International Grants and Projects Center

Highlighted Projects

Advancing Inclusive Education and Research Through the NEURODEV Project

The NEURODEV project (Erasmus+), officially titled Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Building Research and Education Capacity in Europe and Beyond, is a pioneering initiative aimed at strengthening education, research, and capacity-building in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. This ambitious project connects higher education institutions, research centers, and organizations from Europe and partner countries to improve both academic training and real-world support systems for individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions.

Project Objectives

The NEURODEV project focuses on:

• Capacity Building: Equipping universities and academic institutions with modern curricula and research capacity to better address neurodevelopmental disorders.
• Knowledge Transfer: Enhancing cooperation and knowledge exchange between European and partner institutions.
• Inclusive Education: Promoting innovative teaching methods and tools that ensure equitable access to education for individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions.
• Research and Innovation: Strengthening research infrastructures and creating sustainable networks for advancing neurodevelopmental studies.

Partners

The project brings together a strong consortium of universities and organizations, including:

• European partners such as University of Ljubljana (Slovenia), University of Vienna (Austria), and Radboud University (Netherlands).
• Partner country institutions in regions where there is a critical need for capacity-building in neurodevelopmental education and research.
• Supporting organizations that provide technical expertise, training, and international cooperation opportunities.

Contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The NEURODEV project contributes to several SDGs:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – by advancing knowledge and interventions in neurodevelopmental disorders.
• SDG 4: Quality Education – through inclusive, modern, and accessible curricula for both students and educators.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – by ensuring that individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions have equal access to education and opportunities.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – by fostering strong international collaboration across Europe and beyond.

Through its integrated approach, the NEURODEV project exemplifies how education, research, and partnerships can drive impactful change in addressing global health and education challenges. It stands as a model of inclusive innovation, ensuring that neurodevelopmental disorders are met with both scientific rigor and social responsibility.

SPEED Project: Supporting Project Engagement for Education and Development

The SPEED Project (Supporting Project Engagement for Education and Development) is an Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) initiative that aims to strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship, and employability in the MENA region. Through collaborative efforts, the project focuses on bridging the gap between higher education institutions and the labor market, ensuring that students acquire the skills needed to thrive in a competitive and rapidly evolving world.

Objectives

The SPEED project seeks to:

• Enhance entrepreneurial and innovation capacities of universities.

• Foster partnerships between academia, industry, and policymakers.

• Promote student-centered approaches to education.

• Improve employability of graduates through practical, market-oriented training.

Partners

The project brings together a consortium of European and MENA universities and organizations, including:

• University of Sfax (Tunisia) – Coordinator

• University of Murcia (Spain)

• University of Liège (Belgium)

• University of Naples Federico II (Italy)

• An-Najah National University (Palestine)

• University of Jordan (Jordan)

• Other Tunisian and regional universities

This diverse partnership enables the sharing of expertise and best practices, ensuring the development of sustainable and impactful solutions for higher education.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The SPEED project aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 4 – Quality Education: Enhancing higher education quality through modern curricula and innovative teaching approaches.

• SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: Equipping graduates with skills that improve employability and entrepreneurship.

• SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Strengthening ties between universities and industry to foster innovation ecosystems.

• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: Building strong international collaborations across Europe and the MENA region.

By supporting innovation and education, the SPEED project contributes to building a more resilient, knowledge-driven economy in partner countries.

Reforming Doctoral Education: The PhDGov Project

Project Objectives

Capacity Building – Establish clear academic structures, including admission policies, curricula, supervision processes, and quality management systems, to elevate PhD program standards.

Industry Partnerships – Forge sustainable collaborations between universities and industry to align doctoral research with societal and economic needs.

Scientific Collaboration – Enhance interdisciplinary research by strengthening networks between Palestinian and European doctoral students and faculty.

Governance Reform – Develop a standardized national governance framework for PhD programs in partnership with the Palestinian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
phdgov.ps

Project Partners

Palestinian Institutions

• Arab American University (AAUP) – Project Coordinator

• Al-Quds University (AQU)

• An-Najah National University (ANNU)

• Palestine Technical University – Kadoorie (PTUK)

• Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR)
  phdgov.ps

European Partners

• RWTH Aachen University, Germany

• Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Belgium

• Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan (KTH), Sweden
  

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

While not explicitly stated, PhDGov aligns strongly with key SDGs:

• SDG 4: Quality Education – advancing doctoral education through structured governance and institutional capacity building.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – through enhanced research-industry collaborations and development of innovation ecosystems.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – by forging cross-border academic networks and shared governance frameworks.

CliVEx: Climate Virtual ExChange – Bridging Cultures for Climate Action

CliVEx (Climate Virtual ExChange: Enhancing Climate Awareness in Europe and the Southern Mediterranean Area) is a 3-year Erasmus+ Virtual Exchange initiative (running July 2023 – June 2026), coordinated by UNIMED – Mediterranean Universities Union. Its mission is to cultivate intercultural dialogue on climate change among students in Europe and the Southern Mediterranean. clivex.euuni-wuerzburg.de

Key Objectives

CliVEx adopts a multifaceted approach to reaching its goals:

• Deliver five iterations of a Virtual Exchange titled Climate Justice, reaching at least 1,500 students. clivex.eu+1

• Support the development of 150 climate project ideas, co-created during exchange sessions. clivex.eu

• Train 1,000 online dialogue facilitators—students or young academic staff—across partner institutions. clivex.eu+1

• Conduct a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate the environmental impact of the virtual exchange model. clivex.eu+1

Virtual Exchange: “Climate Justice”

The cornerstone of CliVEx is a 10-week, online learning experience: Climate Justice: From Inequality to Inclusion. Key highlights include:

• Weekly 2-hour live dialogue sessions guided by trained facilitators.

