News - SYNYO GmbH

GreenEsteem: Project for sustainable Nature-Based Solutions through Co-Creation Launched

leo — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 12:41:50 +0000

GreenEsteem

GreenEsteem: Project for sustainable Nature-Based Solutions through Co-Creation Launched

GreenEsteem is launching a transformative initiative to bridge the gap between scientific research and local urban needs through collaborative knowledge creation. Citizens and decision-makers will be empowered to co-create sustainable Nature-Based Solutions in two “Living Labs” in Poland and Bulgaria, through workshops, training activities and a comprehensive, interactive online platform.

Ongoing transitions such as the twin (green and digital) transition are vital, yet they strongly affect our daily lives. In such dynamic times, the way knowledge is created and by whom, becomes an increasingly significant question. To ensure these changes provide full social and environmental benefits, they must be based on science while remaining sensitive to real societal needs and local contexts. GreenEsteem aims to contribute to a future of more inclusive knowledge creation through the approach known as Collaborative Knowledge Valorisation (CKV) — a coordinated process of co-creation between science, policy, business, and civil society.

In the course of the project, best practices in the field will be tested and applied in different local contexts and then shared more widely, allowing the knowledge and skills needed for these practices to be taken up by practitioners across Europe and beyond. By involving diverse voices, this project aims to develop a broader understanding of expertise, to build a sense of ownership and to ensure that research outputs better match societal and environmental needs in the long term.

Nature-Based Solutions as a Testing Ground

Nature-Based Solutions (NbS), such as sustainable drainage, green roofs, community gardens, and nature-oriented playgrounds, are powerful tools for fighting climate change, biodiversity loss, and urban heat. While these solutions are promising, recent experience shows they face major barriers in implementation and long-term maintenance. A lack of local knowledge, resources, and skills often prevents these green spaces from flourishing and thus, from providing the benefits nature and people need.

The core goal of GreenEsteem is to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practical needs in the field of sustainable NbS through methodology that aims to be:

Participatory, by evaluating, adopting and promoting participatory methods of co-evaluation, co-design, citizen budgeting and place-making that enable a high level of participation in research and decision-making.
Inclusive, by promoting equality and diversity, in the pursuit of overcoming hierarchies across different societal spheres in the creation and evaluation of knowledge.
Experiential and place-based, by establishing living labs that engage with local stakeholders at different stages of urban planning, including the evaluation and design of NbS.

From Hands-on Living Labs to Virtual Reality and Interactive Online Tools

The project advances best practices through two “Living Labs” in Konin (Poland) and Sofia (Bulgaria), which act as real-world testing grounds for several key activities. The process begins with co-evaluation and mapping to identify “hotspots”—neglected spaces or past projects—to determine success factors and gaps. To foster deeper engagement, immersive Virtual Reality (VR) co-design tools will be utilised, allowing residents to become active co-creators of urban NbS that reflect local conditions and needs. This is paired with the “backcasting” method, where stakeholders envision a desired scenario for the future to then identify the concrete actions needed to get there.

Based on identified capacities, barriers, opportunities and needs in the implementation of NbS, action plans will be co-designed for cities to set a course of action for implementing systemic changes that widen the diffusion of NbS and the evaluation of knowledge in this area. Through strategic roadmaps, GreenEsteem will outline follow-up steps for enhancing collaboration, fostering innovation, and translating academic knowledge into practical solutions. These roadmaps will also include a financial plan for sustainability, to ensure project’s wisdom fulfils its long-term impact.

Based on these experiences, five comprehensive training modules will be developed to help researchers, city officials, and citizens to create knowledge and solutions jointly and effectively. The project will be accompanied by a comprehensive online platform – ensuring that stakeholders beyond the project and across Europe can acquire the knowledge and skills needed to boost knowledge co-creation for sustainable NbS in their local contexts.

A Consortium Bridging Natural and Social Sciences, Academia and Practice

The GreenEsteem Consortium brings together six partners from three countries, Poland, Bulgaria and Austria, bridging highly relevant natural and social sciences disciplines related to NBS and linking different levels of experience in R&I projects. Both living lab locations – Konin and Sofia – are managed by a university-local actor partnership. The coordinators from Adam Mickiewicz University will bring their extensive academic and project-related experience in the field of ecosystem services, NbS, urban resilience and climate change adaptation, and will cooperate with Konin City Hall. In Bulgaria, the University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy will cooperate with the CSO Urban Policies Association (TEAM SOFIA), both of which are experienced in NbS R&I projects and dedicated to improving trust and participation in local decision-making processes. The coordinator will be supported by the SYNYO team, which is also responsible for communication, dissemination and exploitation, as well as for designing the project platform together with TEAM SOFIA. The Climate Alliance Austria will contribute with their broad network in Austria and beyond to support knowledge transfers through trainings and multiplication activities.

Project news and tools can be found on the GreenEsteem website and social media channels.

