EUNICE (European University for Customized Education) brings together seven public universities located in four European regions: Central and Eastern Europe (Poznan University of Technology - project leader), Northern Europe (University of Vaasa), Southern Europe (University of Cantabria and University of Catania) and Western Europe (University of Mons, Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France and Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg). In 2022, the Alliance was expanded to include three new members: Polytechnic Institute of Viseu (IPV), University of the Peloponnese (UoP), Karlstad University (KU).
The main goals of the project are based on four pillars. The first is a long-term joint strategy as a European University, where quality education meets research, innovation, society and industry. Second is the creation of the EUNICE campus - a unique, interuniversity space where students and staff will be inspired to be mobile by participating in tailored curricula. The third pillar creates a bridge between the EUNICE campus and European identity extended by culture and education, with strong respect for the priorities of multilingualism and multiculturalism. The final pillar aims to advance knowledge through research and training to connect students, researchers, industry partners, regional players and civil society actors.
EUNICE intends to realize quality education through exemplary use of state-of-the-art digital infrastructure and direct cooperation with business, as well as state-of-the-art educational methods.
Key activities include the creation, expansion and extensive use of digital technologies that will seamlessly complement the educational process. The service and information sharing platforms created as part of the project will allow open, instant access to resources offered by all project partners. Virtual laboratory technologies will allow access to shared resources, materials and services, and a state-of-the-art research umbrella will provide visibility and accessibility to top researchers who will collectively be ready to offer their knowledge to students, industry and the public. Access to remote courses allows for programs in which each partner specializes, which increases the scope of knowledge transferred to students, and opens up great opportunities and great facilities for individual education.
The quality of the project's education is complemented by the involvement of businesses, companies and innovative start-ups, as well as community stakeholders, making it possible to leverage learning in the workplace. Industrial internships, the knowledge triangle (education-science-innovation) and business incubator platforms have been introduced in response to the current needs of the demanding labor market. The improvement of language skills, the development of multilingual skills and intercultural competence among students and employees is implemented through a number of activities (including webinars, the European Mobility Forum, language courses, workshops with cultural and linguistic aspects, Alliance Weeks and many others).
From the students' perspective, EUNICE is a unique place where a tailored study program allows them to respond positively to the current and future needs of the labor market. Complementing this with excellent infrastructure and advanced technological solutions, studies can be an exciting adventure, and the development of a European identity is undoubtedly a great added value.