CER501 Collaborative Solutions for Complex Issues

Contents and structure

This course gives students hands-on experience with challenge-based innovation in a research environment. Students will work in teams on solving societal and technological problems using methods developed at CERN’s IdeaSquare, including the IdeaSquare Planet (I2P) methodology, an educational program at the intersection of innovation and transformative futures education. The concept of futures education is linked to the future being increasingly perceived as uncertain, where education must focus on developing skills to meet unpredictable circumstances. The approach encourages questioning assumptions, critical thinking, and exploring alternative solutions, restricted only by the laws of physics.

The course is structured around three distinct phases:

1. Preparatory phase (HVL / digital): Lectures, discussions, tutorials and workshops supported by pensum material and aimed at introducing students to core themes of the course. Workshops will introduce students to topics such as futures thinking, design-driven innovation, challenge-based methodologies, and fast-prototyping, e.g. in HVLs MakerSpace.

1. Immersive phase (CERN IdeaSquare): A one-week intensive study stay at CERN (Switzerland) where students work in interdisciplinary teams, using the IdeaSquare Planet (I2P) methodology to explore alternative futures, challenge assumptions, and rapidly prototype solutions.

1. Consolidation phase (HVL / digital): After CERN, students continue developing their ideas. Through peer-led lectures and faculty-facilitated sessions, students share insights, critique each other’s work, and refine their projects into academic reports. The most promising results may be submitted to the CERN IdeaSquare Journal of Experimental Innovation (CIJ).

As a group, faculty members with diverse academic backgrounds provide mentoring and supervision throughout the course, ensuring continuity between phases and helping students integrate skills acquired at CERN into their academic and professional development.

Learning Outcome

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

Knowledge

• Understand and critically reflect on challenge-based innovation, futures methodologies, and design-driven prototyping as tools for building knowledge that shapes people and society.

• Recognize the role of assumptions in shaping technological and societal development, and how these assumptions can be challenged to promote critical thinking and transformative learning

Skills

• Apply foresight and futures thinking to explore alternative scenarios that support sustainable social development and innovation.

• Use prototyping and design methods to address complex societal and technological challenges, contributing to career-oriented education and responsible innovation.

• Present, critique, and refine ideas through structured peer learning and reflection, fostering a stimulating and inclusive learning environment.

• Collaborate effectively in interdisciplinary teams, demonstrating respect, inclusion, and openness to diverse perspectives, in line with HVL’s values and culture.

General competence

• Communicate innovative solutions to academic, professional, and societal audiences, contributing to knowledge dissemination and public engagement.

• Demonstrate readiness to apply futures-oriented innovation skills in diverse contexts and contribute to sustainable societal development.

Entry requirements

Admission to the course is based on a selection process consisting of a motivation letter and an interview. Students will be selected to assemble a diverse team representing different backgrounds and study programs. Applicants must be enrolled in a BSc or MSc program at HVL at the time of application, and have completed at least one full semester of studies. Accepted students will get expenses for travel and accommodation at CERN covered.

Teaching methods

• Preparatory lectures, tutorials and seminars, expert- and practical meetings, assigned readings, and teamwork at HVL.

• Intensive study stay at CERN IdeaSquare (team challenges, prototyping, mentoring).

• Post-CERN sessions: student-led tutorials and seminars, peer feedback, faculty-mentored workshops.

• Continuous supervision by faculty, focusing on both teamwork and individual development.

Compulsory learning activities

The course has four compulsory activities, each of which must be accepted in order to pass the course.

• Presentation of an article (or similar material) in a reading seminar

• Reflection text

• Organisation of seminar on skills and competences

• Project proposal, structured as a journal article

Assessment

A final report, written in teams of 3-4 students. The report shall be reflective and analytical draft paper demonstrating mastery of challenge-based innovation, futures methodologies, and the student’s own contribution to the project. The report shall be written in a scientific structure, following the author’s guidelines of the CERN IdeaSquare Journal of Experimental Innovation. The best reports may be submitted for publication in the CERN IdeaSquare Journal of Experimental Innovation (CIJ).

Grade scale A-F, where F is not passed.

Examination support material

All support material is permitted

More about examination support material