Youth
The CIVITAS Initiative supports the youth contribution to transport and mobility through the CIVITAS Educational Network and Mobility Powered by Youth activities and events.

Young people have an integral role to play in the sustainable urban mobility conversation. Their fresh perspectives are a valuable source of insight for decision-makers responsible for shaping mobility at the local, regional and international levels.
The CIVITAS Initiative involves young people in two ways. first through its Educational Network, which enables cooperation between educational institutes active in the field of urban mobility; and second through activities and events, known as Mobility Powered by Youth. These events often aim to connect young people with mobility decision-makers, so that their ideas and perspectives can be heard on a larger stage.
To become involved in Mobility Powered by Youth events, monitor this page for new calls for participation, or follow our social media channels.
Read more about the Educational Network below. Check out the recently published CIVITAS Catalogue on Education in Urban Mobility here.
For any outstanding questions, please contact: Nina Nesterova - Nesterova [dot] N [at] buas [dot] nl
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CIVITAS Educational Network
The CIVITAS Educational Network enables cooperation between educational institutes active in the field of urban mobility. The creation of the Network was inspired by the results of a survey conducted by CIVITAS in 2021, which indicated the value of such a network for allowing greater structural cooperation among universities. Launched in early 2022, the CIVITAS Educational Network has rolled out activities in three main domains:
- Student exchange
Student exchanges enable both students and academic staff to discover unique approaches to urban mobility, thereby strengthening the students’ position in the international labour market. Exchanges can take place in a variety of forms, but generally focus on the facilitation of cooperation in the urban mobility field. - Knowledge exchange
Educational institutions worldwide generate outputs of their teaching and research activities, such as methodologies, results and instruments. An exchange of knowledge between institutions help promote the discovery of new approaches to urban mobility challenges. Such exchanges can consist of guest lectures, curriculum exchanges, and more. - Joint Master programmes
By exploring the opportunities and interests between institutions, the Network aspires to establish joint Master programmes. Such programmes are advantageous for students because they provide exposure to an international curriculum and foster multicultural skills; whereas participating faculty have the opportunity to learn about other teaching and learning methods, as well as student diversity in the classroom.
The desired long-term outcome of this initiative is to have a self-sufficient network of cooperating universities, which pursues an interdisciplinary and international approach to urban mobility education. At the end of 2022, a guide will be published that provides a complete overview of opportunities for interested students and universities.
How to join?
For educational institutions interesting in joining the CIVITAS Educational Network, please follow the steps listed below:
- Fill in the survey to specify your interests: forms.gle/UFfhfB2rmw9irDEJA
- Fill in your profile information through this form: forms.gle/9RJVqZPARLHEFeNv7
Duration: 1-5 days
Scale: Unlimited (group assignments)
Hackathons are sprint-like competitions, where students compete in teams to create new solutions to industry problems. This collaborative event-like activity sparks quick-thinking and innovative ideas in a concentrated environment. Students are expected to solve a problem found within the urban mobility industry, as presented by a company or organisation. Each team should be between 4 and 8 people, including one industry supervisor.
Duration: 1-3 months
Scale: Unlimited (group assignments)
Urban Living Labs facilitate the exploration of new sustainable solutions in a particular location, like in a street, park or underused building. This type of activity brings students together to co-design, test, and implement ideas in real-life environments. This integration of student ideas and their involvement in city space planning contributes to a range of multigenerational perspectives. Each group should be between 4 and 8 people, including one industry supervisor.
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If you are currently enrolled as a student, then you are eligible. Please note, each Fresh Brain activity to be launched includes a requirement section addressing eligibility. The requirements typically depend on the nature of the Fresh Brain activity and problem statement set by the hosting organisation. Please refer to the specific requirements for each different Fresh Brain activity.
See each specific Fresh Brain activity for information on the application process.
Each Fresh Brain activity launched differs in terms of financial support. This is depending on the nature of the activity and the hosting organisation. Please refer to the specific Fresh Brain activity to establish the financial support.
No, this is not a requirement but does depend on the nature of the specific Fresh Brains activity.
Yes, you will be provided with a certificate of participation.
As a participant you are expected to actively engage in a group to solve an industry related problem set by a host company. It is expected that you critically analyse current situations, seek new solutions and explore “fresh” alternatives related to the Fresh Brains activity. Creative knowledge and enthusiasm are expected of all participants.
FAQ Host Organisation
Depending on the Fresh Brains activity there may be costs faced by the hosting organisation. This will be discussed in consultation with CIVITAS.
As a hosting organisation, you are the owner of the problem statement. It is therefore expected that clear goals are set, needs are communicated, and expectations are managed to ensure a successful outcome from a Fresh Brains activity, with the assistance from CIVITAS.
Contacts
If you are interested in becoming involved in the CIVITAS University Network or the Fresh Brains programme, please contact the appropriate person, as listed below: