The Topic of Creative Data Visualization Connected within the Ulysseus Alliance Students from 7 Universities

Oct 18, 2024 | News

The Technical University of Košice (TUKE) hosted a week-long Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) on the topic of Creative Data Visualisation. The BIP took place from October 14-18, 2024 and was organised by Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Economics, USP TECHNICOM and start-up Media Art Office and in collaboration with Ulysseus partners University of Seville and University of Genoa. The event was funded through the Erasmus+ programme.

A group of twenty students from seven universities from Europe had the opportunity to delve into the topic of data visualization, particularly focusing on creative approaches. The programme included various topics presented in a conference–format block “Creative Playgrounds,” featuring both local and international speakers, followed by group work. Topics addressed included visualizing city transport data, crime rates, and ecological data. Students were guided by coaches from Ulysseus partner universities. The programme also featured specific field tasks where participants collected various data types using a mobile application. A panel discussion on visual identity, visibility, and promoting the European University Ulysseus was another highlight of the BIP programme. 

The BIP provided students with an experience in a multicultural environment, access to cutting-edge digital tools for creative data processing, and a reflection on various societal aspects. The BIP format combined virtual webinars with practical activities, offering participants invaluable experience and an unconventional form of education. According to one of the programme coordinators, Richard Kitta (TUKE): “Student prepared their projects on data visualization topics, while exploring various techniques. They had the chance to exercise their creativity and critical thinking.” 

Student learned to use different software tools and create interactive and visually appealing presentations. “The final physical session of the BIP included guided presentations of the projects in the exhibition space of University Science Park TECHNICOM. Both students and coaches appreciated the opportunity to showcase their projects in a live, unconventional setting,” added another program coordinator, Manuela Raisová (TUKE). 

BIP Creative Data Visualisation at TUKE promoted interdisciplinary collaboration and cultural Exchange. The programme connected students and educators from universities across Europe, not limited to the Ulysseus European University. Participants shared enthusiastic feedback: 

  • “This experience was truly unforgettable. I gained valuable knowledge beyond my field of expertise and made many great friends.” – Hongru Tian, UniversitĂ© CĂ´te d’Azur, France. 
  • “I got to know Košice and met new people. If I get the chance to join a BIP at TUKE again, I won’t miss it.” – Sophia Schwarz, MCI | The Entrepreneurial School®, Austria. 
  • “I learned a lot, not only about data visualization but also about myself. I appreciate the support from TUKE coordinators.” – BelĂ©n Cisneros Juárez, UniversitĂ© CĂ´te d’Azur, France. 
  • “Thank you for the chance to see the beautiful city of Košice and participate in this program. I enjoyed the time at the university among other international students and look forward to returning.” – Rebecca Valge, Estonian Aviation Academy, Estonia. 
  • “I met amazing people from all over the world. The BIP at TUKE holds a special place for me.” – Prarthana Shivakumar (India), Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania. 
  • “Thank you for the amazing experiences during the Erasmus BIP program. I truly enjoyed my time in Košice and gained valuable knowledge. Thanks to your efforts, this was an unforgettable educational opportunity.” – Martin KrÄŤma, Tomas Bata University in ZlĂ­n, Czech Republic. 

The team around BIP Creative Data Visualisation is already preparing its next edition, aiming to equip students with data visualisation skills for their future careers in emerging industries such as the culture and creative industries. Current collaborations in the topic of BIP within Ulysseus alliance are expected to result in further numerous activities that might enrich the alliance with new topics and thematic challenges. 

What Are Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs)? 

BIPs are short-term intensive training programs that combine innovative teaching and learning methods, including online collaboration and communication. These programs include challenge-based learning where multinational and interdisciplinary teams work together to address issues such as sustainable development, environmental protection, or other societal challenges. BIPs combine virtual and physical mobility (the physical component must last five days) to provide participants with flexible, modern mobility formats. 

Over the next four years, Ulysseus plans to organize more BIP training sessions on topics ranging from wearable electronics and artificial intelligence to soft and intercultural skills. Students and staff from partner universities will find numerous educational opportunities on the Ulysseus Academic offer website. 

For mobility opportunities at TUKE, visit: www.erasmus.tuke.sk. 

About Ulysseus European University 

The vision of Ulysseus European University for 2030 is to develop an excellency-recognized and internationally attractive open to the world, persons-centred and entrepreneurial European University for the citizens of the future. By doing so, our ambition is to contribute to shape the European Higher Education and Research Areas, and hence the future of Europe. 

Ulysseus Alliance is one of the more than 60 European Universities selected by the European Commission to become the universities of the future. Led by the University of Seville together with seven other universities in Europe: Université Côte d’Azur, France; University of Genoa, Italy; Technical University of Košice, Slovakia; MCI | The Entrepreneurial School®, Austria; Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, Finland; University of Münster, Germany and University of Montenegro, Montenegro), the project will allow students, researchers and graduates to move freely between universities, carry out internships in companies and start high-impact research projects. 

The project Ulysseus European University is funded by the Erasmus+ Programme and the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic. 

More information: www.ulysseus.euÂ