IDEATE Event Showcases Innovative Resources for Inclusive Education in Toledo
On 16 June 2026, the Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha hosted an EU IDEATE dissemination event in Toledo, Spain, bringing together university and secondary education teachers to explore the project's innovative approaches to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in education.
Although 20 participants had initially registered for the event, unforeseen circumstances meant that nine educators were able to attend on the day. Despite the smaller group, the session provided an excellent opportunity for meaningful discussion, knowledge exchange and engagement with the project's objectives and resources.
Participants were introduced to the EU IDEATE project and the educational materials developed to support more inclusive teaching and learning environments. The session highlighted how the project's resources can help educators embed equity, diversity and inclusion into their everyday practice while encouraging collaboration, critical thinking and student engagement.
The interactive nature of the event enabled participants to exchange experiences, discuss current challenges and consider how the IDEATE resources could be adapted and implemented within their own educational settings.
Those who attended responded very positively to both the project and the materials presented. Participants recognised the practical value of the resources and highlighted their potential to support teachers in creating more inclusive, equitable and engaging learning environments across both secondary and higher education.
The event in Toledo represents another important milestone in the EU IDEATE project's commitment to supporting educators across Europe with innovative tools and collaborative approaches that strengthen inclusive education and promote equal opportunities for all learners.
IDEATE Showcases Innovative EDI Approaches at the European Parliament
On 2–3 June 2026, the EU IDEATE project, in collaboration with the COLOURS Alliance, was represented during The Sense of Belonging, a European exchange event held at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. The event brought together representatives from European University Alliances to exchange knowledge, share good practice and strengthen collaboration on equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) across higher education.
A total of 31 participants took part in the workshop, representing a range of European University Alliances. The COLOURS Alliance presented its EDI workshop, developed in collaboration with IDEATE, while the FilmEU Alliance shared its own innovative initiative, Future Campuses, providing participants with complementary perspectives on advancing inclusion within European higher education.
The workshop highlighted IDEATE's distinctive approach to EDI, which encourages participants to recognise unconscious bias, challenge stereotypes and reflect on how individual attitudes and behaviours shape inclusive academic and collaborative environments.
A central element of the workshop was the integration of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) principles, supporting participants in developing greater self-awareness and encouraging them to consider their own role in fostering equitable, respectful and inclusive learning communities. This reflective approach provides educators and higher education professionals with practical tools to move beyond awareness towards meaningful behavioural change.
Following the presentations, participants worked collaboratively to generate ideas for strengthening EDI across European University Alliances. The discussions produced a range of practical suggestions and facilitated valuable exchanges of experiences between alliances, highlighting both shared challenges and opportunities for future collaboration.
The workshop was very well received and demonstrated the value of the innovative, self-reflective EDI approach jointly developed through the COLOURS Alliance and the EU IDEATE project. By contributing to dialogue at the European Parliament, IDEATE continues to support the development of more inclusive, collaborative and welcoming higher education environments across Europe, reinforcing the project's commitment to fostering equity, diversity, inclusion and a stronger sense of belonging for all.
IDEATE Project Holds Dissemination Event and Final Meeting in Cyprus
The IDEATE project recently reached an important milestone with a dissemination event and final partnership meeting hosted by Neapolis University Pafos in Cyprus. The meeting provided an opportunity to share project outcomes, engage with students, and reflect on the progress and achievements made throughout the project.
On 7 May, the dissemination event brought together psychology students for a lecture, fruitful discussions, and a poster exhibition where students presented their work on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). The event created a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, explore the practical relevance of EDI in education and society, and highlight the importance of student engagement in promoting inclusive approaches.
The following day, the consortium held its final hybrid partnership meeting to conclude project activities and reflect on the collaboration and achievements across the partnership. Partners agreed that the project has been successful in many ways, particularly in strengthening international collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and the development of innovative educational approaches linked to EDI. The meeting also provided space to discuss the sustainability of the project outcomes and how the developed materials can continue to support learning, awareness, and capacity-building beyond the project period.
IDEATE Results Presented at CINAIC 2025
The IDEATE project continues to demonstrate its impact across European higher education through innovative teaching and learning activities.
