Kauno kolegija representatives took part in the first UNINOVIS Staff and Student Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) Week in Tampere, Finland — gaining insights into international collaboration, project communication, research development, and student-driven innovation. The experience strengthened Kauno kolegija’s engagement in the UNINOVIS European University Alliance.
Kauno kolegija Higher Education Institution participated in the UNINOVIS Staff and Student BIP Week hosted by Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK) from 27–31 October, 2025, . The programme gathered educators, researchers, communication experts, and students from Lithuania, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Albania — all working within the UNINOVIS – Data for L.I.F.E. Alliance.
Representing Kauno kolegija Alytus Faculty, Šarūnė Ramanavičė, Communications Coordinator and Kauno kolegija HEI‘s Communication Coordinator for UNINOVIS WP5, took part in the RDI (Research, Development & Innovation) track, focusing on strategic academic communication and cross-border project cooperation.
“This visit reaffirmed that innovation arises in contexts where openness enables dialogue, respect elevates diverse expertise, and curiosity fuels new knowledge creation. UNINOVIS builds exactly such an environment — one in which data and people interact, and collaboration becomes a catalyst for transformative change,” she stated.
A Dual Programme: Staff Meets Students
Running in parallel, TAMK students organised the international Cyber4Care BIP, where teams developed solutions in digital health, secure data use, and patient well-being.
The programme was supported by BitHabit and Aveksana, acting as social partners.
The week concluded with a Cyber4Care Hackathon, where students pitched their solutions — a vivid example of creativity and applied learning.
Knowledge Exchange & Professional Growth
The programme included seminars, discussions, and practical sessions structured into two thematic tracks:
- BIP/COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) — a model enabling virtual teamwork and international project-based learning embedded into curricula.
- RDI (Research, Development & Innovation) — focusing on research collaboration, Horizon Europe funding, GDPR, and institutional development strategy.
Workshops and presentations were led by:
- Dr. Arja Halkoaho & Nina Smolander (TAMK) – RDI processes, Horizon projects, GDPR, Erasmus+ funding
- Prof. Jos Beelen, Mr. Reinout Klaemer & Ms. Jantien Belt (THUAS) – internationalisation and COIL integration
Professional Meetings and Institutional Inspiration
With support from Kirsi Popova (TAMK, SCI), Šarūnė also took part in dedicated professional meetings, including:
- A consultation with TAMK’s Societal Impact & Communications (SCI) team, exploring strategic communication practices and cross-institutional visibility
- A visit to International House Tampere, where Joonas Inha introduced the city’s internationalisation, talent attraction, and collaboration initiatives
These experiences enriched Kauno kolegija’s understanding of how communication structures can support innovation and global engagement.
A Shared Message: Human Potential Unlimited
Throughout the week, a clear message echoed across sessions: Human Potential — Unlimited. It reflected not only the programme content, but the spirit of collaboration among students, educators, and researchers.
About UNINOVIS
UNINOVIS – Data for L.I.F.E. is a European University Alliance that unites 8 higher education institutions and collaboratively focuses on:
- data-driven learning and research
- applied innovation
- academic-business cooperation
- future skills and sustainability
This BIP was the first in a multi-year cycle.
In Year 3, Kauno kolegija will host the BIP in Lithuania, opening new opportunities for our community to engage internationally.
A Message to Alytus Faculty
This mobility strengthened international partnerships, contributed to professional development, deepened communication and project skills and reinforced Kauno kolegija’s role in the UNINOVIS network.
We encourage students and staff to:
- join future UNINOVIS activities
- take part in mobilities
- develop projects with European peers
- bring new ideas back home
UNINOVIS is not just a partnership — it is a platform to grow, connect, and create the future of applied education.
Erasmus+
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