Links

Project Website: https://www.greenesteem.eu/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/greenesteem/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582713119137

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenesteem_eu/

Keywords

Nature-based solutions, knowledge valorisation, quadruple helix collaboration, nature-based solutions, ecosystem-services, participatory planning, open science

GreenEsteem: Project for sustainable Nature-Based Solutions through Co-Creation Launched

ReIncluGen: European Research Project Maps New Ways to Strengthen Support for Migrant Women

METEOR Programme development and work package and outreach updates

August 1, 2025

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ReIncluGen: European Research Project Maps New Ways to Strengthen Support for Migrant Women

leo — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 08:55:06 +0000

ReIncluGen Press Release

ReIncluGen: European Research Project Maps New Ways to Strengthen Support for Migrant Women

ReIncluGen concludes with the launch of the photobook „Whispering Truths in Many Ways and Places“ and a public event on 18 December 2025

Vienna — 15.12.2025

After three years of in-depth research across five European countries, the ReIncluGen project Rethinking Inclusion and Gender Empowerment is concluding with the presentation of a new photobook created together with migrant women and a public community event in Vienna. The closing event will take place on 18 December from 13:00 to 19:00 at the premises of The Orient Express learning centre Schönngasse 15-17, 1020, Vien and will bring together migrant women, civil society organisations, practitioners, and community members to share the project’s results and celebrate its collaborative outcomes.

A Photobook Giving Space to Women’s Voices

A central outcome of the project is the photobook Whispering Truths in Many Ways and Places. A Photobook by Migrantised Women Across Europe, edited by Kris Aerts, Amal Miri and Lore Van Praag, Owl Press, https://www.borgerhoff-lamberigts.be/en/shop/boeken/whispering-truths-in-many-ways-places?variant=240096

Developed through participatory visual and narrative methods, the photobook brings together photographs and stories created by women who took part in ReIncluGen’s research in Austria, Belgium, Italy, Poland, and Spain. It captures everyday moments of strength, care, uncertainty, creativity, and belonging, focusing on how empowerment is lived and felt rather than formally defined.

The book highlights spaces where women feel safe, relationships that sustain them, and activities that support confidence and self-determination. By doing so, it offers perspectives that are often missing from public debates and policy discussions. The photobook stands as a key result of the project, translating research findings into an accessible, human-centred format for a wider audience.

About the ReIncluGen Project

ReIncluGen is a three-year European research project that brought together partners across five countries to better understand how migrant women experience empowerment, navigate institutions, and access support services. The research combined in-depth interviews with migrant women, close collaboration with civil society organisations (CSOs), and comparative media analysis to build a multi-layered understanding of what inclusion can mean in everyday life.

The project shows that empowerment is not a single or uniform process. Women’s experiences are shaped by legal status, language, care responsibilities, personal histories, trauma, and access to rights and services. While national gender equality and integration frameworks provide important reference points, many women benefit most from support that is long-term, flexible, and closely connected to their lived realities. Moreover, every woman defines her individual understanding of what empowerment means for her.

Across all research phases, CSOs emerged as essential actors. They provide first-language counselling, legal advice, childcare, psychosocial and trauma-informed support, safe social spaces, and opportunities for community building. Their work creates trusted environments where women can regain confidence, make informed decisions, and explore education or employment pathways at their own pace.

Insights from the Austrian Research

The Austrian case study combined interviews with migrant women, participatory research with CSOs, and analysis of media debates related to gender empowerment and inclusion. Together, these strands offer a detailed picture of how empowerment is supported, enabled, and sometimes constrained in practice.

Key insights:

Empowerment goes beyond employment and language acquisition.
Women described empowerment as closely linked to safety, legal certainty, stable housing, emotional well-being, and the ability to participate socially and culturally.
CSOs play a central role in everyday inclusion.
They often act as first points of contact, offering trusted and accessible support in women’s first languages. Their work is particularly important for women experiencing violence, isolation, or legal uncertainty.
Continuity and stability matter.
Short-term and project-based funding models can limit long-term planning and staff stability, affecting programmes that rely on trust-building and gradual engagement.
Access to services remains uneven.
Legal status, documentation requirements, and language barriers can delay access to childcare, counselling, education, or mental health support, increasing vulnerability at critical moments.
Community-based and creative approaches are highly valued.
Peer groups, storytelling, arts-based activities, and first-language literacy support were repeatedly highlighted as effective in building confidence and supporting participation, even when their outcomes are not easily measured.
Public debates often overlook women’s everyday realities.
Media coverage tends to focus on ‘integration’ challenges, which are defined in a problematic way, or on political framing, while women’s lived experiences, aspirations, and contributions remain largely invisible.

The findings point to a clear opportunity: empowerment is strongest when policies, institutions, and community actors work together, and when services are stable, inclusive, and able to respond to women’s diverse realities. ReIncluGen encourages building on the strengths already present in Austria’s support landscape while reinforcing the long-term structures that make empowerment possible

Closing Event

The ReIncluGen closing event will take place on 18 December from 13h on at The Orient Express learning centre in Schönngasse 15-17, 1020, Vienna. The programme will feature the presentation of the photobook Whispering Truths in Many Ways and Places. A Photobook by Migrantised Women Across Europe, reflections from migrant women who participated in the project, and insights from the Austrian research team. The event will also offer space for dialogue and informal exchange among community members, practitioners, and researchers. Multi-media approaches will highlight various women‘s stories and experiences, and the presentations will be accompanied by a small buffet It marks the conclusion of the ReIncluGen project and provides an opportunity to reflect on its findings, celebrate the women’s contributions, and discuss future pathways for inclusive and sustainable support.

