Partners
The GREENDALE project is implemented by a pan-European consortium of 6 partners from across 3 EU countries, i.e. Slovakia, Greece and Malta. From each of these countries there are two partners, one being a public Higher Education organisation and the other a private organisation (business or NGO) involved in sustainability training and mentoring.
Technical University of Košice
The Technical University of Košice (TUKE) was established in 1952 to address the educational and research demands of Eastern Slovakia. As a public institution, TUKE strives to foster a balanced and interconnected relationship among its teaching, research, and community service activities. The university maintains robust partnerships with both private and public organizations, allowing it to effectively meet the needs of these entities as well as societal expectations.
TUKE serves a diverse array of educational requirements not only in the East-Slovak region but also across Slovakia and Central Europe, being a unique center for education and research in many fields. The university offers educational and research activities across nine faculties, with students exceeding 16,000, nearly 900 teachers, along with an equivalent number of research and administrative staff.
Team
Assoc. Prof. Nataša Urbančíková, PhD.
Nataša Urbančíková is an Associate Professor in Economics and Business at the Technical University of Košice. She is also a certified project manager (PRINCE II) with project experience dating back to 1993. Additionally, she serves as an expert and evaluator for the European Commission.o.
Prof. Oto Hudec, PhD.
Oto Hudec is a Full Professor in Economics and Regional Development at the Technical University of Košice. His expertise lies in research project management and strategic planning. He also serves as an expert and evaluator for the European Commission.
The University of the Aegean
The University of the Aegean (UAegean) was founded in 1984 aiming to introduce new approaches in higher education in Greece and worldwide and to promote regional development. Situated in 6 picturesque islands in the Aegean Archipelago, the UAegean offers a unique natural, cultural, and human environment for modern studies in the ancient cradle of knowledge. It has a population of 16.000+ undergraduate students, 2.100+ postgraduate students, 350+ teaching staff and 250+ administrative staff. In less than forty years, the UAegean has evolved into international research –oriented University offering 18 undergraduate (BA or BSc) and 40+ postgraduate (MA or MSc) programs in modern interdisciplinary thematic areas.
The UAegean has received consistently excellent feedback in evaluations that have taken place at national, European, and international level, because of the study programs offered by the institution and its competitive research programs. In 2016, UAegean was classified as the top-rated university in Greece, evaluated by the Hellenic Quality Assurance and Accreditation Agency (HQA). According to Erasmus+ Policy Statement 2014-2020, the exceptional identity of the University of the Aegean is based on the following characteristics: It provides academic services of the highest standards, emphasizing on novel and multidisciplinary scientific areas, while additionally enriches traditional research fields. Its premises are spread among the particularly extensive islands of the Aegean Sea, on the east border of Europe.
The early adoption and full incorporation of Information and Communication Technologies in all aspects of academic and administrative operations have transformed University of the Aegean into a dynamic and competitive institution at national and international level as well as a strong social and economic stakeholder in the region.
Team
Costas Gavrilakis
Costas Gavrilakis is Professor of Environmental and Sustainability Education in the Department of Primary Education at the University of Ioannina, Greece. He holds a B.Sc. in Environmental Science, an M.Sc. in Environmental Policy and Management and a Ph.D. in Environmental Education. He has been teaching environmental and sustainability education for the last ten years and his research interests include the study of students’ and teachers’ environmental perceptions, attitudes and behaviours, educational programme design, school-community collaboration and experiential learning.
Research Gate profile https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Costas-Gavrilakis
Georgia Liarakou
Georgia Liarakou is an Professor of Environmental and Sustainability Education and Director of the Environmental Education / Education for Sustainable Development Laboratory at the Department of Early Childhood Education at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens – Greece. She holds a PhD and a DEA on Environmental Education from the University René Descartes (Paris V), Department of Sciences of Education. Her research focuses on processes of teaching and learning which contribute to sustainable education at both individual and institutional levels. She has written many articles and chapters in books and has taken part in more than 20 European and national research projects.
