The 'Week Without Borders', which took place from March 23 to March 27, brought together students, researchers, professional practitioners and international partners to tackle contemporary societal challenges. The programme featured 34 activities for approximately 2,000 HOGENT students, 20 of which were organized in collaboration with foreign partners. In half of the activities, students were introduced to HOGENT’s research projects, while 17 activities had a close link with the professional field.
The 'Week Without Borders' aligns with HOGENT’s vision of delivering critical and entrepreneurial professionals who help shape the future. To achieve this, the university of applied sciences and arts focuses on encounters, collaboration and the integration of societal challenges, research and internationalization into its curricula.
During this week, students, lecturers, researchers and external partners are brought together in a broad, interdisciplinary range of guest lectures, workshops, demonstrations, hands-on activities and project-based learning. Students step out of their familiar environments to work on realistic problems, strengthening their skills in collaboration, critical thinking and their investigative and entrepreneurial spirit. The week emphasizes the interprofessional and international character of HOGENT within a dynamic learning environment that fosters innovation and knowledge sharing.
Smart bras and planet-proof textiles
While listing all activities would be impossible, several multi-day exchange programs were on the agenda. One such a programme was the two-day Textile Tech-Planet Proof, an exchange between the Environmental and Sustainability Management program (HOGENT) and Environmental Science for Sustainability, Ecosystems and Technology (AVANS, Breda). A total of 30 students participated, working on three specific cases involving smart & sustainable textile products:
- A sports bra equipped with sensors to measure physiological signals.
- Smart compression bandages capable of monitoring the pressure they apply.
- Protective workwear with smart functions, such as light measurement or heating capabilities.
The professional field was also actively involved. For instance, students from the Social Work programme collaborated with CVO Groeipunt, an adult education centre. Together with Dutch language learners, students played the game ‘Navigating through Care and Health’, developed by the Ghent Community Health Centers.
This allowed future social workers and language students to share experiences and learn from one another, providing significant value for both the degree program and the professional partners.
International collaboration
The 'Week Without Borders' has a strong international dimension. As a member of the U!REKA European University, HOGENT welcomed its U!REKA partners as well as non-European partner institutions from countries including Vietnam, Ukraine and Uganda.
Students were deeply involved in these international ties. For example, students from Gulu University (Uganda) and HOGENT’s Agro- and Biotechnology programme participated in an activity where Food Technology students analyzed eating patterns and presented insights on nutritional value, affordability and local food availability.
International guests also participated in workshops, guest lectures and networking events. At campus Vesalius, they toured various simulation facilities, including the nursing simulation lab, the 360° Interprofessional Care Lab and the new ‘Immersive Room’.
Much like the students, they were introduced to HOGENT’s research practices through events like the Research Info Market at campus Schoonmeersen, where research centers showcased their latest projects.
Appreciation from Ghent alderwoman
The activities described above illustrate how the 'Week Without Borders' strengthens the bridge between education, the labour market and society. The initiative aligns with the city of Ghent's ambition to function as a ‘living lab’, a city where students, researchers, policymakers, companies and organizations collaborate on societal issues.
Evita Willaert, the Ghent alderwoman for Education, expressed her appreciation for the initiative: "Such an intensive project week breaks down silos and encourages students to broaden their horizons. Cross-pollination is central here. It creates a microclimate in which students can discover current research and international perspectives. Here, they can explore how broad and groundbreaking their future can be."
Social work students collaborated with students from CVO Groeipunt.
There was a lot of interest in the Research Information Fair.
The traditional 'family photo' with the international guests.