PATHS project: strengthening students’ research skills and the culture of applied sciences
Kauno kolegija Higher Education Institution is coordinating the international Erasmus+ project ‘Practical Access to Transdisciplinary Hubs for Students’ (PATHS), which aims to strengthen students’ engagement in applied research, experimental development and innovation already during their studies. The project involves partners from the UNINOVIS European University Alliance: Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg‑Schweinfurt (Germany), Tampere University of Applied Sciences (Finland) and The Hague University of Applied Sciences (the Netherlands).
This project contributes to the strategic objective of Kauno kolegija to strengthen the applied sciences university model, in which studies are based on practice, research and solving real-world problems in close cooperation with business and societal partners.
In the contemporary higher education environment, increasing attention is being given not only to the transfer of theoretical knowledge but also to students’ ability to analyse, investigate and create new knowledge. Research skills are becoming an important part of professional maturity: they develop critical thinking, help to better understand complex problems and enable evidence-based decision-making. By participating in research activities, students learn how to formulate research questions, apply different research methods, analyse data and present results. These competences are valuable both in academia and in the labour market, where employers increasingly appreciate analytical thinking, initiative and the ability to develop innovative solutions.
The PATHS project aims to develop and test a practical methodology that will help students systematically engage in applied research activities. During the project, a special model – RDI Pathway – will be created to strengthen student participation in research, development and innovation activities. The model will be tested through the training of lecturers and by developing new forms of collaboration between students, researchers and social partners. In addition, international activities are planned to provide students with opportunities to work on real-world challenges, develop interdisciplinary solutions and gain international experience.
The project is also important for strengthening international cooperation. PATHS is implemented together with European universities of applied sciences that belong to the UNINOVIS alliance. Joint work with partners creates opportunities to exchange experience, develop common methodological approaches and expand student engagement in research at an international level.
One of the first activities of the project is a study examining students’ experiences and attitudes towards participation in applied research activities. The aim of this study is to better understand how students evaluate opportunities to engage in research during their studies, what factors encourage them to participate more actively in research activities and what opportunities they expect in the future. The collected data will help to develop initiatives that respond to students’ needs and strengthen the research culture at Kauno kolegija.
As noted by the Vice Director for Research and Development at Kauno kolegija, Dr Inga Stravinskienė, the project contributes to the institution’s strategic direction of strengthening the culture of applied sciences and research-based studies.
‘We aim for studies at Kauno kolegija to be closely linked with research, innovation and solving real-world problems. The PATHS project creates opportunities for students to become more actively involved in applied research activities and for lecturers to develop new collaboration and teaching methods. International cooperation with UNINOVIS partners enables the development of innovative practices and strengthens our institution’s direction as a university of applied sciences,’ says Dr I. Stravinskienė.
The importance of student engagement in research is also emphasised by the Head of the Student Affairs and Career Unit at Kauno kolegija, Aurimas Galkontas:
‘It is very important for students to have the opportunity not only to acquire theoretical knowledge but also to participate in research and solve practical problems. Initiatives such as PATHS allow students to become familiar with the research and innovation process earlier, develop analytical thinking and creativity, and prepare for labour market challenges. We believe that this project will encourage even more active student participation in applied research and contribute to their professional development.’
Students of Kauno kolegija are invited to participate in the survey and share their views on involvement in applied research activities. Your responses will help create new opportunities for students to engage in research and will contribute to the development of study quality and innovation at Kauno kolegija.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the National Agency. Neither the European Union nor National Agency can be held responsible for them.