The Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) titled Alternative Models of Education was held with great success in Alexandroupoli from March 16 to 20, 2026. The programme was organized by the Department of Primary Education of the Democritus University of Thrace (DUTH) with the support of the Erasmus+ programme. Assistant Professor Katerina Alexandri served as the scientific coordinator of the initiative. The programme was implemented in collaboration with the European partner universities Universidade da Coruña (Spain), Europa-Universität Flensburg (Germany), Universidad de Burgos (Spain), and Prešovská univerzita v Prešove (Slovakia).

The partnership between the Democritus University of Thrace and the first two institutions is part of the EMERGE European University Alliance. Specifically, it aligns with Work Package 7, which focuses on Connecting Universities and Communities through Languages and Cultures, and more specifically with the Teaching and Learning thematic area, aimed at developing and promoting innovative multilingual approaches.

The programme brought together 40 university students, 11 faculty members, 10 primary school teachers, and approximately 200 primary school pupils from Alexandroupoli. The participants actively engaged in educational activities, gaining first-hand experience in applying alternative, student-centered educational models. The BIP structure included a virtual preparation phase, an intensive in-person training period, and a reflection phase.

During the week in Alexandroupoli, participants took part in interactive workshops, worked in international teams, and designed educational scenarios which they subsequently implemented in local primary schools. This direct engagement with classroom practice was a cornerstone of the programme, providing students with invaluable teaching experience in authentic school environments.

The enthusiastic response from the primary school pupils highlighted the profound impact of experiential and participatory learning. This initiative underscored the power of international collaboration and the importance of bridging the gap between the university and the local community, while serving as a prime example of promoting multilingualism and cultural diversity in education.

The Democritus University of Thrace participated from 9 to 13 March 2026 in the meeting of the EMERGE European University Alliance, which took place at Université Bretagne Sud, in the cities of Lorient and Vannes.

The meeting brought together representatives from the nine partner universities of the Alliance, with the aim of reviewing the progress of activities, coordinating the next steps, and strengthening cooperation for the development of innovative educational programmes and mobility actions.

The Educational Programmes Working Group focused on the development of innovative and flexible study programmes. Ways of aligning common teaching and learning approaches were discussed, while the institutions presented their European Academic Pathways, highlighting opportunities for cooperation and integration. Particular emphasis was placed on the development of joint degrees, including the exploration of cooperation models, the identification of academic synergies, and the examination of practical steps for the implementation of joint study programmes.

The Mobility Working Group focused on strengthening the mobility of students and staff, as well as on addressing barriers that limit participation. Ways of simplifying procedures, improving information provision, and facilitating access to mobility actions were discussed. At the same time, emphasis was placed on promoting inclusive and innovative forms of mobility, such as hybrid learning, collaborative projects, and challenge-based activities. In this context, practical actions were agreed upon, including the development of common support tools, the creation of digital guides for mobility procedures, and the strengthening of coordination among the institutions.

The meeting highlighted the importance of linking educational programmes with mobility actions, with the aim of shaping a coherent educational ecosystem within the EMERGE Alliance.

The participation of the Democritus University of Thrace reflects its ongoing and active engagement in the EMERGE Alliance, contributing to the development of joint study programmes, the enhancement of mobility, and the promotion of European cooperation in higher education.

The events marking the opening of the EMERGE Hub at Democritus University of Thrace were successfully held. The activities, held from 2 to 4 March 2026, marked the launch of a new space for collaboration and dialogue within the framework of the University’s participation in the EMERGE European University Alliance.

The three-day program included presentations, thematic discussions, and information sessions, with the active participation of students, academic staff, and administrative personnel. At the same time, the events were open to the wider public, attracting citizens and school students from Alexandroupolis. The warm response of the local community highlighted the outward-looking character of the initiative and the role of the University as a vibrant hub of knowledge in the region. The opening ceremony was accompanied by a musical performance by the Polyphonic Choir of the Historical Museum of Alexandroupolis.

During the events, the objectives and significance of the European cooperation promoted by the EMERGE Alliance were presented, with particular emphasis on the opportunities created for strengthening international engagement and developing joint initiatives in education and innovation.

The EMERGE Hub aspires to become an open hub for information and engagement for the university community, while also serving as a bridge between the University and society. It represents an optimistic starting point for the initiatives that will follow, aiming to foster a modern and outward-looking academic environment.

Democritus University of Thrace continues to invest in initiatives that strengthen its international perspective, create a culture of collaboration, and build bridges with society, aiming to shape a modern and open university capable of addressing the challenges of the future.

Democritus University of Thrace held on Friday, 5 December 2025, an online informational meeting on collaboration opportunities between business-sector stakeholders and the EMERGE European University Alliance.