All materials, analysis, reports and deliverables from the project can be found here: https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/projects/reinclugen/

OpenMusE: Project Finale Sets the Stage for Data-Driven European Music Pathways

July 1, 2025

METEOR kicks off: EU-funded programme to transform doctoral training and researcher skills

BOND: Outcomes in Advancing Education, Tolerance and Heritage Preservation to combat Antisemitism

January 1, 2025

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METEOR Programme development and work package and outreach updates

leo — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 11:48:03 +0000

METEOR

METEOR kicks off: EU-funded programme to transform doctoral training and researcher skills

The METEOR Programme: participants will combine online training with two in-person METEOR Academies, team up across countries and disciplines, and develop proposals aligned with the UN SDGs. We’re also happy to share early work package highlights—WP3 has produced the training-resource templates, and WP2 is advancing its Europe-wide study on doctoral education.

Programme highlights

METEOR’s training journey blends online resources, peer-mentoring groups, and two in-person METEOR Academies designed to practise transversal skills—teamwork, project design and management, communication, and intercultural collaboration—in authentic settings. The Programme page details participation, time commitment (approx. 1 hour/week with peaks), mentoring support, and the two-Academy cycle that anchors learning and proposal development.

First METEOR Academy: dates & locations are announced

Denmark — Roskilde University: 12–16 January 2026
Finland — University of Jyväskylä: 19–23 January 2026
Türkiye — Hacettepe University: 26–30 January 2026
Cyprus — European University Cyprus: 2–6 February 2026
Spain — CEEI Burgos: 9–13 February 2026

Work package updates

WP3 — Training resource templates delivered

WP3 has created the common training resource templates that underpin METEOR’s online learning offer. The templates align learning outcomes, activity design, and assessment with the programme’s transversal-skills focus—ensuring consistency across modules and a smooth learner experience.

WP2 — Research on “Doctoral Education and Training in Europe”

WP2 is progressing its evidence base on doctoral training structures, outcomes, and societal impact across partner countries. This research will inform both the refinement of METEOR’s resources and the project’s policy recommendations—connecting what we teach to how doctoral education can evolve system-wide.

Project impact

The METEOR project is designed to transform doctoral education by equipping PhD students and early-career researchers (ECRs) with essential transversal skills, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and strengthening the link between research and societal impact. By providing structured training and hands-on experience, METEOR prepares researchers to work effectively in academic, industrial, and policy-driven environments.

Impact on Researchers

METEOR directly supports PhD students and ECRs, offering high-quality training and opportunities to develop skills in teamwork, communication, and innovation. Through in-person training activities and online engagement, participants will benefit from innovative training resources. The program enhances employability, career readiness, and researchers’ ability to collaborate across disciplines and sectors.

Institutional and Policy-Level Impact

METEOR engages supervisors, university administrators, and policymakers to improve doctoral training structures. Universities and research institutions will benefit from a stronger focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and practical skill development, making doctoral programs more relevant to modern societal and labour market needs.

Shaping the Future of Doctoral Education

METEOR’s impact will be reinforced through evidence-based policy recommendations aimed at reshaping doctoral education at institutional, national, and European levels. By building strong partnerships, fostering collaboration across disciplines, and preparing researchers for diverse career pathways, METEOR contributes to a more innovative and socially responsible research ecosystem. The projects income will sustain through the METEOR Competence & Career Centre beyond the project’s duration.

Partner events and outreach

January 2025 — Open University launches METEOR (UK).

At the Seminar on Global Education and Digital Transformation, METEOR was presented to ~45 participants from academia, industry, and NGOs spanning Europe, Africa, and South America. OU’s WELS leadership positioned METEOR within an evidence- and AI-enabled agenda for educational impact.

February 2025 — Research Seminar 2025 (Norway).

At Nord University, 70+ researchers and advisers discussed the future of research communication and doctoral education. Prof. Anne Marit Valle outlined METEOR’s approach to cross-disciplinary, impact-oriented skills for PhD candidates.

March 2025 — IX Meeting of Young Entrepreneurs, CEEI Burgos (Spain).

Fifty-eight participants explored METEOR via pitches, coaching, and a “Startup Resurrection” session, engaging master’s/PhD students and founders with innovation-focused skill paths.

May 2025 — Vocational Training Exhibition, CEEI Burgos (Spain).

Through a dedicated booth, METEOR reached 500+ visitors from VET schools, universities, and startups, highlighting how eco-outwards research and teamworking skills support doctoral and early-career development.

June 2025 — SIPED National Conference (Italy).

The University of Verona presented METEOR under the theme “Quality of Education as Social Responsibility,” contributing to debates on transformative pedagogy and doctoral training reform.

July 2025 — UNEB briefing for PhD coordinators (Brazil).

UNEB introduced METEOR’s objectives and structure to coordinators across 29 campuses, preparing recruitment pipelines and cross-faculty support for candidates.

Links

https://www.meteorhorizon.eu/news/

https://www.meteorhorizon.eu/meteor-programme/

https://www.meteorhorizon.eu/

https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101178320/pl

Keywords

Doctoral training, PhD, transversal skills, early-career researchers, interdisciplinary collaboration, research impact, Horizon Europe, policy, METEOR Academies

OpenMusE: Live Music Census tunes into health of European music scene

ReIncluGen: Participatory Action Research. An Evaluation of CSO Practices on Empowerment and Inclusion.

