Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iași (TUIASI) continues to strengthen its presence within the INGENIUM European University Alliance. Between 2-6 February, six TUIASI bachelor students, accompanied by their mentor, Assoc. Prof. George Bârjoveanu, participated in the INGENIUM Junior Winter School hosted by the University of Skövde, Sweden, under the framework of 10 Days of INGENIUM event.
Sustainability in Action: A European Challenge
Under the overarching theme “Sustainability in Action,” the flagship event provided a unique platform for bachelor students to collaborate with peers and staff from across Europe. For five intensive days, participants explored the ecological, economic, and social dimensions of sustainability by tackling real-life cases from local stakeholders. The working groups focused on three strategic pillars:
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Ecological Sustainability: Strategies for environmental protection and resource management.
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Economic Sustainability: Responsible business models and circular economy.
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Social Sustainability: Fostering equity and community well-being.
Mentoring Innovation: Prototyping Sustainability through Gaming
A highlight of this edition was the creative challenge to prototype a sustainability-themed game in only 48 hours. From a pedagogical standpoint, this task transformed the traditional professor-student dynamic into a collaborative mentoring experience.
“It was incredibly rewarding to work with such a diverse group of students, coming from completely different fields of study. To prototype a brand-new sustainability game in only two days pushed me to adopt new teaching approaches. I had to step down from the conventional professor role, focus on understanding diversity, and turn the process into a fun, shared learning experience,” stated Assoc. Prof. Georg Bârjoveanu.
The outcomes were remarkable: 10 student teams delivered high-end prototypes that captured the complexity of sustainability through clever mechanics and professional-grade production.
The Student Experience: Breaking Cultural and Methodological Barriers
For the TUIASI delegation, working alongside colleagues from nine different countries proved that language and methodology are never obstacles when there is a common goal. The “shared language” of the event was a blend of creativity, curiosity, and the drive to discover innovative solutions.
“Aha!” Moments: Personal Growth and New Horizons
The Winter School was more than an academic exercise; it was a catalyst for personal development. Two of our students shared their most significant realizations:
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Gabriela: “My ‘Aha!’ moment came right after the final presentation. I realized that the success of a solid idea depends heavily on how you convey it to others. Public speaking is vital. This motivated me so much that I decided to join a Toastmasters club as soon as I returned home to present my future projects with confidence. This experience gave me a much more mature view of the profession, teaching me first and foremost how to work effectively in an international team. I understood that a good architect doesn’t just draw buildings, but must master profound concepts of sustainability and understand the importance of civic involvement in every project.”
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Alice: “We achieved something incredible with people who were strangers just days before: a game that became a tribute to the principles we all believe in. The mentors were patient and open-minded, encouraging us to refine our ideas and significantly boosting our self-confidence.”
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