In late November 2024, in the vibrant city of Leeuwarden, The Netherlands, our lead partner NHL Stenden played host to the kick-off meeting of our exciting new Erasmus+ project: Food Eco-Culture Edu – Connecting Disciplines in European Higher Academia at their renowned Hotel Management School. The meeting marked the beginning of a collaborative and creative journey to transform food & hospitality education across Europe.
A Project with Purpose
Food Eco-Culture Edu brings together a powerful consortium of higher education institutions and innovation experts who share a common vision: to bridge the gap between theoretical education and real-world application in food-related disciplines. By adopting an interdisciplinary and practical approach, we aim to foster collaboration between academia, communities, and industry. Our goal? To empower over 300 students & to engage educators across four European HEIs with the skills and confidence to lead the food sector towards a more inclusive and sustainable future.
The other partner organisations were represented at the meeting, including:
- Technological University of the Shannon – Athlone (Ireland)
- Momentum Educate + Innovate (Ireland)
- Instituto Politecnico do Cavado e do Ave (Portugal)
- University of Groningen (The Netherlands)
- European E-learning Institute (Denmark)
Over two engaging days, the project team had the chance to connect, collaborate, and co-create the foundation for the months ahead.
Setting the Scene
The meeting opened with introductions and presentations from each partner, outlining their roles and contributions to the project. This laid the groundwork for strong cooperation and mutual understanding across the consortium.
Day two featured a hands-on Impact+ workshop, where we explored how to design meaningful change and measurable outcomes through our activities. This was followed by a Work Package 2 regional brainstorming workshop, where we began to define & refine the content for upcoming project deliverables, rooted in regional expertise and practical innovation.
A Local Taste of Sustainability
The meeting concluded with an inspiring field trip to a local eel farm and microbrewery, offering a glimpse into regional sustainable practices and food innovation—perfect examples of the types of collaborations this project aims to promote.
What’s Next?
With strong connections established and a clear vision shared, the Food Eco-Culture Edu team is energised and ready to bring our goals to life. Stay tuned as we roll out activities, share resources, and invite students, educators & communities to join us on this journey toward a more integrated, resilient, and inclusive food future.
