The University of Cyprus participates in a new research project aiming to strengthen and exploit the role of Higher Education Institutions in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the objectives of the Green Deal

The Software Engineering and Internet Technologies Laboratory (SEIT) of the Department of Informatics of the University of Cyprus, together with the Nereus International Water Research Centre and the FOS Energy Sustainability Research Unit of the University of Cyprus, the University of Pavia in Italy (project coordinator), the University of Cologne in Germany, REISS ROMOLI Srl in Italy and GaragErasmus, ASBL in Belgium, announce the launch of the BRIGHTS – Bringing HEIs Towards Sustainability Project (2021-1-IT02-KA220-KA220-HED-000030264), under the Erasmus+ Programme (KA220-HED – Cooperation Partnerships in Higher Education).

The project will run for 3 years and the kick-off meeting was held in Pavia, Italy, on 19-20 May 2022.

At a time when protecting the environment and addressing the consequences of climate change is a priority for today’s world and future generations, the BRIGHTS project proposes innovative solutions and approaches aimed at educating students and teachers alike. The project aims to strengthen and leverage the role of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the objectives of the Green Deal by contributing to the creation of active citizens and enhancing their awareness and engagement at multiple levels.

Participants will have the opportunity to develop and practice skills, critical thinking, innovative teaching practices and learning styles. In addition, participants will be able to attend courses on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Strategy objectives and will be involved in teams in which they will develop innovative teaching methods, with a focus on students. Finally, the results of the above activities will lead to the creation of a handbook which will present both the importance and the guidelines for the creation of a Sustainability Centre in universities. The Sustainability Centre aims to strengthen the relationship between HEIs and society and to encourage HEIs to engage in international networks and initiatives.