Mariagiulia Bertolini - Educational Programmes Officer at the Innovative Educational Unit

I’m Mariagiulia Bertolini, Educational Programmes Officer at the Innovative Educational Unit.

After ten years studying Ancient Greek – because apparently five years in high school weren’t enough, so I carried on at university – I moved to Venice to complete a postgraduate Master in the Management of Cultural Assets. More than ten years later, I’m still based here, where I have built my career.

Before joining Ca’ Foscari University, I worked mainly in cultural project management and communications. I still draw on those early experiences, even though my focus has now shifted to the educational field. 

In my role, I work on a variety of innovative teaching activities, including Minors and Active Learning Labs. Because of this expertise, the EUTOPIA team at Ca’ Foscari first brought me on board for the TeamWork and later for the Innovation Challenges. Collaborating with them has been extremely rewarding, and I am grateful for the trust they have placed in me, which has allowed me to take on such interesting initiatives.

I enjoy being part of a larger project that brings together universities across Europe: what I find particularly stimulating is the chance to play my part in creating something meaningful and working together to achieve a shared goal. Universities have a key role as drivers of innovation, and I believe it is important to explore new teaching methods and learning approaches. The EUTOPIA Innovation Challenges are a perfect example: international hackathons connecting students, universities, and stakeholders to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems, which I have the privilege of coordinating.

Students often say that taking part in a hackathon in another country is an enriching experience, both personally and professionally. They usually mention it in their motivation letters, and they are certainly right. Yet this enrichment isn’t exclusive to them: it is just as significant for those of us who organise or support these activities.
These events give us the chance to meet colleagues we usually only see online and to gain a closer understanding of their environment and their work. But most importantly, they allow us to engage directly with students, the very people our work is designed for. Spending time with them is essential if we truly want to rethink our educational offer in a way that responds to their needs and remains genuinely student-centred.

Attending the hackathons in Cluj-Napoca, Cergy, and Barcelona has been much more than a business trip (and one turned out to be quite an unconventional adventure): it’s always inspiring to see students embrace this experience and throw themselves into the challenge with commitment and dedication. I feel truly fortunate to have met so many bright, enthusiastic, and creative young people. Each time, I’ve been amazed and moved by their drive, adaptability, and determination to find solutions. They are hungry for experiences and for change, and I’m convinced that this generation has what it takes to make a real difference in the world. 

Universities guide students on this journey, supported by an alliance like EUTOPIA, which helps strengthen a shared European identity grounded on collaboration, while creating a real and positive impact.