From November 20 to 22, 2024, the Pontifical University of Salamanca (UPSA) hosted the first transnational meeting of UA-Talent-UP, bringing together project partners from Spain, Belgium, Cyprus, and Ukraine. The meeting provided a vital opportunity for face-to-face collaboration, shared reflections, and strategic planning as we continue to support higher education in Ukraine.
A dynamic three-day program
Each day of the meeting was carefully designed to focus on a specific purpose:
- Day 1: Sharing progress and Insights – Partners shared updates on activities such as the development of Creativity Hubs and the recent training weeks in Belgium and Spain.
- Day 2: Hands-on collaboration – Workshops emphasized practical collaboration, focusing on creating and refining project outputs.
- Day 3: Dissemination and reflection – The meeting concluded with planning dissemination strategies and a moving roundtable discussion on resilience in Ukrainian universities.
Key takeaways from the meeting
Collaborating to build Creativity Hubs
Partners provided updates on the progress of Creativity Hubs, highlighting their potential as spaces for innovation and lifelong learning. Ukrainian universities shared initial steps taken to develop these hubs, with TNTU and LNAA presenting models for how the hubs can serve both students and local communities.
Advancing MOOCs
Workshops on the development of MOOCs were a focal point of the second day. Discussions centered on ensuring accessibility, high-quality content, and effective assessment tools. The hands-on nature of these sessions reinforced the value of collaborative design among partners.
Resilience in the University
One of the most impactful moments of the meeting was the roundtable titled “Resilience in the University: Experiences of Ukrainian Faculty in Times of War.” Ukrainian educators shared their personal and institutional experiences during the ongoing conflict, describing how they have maintained teaching activities amidst immense challenges.
Their stories highlighted both the difficulties—such as displacement and damage to infrastructure—and the creative solutions they’ve implemented, from adopting hybrid learning to providing psychological support for students and staff.
Building connections beyond the meeting room
The meeting also provided space for informal connection and cultural exchange. One highlight was the team-building activity at La Cocinita Mágica, where partners came together to cook paella. Moments like these helped strengthen the bonds between project members, fostering a deeper sense of collaboration and mutual support.
Moving forward
The first transnational meeting was not only a milestone in the UA-Talent-UP project but also a moment to reflect on the importance of collaboration, resilience, and creativity in education. As partners return to their respective institutions, the spirit of this gathering will undoubtedly carry forward into the next phases of the project.
Stay tuned for further updates and reflections as UA-Talent-UP continues its mission to enhance education and foster innovation in higher education systems.
Leave a Reply