HEROES

The new European university alliance HEROES Alliance brings together nine universities of applied sciences from across the EU with a single shared goal: to strengthen the resilience of the regions in which they are located through digital innovation.

HEROES stands for Higher Education for Resilience-Oriented and Empowered Societies, while also referring to the English word heroes. 

The universities in the HEROES Alliance are located in Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Finland, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Sweden. HEROES also includes associated partners from Albania, France, Greece, Kosovo, and Ukraine.

The HEROES consortium consists of nine universities: Thomas More University of Applied Sciences, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, University College Northern Denmark, Polytechnic University of Beja, Deggendorf Institute of Technology, Halmstad University, Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences, Vilniaus Kolegija / Higher Education Institution, and Mendel University in Brno. In response to the European Commission’s call, they are jointly preparing a project titled “European Universities.” The consortium aims to cooperate closely in areas such as various forms of teaching (e-learning, blended learning, Collaborative Online International Learning – COIL, etc.) and student and staff exchange, including support for students with special needs.

HEROES equips its students, lifelong learners, lecturers, researchers and professional staff with a multidisciplinary set of entrepreneurial, transversal, intercultural, digital and green skills.

The ultimate purpose is to deliver hero-like human capital, knowledge, skills and competencies that strengthen the ability of citizens, communities, businesses, and natural environments to withstand and cope with uncertainties, changes, or disturbances; bounce back better when these occur; and seize opportunities for healthier, more inclusive, and sustainable outcomes.

The alliance includes a new joint educational offer at bachelor, master and doctoral level with a strong link to practice, a challenge-based learning programme, a practice-oriented scientific research hub and flexible learning opportunities and a wide range of alternative learning pathways for working professionals.