Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility Projects at UT

Project Details

• UT Project Coordinator: Dr. ir. Dorien van de Belt
• Regional Coordinator: Tallulah Forest and Elise Marc
• UT Regional Liaison: Shabnam Walyar for the Pacific region
• Partner institution: Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
• Type of mobility: Student, Staff and Doctoral mobility (EQF 6, EQF 7 and EQF 8)
• Project duration: 2024-2026
• Subject areas: 0710 Engineering and Engineering trades, 0310 Social Sciences
• Budget: € 27.714,00

Project Summary

RMIT, an international university focused on technology, design, and enterprise, aims to empower communities through education, research, and civic engagement. Its emphasis on smart cities, social innovation, and emerging technologies aligns with UT’s mission. RMIT’s extensive industry network and collaborations with UT through Citizen Science on societal challenges like energy and digital transitions are mutually beneficial. RMIT’s Strategy emphasises global networks, transdisciplinary initiatives, and industry partnerships. The collaboration has increased UT’s visibility, leading to greater student mobility, staff collaboration, and opportunities like the Double-Badge PhD programme.  This project intends to bolster the former.

Project Impact

The Australian initiative impacts three levels:

1. Individual: Students and staff will gain intercultural, digital, and multidisciplinary skills, enhancing academic and professional careers, with a focus on enriching PhD studies and staff development.
2. Institutional: The initiatives promote deeper insights into education models, research, and global challenges, fostering cooperation in areas like Health Sciences, Nano-technology, and Engineering.
3. Regional: It enhances research quality through exchanges, supporting joint education projects and industry connections, in alignment with the EU-Australia framework, addressing societal challenges with innovative, human-centered solutions.

Project Details

• UT Project Coordinator: Dr. ir. Peter Chemweno
• Regional Coordinator: Sangay Chedup and Dr. Tshewang Lhendup
• UT Regional Liaison: Shabnam Walyar for the Asia region
• Partner institution: University of Bhutan
• Type of mobility: Student, Staff and Doctoral mobility (EQF 6, EQF 7 and EQF 8)
• Project duration: 2023-2026
• Subject areas: 0710 Engineering and Engineering trades, Humanitarian Engineering
• Budget: € 29.176,00

Project Summary

The University of Twente (UT) is developing a Master's programme in Humanitarian Engineering to tackle poverty, disaster resilience, and climate change. Collaborating with universities in developing countries, UT aims to empower marginalised communities through technology, risk management, and urban planning. UT partners with Jigme Namgyel Engineering College (JNEC) in Bhutan, focusing on sustainable development and Challenge-based Learning (CbL). JNEC supports Bhutan’s socio-economic development through energy, solar, biogas, and housing solutions. This project strengthens connections with institutions in Bhutan, and Nepal promoting sustainable solutions and addressing SDGs like Zero Hunger and Quality Education.

Project Impact

The programme focuses on addressing manpower gaps in Industrial Engineering and Management, particularly in product, production system design, and maintenance engineering. Financial support from initiatives like the World Bank and African Development Bank is provided. Impact includes:

• Broader exchange of knowledge and collaborative learning
• Development of research skills and problem-solving in diverse environments
• Gaining experience in international teaching teams
• Enhancing expertise in teaching, research, and innovative methods.

Students will access UT's advanced facilities, such as the VR lab and Wind Tunnel, fostering research and future doctoral opportunities. The collaboration will also improve curricula and e-learning initiatives.