During the event, the main actions of the Alliance in the field of Research were presented, along with the collaboration opportunities offered to the business sector. Specifically, reference was made to the Third-Places Fellowships (2026–2028), the Career Days initiatives, the Scientific Forums, the joint calls for research proposals, the transversal skills training programmes for PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers, the Doctoral Networks, and the programmes introducing undergraduate students to research (Undergraduate Introduction to Research).

The EMERGE European University Alliance consists of nine universities across eight European countries and aims to foster long-term collaboration in research, innovation, and education. As a member of the EMERGE Alliance, DUTH actively promotes partnerships between academic and business entities and supports the development of research and innovation.

DUTh Hackathon, a three-day program dedicated to generating ideas and developing functional prototypes aimed at shaping the University of Tomorrow at Democritus University of Thrace (DUTh) in Xanthi, was successfully completed on Sunday, November 30.

The program attracted significant interest from students, researchers, faculty members, university administrative staff, and professionals from the innovation ecosystem, confirming the role of open innovation as a catalyst for ideas and prototypes with substantial impact on education, entrepreneurship, university life, research, and the institution’s extroversion.

The program was implemented by DUTh Innovation Hub, in collaboration with Mantis Beyond Innovation, serving as the Innovation Entity responsible for incubating the generated ideas and prototypes.

Over the course of the 48-hour Hackathon, more than 18 teams developed and refined their solutions, creating functional prototypes through intensive mentoring and thematic workshops led by specialized experts.

A few words about the winning teams

In the category of Innovative Ideas from Students, first prize was awarded to the Re-Hub team, for developing a digital platform that bridges the gap between students and faculty members, facilitating the creation of collaborations for undergraduate theses, master’s dissertations, and doctoral research.

Following a tie, second place was jointly awarded to:
• CHOS, with EcoDash, a tool for early-stage evaluation of green ideas, and
• DUTh Young Minds, with DUTh Future Minds, a platform that connects schools with DUTh through organized innovation challenges.

In the Researchers and Academic Staff Innovative Ideas Category, first prize was awarded to Studentable, a digital platform supporting students in crisis or vulnerability. Through anonymous assessment and AI risk scoring, it connects students directly to the appropriate support framework.

Second place went to Extra Natura, which developed a mobile bio-extraction unit that transforms DUTh’s organic waste into high-value bioactive components, effectively applying the principles of the circular economy across university facilities.

In the Functional Prototypes Category, first prize was awarded to PractiPal, an advanced AI chatbot that answers student questions related to internships 24/7, reducing the workload of administrators and simplifying the information process.

Second place went to InText, an AI-driven tool that supports universities in producing unbiased, consistent, and inclusive written content by automating the editing of academic and administrative documents.

Awards and development opportunities

As recognition of their effort and the quality of their proposals, the winning teams in the Innovative Ideas categories will have the opportunity to attend an international scientific conference on innovation, with participation expenses covered for team representatives.

The winning team in Functional Prototypes category will have the opportunity to have its functional prototype evaluated for potential co-development and co-investment with Mantis Beyond Innovation.

Statements

Maria Michalopoulou, Member of the DUTh Governing Council, Head of the DUTh Innovation Hub, and Professor at the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, stated:
“The University of Tomorrow is one that understands the needs and concerns of its students and prepares them for what lies ahead. A university open to challenges, socially sensitive, and capable of connecting its members not only with the region but also with Europe and the rest of the world.”

Georgios Broufas, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation, Professor at the Department of Agricultural Development, and Scientific Chair of the project, emphasized:
“Such initiatives are particularly important because they contribute to a shift in culture and mindset within the DUTh student community, enhancing their skills and effectively preparing them for their future professional steps.”

Christos Nikoloudis, Founder & CEO of Mantis Beyond Innovation, noted:
“The DUTh Hackathon showcased remarkable talent and mature ideas. As an innovation partner, we support activities that strengthen entrepreneurship and innovation and harness the power of data for practical solutions with broad impact, both in research and business sector.”

The program concluded on an exceptionally positive note, establishing strong foundations for future open-innovation initiatives at Democritus University of Thrace. The high level of participation and the outstanding quality of the proposals highlight the dynamic growth of entrepreneurship and innovation in the Thrace region, fostering a fertile environment for the next generation of students, researchers, and young entrepreneurs.

This project is implemented under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan “Greece 2.0” with funding from the European Union – NextGenerationEU.

The Democritus University of Thrace (DUTH) participated, as a member of the EMERGE European University Alliance, in the Workshop “Greek Higher Education Institutions in European Alliances: Challenges and Next Steps”. The event took place on November 28, 2025, at the Propylaea of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, bringing together representatives from universities and institutional bodies.