FU-TOURISM: Acceleration Programme – 20.000 Euros for Innovative SMEs

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OpenMusE: Project Finale Sets the Stage for Data-Driven European Music Pathways

leo — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 06:30:17 +0000

OpenMusE

OpenMusE: Project Finale Sets the Stage for Data-Driven European Music Pathways

After three years of intensive research and an EU investment of nearly €10 million, the OpenMusE project, alongside its sister initiatives Fair Muse and Music360, transitioned from research to action. Key results of the project are the suite of data dashboards available on the openmuse.eu website and a policy roundtable in Brussels, where the Open Music Cluster projects presented their vision for evidence-based policy-making. As the project concluded, significant progress had been made towards the objective of ensuring that music ecosystems are visible and valued within the European Union’s official frameworks.

Data for Policy: A Strategic Alignment

The project’s guiding principle “Data for policy” comes at a critical juncture. In 2025, the European Commission released the “Culture Compass for Europe”, which sets a concrete timeline for the future of cultural governance. Along with its sister projects, OpenMusE presented core recommendations. These include integrating music dataspaces into the EU Cultural Data Hub and creating standing mechanisms for music stakeholder participation in EU policy-making. The event in Brussels also highlighted the project’s results and learnings aimed at embedding music data into these infrastructures now, to avoid another decade of “music invisibility” in official statistics. By providing open-source software, methodological protocols, and representative surveys, the project has developed crucial contributions in the interest of launching a European Data Hub.

The OpenMusE Dashboards: Research in Action

A central legacy of the project is the suite of data dashboards available on the openmuse.eu website. These tools translate complex research into accessible, interactive formats for policy makers and industry stakeholders. The Live Music Census Dashboard presents findings from a coordinated study conducted on October 11, 2024, across Heidelberg, Mannheim, Helsinki, Vilnius, and Lviv. It captures the diversity of performances (from church choirs to stadium concerts) and tracks audience spending and travel distances. The Live Music Maps, an additional module created on the basis of the Live Music Census, provide a geographical overview and key data for 280 venues, identifying local music hubs and providing essential data for citizens, city planners, and music industry stakeholders alike.

The Cultural Access and Participation Dashboard display results from a 2025 survey with 5.000 respondents across Germany, Poland, France, Italy, and Spain. The data explores how people experience music in everyday life, focusing on music discovery, education, and the sociocultural factors that shape engagement. Designed for research and policy questions, the dashboard allows users to filter results by country and theme to identify and compare patterns across the European landscape. Both data dashboards offer the survey data as free downloads, underscoring the project’s aim to make data open and easily accessible.

OpenMusE Publications and Online Resources

While the project is officially concluded, the consortium’s commitment to fostering a more competitive, transparent, and fair European music ecosystem continues. A vast array of project results, including scientific publications, open-source datasets, the Open Music Europe Podcast, and the interactive data dashboards, remain available for exploration on the openmuse.eu website.

Links

OpenMusE Website:

https://www.openmuse.eu/

Live Music Census Dashboard:

https://www.openmuse.eu/live-music-census/

Live Music Maps:

https://www.openmuse.eu/live-music-maps/

Cultural Access and Participation Dashboard:

https://www.openmuse.eu/cultural-access-and-participation/

Keywords

Evidence-based, cultural policy, music ecosystem, music research, music data

CircularCityChallenge: Final project results boost innovation for sustainable development education

BioBeo: Digital Handbook empowers education stakeholders to bring innovation to schools

BOND: Toolbox for dialogue released

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METEOR kicks off: EU-funded programme to transform doctoral training and researcher skills

leo — Sat, 01 Feb 2025 12:45:47 +0000

METEOR

METEOR kicks off: EU-funded programme to transform doctoral training and researcher skills

METEOR – Methodologies for Teamworking in Eco-Outwards Research – has officially launched to equip PhD students and early-career researchers (ECRs) with the transversal skills they need to thrive across academia, industry, and society. Over three years, the Horizon Europe project will develop cutting-edge online training resources and run two in-person METEOR Academies, fostering interdisciplinary teamwork and real-world impact.

Project background

Doctoral education often focuses on individual academic achievement, leaving limited space for teamwork, intercultural collaboration, entrepreneurship, and communication—the very skills demanded by today’s labour market. METEOR addresses these gaps head-on. The programme combines evidence-based training with participatory methodologies to reduce skill mismatches, strengthen career guidance, and support researcher wellbeing.

Core activities include:

Co-created online and offline training resources on teamwork, intercultural competence, communication, and entrepreneurship.
In-person METEOR Academies (summer-school style) and online peer mentoring.
Interdisciplinary teams developing transdisciplinary research proposals aligned with the UN SDGs—evaluated and published as METEOR outputs.

Backed by 13 partners from Poland, Norway, Denmark, Finland, the UK, Italy, Cyprus, Spain, Austria, Georgia, Türkiye and Brazil, METEOR leverages strong ties with ministries and international networks to deliver lasting improvements in doctoral education and researcher development.

