International Blended Intensive Programme Strengthens Collaboration in Higher Education and Research
The University of Nicosia’s Department of Engineering has successfully completed its ERASMUS+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) titled ‘YOUR GATEWAY TO SPACE: AN INTRODUCTION TO SPACE ENVIRONMENT AND SPACECRAFT ENGINEERING’, bringing together students and academics from across Europe for an innovative educational experience.
The programme combined two main components: a virtual component featuring asynchronous self-study, followed by an on-campus component consisting of a five-day intensive physical mobility hosted at the University of Nicosia, Cyprus from 16-20 June 2025.
Programme Components and Learning Experience
The on-campus component brought together students and academics from across Europe in a dynamic, interdisciplinary learning experience. Participants engaged in interactive lectures covering Space Environment, Celestial Mechanics, Mission Analysis, and Spacecraft Dynamics, as well as key subsystems including Propulsion, Attitude Control, Electrical Power, Thermal Control, Structures, Telemetry-Telecommand-Ranging and On-Board Software.
Participants also visited the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority (CYTA) Ground Station in Kofinou, Larnaka, which houses a large farm of ground station antennas and networks used for spacecraft monitoring and control for many local, European and international satellite operators and partners.
International Partnerships
With participants from two partner universities—the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava and the University of Maribor in Slovenia—the BIP fostered academic exchange, cultural understanding, and cross-border teamwork, embodying the spirit of the ERASMUS+ programme.
“This BIP exceeded our expectations in terms of participation, engagement, and collaboration,” said Assistant Professor Dr Harry Iordanou, one of the programme organisers. “It has created lasting academic and professional connections among participants, and has laid the groundwork for future joint research initiatives in space engineering and related fields.”
The programme demonstrates the strength of the ERASMUS+ initiative and the effectiveness of blended mobility in building a more connected and forward-looking academic community, broadening educational perspectives and establishing foundations for new partnerships that will drive research and innovation across Europe.
Participant Feedback
- “I would like to thank you again for a great BIP experience! We know it must have been a lot of effort and we really appreciate it.”
- “I would like to thank you for your hospitality and the wonderful experience inside the classroom and out. It was an amazing experience, way better than we expected.”
- “I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude for the enriching experience during the Erasmus+ programme. Thank you for your time and consideration.”
- “It was a pleasure meeting you and engaging in lectures and discussions with you.”
- “Thank you so much for the amazing week in Nicosia and see you in October!”
- “A great learning experience.”
- “I would also like to sincerely thank you for all your time and explanations during my stay in Nicosia. Your support is greatly appreciated.”
- “This was the best BIP I have ever participated in. I sincerely appreciate the organisers for their excellent support and management, which helped us achieve outstanding results with the course materials while also introducing ERASMUS+ students to the Cypriot culture.”
Source: University of Nicosia | Latest news (https://tinyurl.com/4vn9yt2r)