Project Details

• UT Project Coordinator: Dr. Alberto Martinetti
• Regional Coordinator: Unknown
• UT Regional Liaison: Miranda Bonhke for the Western Balkan region
• Partner institution: Univerzitet u Banjoj Luci and Univerzitet u Sarajevu
• Type of mobility: Student, Staff and Doctoral mobility (EQF 6, EQF 7 and EQF 8)
• Project duration: 2024-2026
• Subject areas: 0710 Engineering and Engineering trades, Humanitarian Engineering
• Budget: € 34.560,00

Project Summary

UT is developing a Master's in Humanitarian Engineering to address poverty and basic needs in underserved communities. The programme aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, training professionals to create innovative solutions in marginalised areas. UT collaborates with universities worldwide, including in Bosnia, Bhutan, Nepal, and Africa, focusing on sustainable energy, education, and engineering. The initiative supports mobility programmes, with students participating in research and courses at UT, and collaborating on master's theses. UT staff will guide students and engage in industry-oriented research. The project aims to foster global cooperation in education and research in humanitarian engineering.

Project Impact

The Project Impacts individuals, institutions, and regions. Students will gain access to advanced research facilities like a VR lab and Wind Tunnel at UT, enhancing their skills in technology and engineering. This exposure to cutting-edge tools fosters knowledge advancement and soft skills development. Institutionally, the project will improve curricula at partner universities and support e-learning initiatives. It also opens new research opportunities, particularly in maintenance engineering and production system design. Regionally, the project contributes to UT's vision of becoming a leader in Humanitarian Engineering, addressing global issues like poverty with innovative, sustainable solutions.

Project Details

• UT Project Coordinator: Margriet Dekkers, Janke Rademaker
• Regional Coordinator: Eric Jardin
• UT Regional Liaison: Gyöngyi Karácsony for the Americas region
• Partner institution: University of Waterloo
• Type of mobility: Student, Staff and Doctoral mobility (EQF 6, EQF 7, EQF 8)
• Project duration: 2024-2026
• Subject areas: 0710 Engineering and Engineering trades, 0910 and 0914 Health Sciences
• Budget: € 40.887,00

Project Summary

The University of Twente (UT) and University of Waterloo (UW) have a long-standing collaboration focused on addressing global societal challenges through internationalisation, particularly in health technologies and AI. The partnership, formalized in 2022, aims to tackle issues like healthcare transformation and technology-assisted care. The collaboration involves exchange of PhD students and staff, joint research on AI in health, and alignment with both universities’ strategies for sustainable and inclusive societies. Initiatives include a seed fund for research and joint programmes, strengthened by Erasmus+ funding and the potential inclusion of Canada in Horizon Europe.

Project Impact

This project aims to impact individuals, institutions, and the global/regional level. At the individual level, it enhances cultural awareness, collaboration, and transferable skills. Students and staff gain exposure to diverse environments, improving qualifications and career prospects. Institutionally, it strengthens collaborations, promotes joint research, and fosters industry connections. The global/regional impact includes developing globally competent professionals, bolstering economic growth, and establishing strong industry networks. The project also aims to increase mobility and enhance student exchange, addressing concerns of low mobility in Canada.

Project Details

• UT Project Coordinator: Prof. Dr. ir. Hans Hilgenkamp and Rita de Wilde-Brink
• Regional Coordinator: Prof. Dr. Paata Kervalishvili
• UT Regional Liaison: Miranda Bonhke for the Neighbourhood-East
• Partner institution: Georgian Technical University
• Type of mobility: Student, Staff and Doctoral mobility (EQF 6, EQF 7 and EQF 8)
• Project duration: 2024-2026
• Subject areas: 0710 Engineering and Engineering trades, Applied Physics, Biomedical Engineering and Computer Engineering
• Budget: € 77.824,00

Project Summary

This project focuses on strengthening educational cooperation between the University of Twente (UT) and Georgian Technical University (GTU), enhancing research and teaching in areas like Nanophysics, Nanotechnology, and Semiconductor Physics. Through student and staff exchanges, GTU will harmonise its programmes with European universities, particularly UT, and introduce advanced courses. This collaboration, focusing on low-temperature Quantum Physics and Nanotechnology, will boost research activities, attract motivated students, and foster long-term partnerships. The Erasmus+ KA171 programme will support these initiatives, promoting joint teaching, research, and curriculum development to elevate educational standards at both institutions.

