Meet our
people

Christine Bauhofer 

University: Techincal University Hamburg
Function: Works at TUTECH, a daughter company of the Technical University Hamburg
Does for ECIU: Expert for lifelong learners

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‘Not only students are involved in multidisciplinary, societal challenges within ECIU University. In the context of lifelong learning, there are also professionals, working in various fields, who want to retrain. They often work full-time and have a family. That requires a completely different way of learning. The expectations and needs of this target group also differs from person to person. And they have less time. We are preparing ECIU University for the arrival of these professionals, with the aim that everyone eventually becomes a lifelong learner.

In my view, ECIU University is future-oriented in the field of education. To stay innovative you need to collaborate with students, companies, organisations, professionals, cities and regions and also take advantage of cultural diversity. It is important to bring all the knowledge and the wealth of experience together and to network on the European level. I really enjoy contributing to this. I may be the only one with grey hair, but fortunately, I only see that during online meetings, haha.’

Elena Tsigki 

University: University Twente
Function: User Experience and Services Lead for ECIU

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‘Together with colleagues from all partner universities, I make sure that the activities surrounding all educational activities within ECIU University run as smoothly as possible. In the field of education, we are at a turning point in Europe. Educational institutions are wondering how they can best position themselves and innovate without losing sight of the needs of learners. 
ECIU University comes at the right time. The job market is constantly changing. It is up to us to make education more accessible and flexible. Whether I am enjoying myself at ECIU University? Yes, of course! I love working with a team of creative, smart and driven people from all over Europe. The dedication and commitment everyone shows is what really makes ECIU University a success. Because the work at ECIU takes a lot of time, I think it is important to schedule quality time with my loved ones. About twice a year I fly to Cyprus, where I come from, to see my family. Just being together, cooking and eating.’

Inga Stasiulaitienė 

University: Kaunas University of Technology
Function: Associate Professor at Faculty of Chemical Technology and Department of Environmental Technology
Does for ECIU: Teamcher 

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‘It is very nice to see how students from different countries with different backgrounds and competencies get together to work on a societal challenge. As a teacher, I recently lead a team of international students that developed an app to help citizens from Lithuania recycle household waste. A beautiful project with a nice result.

Because almost everything within ECIU University happens online, it gives rise to a lot more opportunities. Of course, we run into some problems now and then. Think of the different time zones alone, cultures and contexts which we work within. Still, generally, everything works well. In that respect, not only students but also teachers should not be afraid to do something that lies outside their comfort zone. If I look at the large network in which I now operate, I have also learned a lot in terms of skills and knowledge.’

Josefine Swahn 

University: Linköping University
Function: Senior Coordinator
Does for ECIU: Project manager for the development of the DXP

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‘Linköping University is in charge and was given responsibility for the development of the digital platform DXP. In other words: our team builds the digital university from scratch. This was decided in 2021 and I have been working for ECIU University for a year as well. To really understand the shared vision for 2030 and the set demands, we had to have many conversations with the people within ECIU. What does it stand for? What is the ultimate goal? Looking back, we have made a lot of progress together.

Being involved with ECIU, no matter in which way, means that you are collaborating with highly qualified people from all connected universities in the whole of Europe. In addition that it is very interesting, you never stop learning.’

Juha Eskelinen 

University: Tampere University 
Function: Head of Digitalisation Development
Does for ECIU: Responsible for IT development and management

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‘I partake in ice swimming, especially because I mainly sit behind a computer screen as an IT worker. Next to that it is healthy, I also think it is a fun way to take some distance from my work, because a lot happens at ECIU University. Currently, we are building a digital environment, the ECIU Digital Experience Platform (DxP). This is an essential platform which makes sure that all processes within ECIU run efficiently so we can serve students, teachers, lifelong learners and external companies optimally.

ECIU University is new, nobody has done this before. And the timing is perfect. Given the recent developments in the EU, we really have to cooperate more and understand each other better. Personally, I like that ECIU University does not necessarily focus on your diploma but on your competencies and skills.’

Marie-Agnes Détourbe 

University: National Institutes of Science and Technology (INSA)
Function: Vice President for International Affairs
Does for ECIU: Institutional coordinator for ECIU University

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‘I get a lot of energy from my involvement in ECIU University. As the Institutional Coordinator for my institution, I am constantly trying to get more stakeholders on board and make them understand the enormous potential of ECIU University. INSA is a group of French engineering schools, a member of ECIU since 2019. Because of that, our students have access to an enormous educational network. 

INSA also offers room for educational innovation and new opportunities for lifelong learning: it offers flexibility which is way harder to realize at a national level. With the ECIU University, we can break down the barriers between the academic world and the outside world at a European level. There is so much diversity in terms of partners. That is very powerful and precious, it is the best way to learn from each other. I think ECIU University is a fantastic initiative and I think we are moving in the right direction. I mean, the European community continues to grow and we are building something unique together. Is that not great?’

Olivia Daly 

University: DCU Dublin
Does for ECIU: Institutional coordinator ECIU (fulltime)

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‘ECIU University is much more than a project. I describe it as a unique network of ambitious people who discover and research innovative ways of teaching and learning. Through challenge-based learning, participants can have a real influence, because they get to collaborate at a European level on existing world problems that local and regional areas are confronted with. They can then contribute their own knowledge and experience and come up with creative solutions together. It is also a great way to get in touch with other cultures and disciplines and collaborate on research projects.

I have been with ECIU University since March 2022 and it feels rewarding to work with such a dedicated team of people who have a strong vision of what they want to achieve. When I am not working, I like to spend my time with my family. I also enjoy being creative with lino printing. Whether I am good at it? No idea, but I try to be, haha.’