The BRIDGE project, designed to run for 36 months, brings together seven partners from six European countries. Under the coordination of Universidad Pablo de Olavide (Spain), the University of Bayreuth is working closely with Università di Siena (Italy), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança (Portugal), the European Public Law Organization (Greece), the company Pixel (Italy), and Uniwersytet Jagielloński (Poland).
The BRIDGE project responds to global challenges such as geopolitical conflicts and the rise in hate speech, which threaten the core values of the European Union. Its primary objective is to promote intercultural dialogue based on European values, thereby contributing to a more just society. The project’s key activities include:
- Digital Museum: A platform documenting the activities developed within the project and stimulating intercultural dialogue through gamification and documentary photography.
- Online Course Units (Micro-credentials): The development of six online courses that award so-called micro-credentials certifying specific competences. These courses are designed to foster students’ intercultural skills in a targeted manner.
- Inclusive University Governance: The development of guidelines to firmly embed diversity, human rights and equality in the strategies and curricula of the partner universities.
An Excellent Strategic Fit with the University of Bayreuth
The BRIDGE project directly supports the central pillars of the University Development Plan 2030+ and the Internationalization Strategy of the University of Bayreuth.
Participation in the European Higher Education Area enhances the University of Bayreuth’s global visibility and supports its vision of an “International Higher Education for Society” (IHES). Moreover, BRIDGE underlines the University’s aspiration to be an open-minded and empathetic institution that actively combats discrimination and promotes structural justice. By developing digital learning resources and micro-credentials, the project also advances the digital transformation of teaching and strengthens lifelong learning. The project further reinforces the University’s self-image as an active member of society that translates academic knowledge into solutions for future societal challenges.
“The BRIDGE project is an outstanding example of how we put our values – creativity, courage and openness to the world – into practice,” says Professor Dr. Nina Nestler, Vice President for Internationalization, Gender Equality & Diversity. “It enables us to further develop the campus as an inclusive living and learning space and to prepare our students as responsible individuals for the global challenges of tomorrow.”
