ATHENA - European University

Survey for students and academic staff as a part of the ATHENA project 
 

With the end of the summer semester, it’s time once again for the EMINENT program’s annual Summer School. This year, students from the second cohort gathered at the INCYTE Research Center on July 27 to spend four days participating in interactive PEP sessions (Professional Design Experience Projects) as well as lectures by researchers from the program’s partner universities and experts from innovative technology companies.

Representatives from the University of Siegen (Germany), NOVA University Lisbon (Portugal), the Hellenic Mediterranean University (Greece), VILNIUS TECH (Lithuania), and the Université d’Orléans (France) shared their expertise with the students through a series of lectures and individual mentoring sessions. At the same time, they provided information on potential topics for master’s theses at their respective universities. 

This year’s industry-led presentations focused on biomedical and health technologies. Arthur Klass from IPG Photonics, the world’s leading provider of fiber lasers, explained the use of the company’s innovative technologies in various industrial sectors. Marta Marques from Biosurfit presented the application of IVD tests in blood analysis and medical diagnostics—the company’s core area of expertise. Rita Cristóvão, CEO of Plux Biosignals, spoke about biosignal monitoring technologies and their potential applications in healthcare, research, and education. Eduardo Coelho from StabVida discussed genetic technologies as well as current developments in modern biotechnology research.

Another highlight of the Summer School was the students’ PEP projects. Over the course of the week, they presented the results of their collaborative research on topics ranging from microsystems engineering to technological design. 

A workshop organized by the University of Siegen’s Career Service offered participants the opportunity to explore their academic and professional futures after graduation.

To wrap up the Summer School, the now-traditional BBQ took place once again this year. Students, EMINENT program staff, and guests took the opportunity to network in a pleasant atmosphere, share experiences, and bring the successful event to a close together.

We would like to once again extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this inspiring event possible. We look forward to welcoming you back to the EMINENT Summer School next year!

We are proud to announce that ATHENA European University has been selected under the European Degree Label call.

This achievement marks an important milestone in our shared mission to shape the future of European higher education through deeper cooperation, innovation, and excellence.

The recruitment for the International Mentoring Programme implemented within the ATHENAWORKS project is now open!

The programme is addressed to students of all ATHENA partner universities who would like to strengthen their research competences, develop academic writing skills, and gain valuable experience in international academic collaboration.

On June 13, the University of Siegen organized an Open University Day featuring a wide range of activities, including 46 booths and interactive stations, live music, special lectures, and food stands, offering visitors the opportunity to get to know the university and its offerings.

The ATHENA Alliance team from Siegen participated with the booth “Siegen in Europe – Europe in Siegen” to inform visitors about study and exchange opportunities in Europe for prospective students, current students, and doctoral candidates. The booth featured a Europe quiz as well as a creative drawing activity in the form of customizing ATHENA tote bags, which proved popular with both adults and children.

Visitors not only discovered international opportunities through the ATHENA Alliance but also explored the joint Master’s programme Embedded Intelligence Nanosystems Engineering (EMINENT) and connected with current students and university staff. We were delighted that our EMINENT students, as well as guests from our ATHENA network at Vilnius Tech and representatives from the city of Siegen, joined us in supporting the booth.

Guests left the booth not only with valuable information about our degree programme and other study opportunities offered through ATHENA but also with ATHENA goodies and gifts.

We were delighted to meet so many prospective students and visitors and look forward to welcoming you in the future as students or participants in one of our educational events.

On June 10 and 11, the ATHENA cluster leaders gathered at the INCYTE Research Center at the University of Siegen for a strategic and organizational meeting. ATHENA organizes its activities into four clusters: Digitalization for All, Sustainable Production, Health & Well-being, and the Creative Industries.

Representatives from the University of Orléans, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin, and Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH) participated in the discussions. The goal was to increase the visibility of the clusters within the partner universities and to involve both staff and students more closely. In addition, participants had the opportunity to explore the new INCYTE Research Center during a guided tour led by Prof. Dr. Haring-Bolívar. During the tour, he presented the center’s diverse research opportunities and highlighted, in particular, the potential for international collaboration.

At the invitation of Prof. Dr. von Hehl, the group also visited the Buschhütten campus. Staff from the Chair of Materials Science and Testing and the Chair of International Production Engineering and Management (IPEM) presented their expertise in the areas of materials development and analysis, production management, and digitalization. In addition, they gave the guests a tour of the historic industrial building that houses the Siegen Smart Demonstration Factory (SDFS). Following the tour, the participants discussed joint research topics.

