Between 3–6 December 2025, the student team coordinating the GreenGENIUM project from the “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași (TUIASI) carried out a study visit to the University of Rouen Normandie (URN). GreenGENIUM is one of the winning projects of the INGENIUM Student Partnership call, and this visit represented an important step in strengthening the collaboration between students across the alliance.
The team was accompanied by Lecturer Dr. Eng. Cătălin Bălan, professor at the “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, who provided academic support and guidance during the entire visit.
Exploring URN’s Approach to Sustainability and Biodiversity
Throughout the visit, the TUIASI students had the opportunity to discover how URN integrates sustainability and biodiversity into campus life. Guided by representatives of the university and the INGENIUM team, they learned about several ongoing initiatives, including:
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protection and monitoring of local bird species through dedicated nesting boxes
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eco-friendly landscape management, where vegetation is maintained to support pollinators
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monitoring invasive species to preserve the ecological balance on campus
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educational signage that helps students identify trees, plants, and birds in their natural environment
These activities offered the TUIASI team concrete examples of how a university campus can function as a learning ecosystem for sustainability.
Dialogue with CNEHN Students on Biodiversity
Another valuable moment of the visit was the meeting with members of the Cercle Naturaliste des Étudiants de Haute-Normandie (CNEHN), a student association involved in biodiversity projects at URN. The French students presented their field activities, campaigns, and workshops aimed at helping the academic community better understand local ecosystems.
The exchange allowed the TUIASI students to compare approaches, share good practices, and identify possible future collaborations based on student-led environmental initiatives.
Learning About Circular Economy at CROUS Normandie
The team also visited the CROUS Normandie canteen, where they observed how organic and recyclable waste is collected and transformed.
The process demonstrated a clear and efficient example of circular economy in action:
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organic waste is converted into biogas, contributing to the city’s energy supply
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residual material is used as compost for green spaces and soil rehabilitation
This visit offered students a practical perspective on sustainable waste management in large institutional settings.
Presenting the GreenGENIUM Project
During their stay at URN, the TUIASI students presented the GreenGENIUM project, showcasing the team’s achievements, the objectives they are currently pursuing, and the long-term plans that support environmental education and student engagement within INGENIUM.
Their presentation sparked meaningful discussions with URN students and staff, who expressed interest in future joint initiatives. One symbolic moment of the visit was the stop at the INGENIUM tree, where the team added a small amount of compost—an emblematic gesture highlighting growth, renewal, and cooperation within the alliance.
A Valuable Experience for the Entire Team
The study visit to Rouen provided the GreenGENIUM student team with a broader understanding of sustainability in academic environments, as well as new perspectives on how universities can contribute to biodiversity protection and ecological awareness.
Through active participation and thoughtful engagement, the TUIASI students represented the university with professionalism and enthusiasm, demonstrating the value and impact of student-coordinated projects within the INGENIUM alliance.
Their experience in Rouen marks another important step in building a strong network of students committed to environmental responsibility across European universities.