Project Impact

This Neighbourhood-East Project Impacts individuals, institutions, and the global/regional level. At the individual level, students and staff gain new skills, international experience, and expand their professional networks. This enhances employability and intercultural competencies. At the institutional level, mobility supports university strategies, improves education and research standards, and fosters joint programmes and publications. On a global/regional scale, the project strengthens scientific and educational cooperation between Dutch, and Georgian universities, promoting interdisciplinary exchange and building sustainable networks. It contributes to the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and fosters international collaboration in Nano-electronics and related fields.

Project Details

• UT Project Coordinator: Dr. Tom Hartman
• Regional Coordinator:  Dr. Taufiq Hidayat and Andika Putra Pratama
• UT Regional Liaison: Shabnam Walyar for the Asia region
• Partner institution: Bandung Institute of Technology
• Type of mobility: Student, Staff and Doctoral mobility (EQF 6, EQF 7 and EQF 8)
• Project duration: 2022-2025 (Project Phase 1) and 2024-2027 (Project Phase 2)
• Subject areas: 0710 Engineering and Engineering trades, Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics
• Budget: € 36.944,00 (fully depleted) and € 30.330,00

Project Summary

Project Phase 1: UT has long collaborated with institutions in Indonesia, particularly with ITB, one of Indonesia's top universities. This partnership focuses on TE and PE research, including EMC measurement, emission, power quality, and energy access, especially in specific environments such as hospitals and remote grids. The 2019 PhD graduate from UT now works at Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency, applying his research. The ongoing ANRGI project, launched in 2021, supports sustainable energy solutions for Indonesia, involving stakeholders from both universities and industry. UT and ITB also collaborate on EU-funded projects like SCENT and ETOPIA for broader impact.

Project phase 2: The text highlights successful collaborations between ITB and UT through previous projects like APEMC 2021 and GEMCCON 2023, addressing key issues in energy access and sustainability in Indonesia. The KA171 2024 project extends these efforts, incorporating Telecommunication Engineering (TE) and Entrepreneurship and Technology Management (ETM). The partnership promotes transdisciplinary research, focusing on socio-economic and technical aspects of energy challenges in remote areas. Planned site visits and EU-funded Marie Curie projects aim to deepen insights and expand international outreach, supporting both universities’ goals of global contributions and international student mobility.

Project Impact

Project phase 1: The mobility project between UT and ITB benefits both universities by fostering cultural diversity and multidisciplinary research. Previous ITB students at UT saw significant improvements in their skills and contributed to joint papers. The collaboration includes research on technology diffusion, electric buses, and Smart Grids. Staff exchanges will provide valuable insights into Indonesia’s unique environments and systems, enhancing both UT and ITB’s research quality. The project also supports Indonesia’s electrification goals through the ANRGI project, and aims for broader collaboration, including international conferences and knowledge sharing. Ultimately, it strengthens internationalisation and impacts research, education, and industry.

Project phase 2: This mobility initiative in Indonesia aims to create impact at individual, institutional, and global levels. At the individual level, ITB students will gain valuable skills, enhancing their confidence, analytical abilities, and English proficiency, with potential for future PhD positions. Institutionally, collaboration will improve research quality and address energy challenges in both regions. Globally, the initiative contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 7 by enhancing energy access in remote areas, promoting knowledge exchange, and fostering international collaboration. The project also aims to establish sustainable exchange programmes and strengthen regional scientific communities for future joint research.

Publications

• ANRGI website: find out more about the project, as well as the participating members and partners.  
• Two research articles were published in 2021 Asia-Pacific International Symposium on Electromagnetic Compatibility (APEMC) and 2022 IEEE International Conference in Power Engineering Application (ICPEA).
• Two day workshop on “Sustainability and Scalability of Remote Microgrids through the Improvement of Power Quality”, attended by more than 100 participants from around 20 organisations. Ideas were discussed and aspirations for joint research were instigated.