Stavros Pitsikalis
Stavros Pitsikalis, Ph.D., specializes in innovation in education and training, with a focus on emerging technologies like augmented reality in vocational education and training (VET). He is Laboratory Teaching Staff (E.DI.P.) at the University of the Aegean and COO of EduTech Hub and ShoreWinner CoVE Greece, with extensive experience in teaching, research, and public education management. His work spans roles in national educational committees, vocational training institutes, and numerous research projects, with published expertise in technology-enhanced and distance learning, STEM education, and instructional design.
Apostolos Kostas
Apostolos Kostas is an Assistant Professor at Primary Education Department, University of the Aegean, Greece. He teaches various undergraduate and postgraduate courses on e-Learning. Since May 2018, he serves as Director of the Center for Life-Long Learning, University of the Aegean. He has participated in various national and EU-funded programs and his research interests include e-Learning, AI in Education, Internet and Education, Communities of Practice and Teachers Professional Development.
The Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology
As the main vocational education and training (VET) organisation in Malta, MCAST (Malta College of Arts, Science, and Technology) provides a broad range of courses at different levels, from certificates to higher education diplomas, graduate and post graduate qualifications. Since its founding in 2001, MCAST has been a vital centre for education, equipping students with the knowledge and skills they need to pursue a career in a variety of industries, including business, engineering, health, and the arts. While keeping close ties with industry partners, the institution is committed to promoting innovation and making sure its programmes satisfy the changing demands of the labour market.
Furthermore, MCAST actively participates in various Erasmus+ projects, engaging in international collaborations that enhance the quality of education and offer students and staff opportunities for mobility, exchange, and joint initiatives. Hence, to guarantee that students have the skills required in contemporary sectors, MCAST works with partners around Europe on initiatives pertaining to digital transformation, sustainability, and social inclusion. Through its holistic approach, MCAST is committed to enhancing the quality of VET and promoting lifelong learning, thereby preparing students for successful careers in a rapidly evolving global economy.
Team
Robert Buttigieg
Robert Buttigieg is a dedicated educator, who has been practising his educational philosophy at MCAST, Malta’s largest vocational education and training institution. He specialises in supporting students, most of which stem from challenging backgrounds. His main focus in the classroom is the promotion of reflective practices, transversal skills, and employability. As an active subject coordinator, Robert works with his team to promote an engaging unit delivery through the creation of lesson resources and formative assessments. Being a passionate contributor towards education research, he has been actively involved in numerous Erasmus+ projects, where he has played key roles in developing educational resources and promoting innovative classroom practices.
Joshua Bugeja
Joshua Bugeja is a seasoned educator with over 20 years of experience in teaching higher education. Throughout his career, he has been deeply involved in international collaboration, having managed and contributed to more than 10 ERASMUS+ projects, showcasing his expertise in fostering cross-border educational initiatives. In addition to his teaching and project management roles, Joshua is an active researcher with a keen focus on space technologies and software development, areas where his innovative contributions continue to drive meaningful advancements.
Nadia Boffa, BSc. Physiotherapy (Hons)
A committed professional, Nadia has a varied background in education, innovation, and healthcare. She received her physiotherapy degree from the University of Malta and has worked in the public and private hospital settings in Malta and the UK, giving her a wealth of clinical experience. Furthermore, through her work experience as a medical sales executive, she was instrumental in locating and advancing medical technologies in the regional healthcare industry.
With an emphasis on entrepreneurship, Nadia holds a Master’s degree in Innovation and Creativity and has been teaching the Entrepreneurship unit at MQF Levels 4 and 6 at MCAST for the past five years. She has also actively participated in several MCAST initiatives in addition to her teaching duties, such as unit writing and research, a community programme for the third age, and Erasmus+ KA2 projects.
Her work in education and innovation, alongside her experience in healthcare, fuels her passion for developing green skills resources and promoting sustainable practices in higher education.
ASTRA Association for Innovation and Development
ASTRA is non-governmental, non-political and voluntary association of natural and legal persons based in Slovakia. ASTRA provides lifelong learning, supports research and development capacities, builds relationships between non-profit, academic and commercial spheres, and public administration. ASTRA is a well-known partner and supplier in projects and activities which are aimed mainly at: educational and training activities, promotion of social inclusion, preparedness of regions and cities for development including plans & development programs preparation, as well as transferring knowledge and skills in regional development and people development from and to Slovakia.
