.:MEMBERS

NOVA University Lisbon (UNL) is a Portuguese public higher education institution with a mission to serve society through knowledge and education on a local, regional and global level. UNL is committed to the development of the European HE and its courses are organised under the principles of the Bologna Agreement. UNL’s structure includes, apart from the Rectorate, 5 Faculties (Science & Technology; Social & Human Sciences; Business & Economics; Medical Sciences; Law), 3 Institutes (Tropical Medicine; Technology & Biochemistry; Information Management) and 1 School of Public Health. It offers several degrees (BSc, MSc, Integrated MSc, PhD level) and postgraduate courses, covering various fields of knowledge.UNL is the Portuguese university with the best performance in the Horizon 2020 (in terms of Full-Time Equivalent) and 87% of its 39 R&D Units have been rated Excellent or Very Good in recent evaluations. There are 20496 students at UNL, 1982 academics, and 697 non-academic staff. UNL’s governance system allows the Rector (and the Vice-Rectors) to meet directly with the Deans of the Faculties prior to the important strategic decisions, which is something unique in Portugal. UNL is among the 21 best European universities under 50 years old according to QS rankings and is the Portuguese Institution with the highest impact worldwide in terms of publications, according to Leiden Ranking. UNL is an active member of several university networks: UNICA, YERUN, EUA and CESAER.UNL has consolidated experience within European programs: Tempus, Erasmus+, ERC Grants, H2020. It is also actively involved in cooperation with American, African and Asian universities. These partnerships and programs are being successfully implemented with the participation of UNL, strengthening and expanding the initiatives of joint degrees, and also of science and technology, innovation and competitiveness. This is done through international mobility exchange of both academics (professors and researchers) and students (undergraduate and graduate).
As Denmark’s second largest university of applied sciences, VIA University College (VIA UC) develops and offers a variety of accredited programmes. VIA UC employs approximately 2100 staff – academic and non-academic. VIA consist of eight campus geographically dispersed in the Central Denmark Region. With more than 18,500 full-time students, VIA UC offers more than forty educational programmes within six main professional fields: 1) Education and Social Studies; 2) Health; 3) Business; 4) Design; 5) Film and Animation; 6) Technology and Construction.VIA’s programmes are organised in eleven departments (Built Environment, Engineering, Storytelling, Design and Business, Management and Business Development, Social Education and CFU (Centre for Teaching Aids), Social Work, Occupation and Health, Social education and Social Education Assistant, Teacher education, Nursing, Social Sciences, Health Sciences) of one or more related programmes within the same academic area. Education of students is closely connected to VIA’s research and development centres.In addition to the full-time students, VIA UC annually has approximately 20,000 registered participants in continuing education programmes, diplomas, courses etc. making VIA UC the largest provider in Northern Europe of professional development of practitioners. Seven Research and Development Centers at VIA UC with more than 200 researchers underpin the ambition to be a research-based university college and ensure that our educational programmes are based on the latest knowledge. VIA UC has nine crosscutting units to support our educational departments and Research and Development Centers. These units cover a variety of functions and tasks e.g. project support and development, political and educational analysis, digitization, internationalization, communication, economy, and student life. VIA UC has an extensive quality assurance programme that includes both quantitative and qualitative measures and clear procedures of documentation.VIA UC works within the Scandinavian approach to education, and its programmes are deeply rooted in the professions for which it trains graduates. VIA UC develops educational programmes in close cooperation with employers – companies, municipalities, regional, national and international institutions. The strength lies in combining state-of-the-art research and learning environments with their understanding of practice-related challenges, potentials and impact.In 2014, 2018 and again in 2019, the Danish Foundation for Entrepreneurship has awarded VIA University College the Entrepreneurial Educational Institution of the Year Award. VIA UC holds an Erasmus Charter and is participating in roughly 20 EU funded projects. VIA is the coordinator of nine of these projects. In addition, VIA UC has a long tradition of participating in international research and development projects – both as the leading institution and as a partner. As both project partner and coordinator, VIA UC provides highquality, experienced staff at postgraduate level and doctoral level as well as efficient project management and support.Built Environment Department, which will be directly involved in this project, offers Architectural Technology and Construction Management bachelor's study programme (ATCM) to both Danish and international students, in Danish and English languages. Approximately 100 teachers and 1400 students are involved in the programme spanning both architectural and engineering classes. From the 1400 students about 35% are international students, making learning environment international and helping all students to prepare for a more globalized future.
Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VGTU) is a leading higher education institution situated in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania (http://www.vgtu.lt/index.php?lang=2). Established in 1956 VGTU is one of the biggest research universities in Lithuania with a focus on technologies and engineering and strong emphasis on university-business cooperation. VGTU is an innovative Lithuanian University, educating highly qualified and creative specialists. The University is the leader among the institutions of technological science education, ensuring modern studies, orientated to the labour market. Scientific research and experimental development is performed by 13 research institutes, 3 research centres and 22 research laboratories.VGTU encompasses the following: nearly 80,000 alumni over more than 60 years of the existence, over 9,600 students (11% international – degree seeking or exchange), 10 faculties, 960 academic staff members (72% with PhD degree). Study programmes in the field of engineering sciences make 60% of all study programmes. Currently VGTU delivers 112 study programmes based on three-cycle structure: undergraduate (BSc), graduate (MSc) and post-graduate (PhD) studies. University has over 400 business partners all over Lithuania and over 500 partner higher education institutions all over the world.Focus on the future technologies and interdisciplinary approach creates the unique ecosystem of innovation and allows engaging the students. Study process constantly combines theory and practical tasks in the labs. The theoretical and practical knowledge is applied in the students’ final theses aimed at exploring and solving the real world problems which requires not only demonstration of excellent knowledge, but also innovative thinking. Creative analytical thinking is promoted by using modern teaching methods and welcoming business partners’ contribution to the academic process. Company representatives are delivering lectures and seminars, proposing topics for the final theses, inviting students to test their ideas during internships.The modern infrastructure of the University encompassing library, laboratories and research centres. VGTU is proud of Civil Engineering Research Centre, the most modern centre in the Eastern Europe, as well as the Mobile Applications Laboratory, the biggest one in Lithuania and Creativity and Innovation Centre "LinkMenų fabrikas" – modern experimentation and innovation hub, providing students with all the tools for practical learning, developing and implementing their ideas using up to date modern equipment.University develops the lifelong positive attitude towards innovation based on knowledge and expertise. It results in the new products and services developed by alumni, their technological innovations and leadership. It has a positive effect on the development of community, the country and the region.In 2020 QS World University Rankings VGTU ranks at 591-600 place and now is among the top 2.1% of the best universities in the world. VGTU is ranked 39st in the EmergingEurope and Central Asia region according to the “QS World University Rankings 2019”, and is the leader among technical universities of Lithuania. Moreover, VGTU is the best Baltic university in the subject area of Civil Engineering and Building Construction (QS Top 101–150) according to the “QS World University Rankings by Subject”. Having more than 480 international higher education institutions as partners, VGTU offers wide range of international studies and internships. VGTU is the leader in Lithuania by the number of students, studying under the Erasmus+ Exchange Programme abroad.VGTU is a member of over 50 international organisations and has over 200 partners consolidated by international projects. VGTU has implemented 40 international research and study projects under different funding programmes, such as COST, EUREKA, FP-5, FP-6, FP-7, H2020, INTERREG IIIB, and PHARE.Sustainable construction is one of the key areas of research at the University. World-class research facilities and highly regarded academic staff are the solid foundation of one of the best civil engineering centres for research and studies in Europe. The research is carried out in two research centres, four research institutes and 5 accredited research laboratories.The University publishes five scientific journals in this area. The University’s researchers participate in international projects promoting the development of the green buildings and green cities in Europe. Innovations created by VGTU researchers are widely applied in the civil engineering sector.