Testimonial 

“We see the E+ support as a very good stimulation for collaboration, which will enable us to send people to the University of Twente and invite people to Institut Teknologi Bandung to give workshops and lectures, and follow courses, to organize a prestigious conference, and to submit joint project proposals. E+ creates thus a boost in educational alliance and joint research.” – Dr. Deny Hamdani, ITB

Project Details

• UT Project Coordinator: Dr. Lara Carminati and Dr. Desirée van Dun
• Regional Coordinator: Dr. Kodo Yokozawa and Dr. Hidetsuna Sasaki
• UT Regional Liaison: Shabnam Walyar for the Asia region
• Partner institution: Yokohama National University
• Type of mobility: Student, Staff and Doctoral mobility (EQF 6, EQF 7 and EQF 8)
• Project duration: 2024-2026
• Subject areas: 0410 Business Administration, Chance Management, 0310 Organisational Behaviour
• Budget: € 27.724,00

Project Summary

This mobility initiative between the University of Twente (UT) and Yokohama National University (YNU) focuses on strengthening research and teaching collaborations, promoting a global mindset. The Business Administration Department at YNU and UT's Organizational Behavior group manage the exchange. Both universities aim to expand their reach through cross-pollination of teaching and research. The project enhances course development, internships, thesis projects, and academic staff knowledge-sharing via seminars and workshops. UT and YNU have a strong partnership, formalized in 2023, and are pursuing further research funding, such as NWO and Horizon Europe grants, to address societal challenges.

Project Impact

This mobility initiative will impact students and staff at three levels. Individually, participants will gain academic knowledge, transversal skills, and intercultural competence. Institutional benefits include enhanced cooperation, expanded research topics, and stronger Dutch-Japanese scholar networks. Globally, the initiative will impact organisations and society by improving research and accelerating progress through knowledge exchange. The mobility will also increase opportunities for students and staff by complementing limited scholarship options and enhancing the quality of course development, international classrooms, and research. Additionally, it may stimulate further funding for international mobility projects.

Project Details

• UT Project Coordinator: Dr. Roshanak Darvishzadeh Varchehi, Dr. Alberto Martinetti
• Regional Coordinator:  Dr. Sameh Alzubiedi
• UT Regional Liaison: Shabnam Walyar for the Asia region
• Partner institution: University of Yarmouk, University of Jordan, Applied Science Private University
• Type of mobility: Student, Staff and Doctoral mobility (EQF 6, EQF 7 and EQF 8)
• Project duration: 2022-2025
• Subject areas: 0710 Engineering and Engineering trades, Humanitarian Engineering, 0532 Earth Sciences
• Budget: € 23.852,00

Project Summary

This collaboration will foster mutual benefits for the universities involved, enhancing scientific interaction and promoting structured educational relations on national and international levels, aimed at poverty eradication. The universities in Jordan have extensive experience in international cooperation, particularly with European institutions. The proposed research on maintenance engineering and social sciences aligns with partner countries' priorities, advancing sustainable development. This partnership will facilitate knowledge exchange, embedding skills critical for innovative, sustainable development in various shortage sectors. The universities’ locations also connects UT to a key industrial hub and refugee support.

Project Impact

The project aims to explore future actions, transfer knowledge, and create exchange opportunities between the Universities in Jordan and UT, focusing on mechanical, earth sciences, and industrial engineering. It will enhance student and staff experiences, foster mutual research, and promote innovation in Jordan and the Netherlands. Students will gain practical knowledge, while staff will improve their teaching and research expertise. The project also involves access to UT’s VR lab, fostering research in maintenance and capital asset optimisation. Long-term impacts include enhancing curricula at the partner university and developing maintenance models for resource-constrained countries, promoting knowledge transfer.

