MENDELU Introduces Regional Partners to New Opportunities for Collaboration Through the HEROES Alliance

What if the challenges facing our regions became the starting point for students’ learning and the inspiration for new solutions? At a workshop hosted in Brno regional representatives explored how education, research and Challenge-Based Learning can contribute to more sustainable communities.

Last week Mendel University in Brno welcomed representatives from South Moravia, South Bohemia, the Vysočina Region and Lower Austria for a workshop entitled “Sustainable Regions in Practice – From Soil to Consumer”. A key focus of the event was exploring how university education can be more closely aligned with the needs of regional communities through the European University Alliance HEROES.

One of the main topics was Challenge-Based Learning (CBL), an educational approach that brings real-world challenges into the classroom. Regional partners can put forward specific issues they are facing, with students, academics and experts from different fields working together to develop solutions. This gives students valuable hands-on experience while offering regions fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.

“I see enormous potential in involving students in tackling the real challenges our regions face. Young people bring fresh perspectives, creativity and the courage to explore unconventional solutions. The HEROES Alliance is helping us develop and gradually integrate Challenge-Based Learning into our teaching, giving students the opportunity to work on challenges that come directly from the needs of our regions”, says Daniel Falta from Mendel University in Brno.

Learning through real-world challenges

Challenge-Based Learning encourages students to move beyond theoretical knowledge and engage directly with the people and organisations affected by real-world issues. It also creates opportunities for educators and external partners to work together throughout the learning process.

“Challenge-Based Learning connects education with real-world problems and challenges. Students put their knowledge into practice, collaborate and develop solutions in direct contact with the people and organisations affected by the issues at hand. Both educators and external partners play an essential role in this process. While educators guide and support students throughout their learning journey, partners bring practical experience and valuable insights from the field. Through the HEROES Alliance, we aim to support educators in adopting this approach and create opportunities for students to gain meaningful, first-hand experience in addressing real-world challenges”, adds Lenka Zouhar Ludvíková.

Exploring sustainability in practice

The workshop also offered regional representatives a closer look at MENDELU‘s research activities in sustainable development, climate change adaptation, responsible natural resource management and food waste reduction. Participants toured the university’s pilot-scale food processing facilities and learned about practical measures being taken to reduce food waste in the university canteen.

Strengthening regional collaboration through HEROES

The workshop laid the groundwork for further cooperation between MENDELU and its regional partners, creating opportunities to explore how regional challenges could become the starting point for future educational and research activities.

Connecting universities with local communities, businesses and public institutions is a key priority of the HEROES Alliance. Through Challenge-Based Learning and closer regional partnerships, the Alliance aims to strengthen the role of higher education institutions as drivers of innovation, resilience and sustainable regional development.

By bringing students, educators and regional stakeholders together, HEROES is helping turn local challenges into opportunities for learning, collaboration and meaningful change.