VISIONAIR at #ErasmusDays 2026: The project has ended, but its mission continues
14.10.2026 | Tomáš Poláčik
The Faculty of Economics and Management at the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, as part of its participation in the international initiative #ErasmusDays 2026, once again presented the Erasmus+ VISIONAIR project: “Raising Awareness and Expanding the Knowledge Base on Big Data in the Field of Air Quality and Its Impact on Public Health” (No. 2023-1-SK01-KA220-HED-000158470). This year’s presentation focused primarily on evaluating the project’s achievements, its benefits, and opportunities for further use of the project outputs.
The event, titled “Don’t Be Indifferent to What You Breathe”, took place on October 13, 2026, at the Faculty of Economics and Management of the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra. Its main goal was to familiarize students and university staff with the progress made since the previous project presentation, to evaluate the results of its implementation, and to highlight opportunities for their further use.
Since the VISIONAIR project concluded on August 31, 2026, this year’s event focused primarily on taking stock of the results achieved and emphasizing their long-term significance. Attention was focused on the development of project activities, the educational outputs created, and the possibilities for applying them to raise environmental awareness and advance knowledge about air quality and its impact on human health.
The main presentation of the project was delivered by its coordinator, Assoc. Prof. Jakub Berčík, who outlined to the participants the most significant results of the international collaboration, the progress made during the project, and its benefits for education, research, and society at large. The event was also attended by doctoral students Ing. Patrik Jurčišin and Ing. Adrián Rajtar, who participated in activities related to the project presentation.
Special attention was given to the importance of available air quality data, the possibilities for processing and clearly interpreting it, as well as the environmental, economic, social, and health consequences of air pollution. The presentation also highlighted the importance of linking scientific knowledge with practical education and actively involving young people in addressing current environmental challenges.
The presentation was followed by a discussion that provided an opportunity to exchange views, ask questions, and reflect on the importance of air quality in everyday life. Participants had the chance to learn more about the issue of air pollution and its consequences, as well as ways to apply the knowledge gained during the project. The event concluded with an interactive knowledge quiz using the Kahoot platform, in which participants tested their knowledge of air quality, air pollution, and related environmental challenges in a fun and competitive way. The most successful quiz participants, as well as those who were most actively involved in the discussion, were rewarded with small gifts. The combination of an expert presentation, discussion, and interactive activities thus contributed to the active engagement of participants and made the presented topic more appealing.
However, the project’s mission does not end with its conclusion. The issue of air quality remains one of the most significant environmental and societal challenges, requiring long-term attention, systematic education, and collaboration across various fields. This is precisely why it is important to strive for the sustainability of the results achieved, their continued use in the educational process, and the ongoing dissemination of knowledge among students, experts, and the general public. The project outputs thus serve as a foundation for follow-up educational and awareness-raising activities even after the project itself has ended.
The VISIONAIR project was implemented under the Erasmus+ Cooperation Partnerships program and focused on engaging students in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of big data on air quality. Its aim was to identify the environmental, economic, and social consequences of air pollution, assess related health risks, and support the development of proposals to improve air quality through the clear presentation and interpretation of data.
The main project coordinator was the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra. The international consortium also included the Catholic University in Ružomberok (Slovakia), the Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche (Spain), the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague (Czech Republic), and the University of Zagreb (Croatia). Through the joint efforts of the partner institutions, the project aimed to contribute to the advancement of knowledge about air quality and to promote environmentally conscious decision-making.
The #ErasmusDays initiative, which took place from October 12 to 17, 2026, provides an annual platform for presenting the results of projects supported by the Erasmus+ program, sharing experiences, and promoting international cooperation in education. The VISIONAIR project’s participation in this year’s event was also an opportunity to highlight that the true value of international educational projects lies not only in the results achieved but also in their long-term impact and their ability to positively influence environmental awareness and societal behavior.
Author: Anna Mravcová
Institute of Marketing, Trade and Social Studies
Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra
