From 5 to 9 October, two international ACE²-EU Alliance programmes are taking place at Carinthia University of Applied Sciences in Villach, Austria, with the participation of students from Lietuvos inžinerijos kolegija HEI (LIK). The programmes address topics related to renewable energy, nature conservation, demographic change and the future of rural regions.
LIK students Nedas Večkys, Julius Šapoka, Donatas Norkus, Justas Kamarauskas and Edvinas Maleckas are participating in the ACE²-EU Summer School "Renewable Energy vs. Nature Conservation – Challenges and Opportunities". The programme explores the relationship between the development of renewable energy infrastructure and nature conservation, ranging from the impact of hydroelectric power plants on fish migration to the effects of wind energy and electricity grid infrastructure on wildlife and sensitive habitats. Students take part in field visits, analyse real-life cases and work in interdisciplinary teams to develop solutions that reconcile energy development with the protection of biodiversity and ecosystems.
Meanwhile, LIK students Dominykas Zakarevičius, Vakaris Kariūnas, Ignas Godvadas and Denis Jermolenko are participating in the Applied Blended Challenge (ABC) programme "The Future of Rural Regions in the Context of Demographic Change". Students analyse changes in population size and structure and their social and economic impact on rural regions, examine the circumstances of specific regions and work in teams to develop solutions to the challenges they face. The on-site week also includes practical activities and meetings with stakeholders.
Both programmes provide LIK students with an opportunity to explore current sustainability challenges facing European regions alongside students from other ACE²-EU partner institutions and develop practical solutions in international teams.
