EC2U Forum at JKU Linz: Empowering Minds for a Peaceful Society

  • EC2U Forum at JKU Linz: Empowering Minds for a Peaceful Society
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    Empowering Minds for a Peaceful Society

    This year’s EC2U Forum at the Johannes Kepler University Linz (Austria), “Empowering Minds for a Peaceful Society”, will bring all 8 partner universities together to address and discuss some of the challenges we face today as a society.

    The four-day forum will bring representatives, researchers, and students from partner universities together, and you are cordially invited to attend!

    The EC2U is committed to fostering an open society and creating a sustainable, peaceful future by means of education, inclusion, and respectful dialog.

     

     

    Sign up now to attend!

    October 21 – 24, 2024 @ the JKU Linz!

    Welcome words

    ©Robert Maybach

    Dietmar Prammer – Executive Deputy Mayor of Linz

    “On behalf of the City of Linz, I am delighted to welcome you to the EC2U Forum. Linz is a city that values education, innovation, and cultural diversity, making it the perfect backdrop for a forum dedicated to empowering minds and fostering peaceful societies. I am proud of the role that Johannes Kepler University plays in our community and its contributions to global knowledge and progress.

    I wish you all a productive and enjoyable forum, and I hope you take the opportunity to explore and enjoy the many attractions our city has to offer.”

    ©Robert-Maybach

    Stefan Koch – Rector of Johannes Kepler University Linz

    “Welcome to the EC2U Forum at the Johannes Kepler University Linz, Upper Austria’s largest institution for education and research and home to over 24,000 students and 3,900 employees.

    As a university deeply committed to fostering innovation and sustainable development, it is a great honor to host this year’s forum titled “Empowering Minds for a Peaceful Society”. As we bring representatives, researchers, and students from our eight partner universities across Europe together, we will not only address the countless critical and pressing issues of our time ranging from climate change and artificial intelligence to inflation, we will also advocate toward creating a more inclusive, productive, and peaceful future.

    I encourage you to actively take part in all of the diverse presentations, activities, and sessions we have organized! I not only welcome constructive and thought-provoking discussions, I look forward to the many partnerships and collaborative effort that are sure to stem from this extraordinary Forum.”

    ©Johannes Kepler University

    Alberta Bonanni – Vice-Rector of Johannes Kepler University Linz

    “Welcome to Linz and the EC2U Forum, a truly unique opportunity to engage, share insight, connect, and build strategies to further enforce our institutions and our communities. The Forum will focus on issues spanning social innovation, digital transformation, and integrating refugees and internationals, reflecting our commitment to addressing global challenges through education and research.

    I feel optimistic that this Forum will not only strengthen our current partnerships, but will also inspire new initiatives and cooperative ventures. Let us make the best of our time together and work toward a brighter future.”

    ©ÖH JKU

    Philipp Bergsmann – Chairman of the Student Representative of Johannes Kepler University Linz

    “It is with great enthusiasm that I welcome you to the EC2U Forum at the Johannes Kepler University Linz. As a student representative, I am honoured to be part of this incredible event that brings together students, academics and professionals from all over Europe. The EC2U Alliance embodies a shared vision of fostering collaboration, innovation and cultural exchange between our diverse academic communities, in line with the European motto “United in diversity.”

    This year’s forum, entitled “Empowering Minds for a Peaceful Society”, is a testament to our shared commitment to these values and an opportunity for us to come together to discuss, learn and inspire each other. In the various sessions, workshops and discussions, we will explore topics such as enhancing university quality, promoting inclusive environments for international students, exploring the impact of digital technologies in higher education and think together about our European university of tomorrow. These joint reflections will culminate in a final presentation in which we will share our visions.

    Welcome to the EC2U Forum at the JKU. Let’s use this moment to build stronger connections, be inspired by each other’s ideas and return to our respective universities with a suitcase full of innovative spirit.”

    Marie-Madeleine Seehorst – ESN President of Johannes Kepler University Linz

    “It is a great pleasure to welcome you to the EC2U Forum at Johannes Kepler University Linz. As the ESN President of JKU, I am thrilled to be part of this transformative event that brings together students, academics, and professionals from across Europe.

    This year’s forum, titled “Empowering Minds for a Peaceful Society,” is an incredible opportunity for us to collaborate, innovate, and address the social challenges we face today. From October 21st to 24th 2024, we will engage in a variety of sessions and activities designed to foster dialogue, inclusion, and sustainable solutions.

    I encourage all participants to take full advantage of the Students’ Challenge, which focuses on the topic “Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.” You’ll have the chance to work on subtopics like creating strong universities, integrating refugees and exploring the impact of new technologies in higher education. This collaborative effort will culminate in a final project presentation, showcasing the innovative solutions You develop.

    In addition to the challenge, don’t miss the forum highlights open to the public, including the Photo Exhibition, Career Session, Think-Tank Session, Science Contest, and the inspiring Student Voices presentations.

    Welcome to the EC2U Forum at JKU. Let’s join forces to create a peaceful and inclusive future.”

