How can universities become long-term partners in addressing societal challenges? This question guided "UNICAM Territorio Condiviso", the co-design workshop organised by the University of Camerino on 29 June 2026 within the CIVICLab initiative.

On Wednesday, 15 April, the University of Palermo hosted the seminar "Università, cittadini e ricerca collaborativa: la piattaforma EPiCS per il co-design di esperienze di Research Service-Learning", an opportunity to reflect on how universities can strengthen their role as civic actors by connecting research, education and community engagement through Research Service-Learning (RSL).

On 31 March 2026, more than 80 participants gathered at the Carlo Urbani School of Advanced Studies in Camerino for CIVICLab – Building Civic Ecosystems between University and Territory, a participatory event that brought together universities, public institutions, Third Sector organisations and European partners to explore new ways of collaborating for democratic innovation and territorial development.

EPiCS partners joined global experts to advance citizen science, research service-learning, and international collaboration, strengthening the project’s impact across Europe and beyond.

“Sustained engagement with local communities requires trust-building over time, not just one-time participation,” the ULBS team highlights during the interview.

Chaperone’s mission is to empower scientists and research professionals to build meaningful, sustainable, and impactful careers both within and beyond academia.

Citizen Science empowers communities to co-create knowledge, but faces challenges of inclusivity, ethics, and policy impact. EPICS strengthens its democratic potential by linking research to real-world needs and civic participation.

EPICS connects research, dialogue, and community action, empowering students and citizens to co-create solutions and shape their futures.

Through Research Service-Learning, EPICS empowers students to grow from learners into changemakers, fostering skills, empathy, and civic engagement.

Service-Learning (SL) transforms education by integrating academic learning with real-world community engagement. This approach allows students to apply their knowledge while addressing pressing societal issues.

Citizen Science is an approach that actively involves non-researchers in scientific research. Within the EPICS framework, Citizen Science plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between research and civic engagement.

EPICS is an innovative initiative that connects higher education institutions, students, researchers, and local communities. By integrating Citizen Science and Service-Learning, EPICS fosters sustainable partnerships that address real-world challenges through research-based solutions.

A Pan-European Initiative Blending Citizen Science with Research Service-Learning to Tackle Societal Challenges