T4EU and BIKE-HEI strengthen their commitment to inclusion and diversity
About
The University of Alicante (UA), represented by Noelia López, Senior Project Manager at the Institutional Project Management Office, took part in the panel discussion ‘Inclusion and Diversity in Science and Entrepreneurship’, held within the framework of the Inspiring the minds project during the CloudEARTHi Conference. The UA participated on behalf of the European university alliance Transform4Europe and the BIKE-HEI project, highlighting their commitment to inclusive and sustainable innovation.
The panel, moderated by Dr. Tamer Abu-Alam from UiT The Arctic University of Norway, brought together experts from European universities and organisations to discuss how diversity and inclusion are not only ethical values but also essential strategic drivers for resilient and creative entrepreneurial ecosystems.
In her intervention, López emphasised how inclusive environments foster the emergence of new ideas, enhance the ability to solve complex problems, and open opportunities for traditionally underrepresented groups, especially in high-growth and tech-driven sectors.
Alongside the UA representative, the panel included:
- Beata Mrugalska, PhD, DSc Eng., Vice-Dean for Science, Poznań University of Technology,
- Marcin Butlewski, PhD, DSc, Assoc. Prof., Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Management, Poznań University of Technology,
- Katarzyna Jach, PhD, DSc Eng., Rector’s Proxy for Accessibility, Wrocław University of Science and Technology,
- Jolanta Maj, PhD, Wrocław University of Science and Technology
- Rory Taylor, Project & Grant Manager, G-Force Ventures.
The discussion shared experiences, challenges, and institutional models that promote equity, co-creation, and belonging within universities, startups, and public policy frameworks.
Transform4Europe and BIKE-HEI’s participation in this international forum reinforces their role as active agents of social transformation and transnational cooperation, working toward a more just, digital, and sustainable future.
