Université Clermont Auvergne
Université Clermont Auvergne
The DIGIDEM project officially began with its Kick-Off Meeting held at Université Clermont Auvergne (UCA) in Clermont-Ferrand on 18-19 November 2024, France, marking the formal start of a three-year European collaboration dedicated to strengthening digital democracy and digital citizenship in higher education.
Hosted by the coordinating university, the meeting brought together all partner institutions from France, Türkiye, Portugal, Malta, Italy, and Luxembourg. Participants reviewed the project’s strategic direction, discussed work package responsibilities, and aligned the consortium on its shared mission: preparing university students to engage online in an informed, responsible, and democratic way.
The DIGIDEM partnership brings together a unique combination of universities, NGOs, and digital innovation organisations:
A major French higher education institution with strong expertise in digital communication, media studies, and interdisciplinary research. UCA leads the project’s management, scientific direction, and coordination of research activities. Its Communication & Sociétés Laboratory plays a key role in developing the project’s academic foundation.
A respected NGO specialising in digital citizenship, media education, cyber-violence prevention, and anti-radicalisation work. The organisation contributes its long-standing experience in combating misinformation, conspiracy theories, and hate speech—core themes of DIGIDEM.
A growing NGO from Batman, Türkiye, focusing on youth participation, digital safety, violence prevention, and community education. SEHA contributes strong field experience and provides insights from regions facing digital and social challenges, enriching the project’s inclusive approach.
A consulting and research organisation with deep expertise in digital tools, e-learning, rehabilitation, and social innovation. IPS supports DIGIDEM through its advanced digital training experience and knowledge of online behavioural risk factors.
Malta’s national university with extensive experience in EU-funded research. The UM team brings expertise in adult education, social inclusion, arts-based education, community engagement, and digital learning.
A major Italian university with expertise in psychology, digital behaviour, cyberbullying research, AI, gender studies, and social sciences. UNICAL strengthens DIGIDEM with scientific research, evidence-based methodologies, and digital behaviour analysis.
An organisation specialised in digital tools, knowledge-sharing, digital memory, intercultural communication, and participatory education. Insight supports the design and implementation of the project’s online ecosystem.
During the meeting, partners worked through the core components of the project:
The Kick-Off Meeting confirmed a shared commitment across all partner countries: creating a generation of university students who understand digital rights, recognise online risks, and participate confidently in democratic digital spaces.
The DIGIDEM project now moves into its research and development phase with a strong, united consortium ready to deliver impactful results for European higher education.
Project overview The name DIGIDEM is derived from a combination of the words “digital” and “democracy”. The DIGIDEM project is strives to promote digital citizenship among higher education students across Europe by developing a comprehensive curriculum and an interactive online educational ecosystem. Through the integration of innovative teaching methodologies and technological tools, DIGIDEM aims to provide participants with advanced digital skills, foster critical digital literacy and foster responsible online engagement.
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