Exploring Shared Research Agendas for Resilient Regions: HEROES Pod Visit at UCN

This week, the first Thematic Brainstorm Retreat (TBR) for the HEROES Pod on Education, Learning & Inclusion brings researchers together for a two-day working session dedicated to shaping a joint research agenda across the HEROES Alliance.

In HEROES, practice-oriented scientific research is a core mission. Our alliance is committed to generating impactful, demand-driven knowledge that strengthens smart regional resilience—supporting people, businesses, and natural environments across Europe. Research in HEROES is not only about advancing theory; it is about co-creating actionable solutions with local stakeholders, sharing insights across regions, and ensuring that innovation is both human-centred and ready to implement.

The TBR in Aalborg, hosted by University College Northern Denmark (UCN), brings this mission to life. Researchers from across the HEROES partners explore shared themes – from disability studies and inclusive education to early childhood learning and STEAM. In two parallel tracks, participants develop common research priorities and outline collaborative funding strategies – laying the groundwork for the HEROES4REGIONS research hub and future challenge-based projects.

The retreat also includes hands-on inspiration from UCN’s learning environments, with visits to the Makerspace and PlayLab. These labs demonstrate how applied science, experimentation, and co-creation can spark new ideas and reinforce the practice-oriented research culture that HEROES stands for.

Several participants also spent time in Aalborg earlier this week to attend the European Conference on Reflective Practice-based Learning at UCN, illustrating how cross-institutional knowledge communities continue to develop within the alliance.

Participants:
Susanne Dau, Mia Kaasby, Camilla Finsterbach Kaup, Camilla Gyldendahl Jensen, Anna Marie Lassen, Wilma Gitte Walther-Hansen, Henning Jørgensen, Thomas Kjærgaard, Simona Padurariu, Thomas Thyrring Engsig, Maria Larsen-Zarechnova, Anni Stavnskær Pedersen, Marianne Oksbjerg, Aleidis Devillé, Vitalija Gražienė, Leonie L.J.P. Steenis, Dilana D. Schaafsma, Katja Valkama, Eva Brooks, Stasė Ustilaitė, Alexander Vanhulsel, Jasmien Sirfouq, Catarina Isabel Fonseca Paulos.