A visit to the open creativity and innovation lab FabLab Siegen concluded the program and strengthened collaboration in the field of teaching. In addition, opportunities for developing a joint study program in cooperation with“LinkMenų fabrikas,”the creative, innovation, and prototyping center at VILNIUS TECH, were discussed.

The ATHENA team would like to extend its sincere thanks to all participants for their commitment and their contribution to the success of this productive meeting!

As part of Europe Day, the ATHENA team from the University of Siegen had an information booth in the foyer of the canteen on the Adolf Reichwein Campus on Thursday, May 28.

Students had the opportunity to find out about the wide range of services offered by the European university alliance ATHENA. Both digital and face-to-face formats were presented, which are open to students from ATHENA partner universities throughout Europe and open up new opportunities for academic, personal and professional development.

Interested parties were also able to find out about the wide range of ATHENA offers directly on site, including short-term mobilities, joint degree programmes and winter and summer schools. There was also the opportunity to subscribe to the ATHENA Instagram channel to stay informed about current events and calls for applications.

Six winners were drawn from all new followers and received vouchers for the UniShop Siegen and the canteen. Visitors could also test their knowledge in a European quiz on the history of the European Union or try their luck on the wheel of fortune. Here too, attractive ATHENA prizes awaited the participants.

We were particularly pleased that students from the EMINENT degree program (Embedded Intelligence Nanosystems Engineering) took part in the campaign and shared their experiences of studying, research, professional development and student life with interested parties.

We would like to thank all visitors for their great interest and the numerous discussions. The aim of the event was to provide insights into the international study and mobility opportunities within the ATHENA network.

We look forward to many more events of this kind!

On 6 May 2026, representatives from academia, European institutions, regional authorities, and industry gathered at the European Parliament in Brussels for the high-level conference “Investing in Europe’s Future: Funding Pathways for Higher Education.” The event was co-organised by Member of the European Parliament Krzysztof Hetman, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Business & Science Poland, and the ATHENA European University Alliance.

The conference focused on one of the most pressing questions facing Europe today: how to effectively invest in the future of European higher education in a rapidly changing social, economic, and geopolitical landscape.

The keynote speech was delivered by Piotr Serafin, who shared perspectives on the future vision for European funding, competitiveness, and innovation. Discussions throughout the event highlighted the strategic role of universities in strengthening Europe’s resilience, fostering innovation, and supporting regional development.

Among the speakers were Krzysztof Hetman, who addressed the links between higher education, cohesion policy, and Horizon Europe, and Anne Besnier, Vice-President of the Region Centre-Val de Loire and member of the European Committee of the Regions, who presented regional perspectives on implementation and funding challenges.

The conference also showcased concrete examples of European university alliances and their long-term sustainability. Mariusz Głąbowski from Poznań University of Technology presented the EUNICE4U project, while Eric Blond, President of the ATHENA European University Alliance and representative of University of Orléans, shared ATHENA’s experience in building a sustainable alliance model without core funding.

The event created a valuable platform for dialogue between policymakers, university leaders, researchers, and industry representatives, reaffirming the importance of international cooperation and strategic investment in higher education across Europe.

ATHENA is proud to contribute to shaping the future of European higher education and to strengthening collaboration between universities, institutions, and society.

On April 9, the University of Siegen warmly welcomed the second EMINENT cohort as they began their second semester. As part of a diverse and engaging Welcome Day, students were introduced to an informative program designed to prepare them for the months ahead.

The event began with an official welcome session, including an introduction to the semester program and the structure of Faculty IV. Participants received a comprehensive overview of courses, lectures, and examination procedures. In addition, key information about the language center was provided, along with practical tips for living in Siegen.

Another important part of the program was the selection of individual specialization tracks. During an open Q&A session, students also had the opportunity to clarify questions and actively engage with the organizers.

Following a joint lunch break at the Mensa together with students from the first cohort, the afternoon program continued with a lab tour at INCYTE and a guided walk across campus, including a visit to the ATHENA office.

The university looks forward with great anticipation to the coming months and the development of the new cohort. The goal is to support students in both their academic and personal growth while ensuring they have a rewarding and enriching experience in Siegen.