Collaborative Initiative Projects 2026
The first EMERGE Collaborative Initiative Call invited students, university staff and external partners to turn shared ideas into practical action. The selected initiatives reflect the core values of EMERGE: sustainability, inclusion and resilience, multilingualism and cultural diversity, solidarity and social engagement.
Five projects were selected for funding in 2026. Each project brings Europa-Universität Flensburg together with local or international partners and receives financial support of up to €1,000, as well as access to the EMERGE network and opportunities for international collaboration.
The projects will be implemented from September 2026. Together, they demonstrate how collaboration can create meaningful change on campus, in the local community and across Europe.
How can education contribute to fair access to healthy and sustainable food?
This student-led project connects learners and educators in Germany, Ireland and France to explore food justice, sustainable food systems and health promotion. Students will work together through research groups, online meetings and an international conference.
The project will develop at least four educational modules, multilingual teaching materials and practical teaching concepts. These resources will be published as Open Educational Resources so that schools, universities and nutrition professionals can continue using them after the project has ended.
Project leads: Prof. Dr. Ulrike Johannsen and Prof. Dr. Birgit Peuker, Department of Nutrition and Health, EUF
Partners: Ministry of Agriculture of Schleswig-Holstein, University of Limerick, Université Bretagne Sud, IQSH, regional schools and organisations
Bicycle Day brings practical action for safer and more sustainable mobility to the EUF campus.
Organised in cooperation with ADFC Flensburg and other local partners, the initiative combines information with services that cyclists can use directly. Activities include free bicycle security coding, safety inspections, a bicycle-light campaign, information stands and a cycling obstacle course.
The project aims to reduce bicycle theft, improve visibility and road safety, and encourage cycling as a climate-friendly alternative to motorised transport. Bicycle Day is also intended to become a recurring campus event.
Project lead: Simon Laros, Energy and Climate Manager, EUF
Partners: ADFC Flensburg, AStA EUF, Jens Thiesen and local bicycle shops
Art Education on the Move uses artistic practice to make the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals tangible for pupils, students and teachers.
EUF art students will create artworks that provide the starting point for classroom activities addressing sustainability, visual literacy and Education for Sustainable Development. Workshops, a public exhibition and cooperation with the University of Limerick and IQSH will bring together university students, teachers and international partners.
The project will produce German- and English-language lesson plans, teaching materials and an open digital toolbox that can be used and adapted by schools and universities.
Project lead: Prof. Dr. Friederike Rückert, Department of Art Education, EUF
Partners: IQSH, University of Limerick, EUF Department of Art and Visual Media and EUF art students
Reliable information can make arriving and settling in a new country considerably easier.
NRB Germany is developing a multilingual digital platform for international students, skilled migrants, spouses and other newcomers to Germany. It will provide practical and verified information on subjects such as housing, university procedures, healthcare, employment, language learning and public administration.
The project plans to publish information posts, educational videos, interviews, webinars and downloadable guides. Initially focusing on Bangladeshi and South Asian communities, the platform aims to grow into a broader resource for international students, researchers and migrants in Germany.
Project team: Md. Anower Hossain Sagor, EUF alumnus, and Mansi Mishra, EUF Master’s student
External partner: Podmoney GmbH
Experiencing Democracy Together brings EUF students and refugee women together to explore democratic institutions and political participation through shared experiences.
Participants will take part in workshops and visit Flensburg City Council, institutions of the Danish minority and the Schleswig-Holstein Parliament. Reflection sessions will enable the group to discuss their experiences and jointly develop a practical political-education methodology.
Language support and childcare can be provided to make participation more accessible. The resulting concept and recommendations will be documented so that the project can be adapted by other universities within the European University Alliance EMERGE.
Project leads: Prof. Dr. Felix Butzlaff, EUF, and Soraya El Janabi, Flüchtlingshilfe Flensburg e.V.
Academic support: Prof. Dr. Anke Wischmann, EUF
Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in your community — or even beyond?
The EMERGE Collaborative Initiative Call invites students, staff, and external partners to co-create innovative initiatives that foster:
- sustainability
- inclusion and resilience
- multilingualism and cultural diversity
- solidarity and social engagement
This is your opportunity to turn ideas into action.
What we offer
Selected initiatives will receive:
- Up to €1,000 in financial support
(€5,000 total funding available across selected projects) - Mentoring and guidance from the EMERGE network
- Access to EMERGE resources and international collaboration opportunities
Who can apply?
We welcome applications from:
- Students
- University staff
- External partners
Please note:
- Each proposal must involve at least one university member and one external partner
- Members of the selection committee are not eligible to apply
Important information before applying
- Each section of the application form includes short instructions to guide you
- We strongly encourage collaborative, creative, and impact-driven ideas
- Initiatives should reflect the core values of EMERGE
Inclusive participation
At EMERGE, inclusion is at the heart of what we do.
If your initiative is led by or involves people with disabilities, minority communities, or marginalized groups, the EMERGE team will provide additional support to ensure equitable participation and accessibility.
Europa-Universität Flensburg seeks to promote diversity in its initiatives in terms of backgrounds, gender and skills. We expressly welcome applications from people with a migration background. Applications from severely disabled persons and persons of equivalent status will be given preferential consideration if they are suitably qualified.
Submission deadlines
- Call Launch: 27 March 2027
- Proposal Submission Deadline: 30 June 2027
- Evaluation & Selection: 1 July – 31 August 2027
- Implementation Period: 1 September 2026 – 28 February 2028
- Next Call will be on March 2028
Note: if more time is needed, please explain.
Questions, please contact:
lucila-PleaseRemoveIncludingDashes-