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Description
This project aims at creating a bilateral synergy among academic staff members of different backgrounds of the Czech Technical University in Prague (CTU) and the University of Stavanger (UiS) in the field of climate-neutral and smart cities. A joint interdisciplinary approach is planned to be undertaken between CTU and UiS towards the improvement of education and research activities in alignment to the designated area.
Project partners are going to organize four peer-learning activities for the academic staff of different faculties in order to encourage and foster interdisciplinary sharing of knowledge and expertise and co-creation of innovative teaching methodologies and approaches through challenge-based learning in the context of sustainable, climate-resilient, attractive and productive cities.; Moreover, guidelines on innovative methodologies and digital tools for on-line education in the field of smart and sustainable cities will be created.
At the end of the project, the intellectual outputs (the guidelines) will be presented and promoted among external stakeholders, i.e. representatives of other universities, enterprises (including those involved in the development of e-learning platforms and on-line teaching tools), municipalities and civic organizations. Policy makers, training centres directors, unemployed people and students will also be invited.
Summary of project results
This institutional cooperation project between the Czech Technical University in Prague (CTU) and the University of Stavanger (UiS) was initiated to foster synergy in the context of climate change and smart cities. This collaboration aimed to enhance both education and research activities through an interdisciplinary approach.
The rapid urbanization of cities, coupled with the pressing challenges of climate change, has necessitated innovative approaches in higher education through interdisciplinary collaboration to address complex societal issues. However, a significant challenge has been the fragmented nature of academic disciplines, which often hinders holistic approaches to these pressing issues. Traditional educational approaches often left recent graduates lacking in generic skills outside their discipline, hindering their ability to address broader societal challenges. The project was conceived in response to the observed gap in interdisciplinary knowledge-sharing among academic staff, particularly in the fields of climate change and smart cities. With increasing numbers of doctorate holders seeking employment outside academia, there''s a pressing need to equip them with skills that transcend their specific disciplines. This is what fostered the bilateral synergy among academic staff of different backgrounds, especially between the Czech Technical University in Prague (CTU) and the University of Stavanger (UiS), to modernize academic curricula and promote mission-oriented research.
The project consisted of four peer-learning activities (PLAs) designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration among academic staff from different faculties. These PLAs played a pivotal role in:
- Developing innovative teaching methodologies and approaches with an emphasis on challenge-based learning.
- Exchanging insights on mission-oriented research strategies. • Introducing and testing cutting-edge digital tools for higher education, including the application of artificial intelligence.
- Discussing the integration of climate change topics into diverse academic curricula.
- Exploring ways to synergize educational and research activities to elevate the quality of higher education.
While the primary focus was on climate change and smart cities, the broader aim was to enhance interdisciplinary collaboration and modernize teaching and research methodologies. Supported by their joint peer-learning activities, the academic staff of both universities collaboratively developed four key sourcebooks. The project''s outcomes have been transformative for its beneficiaries. Academic staff from both universities benefited immensely from the interdisciplinary knowledge-sharing, gaining valuable insights for their future teaching activities, projects and publications. Young researchers were equipped with new ideas and skills essential for publication and grant writing. Moreover, the project has paved the way for a deeper inter-institutional collaboration on education and research related to smart and sustainable cities. As tangible evidence of its impact, the academic staff felt better prepared to modernize academic curricula, and the intellectual outputs developed are now publicly available, serving as a valuable resource for other universities.
Summary of bilateral results
The donor project partner played a pivotal role in ensuring the project''s success. Their support went beyond mere financial contributions; they brought expertise, networks, and a broader perspective that enriched the project''s outcomes. Their involvement ensured that the project''s deliverables were not only academically sound but also relevant and applicable in real-world scenarios, particularly through their collaboration in challenge-based learning approaches for educational activities and mission-oriented approaches for research activities. The success of the project has laid a strong foundation for continued bilateral collaboration.