From December 4th to 8th, 2023, Sara Pimenta and Marlene Lages, ciTechCare research fellows, participated in the Youth Exchange School (YES) Solving Wicked Problems Through Design Based Education coordinated by the NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands, within the scope of the Regional University Network – European University.

The Youth Exchange School programme (YES), is an inclusive and enriching learning short-mobility experience for students promoting the EU’s priority areas and fostering a sense of European identity and cooperation, by discussing complex societal issues and thinking on realistic solutions, based on innovative approaches.

During these days, the programme allowed the participants to experience Design-Based Education methods, by being involved in dynamic and interactive activities and workshops, using Design Thinking and Future Design, so they could developed prototypes of their futuristic solutions to tackle real-world challenges.

This YES proved to be an opportunity to think deeply on the topic of social issues with a commitment to transformative education, critical thinking and multidisciplinary problem-solving.