„Participating in this initiative was both a new and stimulating experience for me, offering the opportunity to explore valuable strategies for critical thinking and tackling real-world challenges. The event also deepened my awareness of the significant issues affecting our oceans, which served as the central theme of the program. As part of a multidisciplinary team, I worked on a project proposed by the Ocean Community (https://www.oceancommunitychallenge.com/), an NGO dedicated to education and the development of innovative, sustainable solutions for ocean health. Over the course of two intensive days, our team developed a forward-thinking concept aimed at enhancing marine infrastructure in a way that supports ecosystem regeneration while also meeting the needs of surrounding human communities. This experience was an outstanding opportunity for collaboration and the exchange of ideas, made possible by the dynamic, interdisciplinary setting. Engaging with participants from diverse backgrounds enabled a rich and creative approach to the challenges we addressed. The continuous exchange of perspectives allowed us to better understand the broader impact of our research and to propose solutions that integrate scientific, social, and environmental dimensions.” – Eng. Ioana Cârdan, PhD student – Doctoral School of Physics, Babeș-Bolyai University
„Participating in the EUTOPIA Innovation Challenges hosted by Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona was, honestly, one of the most valuable student experiences I’ve had so far. It was a perfect blend of learning, creativity, and collaboration, which helped me gain a deeper understanding of how fake news operates — and just how dangerous it can be. I also improved my teamwork, critical thinking, and public speaking skills when pitching ideas. My team worked on the “Fake News and Mental Health” challenge, and we developed MIST — an AI-powered platform designed to support mental health professionals in combating disinformation on social media by creating short, science-based video content. I’m incredibly proud to say that our project won in our challenge category! Beyond the competition itself, what made this experience truly unforgettable was the warm and collaborative atmosphere: from the ice-breaker BINGO game, fun cultural activities, cocktail evenings, and coffee break conversations to the chance to explore the beautiful city of Barcelona for the first time. But the best part was meeting passionate students from all over Europe — exchanging ideas, learning from each other, and forming real friendships that gave the entire experience a deeper meaning.
To any student considering applying: don’t hesitate! This is the kind of experience that stays with you long after it’s over.” – Bianca-Ștefania Munteanu – UBB Student
„I recently participated in the EUTOPIA Innovation Challenge program held at Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona. The theme of the program was especially valuable from a professional perspective, focusing on the challenges posed by deepfake technologies. I worked in an international team alongside two students from Slovenia, and together we developed a creative solution. On the first day, we had an intense brainstorming session that allowed me to explore different perspectives and cultural backgrounds. Although the differences were noticeable at first, we managed to turn them into an advantage: by the third day, we presented a surprisingly complex idea during a five-minute pitch to the jury. Barcelona truly impressed me — its culture, vibrant atmosphere, and architecture are truly unique. At the university, we even had the chance to discover the local “Castell” tradition, where people build human towers. During our free time, we explored Gaudí’s stunning works, which made our days there truly special. I’m very glad I got to be part of this experience!” – Magor Hadnagy – UBB Student
„Participating in this event organized at Universitat Pompeu Fabra was both intense and meaningful. I truly appreciated the opportunity to work on a real-world issue, especially since it focused on a topic that I deeply care about. The limited timeframe was certainly a challenge, but it also made the process incredibly productive. I learned how quickly ideas can develop when there is focus, collaboration, and a bit of pressure—and how much can be achieved in such a short period of time. One of the most valuable aspects of the experience was the interaction with students from various universities and cultural backgrounds. The exchange of ideas, perspectives, and working styles helped me grow both personally and academically. I would also like to highlight the constant support provided by the UBB team and the EUTOPIA organizers. Their presence made a real difference and helped keep us motivated and focused throughout the entire experience. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to represent Babeș-Bolyai University in this context, and I would gladly take part in similar initiatives in the future.”- Laura Gábor – UBB Student