Volunteering Projects aimed at education and welfare
Aurora blended course for bachelor and master students Winter Semester 2026 | 5 ECTS
This course combines academic perspectives on volunteering and civic participation with hands-on community engagement. In collaboration with the Icelandic Red Cross, students explore social and educational theories related to volunteering while completing a local volunteer project and reflecting on their experiences through discussions, journals, and a final report.
On-Site week in Reykjavik: 14-18 September
Online Sessions: 15 Oktober - 12 November (about 5 x 1,5h)
Students must be nominated by their home university. Please submit a one-page motivation letter to: aurora-mobility@uibk.ac.at
Internal Nomination deadline: 12 June 2026
Afterwards nominated students will receive information on the application procedure at the University of Iceland.
BIP: Biotechnology in food industry: Innovation, Sustainability, and Value Creation
Aurora Blended Intensive Programme for Master or advanced bachelor students | 6 ECTS
This course introduces students to biotechnology with a focus on its applications in the food industry. It explores how living organisms—especially microorganisms—are used to develop foods, ingredients, and bioactive compounds more efficiently and sustainably. The course combines core knowledge in genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, and microbiology with modern techniques in molecular biology, genetic engineering, bioinformatics, and genome sequencing, highlighting how current research and industry practices drive innovation in sustainable food production.
On-Site week in Reykjavik: 26-30 Oktober
Online Sessions: 2 September - 20 November (twice a week)
Students must be nominated by their home university. Please submit a one-page motivation letter to: aurora-mobility@uibk.ac.at
Internal Nomination deadline: 12 June 2026
Afterwards nominated students will receive information on the application procedure at the University of Iceland.
Virtual Courses:
1. Sustainability Education and Leadership
Master students | Virtual | 5 ECTS
This course focuses on leadership, institutional change, and sustainability in education. It explores systems thinking, professional identity, and “wicked problems,” linking leadership practices to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Students engage in critical discussion, collaborative tasks, and reflective learning, culminating in a professional development plan that connects theory with practice in sustainability and social change.
Weekly online sessions from 24 August to 20 November
2. Marine Resources
Master students | Virtual | 6 ECTS
This course explores the latest research and innovations in marine resources, including seafood processing, product development, quality assessment, and emerging technologies such as automation and 3D food production. It also addresses sustainability challenges like microplastics and the use of underutilized marine raw materials, combining scientific theory with applied, case-based learning.
Weekly online sessions from 2 September to 20 November
3. Sustainable Finance
Master students | Virtual | 2 ECTS
This course introduces the link between environmental science and financial markets, focusing on sustainable and green finance frameworks. It covers ESG risk assessment, impact reporting, regulatory frameworks such as the EU Taxonomy, and climate-related disclosures, helping students understand how sustainability is integrated into investment decisions and financial portfolio structuring.
Weekly online sessions from 28 September to 20 November
Application procedure: For these virtual courses, students apply directly to the University of Iceland via this link. Students must attach to their application an official transcript of records and a government ID.