Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies Strengthens European Higher Education in the ChallengeEU Alliance
In Offenburg, nine European universities signed a Consortium Agreement, officially launching the ChallengeEU alliance. This collaboration aims to enhance student, academic staff, and scientific community mobility, as well as improve the quality, integration, and competitiveness of European higher education. The Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU) plays a significant role among the alliance members.
Nine Universities – One Alliance
Joining LBTU in the ChallengeEU alliance are Hochschule Offenburg (Germany, project coordinator), South East European University (North Macedonia), ECAM LaSalle (France), Mid Sweden University (Sweden), Universidade Europeia (Portugal), University of Warmia and Mazury (Poland), Universidad Europea de Valencia (Spain), and Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz FHNW (Switzerland, associate partner).
By signing the Consortium Agreement, university representatives confirmed their commitment to working together to internationalize higher education, foster academic excellence, and develop innovative approaches to studies and research.
LBTU Rector Irina Arhipova emphasized: "In today's world, the competitiveness of higher education is inseparable from international cooperation. While fundamental knowledge remains crucial, higher education and science are increasingly expected to be closely aligned with industry trends and innovation. LBTU is a multidisciplinary university with a unique focus on biosciences across various interdisciplinary fields. The ChallengeEU alliance presents a valuable opportunity for experience-sharing, faculty and student exchange initiatives, and the development of innovative collaborations and new interdisciplinary projects."
Key Goals and Benefits
The ChallengeEU alliance will establish a unified European higher education space where students, researchers, and academic staff can collaborate freely, share knowledge, and enhance their competencies.
The alliance's initiatives will enable students to study at multiple universities, fostering intercultural and linguistic skills. These will be recognized through micro-credentials and other internationally accredited certifications.
Within the alliance, the ChallengeEU Academy will be established, comprising three key components:
- ChallengeEU Learning Academy – developing and implementing joint study programs and skills development initiatives.
- ChallengeEU Talent Academy – supporting student and early-career researcher growth.
- ChallengeEU Training Academy – ensuring professional development for academic and administrative staff.
Additionally, the alliance will strengthen cooperation with industry and society through the M.A.R.K.E.T. (Multi-Actor Research & Knowledge Exchange Teams) model, promoting knowledge exchange between science, business, administration, and the public.
Kick-Off Meeting in Offenburg
The signing of the Consortium Agreement was accompanied by several strategic working group and leadership meetings. Representatives of the partner universities gathered at Hochschule Offenburg, while others joined remotely. These discussions refined the alliance’s vision, strategic goals, and future action plans.
LBTU – An Internationally Recognized Science University
LBTU is a leading science university in the Baltic Sea region, driving innovation in bioeconomy and related industries while promoting sustainable natural resource use and balanced regional development in Latvia. Participation in the ChallengeEU alliance will enable LBTU students and researchers to become part of an international education and science network, addressing both contemporary and future challenges.
