Creating of a Master’s Educational Program at GTU in Cooperation with the Mountain University (Milan University Research Center): Sustainable Development of Mountainous Areas
Beneficiary: Georgian Technical University (GTU)
Project Name: Creating of a Master’s Educational Program at GTU in Cooperation with the Mountain University (Milan University Research Center): Sustainable Development of Mountainous Areas
Implementation Dates: 06/2024 – 11/2025
Total Project Cost: 284 502 GEL
Grant Amount: 275 967 GEL
Description
The grant project aims to create an English-language transdisciplinary master’s education program by mobilising resources in the educational space of the GTU and with international cooperation and mentorship with the research centre of the University of Milan (UNIMONT). The program will demonstrate the latest tendencies of the field and encompass innovative methods of learning and teaching. It will form professionals who will be able to contribute to the strengthening, development and sustainable management of mountain areas using innovative approaches and systems vision.
Activities
At the primary stage of the project implementation, international experience in sustainable development and mountain studies will be reviewed. Labour market demand for specialists of the necessary profile will also be studied(by conducting qualitative research – in-depth interviews). Additionally, the current state of Georgia’s mountainous regions will be analysed, spotting gaps in sustainable development knowledge.
Prior to creating an educational program, a program concept will be developed and a hybrid international scientific forum will be organised. Italian partners will study the current state in person (on-field).
For the program to run smoothly and for the students to gain practical/professional skills, GTU will purchase required laboratory equipment (including a drone and a set of mobile laboratory equipment).
To develop a program in frames of the project, GTU will be assisted by local and international partners, including local NGOs and LEPL Agency of Protected Areas.
At the end of the project, an international seasonal school – “Teaching of Mountain Sustainable Development”, will be organised in one of the mountainous municipalities of Georgia. Target audience will be people interested in UNIMONT mentorship, including official representatives of relevant mountainous municipalities and students.
Sustainability
Sustainability will be ensured by integrating data collection and information processing mechanism developed in frames of the project in both central and regional sustainability monitoring systems.
The accepted practice will allow to assess the state of the highland regional socio-economic system in time; compliance with the state and municipal administrative system; The possibility of comparison with other countries and regions. the reliability of the data used; speed of data submission; accessibility to the general public.
The equipment purchased within the framework of the project will be used for the students of the master’s program and interested persons, both for teaching and for scientific research; The sustainability of the project will also be ensured by an increasing demand for the masters programs and its potential graduates.