Project objectives

Over a period of 36 months, the METEOR project aims to achieve following objectives:

Evidence-based innovation: Advance doctoral/ECR training with proven methods addressing societal challenges.
Transversal skills training: Provide a co-created, interactive programme delivered online and in person.
Policy impact: Produce actionable recommendations to inform institutional and governmental policies.
Sustainable communication: Disseminate results widely and foster a global community of innovative researchers.

Project methodology and structure

METEOR is delivered through a coherent four-phase pathway that links the project’s method to its work-package structure. After a preparation phase that establishes the Data Management Plan and the Communication, Dissemination & Exploitation Plan while gathering baseline evidence (WP1, WP2), the consortium designs and tests co-created training resources on transversal skills (WP3) and recruits participants for the first in-person METEOR Academy, where interdisciplinary teams begin developing proposals aligned with societal challenges (WP4). Building on this, a second Academy deepens practice and evaluation as teams refine proposals online and the project assesses learning outcomes and anticipated longer-term effects on careers and doctoral education (WP4 with inputs from WP2). Throughout, ethics, open science and equality standards are ensured (WP7). The final phase translates findings into policy briefs and recommendations and sets up sustainability measures—supported by targeted communication and exploitation—to extend access to METEOR resources beyond the grant (WP5, WP6). In short, evidence informs training design; training is implemented and evaluated in authentic settings; and results are amplified through policy engagement and sustained communication, creating a continuous loop from insight to impact.

Providing an outlook with METEOR impact

METEOR will strengthen employability, interdisciplinary collaboration, and societal impact among PhDs and ECRs—while supporting supervisors, institutions, and policymakers with evidence and practical tools. The project’s training resources and the post-project METEOR Career and Competence Centre will keep benefits available to learners worldwide beyond the grant period.

Links

https://www.meteorhorizon.eu/

https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101178320/pl

Keywords

Doctoral training, PhD, transversal skills, early-career researchers, interdisciplinary collaboration, research impact, Horizon Europe, policy, METEOR Academies

FU-TOURISM: FU-TOURISM participates in Second Anniversary Celebration of the Tourism Pathway in Europe

June 1, 2024

ALLIES: Pilot and Validation Workshop: A Pioneering Step for Online Safety

June 1, 2024

BioBeo: Bioeconomy Festival held in Brussels

May 1, 2024

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BOND: Outcomes in Advancing Education, Tolerance and Heritage Preservation to combat Antisemitism

leo — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 09:47:11 +0000

BOND

BOND: Outcomes in Advancing Education, Tolerance and Heritage Preservation to combat Antisemitism

The BOND project (Building Tolerance, Understanding, and Dialogue across Communities) has made remarkable strides in advancing interfaith and intercultural understanding across Europe. Supported by the European Union, this initiative combats entrenched prejudices and antisemitism while fostering inclusivity and encouraging meaningful dialogue among diverse communities.

Researching Antisemitism to Foster Education and Tolerance across Europe

The BOND project undertook extensive research on antisemitism in Hungary, Italy, Romania, and Poland to address its persistent and evolving dynamics and its connections to other forms of intolerance. Through educational initiatives targeting young people and teachers, the project fosters awareness, critical thinking, and a network of informed advocates dedicated to combating hate and promoting tolerance. This research, incorporating desk and field studies on topics such as antisemitic stereotypes, COVID-19-related antisemitism, and political antisemitism, resulted in the publication of four national reports and one comprehensive report.

Empowering Educators and Preserving Heritage to combat Antisemitism

Key outcomes of the project include educational materials aiming towards advancing the understanding of antisemitism and its links to other forms of intolerance. A youth education event in Warsaw, along with related activities, heighted the awareness of antisemitism and Jewish history among students and educators. Students improved their ability to counter misinformation and prejudice, while teachers gained region-specific resources via the iWitness program (an educational platform by the USC Shoah Foundation that provides access to video testimonies of genocide survivors) and the BOND website. The project also facilitated the formation of a growing network of stakeholders committed to combating antisemitism and fostering tolerance.

To further its impact, the BOND project developed an educational curriculum and training materials aimed at equipping high school educators with tools to teach about antisemitism, Jewish history, and the Holocaust. This curriculum is particularly vital in addressing the recent surge in antisemitism following the October 7 terror attack on Israel. It empowers educators to engage with these sensitive topics effectively and professionally within their national educational systems. Additionally, the project launched an Online Museum to preserve and celebrate the heritage of Jewish and Roma communities in Europe. Featuring an interactive map, photographs, and exhibitions, this digital initiative promotes awareness and dialogue across generations, ensuring that the stories and contributions of these communities continue to inspire and educate.

Project Organization

The BOND project started in January 2023 and was coordinated by Polylogos Association (Romania). Throughout a duration of 24 months with a total number of 113,5 person months, 6 partner organizations were working on analysing the body of knowledge as well as conducting empirical research on the challenges and needs. Among these partners were, apart from the coordinator, SYNYO GmbH, Political Capital Szolgaltato Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Associazione di Promozione Sociale Le Rose di Atacama, Fundacja American Jewish Committee Central Europe, and Zachor Alapitvany a Tarsadalmi Emlekezetert. The partners reflected on the complexity of individual and structural dimensions, geographical scale as well as the forms and levels of responses related to different stakeholder groups and practitioners.