• A workload equivalent to 90 hours or roughly 3 ECTS credits.

• Collaborative Climate Action Projects designed and implemented in participants’ local contexts.

• Curriculum enriched with audiovisual materials and tools for reflection and discussion. clivex.euSharing Perspectives Foundation+1

Partner Consortium

CliVEx brings together institutions across Europe and the Southern Mediterranean, including:

• Core Partners: UNIMED (Italy), Sharing Perspectives Foundation (Netherlands), Association Soliya (Tunisia), University of Padua (Italy), An-Najah National University (Palestine), Lebanese International University (Lebanon) clivex.euuni-wuerzburg.de

• Additional universities from Algeria, Egypt, France, Germany, Ireland, Jordan, Morocco, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Syria, and Tunisia—all contributing to a diverse and rich exchange environment. clivex.eu+1

Participation & Impact

• In Spring & Fall 2024, 806 students registered; 318 (39%) completed the course. Sharing Perspectives Foundation

• Notably, completion rates from Palestinian institutions were exceptional:

  • Bethlehem University – 72%

  • An-Najah National University – 69% Sharing Perspectives Foundation

• This success underscores the potential of virtual exchange to empower students in contexts with limited physical mobility or ongoing conflict.

Relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

While SDGs are not explicitly stated in project materials, CliVEx strongly supports several global development priorities:

Why CliVEx Matters

CliVEx is more than digital learning—it’s a platform for connection, understanding, and civic engagement. It creates a space for young individuals to exchange ideas, drive climate-focused projects, and cultivate leadership across borders. And for students in marginalized or conflict-affected areas, it offers an invaluable channel for academic and social expression.

EPISODE Project: Digital Social Entrepreneurship from Palestine to the World

What is EPISODE?

The EPISODE Project—Enhancing Palestinian Social and Digital Entrepreneurship—is a transformative Erasmus+ initiative designed to boost digital entrepreneurship capacity in Palestine. Spanning two years and concluding in June 2025, it focuses on equipping educators, youth, and early-stage ventures with essential digital and entrepreneurial skills.
episode-project.eu+1All Digital

Key Objectives

EPISODE is steering a multifaceted approach to build capacity and drive public prosperity:

• Define Future Skills for digital social entrepreneurs suited to the Palestinian context.

• Upskill Educators and Mentors in innovative tools, teaching techniques, and digital trends.

• Co-create a Blended Learning Course on Digital Social Entrepreneurship, tailored for youth and startups.

• Pilot Courses with aspiring entrepreneurs, collecting feedback for adaptation.

• Offer Open Microlearning Units in English and Arabic to widen impact.
  episode-project.euAll Digital

Consortium & Implementation

EPISODE thrives on regional and international collaboration:

• Coordinated by UNIMED – Mediterranean Universities Union, an influential Euro-Mediterranean academic network.

• Palestinian Partners:

  • Birzeit University (Center for Continuing Education & Learning Innovation)

  • An-Najah National University (Continuing Education Center)

  • Social innovation partner: BuildPalestine

• European Digital Skills Partner:

  • ALL DIGITAL (Belgium)
    episode-project.eu+2episode-project.eu+2birzeit.eduuni-med.net

Major Milestones & Events

• Kick-off in Rome (Feb 2023), where partners aligned on goals and strategies.

• Training of Trainers (ToT) sessions held to prepare educators in digital methodologies.

• Launch of YEPISODE Program—a detailed 210-hour, blended-learning course featuring modules on ideation, digital tools (including AI and IoT), business modeling, marketing, data analytics, fundraising, and sustainable scaling.
  episode-project.eu+1

• Brussels Meeting (Jan 2025)—project partners presented pilot results, met with EACEA officials, and planned sustainability strategies. Over 50 participants from Birzeit and An-Najah engaged in course modules with high satisfaction.
  uni-med.netepisode-project.eu

• Closing Webinar in June 2025 featured project highlights, trainee and entrepreneur testimonials, and discussions on the road ahead.
  birzeit.eduEPALE – European Commission

Alignment with SDGs

Though not explicitly framed within United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, EPISODE aligns clearly with global development priorities:

Why It Matters

EPISODE is more than a training initiative—it’s a platform for social change. By equipping Palestinian educators and youth with digital skills, business acumen, and an entrepreneurial mindset, it fosters resilience, inclusion, and locally rooted innovation. The project’s blended approach, open resources, and multi-stakeholder design pave the way for lasting community impact and sustainable regional growth.

Project ShowcaseSince 2018

we have expanded our project showcase, playing a pivotal role in advancing global research and innovation.

Projects Themes Distribution since 2018

Since 2018, we have significantly diversified our project portfolio, focusing on Education and Capacity Building to empower communities and enhance skills. Our commitment to Sustainable Development and WASH initiatives has fostered healthier environments, while our Agriculture and Food Security programs ensure access to nutritious food. We prioritize Health and Public Wellbeing, promoting equitable healthcare access. Our Governance and Rule of Law efforts strengthen institutions, and we champion Youth, Gender, and Inclusion to create opportunities for all. Additionally, we address Climate and Resilience challenges and embrace Digital Innovation to drive progress, all while aligning our efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Top International Funders

Since our inception, we have been fortunate to collaborate with leading international funders who share our vision for a better world. Erasmus+ has been a cornerstone of our educational initiatives, providing vital support for capacity building and community empowerment. UN-Habitat has played a crucial role in enhancing urban development and sustainable living environments. The FAO has been instrumental in our agriculture and food security programs, ensuring that communities have access to nutritious food. UNDP has supported our health and public wellbeing projects, promoting equitable healthcare access for all. Lastly, ENI-CBCMED has contributed to our governance and rule of law efforts, strengthening institutions and fostering inclusivity across regions.

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Director of Grants and Projects Center