MEDSOILS CHALLENGE – enhancing the skills and competencies of future Soil Experts to meet the challenges of climate change in Mediterranean areas is an innovative Erasmus+ project aimed at developing an International Multi-Athenaeum Master’s Degree with the goal of training Experts in Soil Science, a subject increasingly in demand in the Mediterranean area due to climate change.
MEDSOIL CHALLENGE is implemented by a partnership of 6 organizations-4 universities, 1 organization working in the environmental consulting sector with expertise in soil conservation-and led by Timesis S.r.l. (San Giuliano Terme, Italy).
It is a 3-year project, starting in October 2024 and ending in September 2027.
The Project is divided into 5 Phases of Work:
Work Phase #1 – Project Management: Periodic monitoring and support to the implementation of Project activities. Submission of reports to the National Agency. Analysis of results using indices. Periodic review of budget allocation and progress of activities to align planned expenditures with actual need.
Work Phase #2 – Training Needs and Skills Map: Establishment of a Scientific Committee of 12 experts. Determination of Training Needs based on the Environmental and Market specificities of the Mediterranean. Development of a Study Plan and a Map of Competencies.
Work Phase #3 – Master’s Program Development and Start-up: Establishment of an Administrative Committee. Development of the structure of the Master’s program, including in-person training activities and internship (300 hours). 1 year of accompaniment in the Administration and Scientific Direction of the Joint Master’s Program.
Work Phase #4 – Development of Training Content and Digital Learning Tools: Development of Online Training Activities (500 hours) in line with the Training Program and Competency Map, established earlier. Preparation of Multimedia Content and Materials. Launch of an Online Accessible Platform to host the study materials.
Work Phase #5 – Communication and Engagement: defining a Communication Strategy. Creation and Management of a website, newsletter and Social profiles. Development and Printing of the MEDSOIL CHALLENGE Handbook. 4 engagement events organized at partner universities.
Keywords: Higher Education; Soil; Mediterranean; Climate Change; Joint Masters; Employment; Skills
Service provided and results obtained:
- Participation in the overall development of the Project
- Administrative Management and Scientific Direction in the Start-up Phase
- Participation in Training Activities in Italy
- Supporting the coordination of internships
- Hosting student internships at Timesis S.r.l.
- Co-development of training materials Online
- Setting up and Managing the Communication Plan and Website.