Engaging students in RDI research through PATHS

PATHS (Practical Access to Transdisciplinary Hubs for Students) is a European collaboration that brings students into real research projects from an early stage. Universities from Germany, Lithuania, Finland and the Netherlands work together to design practical routes that connect education, applied research and regional innovation. By testing new approaches in thematic “Excellence Hubs”, students, researchers and industry partners collaborate on real challenges. The project develops a practical toolkit and roadmap that can be used across European higher education.

Background 

In complex professional fields, graduates must be able to apply theory to real problems. However, student involvement in applied research is often incidental rather than structural. PATHS addresses this gap. Within the European university alliance UNINOVIS, partners explore how students can systematically participate in research, development and innovation (RDI) activities. The project builds on existing regional innovation ecosystems and connects them directly to education. 

PATHS bridges the gap between the lecture hall and applied innovation. We create practical ways for students to join real research and connect directly to regional challenges.

- Wouter de Regt, Project Manager PATHS at Technische Hochschule Würzburg-Schweinfurt.

Purpose 

Create a practical European roadmap and toolkit that structurally embeds students in applied research, development and innovation projects.

Target 

Students, lecturers, researchers and regional partners in innovation ecosystems. The project targets universities of applied sciences and their collaboration with industry and society, creating scalable models for European higher education.

Method 

Partners co-develop “RDI Pathways”: practical guidelines, digital tools and pilot projects. These are tested in thematic Excellence Hubs where students, researchers and companies collaborate. At THUAS, dr. Tamara Takacs leads a work package and conducts research to map best practices and analyse successful strategies for student engagement in applied research.

Results 

PATHS delivers:

• A tested RDI Pathways roadmap
• Methodological guides for lecturers and researchers
• Digital tools to connect regional innovation partners
• Pilot projects within Excellence Hubs
• A practical toolkit for European universities
• An overview of best practices for student engagement in applied research (led by THUAS)

These outputs help institutions structurally embed student participation in applied research.

Impact 

PATHS strengthens the link between education, research and regional development. Students gain hands-on research experience and become innovation drivers. Universities increase the impact of their research and knowledge transfer. The project contributes to more practice-oriented higher education across Europe and supports collaboration between universities and regional economies. 

More information 

Connected to the European university alliance UNINOVIS

Start and end date 

November 2025 – 2027

Funding 

Funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ programme.
Views and opinions expressed are those of the authors only.

Collaboration 

• Technische Hochschule Würzburg-Schweinfurt, Germany (Lead)
• Kauno Kolegija, Lithuania
• Tampere University of Applied Sciences, Finland
• The Hague University of Applied Sciences, the Netherlands

Contact 

Want to know more or explore collaboration? Get in touch with dr. Tamara Takacs, Work Package Lead & Researcher at the Centre of Expertise Global & Inclusive Learning.