SAFER is implemented by an international consortium of 8 higher education institutions from Greece, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Egypt, and Jordan.
Partners are brought together to combine EU expertise in curriculum development and quality, with partner-country local insights and implementation capacity, supported through knowledge transfer via trainings and seminars.
International Hellenic University (IHU) — Greece
Consortium role: Coordinator (COO) WP leadership: Lead Beneficiary of WP1 (Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation) What IHU brings to SAFER: IHU is described as a pioneer in climate resilience and sustainable agriculture, providing project management services and expertise in curriculum creation and online education. Core responsibilities in the project: As Project Coordinator, IHU supervises all activities, follows progress, and ensures compliance with Erasmus+ guidelines. |
Varna University of Management (VUM) — Bulgaria
Varna University of Management (VUM) is an internationally oriented higher education institution with students and academic staff from over 50 countries, offering a dynamic, multicultural learning and research environment. It hosts a Regional Research Centre of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and holds a high position in the Bulgarian University Ranking System for education and research in tourism, administration and management, IT, culinary science and food technologies, while excelling in sustainable development, economic and business analysis, agri-business, digital transformation in services, social economy, and education management. The university complies with both national and international quality standards, offering double-degree opportunities through strategic partnerships with UK- and EU-based universities. Within the SAFER project, VUM leads Work Package 3 on Curriculum Development and Digital Learning, coordinates the development of the SAFER e-learning platform, contributes to research, project management, and dissemination activities, and ensures quality assurance of pedagogical materials. Consortium role: Beneficiary (BEN) WP leadership: Lead Beneficiary of WP3 (Curriculum Development and Digital Learning) What VUM brings to SAFER: VUM contributes practical learning and holistic sustainability activities, supporting the integration of cutting-edge tertiary education approaches related to food technologies, culinary and agri-management. Core responsibilities in the project: VUM leads WP3, including development of templates and techniques for training materials, courses, and the digital learning platform, and supports pilot testing. Web-site: https://vum.bg/ Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/VarnaUniversityofManagement/ |
Uzhhorod National University (UZHNU) — Ukraine
Uzhhorod National University (UzhNU) belongs to the classical universities of Ukraine, certified/approved at the IV (highest) level of accreditation. Uzhhorod National University is among the best higher education institutions in Ukraine in terms of educational, scientific, international, innovative and informational activities. Despite the challenges and losses associated with the war, the university continues to carry out its powerful educational and research activities: Eighteen faculties, three educational and scientific institutes, one hundred and seven departments, and a natural sciences and humanities college that trains specialists in related fields are successfully operating. Uzhhorod National University’s membership in international associations, clusters, and consortia is of great importance for further integration into the European educational and scientific space: Magna Charta Universitatum, Conference of Rectors of the Danube Region, European University Association (EUA), Eastern Partnership University Cluster (EaPUC), CS-DC UNESCO UniTwin, EU GREEN Alliance (within the INTERACT project), European Alliance of Universities Ulysseus, Baltic University Program. UzhNU has established productive partnerships with approximately 150 international partners from Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Italy, and the United Kingdom. International student exchange takes place under the Erasmus+ Youth Exchange programme. Semester-long study abroad programmes and double degree programmes have become well-established. UzhNU actively participates in EU-funded projects and has established experience in capacity building, knowledge transfer, and stakeholder engagement at regional and national levels. Within the SAFER consortium, UzhNU leads Work Package 2 on Needs Assessment, Strategic Planning, and Capacity Building, coordinates the development of the determination of HEIs needs in the areas of teaching and researching food safety and climate change issues in view of agriculture, strategic plan for the project's implementation based on the needs analytical report, program to increase capacity and develop higher education institutions' potential in the areas of food safety and climate resilience, assess the efficacy of HEIs' capacity development workshops in these areas based on pilot workshops. Responsible faculty for the project implementation - the Faculty of Biology of UzhNU, Department of Horticulture and Viticulture, - which academical staff, research potential, strong connections with local communities and agricultural stakeholders contributes to the practical implementation, dissemination, and long-term sustainability of SAFER project results. Consortium role: Beneficiary (BEN) WP leadership: Lead Beneficiary of WP2 (Needs Assessment, Strategic Planning, and Capacity Building) What UZHNU brings to SAFER: UZHNU is positioned to meet local demands in sustainable agriculture by contributing regional expertise in environmental sciences and biodiversity. Core responsibilities in the project: UZHNU leads WP2 implementation from M1 to M12, including analytical reporting and capacity-building foundations (needs assessment instruments, strategic inputs, and related activities). Website: https://www.uzhnu.edu.ua/ -official university website |
Kherson State University (KSU) — Ukraine
Kherson State University (KSU) is a multidisciplinary public university with strong expertise in applied sciences, environmental studies, and digital transformation in education. Despite operating under challenging conditions caused by the war, the university has demonstrated institutional resilience, adaptability, and a strong commitment to international cooperation. KSU actively participates in EU-funded projects and has established experience in capacity building, knowledge transfer, and stakeholder engagement at regional and national levels.