Project Details

• UT Project Coordinator: Prof. Dr. ir. Hans Hilgenkamp, Rita de Wilde-Brink
• Regional Coordinator: Prof. Anatoli Sidorenko
• UT Regional Liaison: Miranda Bönhke for the Europe region
• Partner institution: Technical University of Moldova
• Type of mobility: Student, Staff and Doctoral mobility (EQF 6, EQF 7 and EQF 8)
• Project duration: 2022-2025 (project phase 1), 2024-2027 (project phase 2)
• Subject areas: Applied Sciences (ISCED 0530)
• Budget: € 28.486,00 and € 106.082,00

Project Summary

Project phase 1: Focuses on stimulating student and staff mobility to enhance future joint programme activities. For Moldova, this will provide access to advanced lab equipment and insights into implementing such technologies at home. For UT, it supports nanoscience education, a key area in its internationalisation strategy. Exchanges will help refine course content, calibrate levels, and develop essential joint programmes. These activities directly align with UT’s internationalisation goals, promoting mobility for study, teaching, and training to foster joint supervision and programme development. The programmeme managers and involved staff view this as crucial for programme success.

Project phase 2: The initiatives in this region aim to explore educational models, deepen partnerships, and enhance teaching and training activities as Moldova and Georgia prepare for EU candidacy. Strengthening educational cooperation is essential for improving education and research quality within the EU and its Neighbourhood, aligned with the EU-Moldova Association Agreement. The project focuses on student exchanges in Nano-electronics and Spintronics, training collaborations led by UT and GTU professors, and developing new courses in areas like modelling, simulation, and smart control systems. Research cooperation will complement these efforts, enriching educational initiatives and advancing research in these fields.

Project Impact

Project phase 1: The project impacts individuals by enhancing students' skills in research, academic writing, and scientific presentation, which improves their international employability. Staff will expand networks and initiate collaborations, leading to joint research, publications, and EU proposals. It also promotes social competencies and personal development. Institutionally, mobility strengthens university strategies, fosters curricular development, and enhances internationalisation, leading to more publications and improved university rankings. Nationally, the project strengthens cooperation between Dutch and Moldovan universities, creating a network of students, researchers, and staff, and contributing to knowledge transfer through outreach activities to various audiences.

Project phase 2: The Neighbourhood-East project impacts individuals, institutions, and the global/regional level. Students gain new skills, international experience, and improved employability, while staff expand networks and initiate collaborations for research, publications, and EU proposals. Institutional mobility enhances partnerships, academic standards, and internationalisation, fostering curricular development and joint programmes. Publications will strengthen university rankings globally. On a faculty level, staff mobility advances teaching expertise in Nano-electronics and Brain-like systems, promoting innovation. Globally, the project strengthens cooperation between Dutch, Georgian, and Moldovan universities, creating an international network that supports sustainable collaboration and strengthens the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).

Project Details

• UT Project Coordinator: Dr. Eefje Hendriks
• Regional Coordinator: Prof. Dr. Shadhidhar Ram Joshi
• UT Regional Liaison: Shabnam Walyar for the Asia region
• Partner institution: Tribhuvan University
• Type of mobility: Student, Staff and Doctoral mobility (EQF 6, EQF 7 and EQF 8)
• Project duration: 2023-2026
• Subject areas: 0710 Engineering and Engineering trades, Humanitarian Engineering
• Budget: € 31.558,00

Project Summary

University of Twente (UT) is developing a Master's programme in Humanitarian Engineering to address poverty, disaster resilience, and climate change. UT collaborates with universities in developing countries to build local capacity and enhance knowledge exchange. The UT aims to empower marginalised communities through technology, risk management, and urban planning to make a global impact on society. TU, established in 1959, aims to advance knowledge in arts, science, and technology. It focuses on climate change, urban planning, and developing skilled human resources for Nepal’s overall development. This project focuses on creating connections with institutions in Bhutan, and Nepal promoting sustainable solutions and addressing SDGs like Zero Hunger and Quality Education.

Project Impact

The selected programmes aim to address manpower gaps in Industrial Engineering and Management, including product, production system design, and maintenance engineering. Students benefit from financial support, including funding from the World Bank and African Development Bank. The impact includes:

• Broader exchange of knowledge through collaborative learning
• Development of mutual research and problem-solving skills in diverse environments
• Gaining international teaching experience
• Enhancing personal expertise in teaching, research, and innovative methods.

