Highlights from EU-CONEXUS workshop and presentations organized in Sinaia, Romania, between September 11-17

Last week, our partners from Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest (UTCB) held a series of student activities in Sinaia, Romania. The intention was to train UTCB students for the role of local EU-CONEXUS Ambassadors at university level and spread the opportunities we bring as a European Universities Alliance. In their new role, the local ambassadors will offer support to the EU-CONEXUS Office at UTCB, contributing to the development of a better-informed student community.

This mobility was a part of the Partnership Protocol signed last year between UTCB and the Royal Peleș Heritage Association (APRP). The protocol represents a framework within which collaborative activities – such as practice programs, scientific events, research efforts, and exchanges of national and international experience – take place.

Joined by a total of 22 UTCB students from different UTCB specializations, the team has already started the rehabilitation works of Villa Şipot Casa Arhitectilor and Vulpărie Complex under the coordination of Royal Peleș Heritage Association (APRP) Team. In doing so, UTCB joined other academic institutions that are already involved in this initiative: University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine in Bucharest (USAMV Bucharest), Ion Mincu University of Architecture and Urbanism in Bucharest (UAUIM), National University of Music Bucharest (UNMB), and Transilvania University from Brasov.

Throughout the entire week, UTCB students took part in practical activities, such as:

• Workshop on Call for Student Projects led by Ramona Diac, UTCB Mobilities Coordinator. 1st call open for student projects.The main aim of this workshop was to empower the presence of students in all EU-CONEXUS structures and enhance their contribution in the development of transnational higher education institutions. Other intentions included promoting a multidisciplinarity approach to SmUCS topics and service to society, shaping a better response to students’ needs in studying, social and professional life, and informing them about the application process of a student call. The workshop ended with a practical exercise: each student had to fill in an application form starting from an idea that fits the eligibility criteria stipulated during the training part;
• Presentations about EU-CONEXUS and our PhD Summer School Minor Programmes. The aim of these presentations was to familiarize students with the Alliance, its relevance and open opportunities, as well as encourage them to apply for one of our Minor Programmes;
• Training on Royal Protocol and Etiquette led by Raluca Stănescu, Communications Officer of The Royal Peleș Heritage Association;
• Training on Noninvasive Techniques in the Field of Constructions (especially on historical buildings) led by Dr.ing. Teodor Pavlu, NDT Specialist
• Practical restoration activities of historical buildings (on-site).

This mobility was part of an ongoing UTCB effort to engage its student community in our Alliance. We hope that in the future many more students across EU-CONEXUS will join us!