On 26 and 27 May, the RUN-EU university alliance came together at the Howest University of Applied Sciences, in Bruges, to mark a new milestone in their shared journey: the launch of the FILS HUB, a collaborative space for learning and innovation that forms part of Milestone 15 in Work Package 4 (WP4) of the project.

What is the FILS HUB? It’s a network of centres located within each of the partner universities, offering tailor-made programmes designed to bring STEM skills (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) closer to pre-university students. The clear goal is to enhance future skills among young people in our regions from an early age, fully aligned with the mission and vision of RUN-EU.

This hub is in line with the European Union’s Pact for Skills, a flagship initiative of the European Skills Agenda, launched in 2025 to prepare European citizens for the major challenges of our time: the green transition and digital transformation.

The activities developed across the different FILS HUB centres are designed to offer children and young people aged 6 to 17, as well as their educators, hands-on, creative learning experiences. The workshops, challenges, and practical activities aim to strengthen their competencies, promote social innovation, and spark interest in a more sustainable and tech-driven future.

Moreover, these spaces are not isolated – they are integrated into the local context of each university, often in collaboration with schools or science outreach centres. Among them are: Taste – Food and Tourism Education (TUS), Centro de Ciência Viva do Alviela – Casoscópio (IPLeiria), Future Innovation Lab (IPCA), Design Factory (HAMK), Challenge Lab (NHL Stenden), Netzwerk MINKT e Inatura (FHV), Mind and Makerspace (Howest) and La Estación de la Ciencia y la Tecnología (UBU).

RUN-EU remains firmly committed to education as a driver of change, connecting young people, educators, and communities through the power of knowledge and international collaboration.