Links

Project website

https://www.bond-project.eu/

Antisemitism National Reports

https://www.bond-project.eu/national-reports-on-antisemitism/

Educational curriculum and training materials for youth

https://www.bond-project.eu/educational-curriculum-and-training-materials/

Public Reports

https://www.bond-project.eu/public-reports/

Keywords

Antisemitism, Tolerance, Dialogue, Youth Education, iWitness, Racism, Poland, Italy, Hungary, Romania?

Article Image: Shutterstock/Dragon Images

CircularCityChallenge: Successful School Workshops to Empower Youth for Circular Futures

May 1, 2024

ReIncluGen: On what it means to be a woman. Interviews, focus groups and photography.

BOND: National Reports on Antisemitism released

January 1, 2024

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OpenMusE: Live Music Census tunes into health of European music scene

leo — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 08:36:13 +0000

OpenMusE

OpenMusE: Live Music Census tunes into health of European music scene

On October 11^th, 2024 the first-ever European Live Music Census was conducted in six major European cities: Vilnius, Heidelberg, Mannheim, Helsinki and Lviv. The initiative aimed to measure the state of the European live music scene and to eventually inform future policies.

The European live music scene is enjoying a vibrant revival in the wake of the pandemic, with a packed calendar of festivals and concerts lined up for 2024 and beyond. Against this backdrop, researchers from the Horizon Europe project OpenMusE conducted the first-ever European Live Music Census on October 11, 2024.

The initiative documented a wide range of performances — from grassroots gigs and church choirs to pub shows and large-scale concerts — offering a comprehensive snapshot of live music across several cities. The Census also seeked to evaluate the economic and cultural value of live music and to identify the challenges faced by artists and venues – insights essential to paving the way for a thriving music ecosystem.

European cities collaborate in pioneering Live Music Census

“Five major European cities took part in this groundbreaking study: Heidelberg and Mannheim (Germany), Helsinki (Finland, in partnership with LiveFIN), Vilnius (Lithuania), and Lviv (Ukraine). In Lviv, Music Export Ukraine led research focused on how the city’s live music scene adapts amid the challenges of war. Despite these difficulties, Lviv’s live music culture has thrived through innovative security measures and cultural resilience, with venues like the Lower Hall of the Puppet Theater and FESTrepublic playing a key role in maintaining the city’s creative spirit and supporting local artists and audiences.

The Census is led by the OpenMusE project, with contributions from researchers at the University of Turku (Finland), the SINUS-Institute (Germany), Music Export Ukraine, and the Music Export Fund (Lithuania).

Running from January 2023 to December 2025, OpenMusE aims to strengthen the European music industry by fostering competitiveness, fairness, sustainability, and transparency. The project brings together stakeholders and researchers from 10 EU countries and Ukraine to develop tools for assessing the value of music and ensuring equitable compensation for creators.

Mapping live music’s impact: Data-driven approach to shaping Europe’s music future

Project coordinator James Rhys Edwards highlights the significance of this initiative: “Whether viewed through an economic or sociocultural lens, the live music sector is vital for everyone in the music ecosystem. Yet, a lack of data has made its impact challenging to quantify. This marks the first attempt to map live music activity across major European cities on a single day. The insights gained will guide policy decisions across Europe for years to come.”

The Census operated for 24 hours, starting at noon on October 11, 2024, collecting data on key aspects of live music, such as audience motivations, the importance of venues, spending habits, and travel distances. Inspired by the success of the 2017 UK Live Music Census, this European initiative aims to further support and develop a sustainable live music environment. An Aftermovie on the Live Music Census gives an insight into the music scenes of each city and can be viewed on the project website.

Links

Live Music Census Aftermovie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JG4paNuWkp0&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.openmuse.eu%2F&embeds_referring_origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.openmuse.eu&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE

How Lviv’s Live Music Scene Adapts Under Fire

https://www.openmuse.eu/how-lvivs-live-music-scene-adapts-under-fire/

Keywords

European Live Music Census, music ecosystem, post-pandemic music scene

OpenMusE: Music Metadata Mainstreaming and EU Law

January 1, 2024

CVDLINK: Innovative project launched to advance cardiovascular health through data-driven solutions

January 1, 2024

OpenMusE: Workshop: Metadata mainstreaming in the music industries. Data spaces and beyond

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ReIncluGen: Participatory Action Research. An Evaluation of CSO Practices on Empowerment and Inclusion.

leo — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 08:28:17 +0000

ReIncluGen

ReIncluGen: Participatory Action Research. An Evaluation of CSO Practices on Empowerment and Inclusion.

Within the past half year, SYNYO and the other academic partners within the ReIncluGen consortium, have conducted participatory action research. This entailed the selection of three or more civil society organisations (CSOs) per country, as well as the selection of three or more practices that promote gender empowerment and inclusion, especially among migrant women. These practices were then jointly discussed in several sessions, with the aim of evaluating their respective impact and derive potential improvements.

