With a hybrid kick-off meeting hosted in Münster, Germany, the EPiCS Project has officially launched its mission to strengthen the connection between universities and society to increase the third mission. The first meeting of the project brought together representatives from eight partner organisations across seven countries to align on the project’s vision, mission, and strategy.
The three-year Erasmus+ initiative brings together Citizen Science and Research Service-Learning (RS-L) to promote interdisciplinary learning, civic engagement, and community-driven research. By combining inclusive teaching practices with digital tools, EPiCS creates opportunities for students, researchers, and community members to collaboratively address real-world challenges.
Throughout its implementation, EPiCS will foster active community participation by encouraging hands-on and cross-disciplinary learning in higher education, developing a digital academic space for Citizen Science and RS-L collaboration, piloting six citizen science projects across Europe, and sharing tools and guidance through an open-access toolkit and handbook.
As the coordinating organisation, ACEEU leads overall project management and quality assurance, while working closely with partners to organise collaborative dissemination events aimed at building synergies with related initiatives and extending the project’s reach.
With a clear vision and strong partnership, EPiCS is set to make a meaningful contribution to university-society engagement across Europe, and all partners are eager to get started!
