In a significant educational collaboration, the Department of Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering at the University of Malta has joined forces with Saxion University in the Netherlands (the coordinating university) along with the University of Brescia in Italy, the University of Leszno in Poland, and Politecnico de Leiria in Portugal. Together, they organised the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) titled "Unlocking Innovation: Applying Engineering Skills to Industrial Challenges." This programme commenced in the second semester of 2023/24, and integrated virtual learning with a physically mobility-intensive week session of face-to-face learning, creating a rich, interactive environment for students.
The primary objective of this programme is to enhance students' problem-solving skills and deepen their understanding of complex, real-world industrial challenges. By bringing together students from diverse academic backgrounds, the programme fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and offers a broader perspective on problem-solving, thereby narrowing the gap between academic theory and practical industrial application.
The programme was structured in two segments. The first, running from 27 February to 12 April 2024, consisted of virtual educational sessions led by the partner universities, engaging around 35 students. The second segment, from 22 to 26 April 2024, culminated in a hands-on week at Saxion University in Enschede, Netherlands. During this week, seven students from the University of Malta, Faculty of Engineering joined peers from other countries for a series of intensive workshops and cultural activities. This in-person week emphasised collaborative learning, practical application of theoretical concepts, and direct engagement with real industrial challenges, including a project set by TKH Group, a Netherlands-based industrial partner.
The programme from UM was coordinated by Dr Ing. Joseph Zammit and Dr Ing. Pierre Vella, with key organisational support from Mr Jake Grech of the International Office. Their leadership was instrumental in the seamless execution and success of this innovative Blended Intensive Programme.