Incoming students will access UT's VR lab and Wind Tunnel, providing opportunities to develop models and simulations. This collaboration will also improve curricula and support future doctoral opportunities.

Project Details

• UT Project Coordinator: Dr. ir. Ton Spil
• Regional Coordinator: Prof. Dr. David Sundaram
• UT Regional Liaison: Shabnam Walyar for the Pacific region
• Partner institution: University of Auckland
• Type of mobility: Staff and Doctoral mobility (EQF 8)
• Project duration: 2024-2026
• Subject areas: 0710 Engineering and Engineering trades, Industrial Engineering and Business Information Systems, Serious Gaming and Design Science
• Budget: € 10.918,00

Project Summary

Obesity and diabetes are increasingly prevalent due to lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress, with New Zealand and the Netherlands showing high obesity rates. Young adults, especially aged 18-25, are particularly at risk. Lifestyle apps, though helpful, often lack engagement in behaviour change. This initiative aims to collaborate between the University of Twente and the University of Auckland to expand teaching on Serious Gaming and Design Science, creating new courses focused on ethical IT impacts. The collaboration will also involve teaching exchanges, research expansion, and an MoU between both institutions.

Project Impact

The New Zealand initiative focuses on using gamification in lifestyle apps to combat obesity and diabetes. Collaborating with health insurance and healthcare organizations, the project will create new solutions to change behaviors in both New Zealand and the Netherlands. In the first stage (2024-2025), the focus is on Europe and New Zealand, with plans to expand to Melbourne University and Portland (USA). The collaboration will also develop a new course on Serious Gaming at the University of Auckland and integrate gamification into courses on systems analysis and design, enhancing student engagement and impacting health outcomes.

Project Details

• UT Project Coordinator: Dr. Tom Hartman, Prof. Dr. ir. Eric Lutters, ir. ing. Maarten Appelman
• Regional Coordinator: Dr. Gideon Wiid and Dr. Stephen Paine for UCT, Anisa Khan for UJ, Umesh Bawa and Anna Chuene for UWC
• UT Regional Liaison: Charlotte M’Doe for the Sub-Sahara region
• Partner institution: Stellenbosch University, University of Cape Town, University of Johannesburg, University of the Western Cape
• Type of mobility: Student, Staff and Doctoral mobility (EQF 6, EQF 7, EQF 8)
• Project duration: 2024-2026
• Subject areas: 0710 Engineering and Engineering trades, Learning Factories, Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics
• Budget: € 119.152,00

Project Summary

The collaboration between the University of Twente (UT) and South African universities focuses on enhancing education and research in various fields. At Stellenbosch University (SU), the initiative redesigns Learning Factories (LF) for better collaboration and remote access, promoting lifelong learning and industrial integration. The partnership with the University of Cape Town (UCT) involves Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), aiming to expand research and collaboration. Additionally, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and University of Western Cape (UWC) work with UT on Energy Access (EA), addressing energy security in marginalized communities, improving research quality, and offering valuable learning experiences for students and staff.

Project Impact

The mobility initiative will enhance staff professional knowledge, international R&D, and innovative teaching methods. It will improve students' language skills, professionalism, and competitiveness through international exposure. The project fosters deepened cooperation, internationalisation, and the development of educational materials in Engineering Technology, Electromagnetic Compatibility, and Energy Access. The Learning Factories (LF) exchange will streamline curriculum design and integrate research approaches. Collaborative projects in energy access, especially in marginalised communities, will benefit from shared insights and joint research, with students gaining practical experience. This initiative boosts the academic confidence of students, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Project Details

