In this report, we want to explore to what extent it would be possible to propose a modular educational offer that would reconcile civic engagement with the acquisition of competencies that allow learners to adapt to a (personal, social, occupational) changing context. In order to do so, it is necessary to take into account both the pedagogical particularities of the micro-credentials and the very vision and structure of CIVIS.
The challenge-based approach is often referred to as a possible solution to bridge the gap between the Alliance’s civic vocation and a pragmatic side of education aiming at a visible impact on civil society. It could certainly be a useful tool in the context of lifelong learning. However, it is necessary to unravel the ambiguity of the term, as its lack of clarity often hinders the implementation of concrete activities in CIVIS.
For this reason, the report includes a section focusing on three possible interpretations of the “challenge-based approach”, in order to explore different ways of jointly building micro-credentials considering CIVIS reality.
This is an issue that will require the participation of many voices. The aim of this report is simply to offer some food for thought that will hopefully facilitate collective reflection on the development of micro-credentials with the CIVIS label.
This report was prepared by Enrique Santamaría, Innovative Pedagogies Officer at CIVIS.
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Briefing paper: Building a bridge towards Africa and the Mediterranean Region (2021)
Building partnerships with African and Mediterranean universities outside Europe is an importantstrategic aim of CIVIS and one of its distinct features as a European University alliance (1). By 2022, the end of CIVIS’ “fabric phase”, our alliance seeks to win at least one partner institution in the target regions for each of its established thematic Hubs (2). This implies initiating some first joint pilot projects as well as to prepare and adopt longer-term strategic partnership agreements between CIVIS and partner universities.- Global partnerships
- Audiovisual materials
- Report
- Academics
- Researchers
- Administrators
- Policy makers
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Sensing Our Environment Together: Citizen Sciences for Climate and Air Quality (Workshop Report, 2025)
The workshop “Sensing Our Environment Together: Citizen Sciences for Climate and Air Quality” (30 September–1 October 2025) brought together academics, associations, and local stakeholders committed to addressing climate and air‑quality challenges through participatory research. Designed as a prototype for future CIVIS Open Labs, the event fostered dialogue between diverse actors, encouraged the exchange of methodologies, and highlighted the value of inclusive, science-based action. By convening experts and communities across different territories, the workshop aimed to enhance transnational collaboration and strengthen the collective capacity to address environmental issues.- Challenged-based approach
- Communication and Dissemination
- Civic engagement
- Participatory research
- Report
- Students
- Academics
- Researchers
- Civil society