For an European and green campus
Dr. Anne Herbik took over the project coordination of EU GREEN at our university in July 2024. Nine universities from all over Europe have joined forces to form the EU GREEN university alliance - a European university network for sustainable growth and inclusive education. The aim is to establish a Europe-wide education and research network in the field of sustainable development. Ines Perl spoke to the new project coordinator about her tasks, the challenges she faces, the benefits EU GREEN brings for OVGU and its employees and what EU GREEN means to her personally.
The European University Alliance EU GREEN, of which OVGU is a member, was launched almost two years ago. Where does the university alliance stand now and where does OVGU stand in this network?
EU GREEN here at OVGU, but also in its European orientation, stands for diversity, for values such as freedom and democracy. EU GREEN has set itself the goal of promoting sustainable development in higher education and strengthening cooperation between the member universities. Sustainability means meeting the needs of the present in a way that does not limit the opportunities of future generations.
Since its launch almost two years ago, the Alliance has implemented various initiatives to promote research, teaching and exchange in the field of sustainability. These include the development of joint degree courses, research projects or mobility programs aimed at providing all university members with a broader perspective on environmental and social challenges.
As OVGU, we are an active partner within EU GREEN on an equal footing with eight other universities in France, Italy, Ireland, Spain, Sweden, Poland, Portugal and Romania, contributing our expertise in relevant areas and working towards the alliance's common goals. This includes participating in projects, organizing events, etc. - always with the aim of developing innovative solutions for sustainable development. To this end, we regularly exchange ideas - whether in on-site meetings or online. After one and a half years of EU GREEN, OVGU is on a par with universities in Western, Central and Eastern Europe. Regionally anchored, but with a shared European (values) message.
You are the new project coordinator at OVGU. What are your tasks as coordinator and what are your biggest challenges at the moment?
Everyone in our team or at the European partner universities has different backgrounds, whether personal or professional. What unites us is the so-called “European idea - the European idea” and our enthusiasm for it. In team meetings with our European partners, we speak English with different accents: English-Italian, English-French, English-Romanian, English-German. Integrating this diversity into a message that reaches everyone is one of the many challenges. In addition, we need to secure resources, inspire people to actively participate, make EU GREEN visible at OVGU, launch projects and events, really put sustainability into practice and measure our successes. It is important to define clear goals and regularly review progress.
And it is precisely thanks to the openness of the partners involved and the many committed individuals that a lot can be achieved. I am always grateful for that!
“Our campus will change because the European idea will be much more present,” said the Rector. How will EU GREEN and the European idea be felt on campus, in the daily work of each individual member of the university?
The OVGU campus is already very international. More than 30 percent of current students come from abroad. EU GREEN also means - we do not exclude anyone from international countries outside the EU with the “European idea” - that we want to strengthen the European idea and European cooperation at university level and make this idea visible within OVGU and on campus.
Many people today automatically say: “I see myself as a European”. Despite all the European integration, there are still some hurdles for students in the recognition of their achievements - for example, the examination taken in Ireland at our partner university ATU (Atlantic Technological University) would of course also be a recognized examination at OVGU in the future with EU GREEN. A lot is set to change in the coming years through close multilateral cooperation. Transnational study programs are to be established, joint research projects initiated and sustainable administrative processes created. This is one of the goals of EU GREEN. This will have a direct impact on students and every member of the university - be it in the course of studies, in joint degree programmes, in administration and organization within the university.
Specifically, what are the benefits of EU GREEN for employees?
Certainly participation and the opportunity to be part of a great European idea. Whether it's trips to “Staff Weeks” in Ireland or Italy or European exchanges within the team, access to new infrastructure and resources, the facilitation of work processes. You can take part, get involved, be part of it - through ideas, through everyday work, even if you are not directly involved in EU GREEN as an employee. We offer projects at OVGU that are not limited to Magdeburg and our university, but include all partners. We look forward to ideas from our employees: Europe as a network, the European idea, globalization, sustainability and innovation in general arise from having curiosity, being open-hearted, also treading new unknown paths - thinking “out of the box”. EU GREEN benefits from this, OVGU employees benefit from this, and the location and the city of Magdeburg also benefit from this in the long term.
How can employees get involved in the work of the network?
Specifically: As EU GREEN, we announced a photo competition in spring 2024. The theme was “Diversity and inclusion”. OVGU students and employees were able to take part. The best works will now be awarded prizes in October 2024. As EU GREEN, we are also present at the OVGU's “Market of Opportunities” in October, and for those who are already actively involved with us, we regularly organize an “active meeting”. Employees who do not yet know us are very welcome to come along, get an insight into our work and take part in future or current projects.
What does EU GREEN mean to you personally?
Perhaps two principles of mine that are also important to EU GREEN and will come into play: Even in difficult moments, I want to lead projects to success and bring people together to achieve more. Only together can we bring EU GREEN to life! It is worth it! I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you. All the committed people at OVGU - you are the superheroes who fly through the halls of sustainability without a cape but with unwavering commitment. Thank you for volunteering for the Alliance! You are like the secret ingredients in a grandiose recipe - without you, the whole thing would just be a bland mixture of water and flour. You bring the spice, creativity and good humor that we need to achieve our goals.
Your ideas bubble like sparkling wine and your energy is infectious. May your commitment never cease! And if you ever feel that the mountain is too high, remember: even the biggest mountain was not climbed in a day, but with a good dose of humor and a group of friends and colleagues who cheer each other on, support each other and share ideas!
Thank you very much for the interview, Dr. Herbik!