Researchers

The European Dual Studies University

Lighthouse research initiatives

Embark on a journey of discovery and innovation with our Lighthouse Research Projects. At the forefront of cutting-edge research, we’re dedicated to addressing the most pressing challenges facing society today. From sustainable business practices to technological advancements, healthcare delivery to social cohesion, our interdisciplinary approach drives transformative change. Join us as we illuminate the path towards a brighter, more sustainable future, guided by collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to positive impact.

MAIN GOALS OF LIGHTHOUSE RESEARCH INITIATIVES

Advancing Knowledge: LRIs aim to contribute new insights, discoveries, and innovations in their respective fields of research beyond the state of the art, pushing the boundaries of knowledge forward, especially in regard to the grand challenges addressed by EU4Dual.
Addressing Critical Challenges: LRIs focus on tackling pressing issues, problems, or opportunities within their designated areas, seeking to generate solutions and strategies for societal benefit.
Fostering Collaboration: LRIs will often serve as platforms for interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together researchers, experts, stakeholders, and communities to work collectively towards common goals.
Informing Policy and Practice: LRIs strive to produce research outcomes that have real-world impact, informing policymaking, industry practices, and societal initiatives to address key challenges and drive positive change.
Promoting Innovation: LRIs aim to foster innovation and creativity by exploring novel ideas, methodologies, and approaches, and translating research findings into practical applications and solutions.
Building Capacity: LRIs support the development of research capacity and talent by providing opportunities for training, mentorship, and knowledge exchange, nurturing the next generation of researchers and professionals.
Enhancing Visibility and Impact: LRIs seek to raise awareness of their research findings, engage with diverse audiences, and maximize their societal impact through effective communication, dissemination, and outreach activities.
In summary, a Lighthouse Research Initiative is a pioneering effort designed to drive forward key areas of research with the potential to create transformative changes and guide future developments.

Climate change and environmental degradation threaten the EU and the world. The European Green Deal is Europe’s bold new strategy to tackle these challenges and aims to make Europe climate neutral by 2050. This plan seeks to transform the EU into a modern, resource-efficient, and competitive economy by promoting green technologies, sustainable industries, and reducing pollution. The Lighthouse Research Initiative supports this mission by advancing eco-friendly business practices and green entrepreneurship with innovative, evidence-based models.

European industry plays a pivotal role in the economic and societal transformations. To remain a cornerstone of prosperity, it must spearhead both the digital and green transitions. This forward-looking approach envisions an industry that transcends mere efficiency and productivity, emphasizing its broader contributions to society. By centering the wellbeing of workers in the production process and leveraging new technologies, it aims to generate prosperity that extends beyond jobs and economic growth, all while respecting the planet's ecological boundaries. This strategy enhances the existing "Industry 4.0" framework by prioritizing research and innovation, thereby facilitating the transition to a sustainable, human-centric, and resilient European industry.

European health and care systems are under pressure from demographic changes, technological advances, fiscal constraints, and public health crises. To tackle these challenges, we urgently need more efficient, sustainable, and accessible systems. The "Health and Welfare Transition" Lighthouse Initiative aims to bridge knowledge gaps and develop essential tools for transforming health and care. Key focus areas include water safety, healthy food, cognitive health, holistic health education, and medical device innovation. Special attention is given to the elderly, ensuring inclusive and comprehensive care for all. By supporting these areas, the initiative enhances the ability of health and care providers to adopt innovative solutions, creating a more robust and adaptable infrastructure across Europe.

This research initiative supports the European Strategy for Universities (2022), highlighting interdisciplinarity as key to academic and societal progress. By integrating healthcare, social justice, ethical tech, workforce development, and skills enhancement, it aims to tackle complex societal challenges effectively. Recognizing the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, the initiative seeks insights from various fields for comprehensive progress. It stresses the importance of an adaptable workforce in the face of technological advances, promoting upskilling, reskilling, dual education, and industry-aligned curricula to bridge the global skills gap. This vision unites healthcare, social justice, new technologies, workforce development, and green innovation, driven by interdisciplinarity, to propel Europe towards a more inclusive, sustainable, and advanced society.

Unleashing research excellence -tackling societal Grand Challenges

Welcome to a transformative realm of research at EU4Dual. Our commitment goes beyond academia; it’s about addressing society’s most pressing issues. Our thematic focus, carefully chosen through extensive deliberations, revolves around Societal Grand Challenges—issues that demand innovation, collaboration, and immediate attention.

Why societal Grand Challenges?

Our thematic focus stands as a challenge to society, urging us to develop new knowledge, technologies, and methodologies that create lasting impact. These challenges are not just academic pursuits; they are critical to the entirety of society and the economy, demanding urgent action to maintain and improve our living standards.

The unique framework

Our approach to addressing these Grand Challenges is guided by a set of criteria, ensuring effectiveness, relevance, and impact:

Challenge-based: Each thematic focus represents a challenge, paving the way for the development of cutting-edge solutions.
Social importance: These challenges affect the entirety of society, necessitating swift action for sustained improvement.
Suitable to Dual Studies: Collaboration between academia and industry is essential, requiring significant reskilling to address the challenges effectively.
Ongoing activity: Our institutions already boast significant activities contributing towards addressing the challenges.
Requires collaboration: Recognizing that no single institution can make a significant impact alone, we leverage our collective resources, expertise, and collaboration to maximize our contribution to society.

Join the pursuit of excellence

For researchers seeking meaningful engagement, our Societal Grand Challenges offer a unique opportunity to make a real-world impact. Whether you’re a seasoned academic or an aspiring researcher, our collaborative environment provides a platform to:

Contribute to ongoing activities that address Grand Challenges.
Engage in groundbreaking research that merges academic rigor with practical solutions.
Collaborate with industry experts, fostering dual studies that bridge academia and real-world applications.

Get involved

Explore the ongoing initiatives related to Societal Grand Challenges at EU4Dual.

For inquiries or to express your interest in contributing to our collaborative efforts, please contact us at info@eu4dual.education

At EU4dual, we believe in the power of collective knowledge and collaboration to create solutions that transcend academia, making a lasting impact on society. Join us in the pursuit of excellence and the advancement of knowledge that truly matters.

Welcome to a community dedicated to making a difference.