From 22 to 26 September 2025, the Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU) hosted the ENGAGE.EU Expedition Week+, bringing together 26 Master’s students and doctoral candidates from across the alliance for an intensive week of interdisciplinary collaboration.

Expedition Week+ is a challenge-based learning programme where participants address real societal issues in partnership with external organisations. This year, the focus was on the pressing theme of forced migration.

Three partner organisations provided the challenges:

• MIGRANT Counselling Centre for Migrants– Empowering women refugees across Europe
• UNHCR Austria– Promoting refugee participation in decision-making processes
• Caritas Austria– Supporting volunteer initiatives in the refugee sector

Participants followed a structured design thinking process under the guidance of WU experts, moving from empathy and problem definition to ideation, prototyping, and testing. Throughout the week, they applied creative tools such as stakeholder mapping, persona creation, and value proposition design to develop human-centred and innovative solutions.

A highlight of the programme was a visit to the United Nations Office at Vienna, where participants met UNHCR representatives and gained firsthand insight into the organisation’s work on refugee protection in Austria. This visit provided valuable context for developing the projects and a rare glimpse into the workings of an intergovernmental organisation.

On the final day, teams presented their solutions to a jury of challenge owners and academics, showcasing innovative approaches to refugee inclusion, empowerment, and volunteer support. The winning project—a WhatsApp community platform for Caritas volunteers—was praised for its practicality and potential impact and will be considered for implementation by Caritas Austria.

The week concluded with a celebratory closing reception, recognising both the achievements of the participants and the collaborative spirit that defines the ENGAGE.EU alliance.

Expedition Week+ once again demonstrated how innovative learning can bridge disciplines, connect people, and generate tangible solutions for societal challenges.