María José Ruiz García from the University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM) has presented the results obtained from the implementation of IDEATE in the course “Innovación Docente en Ciencias”, delivered as part of the Máster Universitario en Formación del Profesorado de Educación Secundaria (MUFPS).
The results were presented at CINAIC 2025, an educational innovation conference bringing together researchers, educators, and practitioners to share advances in teaching and learning. The contribution was positively received and has now been published in the official conference proceedings book.
This dissemination activity highlights the relevance of IDEATE in supporting innovative, inclusive, and student-centred approaches to teaching in higher education. It also demonstrates how IDEATE resources and methodologies can be meaningfully integrated into teacher education, supporting future educators in developing more inclusive and reflective teaching practices. The publication in the CINAIC 2025 proceedings represents an important achievement for the IDEATE project and further strengthens its visibility, sustainability, and academic impact.
Student Advances Skills in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
A student at Kristianstad University has successfully completed a certification in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), led by Zorica Grubor.
The workshop provided valuable insights into unconscious bias and inclusive practice, equipping participants with practical skills for respectful and effective engagement in diverse environments.
This initiative reflects Kristianstad University’s strong commitment to preparing students for inclusive, future-focused workplaces.
Strengthening Inclusive Practices in Youth Work through EDI Awerness in Hässleholm
As part of IDEATE’s ongoing commitment to advancing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in education and society, an EDI session about raising awareness about EDI was delivered to public officials within the regional administration of Hässleholm Municipality. The participants represented various professional roles connected to youth work and engagement, all sharing a common goal of strengthening inclusive and person-centred approaches in their daily practice.
The training was carried out in collaboration with the local association Youngstival, an organisation dedicated to promoting person-centred approaches in work with young people. Through this partnership, the initiative created a platform where academic knowledge and community-based expertise could intersect in meaningful dialogue.
During the session, Zorica contributed with a focused module addressing unconscious bias, inclusive interaction, and respectful engagement in professional contexts. The discussion explored how unconscious assumptions may influence decision-making and communication, particularly in work involving young people, but also in broader societal and organisational settings. Participants were invited to reflect on their own practices and to consider concrete strategies for fostering equitable and inclusive environments.
The initiative reflects the Quadruple Helix model, bringing together academia, public sector representatives, civil society actors, and community stakeholders. By integrating research-based perspectives on EDI into ongoing professional development initiatives, the training strengthens lifelong learning and builds sustainable bridges between higher education and society.
Through collaborative efforts such as this, IDEATE continues to support knowledge exchange, inclusive innovation, and capacity-building across sectors, ensuring that EDI principles are actively embedded in everyday practice.
Multiplier event - IFK Kristianstad
On 5 February, the home arena of IFK Kristianstad became the setting for an inspiring and thought-provoking session on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). Representing Kristianstad University, Zorica Grubor and Martin Persson facilitated an interactive workshop with the club’s elite players, focusing on EDI and the responsibility that comes with being role models both on and off the court.
Kristianstad University is proud to collaborate with IFK Kristianstad and grateful for the players’ engagement, openness, and willingness to take part in meaningful conversations about EDI.
IDEATE Presented at Public Lecture in Ferrara
On 30 January 2026, the IDEATE project was presented at a public lecture hosted by the Lifelong Learning University for Seniors (UTEF) in Ferrara, Italy, delivered by Prof. Sandrine Labory. The session engaged 39 participants, contributing to the project’s outreach and dissemination objectives.
The presentation highlighted IDEATE as an innovative response to current societal challenges, focusing on challenge-based learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the integration of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) within higher education. Through the IMAGINE methodology, the project supports the development of practical, solution-oriented competences among learners.
Key outputs and impact:
Dissemination of IDEATE methodology to external stakeholders
Engagement with lifelong learning audiences
Strengthening awareness of EDI-driven innovation in education
Contribution to capacity-building beyond traditional university settings
This activity supports IDEATE’s wider objective of enhancing inclusive, innovative, and future-oriented higher education practices across Europe.
IDEATE at the Colours CoLab & Food Hack
Within the European University Alliance COLOURS, Högskolan Kristianstad recently hosted a CoLab and Food-Hack workshop. It was three days filled with innovation, learning, and collaboration under the theme “How can collaboration influence choices towards a healthy lifestyle and sustainable food habits?”