The case of Vienna, Austria

The case of implementing participatory action research in Austria was special, as on the one hand, SYNYO decided to collaborate with CSOs we had previously already worked with and, on the other hand, SYNYO took over the role as ‘critical friend’ – which was originally foreseen for another CSO. The reason for this decision was the concern of participating CSOs that they would not open up and engage critically enough with their own practices in the presence of other external colleagues for fear of being judged. Therefore, in Austria the ‘critical friend’ role was played by SYNYO as external to the whole field, but at the same time, familiar with the project.

The research

During the evaluation process, CSOs assessed seven distinct practices: German language courses, German alphabetisation courses, emergency housing (with a particular focus on the admission process), social and legal counselling, and social accompaniment. Over the course of several months, four focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with each participating CSO. These discussions allowed the CSOs to link their overall work and context to the specific challenges they aim to address and the practices they implement to tackle them. Participants in each FGD included team members performing various tasks and holding diverse positions within the organisational hierarchy. This structure fostered broader discussions and brought forth multiple perspectives. The presence of the SYNYO team further encouraged participants to reflect on their practices and explain them step-by-step to an external audience, which, in some cases, helped clarify and illuminate certain processes. The findings will be comparatively analysed in a cross-country report by the University of Antwerp as part of the final deliverable. Additionally, best practice examples from project organisations and beyond are made available on QUWA.

The findings

Overall, the CSOs identified similar social challenges and problems, they seek to minimise with the practices and activities they offer. While one CSO defined the social problem as “disadvantages in society and discrimination”, another CSO spoke of gender-based violence (GBV) in a broader sense, stretching from physical violence to psychological but also societal and structural forms of violence, that can also be understood as gender-based discrimination. The last CSO also identified GBV as their focal social problem, with a narrower focus on physical and psychological violence within family structures, as well as potentially forced marriage and abduction.

The target groups for whom the practices and activities are tailored are women and girls with a migration background. Nonetheless, the age group targeted depends more strongly on the activity and practice, as does their country of origin and whether or not they are first- or second-generation migrants.

When evaluating the impact of the practices, more positive than negative ones were identified, however the impacts evaluated are mainly short-term as most projects and activities are inherently designed for a limited time frame. Thus, upon completion of the practice or activity, may it be a language course or accommodation in the emergency housing, the client is expected to have been empowered at least to the point that she does not need to utilise this practice or activity further. To respect their privacy, no evaluation of the practice has followed up on clients throughout several years after having utilised these practices.

Lastly, common themes in regard to potential improvements of the respective practices and activities, were a lack of funding and a wish to be able to provide better services to more clients in need and lastly, to extend the services offered. The staff members of the participating CSOs stated that neither financial means, nor personnel capacity or the project duration are sufficient. All of these aspects depend strongly on the funding cycle and funding schemes which were heavily criticised. Funding cycles operate on an annual basis, thus staff members need to apply to funding agencies once a year taking time from their actual positions and off the practices and activities. Despite a practice having been continuously funded throughout the past years, CSOs can never be fully sure to receive funding for the next year.

Upcoming events

The traveling photo exhibition, which was developed as part of the ReIncluGen project, is coming to Vienna on January, 22nd 2025. It will take place in the Brunnenpassage from 6-10pm and is open to the public. This event enables women to speak about themselves and their stories through the art of photography. Additionally, the evening will be accompanied by music from the Emilia Miran Band.

Links

https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/projects/reinclugen/news-activities/

https://quwaconnect.eu

Keywords

migration, women, gender equality, CSO, evaluation research

FU-TOURISM: Supporting European tourism SMEs towards a green, digital and inclusive economy

NOTIONES: Conferences on AI, data protection and cryptocurrencies promote an EU intelligence network

December 1, 2023

BioBeo: Development of new boardgames about the Bioeconomy

The post ReIncluGen: Participatory Action Research. An Evaluation of CSO Practices on Empowerment and Inclusion. first appeared on SYNYO GmbH.

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FU-TOURISM: Acceleration Programme – 20.000 Euros for Innovative SMEs

leo — Sun, 01 Dec 2024 09:23:35 +0000

FU-TOURISM

FU-TOURISM: Acceleration Programme – 20.000 Euros for Innovative SMEs

The FU-TOURISM Acceleration Programme is set to transform European tourism by supporting 60 SMEs with €20,000 each and expert guidance to embrace sustainability and digital innovation. Open to companies from Croatia, Spain, Belgium, Greece, Austria, and Poland, the programme offers funding as well as customised business support services.

The FU-TOURISM Acceleration Programme invites SMEs from Croatia, Spain, Belgium, Greece, Austria, and Poland to apply for funding and expert guidance in sustainable and digital tourism. Sixty SMEs, 10 per country, will receive €20,000 each and an 8-month hybrid programme of training, mentoring, and consultancy. Applications are open from 31 October 2024 to 31 January 2025 via fu-tourism.eu/open-call. The programme was launched at the iBlue event in Lanzarote to promote transnational collaboration in regenerative tourism.

Comprehensive support for SMEs in Tourism

The chosen SMEs will participate in an 8-month hybrid programme combining funding and training, receiving €20,000 in direct financial support. They will also gain access to a range of business consultancy services, including online workshops on business models, mentoring focused on sustainable tourism development, and transnational networking webinars. Additional benefits include assistance in accessing EU funding opportunities of up to €2 million, with the potential to develop their proposals into European projects through initiatives like LIFE and HORIZON.

