance citizen participation in science.
A Guidebook was created to help EURECA-PRO universities establish effective science communication frameworks adaptable to various contexts, fostering informed relationships between academia and society.
Reports on inter-and transdisciplinary collaboration models were generated, alongside progress in mapping regional economic setups related to SDG12.
An art/science exhibition showcased cross-disciplinary collaboration, integrating arts into research to raise awareness of SDG12.
Skills for research excellence were identified, and training tools for addressing scientific megatrends were developed.
Action Area 2: New Human Capacity
A model was created to compare and recognize diverse research career developments within the Alliance.
Recommendations were established to enhance career development and promote healthy brain circulation.
A Transversal Skills Training Programme targeted early-career researchers.
Existing training courses were analyzed, and inclusive policies regarding gender equality and diversity were progressed, resulting in a new Gender Equality Plan at one partner university.
Action Area 3: New Shared Potential
A report detailing the current state and limitations of research management structures within the alliance was produced.
A database of laboratories and sharing models was established to promote joint research.
An analysis of legal issues and research practices laid the groundwork for future structural and legal developments.
All Vice Rectors signed Letters of Intent to implement Joint Research Structures based on project recommendations.
Best practices from successful cross-institutional TTO models were gathered for future enhancements.
In summary, RE-EURECA-PRO's legacy includes institutional transformations, improved academic inclusivity, enhanced public engagement, and sustainable interdisciplinary collaboration frameworks. These achievements align with the European Research Area's goals and the UN’s SDGs, paving the way for continued innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity in European higher education.

workpackages in RE_EURECA_PRO