• UT Project Coordinator: Dr. Estefania Talavera Martinez
• Regional Coordinator:  Dr. Godliver Owomugisha for Busitema University, and Dr. Rose Naakibule for Makarere University
• UT Regional Liaison: Charlotte M’Doe for the Sub-Sahara region
• Partner institution: Busitema University and Makerere University
• Type of mobility: Student, Staff and Doctoral mobility (EQF 6, EQF 7 and EQF 8)
• Project duration: 2022-2025 (Project Phase 1) and 2024-2025 (Project Phase 2)
• Subject areas: 0710 Engineering and Engineering trades, 0811 Agricultural Science, 0532 Earth Sciences
• Budget: € 70.848,00 and € 55.988,00

Project Summary

Project phase 1:  The agricultural sector in sub-Saharan Africa faces significant challenges, including crop diseases that affect over 70% of the population reliant on agriculture. Traditional crop monitoring is labour-intensive and inefficient. This project leverages mobile technology and machine learning to enable early disease and pest detection among smallholder farmers. Collaboration with Busitema University, Makerere University, and NaCRRI aims to build low-cost diagnostic tools and provide educational opportunities for students in AI and data science. This partnership focuses on improving crop yields, food security, and livelihoods through knowledge transfer and mobility of learners.

Project phase 2:  This project intended to expand scope by adding Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Kenya, alongside MAK and BU. Unfortunately, only the Uganda initiative received the KA171 award. Hence, the project will address agricultural challenges in rural areas, particularly crop diseases, through AI and machine learning. Aiming to enhance curriculum, transfer knowledge, and improve research in AI, data science, and agriculture, the initiative will develop low-cost diagnostic tools and mobile apps for disease detection, benefiting smallholder farmers. By leveraging AI and machine learning, the project aims to improve early disease surveillance and connect farmers to buyers, with a broader impact across East Africa.

Project Impact

Project phase 1:  This project aims to empower students with skills to develop AI systems for detecting crop diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. Through student and staff mobility, the project focuses on training in data science, machine learning, and computer vision, enhancing curriculum development and research. Students will gain practical knowledge, while staff will improve expertise and foster international collaborations. The research will benefit AI groups at Makerere and Busitema, impacting smallholder farmers by improving productivity and reducing losses. Ultimately, the mobility project supports the UN’s SDG 2 for “Zero Hunger” through affordable disease detection technologies for farmers.

Project phase 2: This project aims to impact Sub-Saharan Africa at individual, institutional, and regional levels. Students will gain skills in data science, AI, and machine learning through hands-on practice, while staff will enhance their professional development and cross-cultural skills. The research will benefit AI groups at BU and MAK, by developing tools to improve livelihoods through data science applications. Regionally, the partnership with NaCRRI will engage farmers in data collection and product testing. The project addresses SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by improving disease diagnostics, increasing crop yields, and enhancing food security for smallholder farmers.

Project Details

• UT Project Coordinator: Dr. Tom Hartman
• Regional Coordinator:  Dr. Iryna Shteimiller
• UT Regional Liaison: Miranda Bönhke for the Europe region
• Partner institution: Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies (USUST – former:Dnipro National University of Railway Transport-DNURT), V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University
• Type of mobility: Student, Staff and Doctoral mobility (EQF 6, EQF 7 and EQF 8)
• Project duration: 2022-2025
• Subject areas: 0710 Engineering and Engineering trades, Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics
• Budget: € 62.452,00

Project Summary

The exchange of knowledge during training plays a crucial role in advancing technologies and fostering development in both countries. Key benefits of enhanced collaboration include: training more skilled electrical engineers with exposure to Western European industries, establishing durable research and training consortia, providing Ukrainian engineers with access to top Western universities, applying new knowledge through collaboration with schools and workshops, and focusing research on challenges in areas like automotive, rail, and unbalanced power systems. This collaboration enhances awareness of obstacles and helps implement effective solutions.