Following the Quadruple Helix model, participants from academia, civil society, and the public and private sectors came together to discuss current challenges and explore solutions for promoting sustainable food habits and healthier lifestyle choices. After an insightful panel discussion featuring experts on the topic, students from across the COLOURS Alliance universities worked in multidisciplinary teams using Design Thinking to develop innovative and creative solutions.
As part of the event, Zorica Grubor, EDI Officer within the Colours European University Alliance, highlighted the importance of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in innovation processes. She spoke about how diversity, when combined with intentional inclusion and an understanding of intersectionality, fosters creativity, collaboration, and more effective problem-solving.
The CoLab & Food Hack exemplifies the IDEATE project's vision of integrating EDI principles into innovation, education, and challenge-based initiatives. By embedding equity and inclusion, while using Design Thinking as an approach, we aim to strengthen the connection between diversity and innovation across European higher education.
Empowering Teachers to Foster Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Cyprus
On 11 December 2025, Dr. Marilena Mousoulidou and Dr. Andri Christodoulou from Neapolis University Pafos delivered an engaging lecture for 40 teachers at the Gymnasium of Polis Chrysochous, Cyprus. Organised as part of the EU IDEATE project, the session explored how educators can strengthen equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) through greater awareness, reflective practice and practical strategies that support inclusive learning environments.
The lecture introduced participants to key EDI concepts, with a particular focus on unconscious bias, inclusive educational practices and the important role teachers play in creating environments where every learner feels valued and supported. Combining theoretical perspectives with interactive activities, the session encouraged participants to reflect on their own professional practice while exploring practical approaches to promoting inclusion and equity in the classroom.
Throughout the session, teachers considered how implicit biases can influence everyday interactions and educational decisions, and how greater self-awareness can contribute to more equitable outcomes for students. Discussions also highlighted the importance of empathy, collaboration and early intervention in preventing exclusion and supporting positive relationships within school communities.
A key part of the lecture showcased the IDEATE project and its IMAGINE methodology as innovative approaches to collaborative and interdisciplinary problem-solving. Participants explored how these frameworks can be adapted to educational settings, enabling teachers to engage students with authentic societal challenges while fostering critical thinking, creativity and inclusive approaches to learning.
By embedding EDI principles within teaching practice, the IMAGINE methodology provides educators with practical tools to create more participatory and inclusive learning experiences that prepare students to navigate increasingly diverse societies.
The lecture at the Gymnasium of Polis Chrysochous reflects the EU IDEATE project's ongoing commitment to strengthening inclusive education across Europe. By equipping teachers with practical knowledge, innovative methodologies and opportunities for reflection, the project supports schools in creating learning environments where diversity is recognised as a strength, equitable opportunities are promoted, and every learner has the opportunity to thrive.
IDEATE Project Disseminated at CoLab Event at Paderborn University
From 7–9 October 2025, the IDEATE project was disseminated during the CoLab event “Mental Health, Body Image, and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) – Challenges for Future Society” hosted at Paderborn University.
The event brought together researchers, educators, and stakeholders to discuss important societal challenges related to mental health, body image, and EDI within contemporary society. During the event, the IDEATE project and its work on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion were presented and discussed, with particular focus on the project’s educational approaches, student engagement activities, and the importance of promoting inclusive learning environments across higher education.
The event offered a platform for sharing experiences and discussing how EDI principles can be integrated into teaching, learning, and broader societal initiatives. Discussions also highlighted the growing importance of interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches when addressing issues connected to wellbeing, inclusion, and social participation.
The dissemination activities increased awareness of the IDEATE project and its outcomes among international audiences and further strengthened collaboration and knowledge exchange between researchers and practitioners in the fields of EDI, mental health, and education.
Promoting Inclusive Cultural Heritage: IDEATE Partners Visit Schifanoia Museum in Ferrara
As part of the IDEATE consortium meeting in Ferrara, project partners had the opportunity to visit the recently restored Schifanoia Museum—an emblem of cultural heritage and a case study in inclusive museum practice.
