Kick-off for the European University COLOURS
Last week marked the official kick-off for the European University COLOURS as representatives from all participating institutions met in Paderborn, Germany.
– A fantastic start, and we have already initiated discussions about a possible collaboration regarding work integrated education for teacher students, notes Mats Åhlander, project manager for COLOURS on behalf of the university.
Vice-chancellor of Kristianstad University Håkan Pihl participated, as did several from the university's management and from the university's project group for COLOURS. The president of the student union was also present during the two days of the kick-off.
– Paderborn is the institution primarily responsible for the alliance, so it was natural that we had this kickoff in Germany, says Mats Åhlander. All the different work packages had meetings, and those who couldn't be there in person joined digitally. It felt like a good gathering to meet everyone, and it was very inspiring days.
Kristianstad University has initiated contacts with Paderborn University specifically to discuss an exchange regarding work integrated education for teacher students.
– I had the opportunity to meet with the faculty in Paderborn during the kickoff, which of course was very valuable, Mats continues. The next step will be meetings between working groups in both Kristianstad and Paderborn. It will be very exciting to see what will come out of it.
In addition to work meetings, there were also speeches and panel debates with representatives from the overall project management and the rectors of the institutions.
– There is a great consensus regarding the importance of both COLOURS and the entire idea of establishing a European University. We will work together to create a European University that will make academic knowledge accessible to everyone, whether in the private sector, the public sector, or civil society. Through meetings with other cultures, relationships grow, and we become more united, concludes Mats Åhlander.
Proposal number: 101124491
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