Project Impact

This project aims to enhance international collaboration between the University of Twente (UT) and Ukrainian State University of Science and Technology (USUST), focusing on sustainability in electrical engineering, particularly power electronics and railway systems. It will facilitate the exchange of staff and students, leading to joint research and publications that enhance both universities' internationalisation efforts. The programme addresses the shortage of qualified researchers in power electronics and electromagnetic compatibility, essential for advancing renewable energy and electric vehicles. This collaboration will provide practical experience for Ukrainian students, strengthen education, and foster long-term research partnerships.

Project Details

• UT Project Coordinator: Janke Rademaker, Dr. Tom Hartman
• Regional Coordinator: Dr. Joseph Iannelli
• UT Regional Liaison: Gyöngyi Karácsony for the Americas region
• Partner institution: Washington State University
• Type of mobility: Student, Staff and Doctoral mobility (EQF 6, EQF 7, EQF 8)
• Project duration: 2024-2026
• Subject areas: 0710 Engineering and Engineering trades, Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics, 0310 Social Sciences
• Budget: € 40.408,00

Project Summary

WSU and UT have developed a decade-long partnership, formalized in 2021 through a transatlantic MoU and student exchange agreement. This Erasmus+ ICM project aims to expand their collaboration in Behavioural, Management, and Social Sciences (BMS) and Electrical Engineering (EE). The focus includes industry resilience, emerging technologies, power electronics, and sustainability. The project will foster student and staff mobility, jointly supervised research, and strengthen international research collaborations. With industry links in both regions, this collaboration enhances educational and scholarly value, aligning with both institutions' internationalisation goals and preparing students for global careers.

Project Impact

This Project Impacts individuals, institutions, and regions globally. At the individual level, it enhances cultural awareness, collaboration, and transferable skills for students and staff. At the institutional level, it strengthens research collaborations, leads to joint publications, and fosters industry ties. The global/regional impact includes developing globally competent professionals and boosting economic growth through industry connections with companies like Microsoft, Shell, and Google. Additionally, the project aims to increase mobility and student exchanges between institutions, addressing relatively low student mobility in the US and strengthening international academic networks.

Project Details

• UT Project Coordinator: Dr. ir. Peter Chemweno
• Regional Coordinator: Tawanda Muchiri
• UT Regional Liaison: Charlotte M’Doe for the Sub-Sahara region
• Partner institution: University of Zimbabwe
• Type of mobility: Student, Staff and Doctoral mobility (EQF 6, EQF 7 and EQF 8)
• Project duration: 2022-2025
• Subject areas: 0710 Engineering and Engineering trades, Maintenance Engineering and Advanced
• Manufacturing
• Budget: € 42.976,00

Project Summary

The University of Twente (UT) aims to expand its influence in maintenance engineering and advanced manufacturing, partnering with the University of Zimbabwe (UoZ) to enhance sustainable development in healthcare. This collaboration follows successful mobility projects with universities in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya. The goal is to optimise the operation and maintenance of medical devices in resource-constrained settings. Students will gain expertise in advanced manufacturing, while research projects will address real-world challenges. Staff exchanges will foster innovation and industry collaboration, benefiting both universities and contributing to poverty eradication through education and research.

Project impact

The University of Zimbabwe (UoZ) has extensive international cooperation, which UT aims to enhance through a project focused on maintenance engineering and advanced manufacturing in healthcare. This collaboration will facilitate knowledge transfer, improving the sustainable management of healthcare devices and enhancing access to quality healthcare in Zimbabwe. The project will support student and staff exchanges, fostering innovation and societal impact. Students will gain hands-on experience in maintenance engineering, while staff will improve teaching expertise. The project’s long-term impact includes improved academic capacity in Zimbabwe and increased opportunities for doctoral candidates and faculty positions.

KA107 projects

The Erasmus+ programme phase from 2014-2020 had structural attention placed on multilingualism, international dimensions, recognition and validation of skills and qualifications, communicating projects to maximise impact, open access requirements and the protection, health and safety of participants. The KA107 International Credit Mobility projects that UT was involved in during this programme phase reflect these areas of attention. Below you can read about some of the projects.