Tampere University

06/05/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 06/05/2025 05:53

Tampere University hosted an international Staff Training Week on sustainable development

Eeva Heikkilä from the Services for International Education and Integration team at Tampere University noted that there has been significant demand for the Staff Training Week, which focused on a timely theme aligned with the University's strategy.

"Before the COVID-19 pandemic and the merger of the University of Tampere and Tampere University of Technology, staff training weeks were held almost annually for administrative staff. Our international partner universities have consistently expressed strong interest in visiting Tampere University. To respond to their continued requests, we decided to host an international Staff Training Week after this extended hiatus," says Heikkilä.

The event followed the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) format and was funded through the Erasmus+ BIP initiative. BIP courses are designed to bring together international teams for short-term, intensive collaboration, both virtually and in person, to address a specific societal challenge.

Maria Hugo-Lindén (LIU) and Ole Madsen (UIS) praised the diversity of the programme. Sustainable development is an integral part of the strategy at both LIU and UIS, and the Staff Training Week provided valuable opportunities to learn from peers and build connections.

"The best part has been the variety of the programme. The lectures were excellent, and I enjoyed the other activities as well. It was inspiring to meet others and hear what they are doing to promote sustainable development," says Madsen.

Nataša Verk from the University of Ljubljana also appreciated the breadth and depth of the programme.

"I want to thank the organisers for the lectures, which covered a wide range of topics without veering off-topic. The most memorable session explored climate anxiety, as it offered a slightly different perspective on sustainable development. The idea that anxiety is a driver for change was particularly interesting," notes Verk.

Looking ahead, Tampere University plans to organise similar Staff Training Weeks every two to three years, with themes chosen to reflect timely and relevant issues.

Hugo-Lindén, Madsen and Verk all expressed interest in attending future events, provided that the themes align with their areas of expertise and they have the opportunity to participate.

"For me, the highlight was meeting like-minded people. We all share a commitment to sustainable development. If given the opportunity, I would definitely take part again," says Hugo-Lindén.

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