Through this initiative, FU-TOURISM aims to support the business sector while also contributing to the European Union’s objectives of tackling shared challenges in the tourism industry through innovative solutions. Selected companies will address priority challenges identified during FU-TOURISM’s mapping process, which serves as a reference for defining eligible innovative solutions under this call. Among the issues to address is the promotion of responsible tourism practices that minimise the impact of climate change.

FU-TOURISM Open Days offer guidance and networking

Open Day sessions will be held in context of the Acceleration Programme in all participating countries from November to December 2024. These events will provide details, application tips, and insights on the Acceleration Programme, along with industry best practices and collaboration opportunities. More details are available at fu-tourism.eu/events.

FU-TOURISM’s Acceleration Programme is just the beginning. In 2025, a second programme will support 42 SME associations with grants of €30,000 each, furthering the initiative’s mission to foster a sustainable and digital tourism ecosystem across Europe.

Keywords

Acceleration Programme, Digital Innovation, Responsible tourism, Sustainability, Business support services

Image

BOY ANTHONY/Shutterstock

COGREX: EU-project on the gender-perspective in radicalisation research and intervention approaches

CircularCityChallenge: Online platform launched to educate the next generation for a circular future

COVINFORM: Three Years of COVID-19 risk research: A little glimpse into our project.

October 31, 2023

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CircularCityChallenge: Final project results boost innovation for sustainable development education

leo — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 08:22:09 +0000

CircularCityChallenge

CircularCityChallenge: Final project results boost innovation for sustainable development education

In its three years of deeply engaging in circularity and sustainability, the project CircularCityChallenge created an engaging learning experience for students and educators, supporting participants to discover new values, explore their local communities, and contribute to positive change. Inspired by the European Commission’s ‘Green Competencies’, the developed curriculum and policy recommendations instill a foundational understanding of circularity, while conveying skills such as systems and critical thinking, project management and communication.

CircularCityChallenge pilots in 4 countries

Forming the key pillar of the CircularCityChallenge, the consortium organized a Pan-European contest for ideas on circular interventions in students’ local environments. This initiative empowered young people to propose innovative and sustainable solutions that support a circular way of living. In the four consortium partner countries—Spain, Austria, Romania, and the Netherlands—tailored approaches were implemented, including co-creation and promotion workshops. The contest also featured an open international contest to gather valuable contributions from youth across Europe. The CircularCityChallenge digital platform offered engaging resources and inspirational examples to guide young students in exploring their local environment to create a more circular and sustainable community. The resulting ideas from the youth showcased the huge potential for change through simple means and highlighted the unique perspectives of young people, which are often overlooked. Juries evaluated all contributions based on predefined and transparent criteria to ensure a fair outcome. A generous cash prize of €6.000, sponsored by the Austrian Climate and Energy Fund, was distributed among the winning teams.

Advancing learning assessment in Education for Sustainable Development

Another key effort and achievement of the project was the CircularCityChallenge learning assessment, designed to weave together various strands of knowledge from environmental science to economics in an interdisciplinary approach. It was introduced across diverse educational landscapes, from secondary schools to vocational programs, and even in informal educational events, ensuring it is robust and versatile. For teachers, the assessment framework included a clear system for assigning points to Intended Learning Outcomes, specific indicators for assessing understanding and application of concepts, and a grading system that translated assessment points into standardized grades. Providing students with meaningful, written feedback on their projects was also a vital part of the assessment strategy. This approach acknowledged and valued the students’ contributions, which is fundamental for their motivation and sense of accomplishment. Moreover, it deepened their understanding of circularity thinking by offering constructive insights that went beyond mere grades.

The CircularCityChallenge curriculum

The target audience is 14 to 19-year-old pupils in any educational format—both formal and non-formal settings. Integrating sustainable development education (SDE) with project-based learning (PBL) in both settings provided a dynamic approach for teaching and applying sustainability concepts. In formal education, this approach can be integrated into subjects like science, geography, and economics, encouraging students to tackle real-world sustainability challenges. The resulting projects often involve hands-on activities such as community gardening, local recycling initiatives, or environmental advocacy campaigns, demonstrating the strength of this experiential, flexible framework that promotes community involvement and allows learners to see the direct impacts of their efforts, enhancing their understanding of and commitment to sustainable practices.

Key results to improve circularity education across Europe

Towards the end of the project, the multifaceted experiences were translated into a practical set of key results, outlining innovative policies for integrating sustainability education into schools. These recommendations were designed for ministries of education, local governments, and schools to foster a sustainable future through education. The policy recommendations recognise the complexity of education policy and the importance of balancing top-down implementation processes with bottom-up approaches that leave room for co-implementation and local adaptation. The implementation process itself can enhance education systems by allowing stakeholders – from students and parents to administration and decision-makers – to participate from the outset in shaping policies, thereby ensuring greater impact when these policies reach schools. By promoting these recommendations, the CircularCityChallenge contributes to a more resilient and informed student body capable of addressing the sustainability challenges of the future.

Links

The CircularCityChallenge website: https://project.circularcitychallenge.eu/

The CircularCityChallenge platform: https://circularcitychallenge.eu/

Keywords

Education for Sustainable Development, Circular Economy, Circularity, Youth Empowerment, Urban Planning