Cracow University of Technology (PK) has almost 80-year-old tradition of educating engineers, modernity and openness to change as well as hard work on the improvement of the Polish scientific and technical thought.Cracow University of Technology comprises 8 faculties (Faculty of Architecture, Computer Science and Telecommunications, Chemical Engineering and Technology, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Environmental and Power Engineering, Materials Science and Physics, Mechanical Engineering ) with 30 majors of study accredited by the Polish Accreditation Committee. Also the majors taught by the Faculty of Civil Engineering and the Faculty of Architecture are accredited by the European Network for Accreditation of Engineering Education. The major in Architecture is accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the major in Landscape Architecture earned the accreditation of the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) Europe. Cracow University of Technology was awarded the Logo Human Resources Excellence in Research by the European Commission.Cooperation with many universities and scientific centres all over the world enables joint publications and research, exchange of students and academic teachers, as well as the possibility of obtaining additional certificates and double diplomas. Cooperation with industry is also well-developed, and a Technology Transfer Centre is active in the university. A Special Economic Zone - the Cracow Technological Park - was created in 1997 as a reply for a call from the university. It has since become a platform linking the Cracovian scientific world with modern technologies.Currently Cracow University of Technology is present in the following international rankings: Shanghai Ranking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2019 – Mechanical Engineering (#301 – 400); 2019 QS World University Ranking (#801-1000); 2020 Emerging Europe and Central Asia University Rankings (#79); The Three University Missions Ranking 2019 (#1001 – 1100); UI GreenMetric World University Ranking 2018 (#572).Currently nearly 14,000 students taking full-time, part-time and Ph.D. studies as well as post-graduate studies with nearly 1,100 academic teachers overseeing their education. Total number of alumni that graduated from PK exceed 80 000.The PK actively participates in the Erasmus Plus programs. In 2014, it obtained ERASMUS CHARTER FOR HIGHER EDUCATION 2014-2020. It also has bilateral agreements with over 420 universities
Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) had its beginning on 16 February 1922, when the University of Lithuania and its technical faculties were established. The University’s mission is to provide the research-based studies at international level; to develop and to transfer knowledge and innovative technologies for sustainable development of the State and development of innovations; to create an open creative environment which inspires talents and leaders.Sustainable development which promotes responsible, environmentally-friendly behavior and ecological culture is one of the priorities of KTU activities. The University maintains the attitude that new knowledge and technologies have to serve for the well-being of the people as well as the environment. KTU sustainable development strategy and activities were awarded the European Union’s QUESTE-SI accreditation.KTU has cooperation agreements with more than 350 higher education institutions in 50 countries of the world. Memorandums of Understanding, Student and staff exchange and “Erasmus+” inter-institutional agreements allow the University to develop strategic partnerships with foreign institutions in studies and research, and for our staff and students to go for academic exchange. At the moment, most of our partners are from the European Union countries but the cooperation map is quickly expanding.Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture provide students with knowledge on state-of-the-art technologies in the area of civil engineering, encourage them to seek international experience through participation in mobility programmes and involve companies into study process. The Faculty employs highly skilled construction engineers and architects, who use their knowledge and skills to contribute both to study and to research processes. Our study programmes include advanced study methods and innovative technologies: our students undertake joint semester projects, are learning through innovative studio and BIM methods; specialists and researchers from institutions abroad are involved in the study process. The Faculty’s scientists and researchers are carrying out projects in the fields of technologies and humanities, and are providing R&D services for industries. There are approximately 100 academic and research staff working at the Faculty. Technological solutions, created by our scientists and services by Research Centre for Building Materials and Construction are open for business and industry partners. The tests of various building materials, products and structures are being undertaken.
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) is a state institution established in 1925. Its structure, its range of activities and its size make it the largest and most complex institution of higher education in the country. More than 95,000 students study in the University's 42 school and the teaching and research staff number is approximately 3,000. AUTH has decided to run lifelong learning programmes, aiming to meet the increasing needs and demands of the Greek society for instruction, training, and specialization. The Laboratory of Building Materials is one of the main Laboratories operating since the establishment of the Polytechnic School. Provides theoretical and practical training to the students of the Department of Civil Engineering and to the postgraduate students of the Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Program in the Protection, Conservation and Restoration of Monuments of Culture, on modern building materials buildings, as well as repair materials. In the laboratory students from other disciplines (architects, physicists, chemists, geologists) are trained in terms of evaluating materials’ properties. The laboratory is well equipped and a range of mechanical chemical, physical and thermal properties of modern and traditional materials can be recorded. The last decades the utilization of CDW, wires, glass, plastic, agricultural by-products have been introduced in building materials and principles of sustainability by re-using materials and evaluate their LCA is a major research area.

STUDY AND CONSULTING CENTER

Study and Consulting Center (SCC) was founded in Lithuania in 2010 as a non-profit enterprise and has a team of 10 lecturers and young workers participating in international programmes and activities. The staff has wide experience of participation in international education trough organizing multidisciplinary workshops (using Project Based Learning methodology) with international HEIs in and outside Europe involving not only lecturers, but also professionals (engineers, managers, architects, architectural technologists). Development activities of SCC staff are dedicated to meet the needs of the EU labor market and enterprises. The aim of SCC is to support the education on sustainable development of engineers, managers, architects, architectural technologists through workshops, providing with professional and innovative knowledge in the field of technology, sustainability and management. The vision of the company is to work with reputable, international, professional technical educations, specializing mainly in applied technology, built environment and sustainability.One of our main aims is to prepare new dynamic and cross-border educations, focusing on project-based learning (PBL)/learning by doing. This consists of developing personal skills for problem solving, learning by doing, communicating, analyzing, transnational and multi-disciplinary learning, facilitating, motivation and innovation for universities and labor market.