About the project

WHAT IS EPICO ABOUT?

The EpiCo project, part of the Erasmus+ Programme (KA220-HED), aims to explore the intersection of epistemology and ecology within technological education, highlighting the interconnections between art, culture, science, and technology. This interdisciplinary project is motivated by the pressing need for a new approach to technical education that addresses current ecological and societal challenges, especially regarding sustainability, ethical implications, and cultural integration.

Project overview

The EpiCo project, funded under the Erasmus+ Programme (KA220-HED), seeks to redefine technological education by integrating the study of epistemology and ecology. The project, titled Epistemology and Ecology in Technological Education, explores how art, culture, science, and technology intersect and contribute to a more holistic and sustainable approach to education. EpiCo aims to build new educational frameworks that prepare students for the environmental and societal challenges that lie ahead, particularly by promoting responsible technology use.

This project is set to run for 36 months, from September 2023 to August 2026, with a total budget of €400,000. Coordinated by the Universitatea Tehnică Cluj-Napoca in Romania, EpiCo includes a consortium of diverse academic partners: Technological University Dublin in Ireland, Riga Technical University in Latvia, Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena in Spain, and Université de Technologie de Troyes in France. Each partner contributes specific expertise, allowing the project to bridge the gaps between disciplines and create a comprehensive, cross-European educational model.

Objectives

EpiCo’s main goal is to develop a framework that integrates alternative epistemologies into technical education, helping students to understand and engage with sustainable technology. This will be achieved by:

Promoting interdisciplinary skills: Combining art, science, and technology to cultivate a holistic understanding of sustainable development.
Developing educational models: Introducing modules that encourage a broad perspective on technology, incorporating ecological, ethical, and cultural dimensions.
Encouraging responsible technology use: Equipping students with the competencies to design technologies that align with sustainable and socially responsible practices.

Target groups

The EpiCo project is designed to engage and benefit a range of participants within higher education, including both students and educators. A primary target group is students across various fields, particularly those studying engineering, arts, social sciences, and other disciplines that intersect with technology. By introducing these students to interdisciplinary approaches that emphasize cultural, ecological, and ethical aspects, EpiCo aims to broaden their understanding of technology’s role in society. This approach encourages students to develop skills that are crucial for designing sustainable technologies and addressing contemporary challenges such as climate change and social inequality.

Another key target group is teachers and academic staff who will participate in training to incorporate epistemological perspectives into their teaching methodologies. Through specially designed modules, educators will be equipped with the tools and resources needed to foster interdisciplinary thinking in their classrooms. This training will help them guide students in exploring how art, science, and technology can work together to build a more sustainable future. By empowering educators with these new pedagogical approaches, EpiCo aims to create a lasting impact on how technical education is delivered, ensuring that it aligns with the broader goals of sustainability and social responsibility.

Relevance and Impact

EpiCo directly addresses several crucial priorities, including environmental sustainability, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) development, and the adoption of innovative teaching practices. With a growing need for a technology education model that includes considerations of cultural, ethical, and ecological implications, EpiCo encourages a transdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning. By incorporating feminist and ecofeminist perspectives, the project also supports diversity and gender equality within STEM fields.

The project’s impact is expected to extend beyond its immediate participants by promoting a European-wide shift in technological education. By equipping future technologists with interdisciplinary skills, EpiCo aims to foster a generation capable of addressing complex issues, such as climate change, through innovative and ethically responsible solutions. Additionally, the project creates long-term educational models that advocate for a sustainable and culturally aware approach to technology, paving the way for more socially responsible advancements across Europe.

TIMELINE

Year 1 (2023-2024)

Project Setup: Kick-off meeting, establish roles, and begin foundational research.
Module Development Begins: Start creating frameworks for teacher and student modules.
Mapping and Research: Explore intersections of epistemology, ecology, and technology

Year 2 (2024-2025)

Module Testing: Pilot teacher training modules and develop student modules.
Intensive Study Programs: Conduct teacher workshops and gather feedback for refinement.
Collaborative Learning: Engage partners in transdisciplinary, project-based learning activities.

Year 3 (2025-2026)

Dissemination: Finalize and share modules through summer camps and conferences.
Final Evaluation: Assess project impact, prepare the final report, and host a concluding conference.

CONSORTIUM

Our consortium is composed of 5 universities, all part of the European University of Technology (EUt+). To know more about the staff involved, feel free to visit the members profile in the ECT Lab+ page!