Team
Nina Hadidomová
Nina Hadidomová holds an MSc in Psychology and is a PRINCE2 certified project manager. With six years of experience in ERASMUS+ projects, she has focused on e-learning, social inclusion and diversity, and entrepreneurial education. Over the past two years, she has also been involved in projects centered on green transition, sustainability, and community engagement.
IDEC s.a.
Established in 1989 in Piraeus, Greece, IDEC SA is a leading provider of training, management consulting, quality assurance, and digital solutions for both private and public sectors. This dual role as an educational provider and a management consulting company allows IDEC to incorporate best practices from the business world into education. With a focus on sustainability and accessibility, IDEC ensures that everyone has the opportunity to learn and grow.
IDEC is also committed to environmental and digital sustainability. The company actively integrates green practices into its daily operations, minimizing its environmental footprint and contributing to a greener future. Additionally, IDEC embraces digitalization through innovative practices that enhance accessibility and efficiency in both educational and consulting services.
IDEC has a rich history of EU project involvement, spanning 35 years. The company has participated in numerous European projects across various sectors, funded by different directorates. Committed to lifelong learning, IDEC maintains a dedicated Lifelong Learning Center offering comprehensive training programs for professionals, adults, educators, and youth at national and European levels. The Lifelong Learning Center offers a diverse range of training programs, welcoming over 500 participants annually. IDEC specializes in teacher training and produces learning materials for both e-learning and traditional delivery methods. The company employs various pedagogical methods, including formal, non-formal, and informal learning, with a strong emphasis on active learning techniques.
IDEC maintains a strong network of Higher Education Institutions, acting as a bridge between higher education and the labor market. The company actively participates in European projects focused on internationalization of education, work-based learning, and innovative learning methods.
Team
Nefeli Dimopoulou
Nefeli Dimopoulou is an EU projects Manager with a strong background in project management, training, and quality assurance. She holds a BA in Statistics and Insurance Sciences and an MSc in International Business. With over a decade of experience in the education sector, Nefeli has worked as an independent contractor for the Pedagogical Institute of Greece and as an Executive Administrator at ASPAITE (HEI). Since 2018, she has been a member of the IDEC SA team, specializing in VET education, skills development, and apprenticeships. She was involved in a project for the reform of VET education in Greece, contributing to the establishment of model VET schools funded by DG Reform and implemented by the Ministry of Education. Currently, Nefeli is involved in two CoVE projects (SECOVE and INVESTech), where she leads work packages focused on innovation and collaboration between education and industry organizations.
Effie Imam
Ascend Consulting
AscendConsulting.EU is a Malta based boutique consultancy specialised in management consulting and support for sustainable socio-economic development, including through entrepreneurship and innovation, internationalisation, green and digital transition, access to funding and finance, spatial planning and project management.
Ascend provides advice, guidance and assistance all along the business and project life-cycle process, from strategic and operational reviews, feasibility and viability assessment, to stakeholders engagement, strategy, policy and action planning, and then to project management, implementation support, review and evaluation.
Based in Malta but operating at European level, Ascend’s advisory, training, coaching and support services are being provided to a range of relevant public and private organisations, including companies, schools, universities and other educational bodies, research institutions, NGOs, as well as various public policy makers and implementers, national and international organisations. For example, Malta University Consulting Ltd, University of Malta, Malta College or Arts Science and Technology, Junior Achievement (JA) Malta, Malta Council for Science and Technology, Malta Enterprise, Eco-Market, eSkills Malta Foundation, Malta Communications Authority, Malta IT Agency, Innovate UK, European Institute of Innovation and Technology, European Institute for Gender Equality, Georgia Innovation and Technology Agency, German Academic Exchange Services, and many others, etc.
Team
Anamaria Magri Pantea, MBA, B.Econ.(Hons.)
Vincent Magri, MBA, AC&E
Both Anamaria and Vincent have extensive mentoring experience, including under the MedClimAccelerator programme run by EIT Climate-KIC Malta Hub, the EU’s Horizon Results Booster, BlueInvest and Ambient Assisted Living programmes.