More than 120 participants from more than 20 institutions from across Europe and Asia, including the Netherlands, Germany, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Georgia, Switzerland, Albania, Finland, Poland, Vietnam and other countries, attended HOGENT. The program included not only training for U!REKA employees, but also various activities for students, scientists and international partners.
This year's event was part of the wider Week without Borders event, which focused on connecting the borderless academic world. Participants could learn about HOGENT's vision for education and research, visit local laboratories, brewery, library or learn more about biodiversity on the Schoonmeersen campus. On Friday, the event closed with a training session for U!REKA employees.
Speaking at the event's launch, HOGENT rector Koen Goethals stressed the importance of sharing knowledge. "In a world facing complex challenges - climate change, social inequality, rapid technological development and geopolitical tensions - we have a responsibility to act as 'agents of change'. We can shape the future more sustainably and fairly through collaboration, sharing of expertise and participating in meaningful discussions," he said.