The afternoon programme, titled Preserving and Diffusing Cultural Heritage in an Inclusive Way, was hosted at the historic Palazzo Schifanoia and offered insights into the museum’s innovative efforts to make art and heritage more accessible to diverse audiences.
Participants were welcomed by Romeo Pio Cristofori, Art History Curator for the Museums of Ancient Art, and Paolo Rebecchi, Head of Design and Building Management for the Municipality of Ferrara. They presented the museum’s historical and artistic significance, while also outlining the extensive renovation work recently completed to improve the visitor experience. This included thoughtful exhibit redesign, enhanced physical accessibility, and collaboration with civil society organisations to promote cognitive and cultural inclusion.
A highlight of the session was a presentation by Silvia Albieri, pedagogical coordinator from Il Germoglio Social Cooperative, who described the inclusive approach adopted for training front-line reception staff. Her contribution underscored the importance of awareness, empathy, and clear communication in creating welcoming environments for all visitors.
The guided tour that followed brought these concepts to life. Led by Romeo Pio Cristofori and Silvia Albieri, and accompanied by representatives from the Italian Union of the Blind and Partially Sighted People (UICI Ferrara), the tour showcased key artworks while demonstrating the museum’s tailored communication tools for visually impaired visitors. This included tactile maps, braille labelling, and audio guides co-developed with users and advocacy groups.
The visit concluded with informal reflections in the museum’s tranquil garden, where participants were invited to enjoy an aperitif and continue conversations about the role of cultural institutions in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion.
IDEATE warmly thanks the Municipality of Ferrara and all expert contributors for making this enriching experience possible. The visit to Schifanoia Museum served not only as a celebration of art and history, but as a powerful example of how cultural spaces can be transformed through inclusive design and meaningful stakeholder engagement.
IDEATE Surpasses Engagement Targets and Advances Curriculum Integration
The IDEATE project has already exceeded its initial engagement targets, with more than 400 students from 10 countries having participated in the IDEATE/Imagine Seminars. This wide-reaching involvement reflects both the importance of the project’s objectives and the effectiveness of partner collaboration. Notably, institutions such as UPB and UNIFE have pledged to continue the IDEATE/Imagine Seminar model beyond the project’s official timeframe, reinforcing its long-term educational value.
Substantial progress has also been made in curriculum development. The consortium has collaboratively produced 10 ECTS of learning content, delivered across 10 bespoke courses. All modules remain on track to be recorded and finalised by 1 September 2025. Additionally, a 1-hour lifelong learning EDI training session—developed for stakeholders across the Quadruple Helix (including policymakers, academia, civil society, and industry)—is under preparation by partners in Sweden and Cyprus. This module is expected to be completed by the end of August and translated into partner languages by mid-October, with English remaining the master version.
A key discussion point was how each institution can incorporate the developed modules into its existing curricula. This process varies by university and typically requires approval through several internal governance layers, including departmental boards, faculty committees, and central academic councils. Depending on the institution, this can take from one semester to more than a year.
Evaluation of the curriculum is well underway. Work Packages 2 and part of Work Package 3 have already been reviewed by five external universities from the COLOURS Alliance, all of which provided positive feedback. The project also plans to engage EDI officers from these institutions to review and comment on the finalised course content. Internally, the IDEATE partners—comprising highly experienced lecturers and professors—have confirmed the curriculum’s relevance and suitability across diverse university contexts in Europe.
A number of analytical measures have already been successfully implemented to strengthen the evaluation process. Content analysis has confirmed that key EDI themes are well represented and aligned with the work package objectives. Time-on-task analysis has helped ensure the workload per module is appropriate and manageable. While the partnership agreed that formal external assessments would not be developed at this stage, formative evaluation conducted by experienced academic staff has offered reliable insights into student comprehension and engagement. Lastly, alignment analysis has demonstrated strong coherence between the intended learning outcomes and the learning activities, reinforcing the overall educational quality and strategic relevance of the curriculum.
Together, these achievements mark an important milestone in the IDEATE project’s mission to embed equity, diversity, and inclusion across higher education systems in Europe.
