MONI. CA Student Exchange in Zagreb rocked it!
14/10/2024
Following the successful first part of the International Student Exchange held in Padua, the second phase took place at RIT Croatia in Zagreb from October 3rd to 5th. This event continued to build on the momentum of the initial exchange, where 18 students—8 from Italy and 10 from Croatia—began their journey into the innovative world of air quality monitoring technologies under the MONI.CA project.
In Zagreb, the students deepened their engagement with the hackathon launched in Padua, while also participating in an additional workshop focused on environmental monitoring.
The opening day saw the special participation of Italy's Ambassador to Croatia, H.E. Paolo Trichilo, who attended the presentations on the project’s progress. H.E. the Ambassador Trichilo delivered an inspiring speech, underlining the significance of cross-border cooperation and the crucial role of young people in promoting knowledge about EU-funded projects. He also emphasised the need to pass the baton of biodiversity protection and innovation to future generations.
A visit to the Ivanic Aeroklub, located near Zagreb, allowed students to explore the solar glider, a central component of the UAV system developed within the project. This experience provided valuable insights into the technology behind the glider, enriching the students’ hackathon projects by giving them a clearer understanding of its functionality and potential applications.
Over the following days, students participated in a workshop led by Professor Maurizio Pinna on environmental monitoring from an ecological and holistic perspective, covering various contexts like air and sea. Working in international, multidisciplinary teams, they finalised their hackathon projects and presented their solutions on the final day. A panel of experts, including professors, IT specialists, and project managers, evaluated the projects, ultimately selecting a winning team.
This second phase of the exchange was not just about competition but also about fostering collaboration. The students were able to network with their peers and build partnerships that may last long beyond the scope of the project. They experienced the power of teamwork, learning that the fusion of ideas often leads to the best solutions.
With the conclusion of the International Student Exchange, participants walked away with not only new knowledge and skills but also a deeper appreciation for cross-border collaboration and the innovative possibilities of air quality monitoring technologies.
Stay tuned for more updates on the continued impact of the MONI.CA project!
