The HUMANISTA network unites 15 higher education institutions from 12

Eastern and Southeastern European countries, each with a strong foundation in

STEM disciplines. While these universities are primarily focused on technical

fields, they also host thriving institutes/departments in languages, psychology,

pedagogy, educational and communication sciences, which constitute PPUs in the

HUMANISTA network. The specificity of these cohorts of the Humanities is that they

are intentionally oriented toward STEM education and research compliant with

the STEM’s needs, without any reciprocity - values found within Humanities

disciplines are often perceived as an add-on or mere supplement to a robust field of

STEM. That is why this unique interdisciplinary collaboration within the

HUMANISTA network is committed to redefining the relationship between

Humanities and STEM by stronger integrating Humanities within STEM education.

This approach promotes a holistic paradigm that merges technical expertise with

a profound understanding of human society, culture, and behavior, ensuring that

technological advancements are deeply informed by the values and insights of the

Humanities.

Crucially, HUMANISTA acknowledges that technological progress does not

happen in a vacuum. Understanding the social and cultural contexts in which

technology is developed and deployed is vital to creating meaningful, ethical, and

sustainable innovations. The immersive environment provided by hosting

institutions allows participants to experience these cultural nuances first-hand,

further enriching their academic and professional development.

One of the network’s main objectives is to create shared environments that

support the bidirectional exchange of knowledge and methodologies between its

member institutions. By fostering cooperation across disciplinary boundaries, HUMANISTA enables students and lecturers to explore new perspectives,

combining technical skills with insights from the humanities. This

interdisciplinary approach not only enhances the academic experience but also

prepares participants for leadership roles in fields that require both scientific

expertise and human-centered thinking.

In sum, HUMANISTA seeks to bridge the gap between STEM and the humanities,

recognizing that a comprehensive education must equip students not only with

technical expertise but also with the cultural and communicative competencies

necessary for success in an interconnected world. Through its interdisciplinary

efforts, the network aims to shape a new generation of professionals who are

capable of driving innovation that is both scientifically sound and socially

responsible.