EURECA-PRO Staff Buddy Community Blended Intensive Programme (BIP)
March 11th 2027 - June 4th 2027
- Upcoming events
Intercultural Upskilling for Research Support Staff: Working Effectively Across Cultures, Disciplines and Institutions
The EURECA-PRO Staff Buddy Community is an initiative aimed at connecting administrative staff across partner universities within the alliance. Unlike traditional buddy systems that match individuals, this program forms buddy communities: dynamic online spaces that foster collaborative learning, intercultural exchange, and professional networking. This 2nd Buddy Community, launching in March 2027, will focus on the theme of “Intercultural Upskilling”. The initiative will culminate in a Staff Week hosted by the Université de Lorraine, where participants will come together to strengthen relationships and share the knowledge and insights developed throughout the programme.
Who is it for? Administrative staff who support researchers in any setting, including laboratories, academic departments, and central services, and who are interested in developing their intercultural skills and sharing experiences across the EURECA-PRO Alliance.
Objectives:
- Promote peer learning and mutual understanding across different institutional and cultural contexts.
- Provide a safe, moderated environment for professional development and intercultural dialogue.
- Enhance intercultural competence through reflection, shared experiences, and engaging sessions with invited guest speakers.
- Enable best practice exchange
How It Works:
Participants will join four online sessions hosted via Zoom on the following dates:
- Thursday, 11 March 2027 (10:00–11:00 CET)
- Thursday, 18 March 2027 (10:00–11:30 CET)
- Thursday, 8 April 2027 (10:00–11:30 CET)
- Thursday, 22 April 2027 (10:00–11:00 CET)
During these sessions, participants will take part in guest presentations, moderated discussions, and peer-led activities. They will also complete reflection and preparation tasks between sessions, including an introductory French language course on the EURECA-PRO Moodle.
Finally, the Staff Week from 31 May – 4 June, 2027 at Université de Lorraine is the physical component of this BIP organised under Key Action 1 (KA131). Participants may be able to receive Erasmus+ staff mobility funding through their home institution, subject to its eligibility and funding rules.
Key details
Commitment: Participation in at least 3 out of 4 online sessions and the Staff Week is required.
Language: The programme will be conducted in English. Participants should have at least a B2 level to take part fully in discussions and activities.
Expected Outcomes:
- Creation of lasting cross-institutional peer networks.
- Improved intercultural awareness and communication skills.
- Strengthened sense of belonging within the EURECA-PRO community.
Why Join?
This is a unique opportunity to connect with colleagues from across Europe, expand your professional network, and gain new perspectives on intercultural collaboration, all within a supportive and engaging environment combining virtual sessions with a Staff Week.
Read about our pilot edition here: Pilot Edition
Contact
If you are interested in joining the adventure, then please contact your local representative by 23 November:
Silesian University of Technology
Grzegorz Klapyta: grzegorz.klapyta@polsl.pl or Ludwina Zukowska: ludwina.zukowska@polsl.pl
Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg
Julia Sishchuk: Iuliia.Sishchuk@iuz.tu-freiberg.de
Technical University of Crete
erasmus@tuc.gr
Hasselt University
Saba Vakili: saba.vakili@uhasselt.be
Universitatea din Petroșani
Oana Ravas: oanaravas@upet.ro
Universidad de León
Myrian Lopez Rodriguez: mlopr@unileon.es
Hochshule Mittweida
Maria Gimpel: gimpel@hs-mittweida.de
Technical University of Leoben
Anna Rath: anna.rath@unileoben.ac.at
Université de Lorraine
Maryann Borraccino: maryann.borraccino@univ-lorraine.fr