Within the SAFER consortium, KSU brings valuable regional knowledge on climate-smart agriculture, particularly relevant for areas exposed to environmental risks and resource constraints. The university’s strengths include experience in developing and piloting digital educational materials, training students and professionals, and fostering interdisciplinary approaches that combine agriculture, ecology, and entrepreneurship. Through its academic staff, research potential, and connections with local communities and agricultural stakeholders, KSU contributes to the practical implementation, dissemination, and long-term sustainability of SAFER project results. Consortium role: Beneficiary (BEN) What KSU brings to SAFER: KSU strengthens stakeholder engagement by supporting digital tool creation and sociological research, leveraging its network and sustainability focus. Core responsibilities in the project: KSU plays a key supporting role across project activities related to stakeholder participation and applied engagement mechanisms (notably contributing to participatory and evidence-based project activities). Website: https://www.kspu.edu/default.aspx?lang=uk
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Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) — Egypt |
Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development (HU) — Egypt
Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development is a non-profit HEI, founded in 2012 in Cairo as the educational and research arm of SEKEM. Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development is the first university in the Middle East to embed sustainable development as its core principle across all faculties. The Faculty of Organic Agriculture, the first and only of its kind in Egypt, advances regenerative farming through programs in Biotechnology, Food Processing Technology, and Organic Crop Production. Its soil laboratory supports arid‑soil regeneration, ecosystem restoration, and audits farms in collaboration with the Egyptian Biodynamic Association, which guides the transition of over 40,000 farmers nationwide to organic practices. HU also maintains a botanical garden with over 400 species and leads international projects in organic agriculture, sustainable water management, ecosystem restoration, and capacity building. HU further spearheads the consortium’s All-Inclusive Distribution and Inclusion Strategy, ensuring multilingual dissemination, open-access resources, and outreach to academia, industry, policymakers, farmers, and the broader public. Consortium role: Beneficiary (BEN) What HU brings to SAFER: HU contributes expertise in sustainable development, renewable energy, and community involvement, working through partnerships with universities, industry, policymakers, and society. Core responsibilities in the project: HU supports project implementation through its community-linked approach and partnership model to connect academic work with real-world sustainability challenges. HU Website: https://hu.edu.eg/
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Al-Balqa Applied University (BAU) — Jordan
Al-Balqa Applied University (BAU) is a leading public applied university in Jordan with a strong focus on technical education, vocational training, and practice-oriented research. The university plays a key national role in linking higher education with labor market needs, particularly in applied sciences, engineering, agriculture, and technology. BAU has demonstrated institutional capacity in managing large academic networks through its multiple campuses distributed across the country, as well as a strong commitment to quality assurance and educational reform. Within SAFER frameworks, BAU contributes solid experience in capacity building, curriculum development, and stakeholder engagement, especially in areas related to sustainable development and applied innovation. The university has growing experience in digital learning, blended education models, and professional training programs targeting students and practitioners. Faculty of Agriculture Technology at Al-Balqa Applied University includes four academic departments: Biotechnology, Plant Production and Protection, Water Resources Management and Environment, and Nutrition and Food Processing. The programs offered by these departments help students achieve their academic and professional goals and prepare them for many career opportunities. The college’s faculty members work hard to meet students’ aspirations and help them achieve their future career goals. A large percentage of the faculty members conduct scientific research projects that either receive internal funding from the university or external funding from local or international. Through the university's academic expertise, applied research potential, and close cooperation with local communities, industry partners, and public institutions, BAU provides valuable input to collaborative projects by promoting interdisciplinary approaches that integrate applied education, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, with SAFER project. Consortium role: Beneficiary (BEN) WP leadership: Lead Beneficiary of WP4 (Community Engagement and Industry Collaboration) What BAU brings to SAFER: Through Al-Huson University College, BAU plays a pivotal role in connecting academic programs with other majors, training agricultural engineers via applied technical programs, and supporting research and information retrieval using modern technology. Core responsibilities in the project: BAU leads WP4 (M12–M36) covering the Industry Collaboration & Community Involvement Plan, local community engagement workshops, the SAFER Network, and relationships with governmental and private sector groups. University Website: https://www.bau.edu.jo/index.aspx موقع اللغة الانجليزية |
Al al-Bayt University (AABU) — Jordan
Founded in 1993, Al al-Bayt University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of Mafraq, a large town with a population between 10,000 and 50,000 inhabitants. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Jordan. The university offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees, including pre-bachelor's qualifications (certificates, diplomas, associate, or foundation degrees), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctorate degrees in a variety of fields of study. This 31-year-old Jordanian institution employs a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. International students are welcome to apply. AABU provides numerous academic and non-academic facilities and services to students, including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aid and scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, and administrative services. Consortium role: Beneficiary (BEN) What AABU brings to SAFER: AABU contributes applied earth and environmental science capacity, including fieldwork-based data collection on agriculture and climate factors, and expertise through its ISO-certified Water and Energy Research Centre addressing water and environmental issues. Core responsibilities in the project: AABU supports evidence generation and applied research contributions (e.g., data collection, water/environmental evaluation capacities) to strengthen the project’s sustainable agriculture and climate resilience outputs. Official links |
