On 15–16 May 2025, the Euclides network gathered for its annual meeting, hosted by the KU Leuven Faculty of Engineering Technology in Ghent. Representatives from across Europe came together to exchange ideas, reflect on past activities, and prepare for the future of Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs). The meeting combined strategic discussions, collaborative sessions, and thematic workshops, all framed around the network’s growing focus on sustainability and digital innovation.
Welcoming Remarks
The event began with a warm welcome from Maarten Vergauwen, Campus Chair of KU Leuven Ghent and Bruges, followed by Chris Huybrechts, Euclides Network Chair, who reflected on the network’s development and ongoing mission.
Evaluating and Shaping Future BIPs
A key part of the meeting was the evaluation of the 2025 BIPs, presented by Estibaliz Apiñaniz. The results of a recent survey helped identify areas for improvement and confirmed the value of these programmes for students and staff alike.
In a dynamic “speed dating” session, institutions presented their preliminary ideas for upcoming BIPs in 2026. Topics included sustainable engineering, power electronics, circularity of polymers, virtual & augmented reality, and more. A few highlights:
- ISEC Coimbra: From Waste to Bioproducts (13–17 October 2025)
- UCLL Diepenbeek: Towards a Smart and Sustainable World
- Free University of Bozen-Bolzano: Digital and Sustainable Transition in Manufacturing and Automotive
- University of Antwerp: System Engineering & Digital Twins (Nov. 2025)
This session fostered early collaborations and inspired innovative concepts for the coming academic year.
Exploring Innovation on Campus
Participants were treated to a guided tour of KU Leuven’s cutting-edge laboratories, including the Light & Lighting Lab, the Living Lab, the Mechanical Engineering department, and even a Pilot Brewery, showcasing the integration of theory and practice in engineering education.
Management Meeting Highlights
The internal management session focused on improving coordination and digital infrastructure:
- A new Euclides website will be launched by FH Dortmund, featuring a unified registration module for all BIP programmes.
- The next BIP period is scheduled for 23–28 March 2026, with an additional session in the fall semester.
- A streamlined nomination and registration process was agreed upon, including clear deadlines (15 December 2025), partner participation limits, and standardized templates for learning agreements and transcripts.
- A new Code of Conduct for network members is being developed, reinforcing the commitment to active participation and inclusion of all Euclides partners.
- Vesna Jerkovic (HelHa) was announced as the new Euclides Chair, beginning her term in September 2026, succeeding Chris Huybrechts.
Future meetings are already planned:
- May 2026 at UPV Vitoria-Gasteiz
- 2027 at EIGSI La Rochelle (exact date TBD)
Focus on Sustainability & Impact
Several workshops enriched the programme, addressing the ecological and ethical dimensions of international mobility:
- Sustainable Academic Mobility (Matt Tips, KU Leuven Sustainability Office) provided practical strategies for greener travel, including tools like Green Erasmus.
- Mobility and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (Hannelore Guerrand, EIGSI La Rochelle) explored the complex impacts of student exchanges, from personal growth to environmental concerns.
- Digital Recognition with Open Badges (Vesna Jerkovic, HelHa) introduced a system for certifying learning outcomes across BIPs. The idea of implementing an Open Badge System within Euclides remains under discussion.
This year’s Annual Meeting reaffirmed the strength of the Euclides network, its shared values, and its dedication to innovation in engineering education. With renewed partnerships, new leadership, and a strong sustainability agenda, the network is well-positioned to grow and evolve in the years ahead.
Stay tuned for updates on the new website and upcoming BIP opportunities!
