Open Labs
CIVIS Open Labs: think globally, act locally
Our Open Labs connect CIVIS with local communities in all the cities and regions of our member universities.
Through these Open Labs and their projects, we support the development of universities that are participatory, inclusive, and open. By building a community of universities and citizens, we ensure that CIVIS has real impact for people outside the university at local, regional and international levels.
11 universities, 11 cities, a myriad of opportunities
Conceived as open and collaborative spaces, CIVIS Open Labs create a forum where universities and local citizens can meet. Together they develop solutions to the challenges facing their city and region. Through innovative thinking and the co-creation of projects, participants can launch creative and inclusive initiatives which have a positive impact on the wider community.
We work together with our local stakeholders, encouraging initiatives which:
- Address societal challenges, connected to the Sustainable Development Goals and aligned with the CIVIS challenge-driven approach
- Foster citizen involvement and participation to help find solutions to local problems
- Promote civic values such as inclusivity, solidarity, and equality
- Promote service-learning through initiatives that connect academic content with hands-on experience
From local challenges to global solutions
CIVIS Open Labs are the place where local issues and ideas meet CIVIS education, research and innovation. As project incubators, we are proud to commit the CIVIS Alliance’s experience and resources to the implementation and scale-up of innovative solutions.
Our Open Labs offer a wide range of local and international opportunities, supporting the implementation of local ideas which aim to address global societal challenges. They are also a route to participation in international or European programmes such as Erasmus+, HORIZON 2020 or RIS3, etc.