During the workshop, the European Alliances and the role of Greek Higher Education Institutions within them were presented. Representatives from the Ministry of Education, the Hellenic Authority for Higher Education, and the institutions’ administrations highlighted the importance of this initiative for the strategic internationalization of Greek higher education. The Democritus University of Thrace presented the goals of the EMERGE European University Alliance, its member universities, and the actions they are developing for the creation of joint study programs, as well as the challenges inherent in such an endeavor.

Furthermore, discussions addressed issues concerning all Greek participations in the European Alliances, such as the development of common academic programs, quality assurance, administrative support, the creation of joint research infrastructures, and the integration of Alliance activities into the strategy of Greek Higher Education Institutions.

The Democritus University of Thrace continues to work systematically towards extroversion and strategic internationalization, promoting collaborations that enhance academic excellence and offer new perspectives to the academic community and society.

Democritus University of Thrace, as the lead partner of the first European Digital Innovation Hub in the Agri-Food sector in Greece, #DigiAgriFood, is organizing an open online training seminar titled: “Business Opportunities in the Agricultural Sector: Greenhouse & Hydroponic Facilities – Energy Upgrade of Existing Installations”,
on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:30.

The aim of the training is to inform:

• new farmers interested in acquiring or constructing greenhouse units,
  • professionals involved in agricultural production in controlled environments,
  while also providing essential information regarding greenhouse and hydroponic installations.

In addition, the seminar is addressed to greenhouse owners, with the purpose of presenting modern techniques and methods for improving energy efficiency and saving energy.

During the training, real case studies of greenhouse energy upgrades will be presented, implemented through the DigiAgriFood Hub service: “Energy Upgrade of Greenhouse Installations”, with the ultimate goal of reducing annual operational and maintenance costs of greenhouse facilities.

Participation in the seminar is free of charge and is primarily aimed at farmers, agricultural cooperatives, agricultural advisors, agronomists, and other professionals in the agri-food sector.

Registration is required at the link https://forms.gle/HkF4g29p3JLmd7wP8 by 01/12/2025, so that the Zoom access link can be sent to all participants.

More information:
Website: https://digiagrifood.gr
Email: info@digiagrifood.gr

Follow us:
• LinkedIn: DigiAgriFood
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DigiAgriFood

Democritus University of Thrace and Mantis Beyond Innovation join forces to organize the DUTh Hackathon, a new initiative by DUTh Innovation Hub, inviting student and research teams, faculty members, and administrative staff to shape the University of Tomorrow.

The program offers teams from all Departments and Schools of DUTh the opportunity to create and develop innovative ideas and functional prototypes that address real needs within the university community.

Participating teams are invited to develop ideas and proposals that enhance:

• Education and learning,
• University research and interdisciplinary collaboration,
• Innovation and entrepreneurship,
• The student experience and the quality/functionality of university infrastructure,
• The university’s connectivity and outreach to society and the market.

Supported by mentors from the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, DUTh Hackathon functions as a living laboratory of ideas, where teams transform their thoughts into applications, services, and prototypes with tangible impact on the university’s future.

The initiative will culminate with DUTh Hackathon Final, which will take place on Sunday, November 30, where the teams will publicly present their proposals before an evaluation committee, business representatives, and members of the academic community.

Application Deadline: November 23

If you are a student, researcher, or faculty member at DUTh and wish to contribute to shaping the University of Tomorrow, submit your application now and become part of the change!

👉 Submit here: https://duth.mantisims.gr/open-calls
📘 More information about the program: https://innovation.duth.gr/hackathon/

This program is implemented within the framework of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan “Greece 2.0”, with funding from the European Union – NextGenerationEU.

From 10 to 14 November 2025, the first Annual Workshop of Student Ambassadors of the EMERGE European University Alliance took place at Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica, Slovakia, with the participation of students from the nine partner universities. The workshop was organised within the framework of the Blended Intensive Programme and marked the first in-person meeting of the Alliance’s Student Ambassadors.

Democritus University of Thrace (DUTH) actively participated in the training week, with students and members of the DUTH EMERGE team contributing significantly to the activities and the overall educational process.

The programme included thematic sessions aimed at strengthening the role of student ambassadors and enhancing their engagement in the mission of the EMERGE Alliance. The workshops covered topics such as intercultural communication, regional development, minority integration, student mobility, and the ambassadors’ role in the governance of the Alliance.

The Annual Workshop reinforced the role of student ambassadors as key representatives of the EMERGE Alliance, providing them with knowledge, skills, and a shared framework for collaboration. Their contribution represents an important step towards strengthening student participation, promoting inter-university cooperation, and highlighting the regions represented by the Alliance’s partner universities.

The Workshop will continue in the coming years, further strengthening the student ambassadors’ network and contributing to a more united and inclusive European University Alliance.

For more information about the EMERGE European University Alliance: www.euemerge.eu