IDEATE at the European University Association
Our Italian colleague, Sandrine, had the opportunity to present the IDEATE project at the Learning & Teaching Forum organized by the European University Association. The event took place in Cork, Ireland, on 27–28 February 2025, and brought together approximately 250 participants from across Europe, fostering valuable discussions and exchanges on innovation in higher education.
IDEATE is part of an international course
The South African Comprehensive Cleft Care Workshop (CCCW) will feature a specialised psychosocial session using training materials provided by various EU projects, including IDEATE. This session is designed to boost the skills of emerging and intermediate healthcare providers; the material from IDEATE will highlight the EDI perspectives, especially intersectionality. The curriculum aims to prepare healthcare professionals with the necessary knowledge and tools to address the challenges encountered by individuals with cleft lip and palate.
2nd Meeting in Spain
The second meeting took place in Toledo, Spain. It was a fruitful meeting with constructive discussions that advanced the project in line with the timeline and outcomes.
The partner universities are preparing to host one-day workshops that will employ design thinking principles. Each workshop aims to engage at least 35 participants from the university community, focusing on practical strategies to nurture an inclusive academic environment.
The framework for these workshops was developed with careful consideration and facilitated by a collaborative review session led by HKR. To support the effectiveness and reach of these initiatives, all workshop materials will be made available on a shared drive, enabling easy access and ongoing collaboration among all partners. Workshop dates will be scheduled soon.
Additionally, as part of Work Package 3, the partners have crafted educational modules to complement the workshops. These modules, developed through a process of peer feedback, can be utilised either as standalone units or as part of an integrated curriculum. The partnership has successfully created ten modules, each worth 1 ECTS, thereby increasing the total developed material from the initially planned 7.5 ECTS
IDEATE Online Training Session Empowers Trainers in Applied Design Thinking for EDI
On 8 July, we successfully conducted an IDEATE online training session aimed at empowering trainers in Applied Design Thinking for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). Developed by HKR, the IDEATE program is designed to train educators to deliver a comprehensive one-day EDI workshop using the principles of design thinking. The session included familiarising participants with the concept of EDI, teaching the core principles of design thinking, providing essential workshop materials, guiding them through the process, conducting a practice workshop, encouraging customisation, evaluating and providing feedback, and fostering ongoing learning and improvement.
The design of the online training session went beyond the scope of what we promised in our application, offering an enriched and immersive experience for the participants. With 25 enthusiastic participants from 10 universities, the full-day online training session received outstanding feedback. Participants praised the effectiveness and engagement of the training, highlighting the positive impact and practical value of the session. This initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing EDI understanding and implementation in educational settings through innovative design thinking approaches.
EDI workshop - IDEATE & COLOURS
Four of the partners from IDEATE (Germany, Italy, Spain and Sweden) are also part of the European University Alliance - COLOURS. It has been agreed that we will implement the EDI workshops also at the following universities - Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa (Poland), Le Mans University (France), Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (Latvia), University St Kliment Ohridski Bitola (North Macedonia) and Josip Jurai Strossmayer University Osijek (Croatia) during the fall 2024.
1st meeting in Sweden
The recent IDEATE meeting held in Sweden, from February 8th to 9th, 2024, marked a significant milestone in our collaborative efforts to promote inclusion and diversity through education. The meeting brought together partners who introduced themselves and discussed crucial aspects of the project, including budget clarification and financial regulations. This ensured transparency and alignment in managing project finances, setting a solid foundation for future activities.
A key focus of the meeting was the development of the 10 ECTS curriculum, expanded from the initial 7.5 ECTS target, alongside three sequential micro-credential courses. Each course is designed to deepen understanding of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and is structured to offer a comprehensive and modular learning experience. Partners agreed on specific modules, each assigned to different universities, with content aligned to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and crafted using Bloom's Taxonomy. Additionally, a workshop on applying design thinking to EDI was introduced, emphasising the importance of innovative approaches in education.
The meeting also addressed the dissemination strategy, including the launch of a new website. Partners are committed to sharing any additional costs associated with this innovative approach. The importance of risk and quality analysis was underscored, with new tools introduced to document and monitor these aspects. Future meetings were scheduled to ensure continuous collaboration and progress. Overall, the IDEATE meeting was a resounding success, fostering a spirit of cooperation and setting clear goals for the project's next phases.