Two ECIU University challenges, coordinated by ICTA-UAB
The ICTA-UAB coordinates two of the 21 challenges offered for this semester by the ECIU University. Students can join international teams in any of the 12 institutions belonging to the ECIU University that aim to solve real-life challenges. The UAB offers three challenges, including the two coordinated by ICTA-UAB.
Registration for this semester’s ECIU University challenges is about to close. In this edition, UAB students and professionals will be able to choose from the 21 challenges proposed by the different European institutions on a wide range of topics: from green mobility, the improvement of transport and the circular economy, to the digitalization of cities or the development of self-sufficient buildings.
ICTA-UAB researchers Laura Talens and Susana Toboso coordinates the challenge “Prevention of textile waste”. Its objective is to acquire the tools needed to set down the bases for a project, which can raise awareness among the population and create the infrastructure needed to reduce textile waste. To do so, participants will be asked to analyse clothing consumption and disposal habits, and the changes people should make to reduce the impact of the textile industry.
ICTA-UAB researcher Xavier Gabarrell is in charge of the coordination of the challenge “Transform the free food distribution program guaranteeing alimentary security for vulnerable groups (2n edition)”. The objective here is to rethink and transform the current model of food safety (free and subsidary-based), while bearing in mind the entire food value chain and its actors in order to provide a comprehensive transformation in relation to policies and practices, and at the same time guaranteeing that the needs of vulnerable groups are met.
The essence of the ECIU University is a challenge-based approach in which students, lecturers and researchers work with businesses and society in general to solve real-life problems.
Since the first challenges were offered in 2020, over one hundred students have participated in different challenges in subjects ranging from the transformation in the free distribution of food to the use of public spaces.
The challenges students are faced with aim to have an impact on society by applying techniques that can solve real problems found in communities. In this sense, students form part of international and multidisciplinary teams that will allow them not only to establish new contacts, but also develop and improve team working and problem-resolution competences and skills.