Empowering Innovators - Ulysseus European University at the COMPASS Conference

Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences recently hosted the COMPASS Conference, a hybrid event that attracted over 220 participants, underscoring the remarkable reach of the Ulysseus European University alliance. The conference, carrying the theme "Transferable Skills for Research and Innovation", acted as a beacon, illuminating the boundless possibilities when research, innovation, and collaboration converge.

At the heart of the conference was the shared vision to nurture researchers, especially emerging PhD students, equipping them with vital transferable skills. Dr. Salla Huttunen, Vice President of Haaga-Helia University, championed the essence of qualities like ethical leadership and resilience while accentuating the role of public engagement. Dr. Carmen Vargas from the University of Seville provided insights into the current trajectory of the Ulysseus European University and the collaborative spirit encapsulated in the COMPASS project.

With a forward-looking keynote by Atte Jääskeläinen from the Finnish Innovation Fund, the conference resonated with the need for research to adopt a more transdisciplinary approach, given the intricate challenges of our era.

The two-day event was a hub of knowledge, featuring over 80 papers resonating with Ulysseus's Innovation Hub themes, spanning diverse domains from sustainable energy to digital transformation. Additionally, practical workshops targeted transferable skills, fostering entrepreneurship, and imparting knowledge on EU project funding. The COMPASS Conference stands as a testament to the transformative power of collaboration, innovation, and the unified vision of the Ulysseus European University alliance.