The Silesian University was represented at this meeting by the rector doc. Mgr. Tomáš Gongol, Ph.D., vice-rector doc. PhDr. Michaela Weiss, Ph.D. (WP3), dean doc. RNDr. Ing. Roman Šperka, Ph.D. (Steering Committee), and vice-deans Ing. Tomáš Pražák, Ph.D. (WP2) and RNDr. Tomáš Gráf, Ph.D. (WP4). Individual work packages were represented by prof. Ing. Daniel Stavárek, Ph.D. (Steering Committee & WP5), Ing. Petra Daníšková (WP6), Ing. Petra Chmielová, Ph.D. (WP7), Mgr. Barbora Hamplová (WP8, STARS EU Communication), Mgr. Anna Novák Šefraná (WP1, STARS EU Office) and students Bc. Eliška Kokešová and Bc. Kristína Novotná (Student Board). An important participant was also Mgr. Adéla Hradilová from the Moravian-Silesian Innovation Centre (MSIC).

“The main benefit of this conference was the realization that we are building a true European University based on the principles of joint study programs and scientific projects. We are increasingly aware that we are creating something real and meaningful. We are starting to adapt the way of management and the mindset of our students, academics, and researchers accordingly.”

— doc. Tomáš Gongol, Ph.D., Rector of Silesian University

“I am sincerely glad that Silesian University is successfully engaging in the European University STARS EU activities. Positive feedback from international partners regarding events and activities involving our staff is encouraging. From this perspective, I consider the Durrës conference valuable for strengthening our international team within the alliance, and we look forward to further quality project outputs, especially for our students.”

— doc. RNDr. Ing. Roman Šperka, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Business Administration

“I took two key insights from this year's STARS EU conference. First, the project of a European University is moving in the right direction. All work packages meet their milestones and consistently deliver planned outcomes. I am very pleased that the representatives of Silesian University rank among the most active and reliable ones. The second insight is our commitment; STARS EU offers enormous potential for cooperation with partner universities. We must continue to promote these opportunities internally. Thanks to this alliance, we can achieve outstanding educational, research, and project development outcomes that would otherwise be beyond our reach.”

— prof. Ing. Daniel Stavárek, Ph.D.

WP2 – Future Labs and Living Labs

The first pilot project of the Living Labs program was evaluated. Partner universities analyzed its structure and provided feedback on its functionality and applicability within their institutions. Thematic contributions were distributed across the alliance, and an implementation timeline was set. The first institution to launch the pilot was Bragança Polytechnic University.

Another key outcome was the presentation of Future Lab, held at the Cracow University of Technology, where 15 students worked on a challenge issued by the town of Zakliczyn. Their goal was to develop innovative strategies for local development. In the following phase, students will continue collaborating online and present their results to the town's mayor. The next edition of Future Lab will take place at Marie and Louis Pasteur University in France.

WP3 – Innovative Learning Pathways and Shared Courses

A significant outcome of WP3 was disseminating results and best practices from partner universities to end users, teachers, and students. Discussions focused on increasing the appeal of shared courses and developing mechanisms for flexible learning formats, such as micro-credentials. Emphasis was placed on the need for a user-friendly, unified platform to support educators in their daily work.

WP4 – Technology Transfer

The Cracow University of Technology presented its methodology and shared its long-standing experience building a technology transfer center. With dozens of patent applications filed annually, it is a leading example and valuable resource for partner institutions still establishing their centers.

WP7 – Social Responsibility and Sustainability, two key activities were introduced:

• Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: A meeting was held with project communicators to plan short videos and interviews with women, including students, academics, and professionals from various member states. The initiative aims to promote gender equality and diversity throughout the year, beyond the International Day of Women and Girls in Science or International Women's Day.

• Green Impact: The team refined measurable indicators across four key areas – waste management, circular economy, consumption, and buildings. The outcome will be a practical manual to help improve environmental practices within partner universities.

The Role of Stakeholders in the STARS EU Alliance

“I see the role of stakeholders in the STARS EU alliance as twofold. The alliance brings us valuable inspiration from what is happening in terms of innovation ecosystem development in other European countries. As a region considered less developed, we lack practical experience with models such as Living Labs, and we greatly appreciate the opportunity to collaborate and learn from colleagues in Portugal, for instance, who can guide us on how to operate effectively in this field.”

— Mgr. Adéla Hradilová, Member of the Board, MSIC

How STARS EU Helps Stakeholders Shape Education

“We see our role as a bridge between universities and the business sector. We can translate companies’ expectations to universities, especially regarding graduates’ competencies, such as agility, risk-taking, decision-making, and accountability. In this way, we can help transform how people think, something that universities are already doing actively and successfully.”