On the occasion of this year’s Austrian Research Night (Lange Nacht der Forschung) in late May, the Office of European Universities at the Carinthia University of Applied Sciences joined other CUAS departments and research groups in arranging an interactive information booth at the Lakeside Science & Technology Park, University of Klagenfurt. Constantin Bessel from our partner university, Siegen, supported our office at the booth. He remained impressed by the event’s size and reception within the local population, who came to discover and experience various research topics and activities at Carinthian universities and research institutions.

Under the engaging slogan “Lernst du noch oder studierst du schon auf einer European University?”, our booth was a hub of information about ATHENA European University, our visions, and our activities. Visitors were actively involved in testing their knowledge about the EU through two crosswords we had prepared in advance. Our team was inspired by the depth of understanding and insights shown by the young participants into EU history, institutions, and major agreements that shape the European Union. 

Events like this are critical occasions to promote the importance of research and its contribution to our society. They are, therefore, also a unique opportunity to spread knowledge about the European University Initiative and its benefits for alliance members' students and staff to a broader audience.