Ghent University scores twice at ENLIGHT Teaching & Learning Conference

The conference, which focuses on innovative education within the European university alliance, annually recognises inspiring student initiatives related to sustainability and inclusion, as well as innovative courses that apply ENLIGHT principles (transdisciplinarity, collaboration with external stakeholders, research skills, international and intercultural skills, challenge-based education, student engagement, etc.). Ghent University was well represented at this conference, with 35 UGent’ers from nine different faculties taking part, including 27 speakers.

Second place for Future Proef

The student project Future Proef, an initiative of Green Office Ghent, took second place in the ENLIGHT Sustainability Awards. The project, which highlights master theses that contribute to a sustainable future, was praised for its direct applicability within other ENLIGHT universities and its potential for long-term impact. Student Merel Janquart represented the project in Uppsala.

From the jury report: ‘This project is easily applicable to all ENLIGHT universities, focuses on solving problems on the spot and has great potential for long-term effects. By emphasising engaging thesis projects, the initiative aligns well with ENLIGHT's objectives and is already proving to be effective.’

Read more about Future Proef.

Runner-up for the Teaching & Learning Awards

Ghent University was also recognised in the field of educational innovation. Prof. Veerle Van Eetvelde's (Faculty of Sciences) course Integrated International Projectwork took second place in the ENLIGHT Teaching & Learning Awards. This course, a core component of the Master's programme in Geography and Geomatics, offers students a unique learning experience through an international research trip.

Students work in multidisciplinary teams on current social and ecological issues such as climate change, sustainable mobility and nature conservation. They design their own research project, carry out fieldwork in collaboration with local and international partners, and present their findings in a conference setting. Students describe the course as “a once-in-a-lifetime experience” and “the best part of their programme”.

 



More about the ENLIGHT Teaching & Learning Conference.