    Forum Highlights

    The following is open to the general public.

    1. A Photo Exhibition

    As part of a photo exhibition, we invite you to travel with us to all 8 partner universities and their home cities:

    • Coimbra, Portugal
    • Iaşi, Romania
    • Jena, Germany
    • Linz, Austria
    • Pavia, Italy
    • Poitiers, France
    • Salamanca, Spain
    • Turku, Finland

    2. Career Session

    Are you looking to professionally move your career forward? Are you interested in learning more about how you can pursue an international career as part of EC2U?? Or perhaps you would be simply interested in a few helpful ideas and insight by successful representatives in the public sector, industry, and from the local business community? Then drop by our career fair and meet Andrea Navarro-Quezada to learn more about the Female Career Network at the JKU Faculty of Medicine, or Georg Krammer to learn more about life-long careers activities within the EC2U Alliance.

    3. Think-Tank Session

    Eight think-tanks from all of the partner countries met in June to discuss the topic “Social Innovation to Build Peace”. In October, as part of a session open to the public, each panel will present a think-tank summary to outline upcoming steps within the EC2U Alliance and submit a joint recommendation to the EU Commission. You won’t want to miss it!

    4. Science Contest

    The EC2U Science Contest (formerly Science Battle) is back! EC2U teams from Salamanca, Iasi, and Linz will compete against one another by tackling scientific challenges. The teams will not only think more laterally, they will take the initiative to generate new ideas, apply innovative approaches, and be creative in an effort to demonstrate just how empowered their minds already are!

    More info on the Science Contest

    5. Student Voices

    During this session, EC2U students will present the results from the Student Challenge on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. We can’t wait to see what they come up with!

    Programme

    Staff programme

    Students programme

    Useful Information

    Hotels

    The local organizing team has reserved a small block of rooms (individual payment) at the following hotels under the key word “EC2U Forum”. The rooms will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis.
    Rooms need to be booked via email directly with the hotel. Please keep in mind using platforms like Booking.com, Checkfelix, etc., the code doesn’t apply.
    For more information see here.

    Travelling to Linz

    Here are some options to travel to Linz:

    By plane:

    • Vienna Airport (VIE): The best way to from Vienna Airport to Linz is by train. The train station is located directly at the airport and there is a direct train to the main train station in Linz (Linz Hauptbahnhof) approximately every 1.5 to 2 hours. Trains leave roughly every half an hour but check the schedule for a more convenient direct train connection in which you won’t have to change trains. If flying on Austrian Airlines, click here to book your flight and train ticket together You can also purchase a train ticket directly at OEBB (Austrian Railways)
    • Linz Airport (LNZ): Linz is a regional airport with regularly scheduled flights to Frankfurt. After landing at Linz Airport, you can take a bus to the main train station (Linz Hauptbahnhof). Please note that the last bus from the airport to the city is at approximately 9:30 PM. If you arrive later in the evening, you will most likely have to take a taxi to get to your hotel. Learn more
    • Salzburg Airport (SAL): Flying into Salzburg is an option but may be more time intensive. If you choose to fly in and out of Salzburg, you can take a bus or shuttle to the main train station in Salzburg (Salzburg Hauptbahnhof). Click here to learn more. The train from Salzburg to the main train station in Linz (Linz Hauptbahnhof) is approximately 1 hour. Purchase train tickets at OEBB or the Westbahn.

    By train:

    • Purchase train tickets for the OEBB or the Westbahn
    • The main train station in Linz (Linz Hauptbahnhof) is located close to the city center and the city tram from the main train station (lines 1 or 2 in the direction of the tram stop “JKU Universität”) takes approximately 25 minutes to get to campus.

    When booking a train ticket, it is highly recommended to book a seat as well. Many people take the train from and to the airport and this can result in not getting a seat. The earlier you book the train, the more likely it is that you can choose your seat.

    Visit Linz Tourismus to learn more about traveling to Linz.

    Public Transportation

    The best way to get around the city is by using public transportation.
    In addition to a number of bus lines, tram lines 1 and 2 operate directly between the main train station in Linz (Linz Hauptbahnhof) and the university campus (JKU Universität).
    When at the main square (Hauptplatz) in the city center, the tram ride to the university is approximately 20 minutes; the tram ride to the main train station in Linz (in the opposite direction) is approximately 10 minutes.
    LinzMobil is a useful app to navigate your way around the city. The app provides an accurate schedule of the city buses and trams.
    You can purchase tickets either directly in the app, or purchase tickets at one of the orange ticket machines located at the tram stops and at the main train station in Linz.
    We recommend purchasing a weekly travel ticket, especially if arriving on Sunday and leaving on Friday. (Valid for 7 days from purchase or validation).
    Keep in mind that the frequency of the public transport is generally reduced on the weekend. It might take a bit longer to get somewhere.
    A 24-hour ticket costs € 5.60.

     

    Contact

    If you have any questions, please contact the local organising team: ec2u@jku.at