Zhang Xuefeng (1984–2026) was a prominent Chinese education entrepreneur, lecturer, social-media influencer, and education consultant known for offering blunt, employment-oriented advice on university choice, major selection, and career planning. His public influence made visible a broader social problem: …

Green hydrogen is increasingly positioned as an important element of Europe's energy transition, particularly for decarbonising sectors that are difficult to electrify directly and for integrating growing shares of renewable electricity. Yet regional hydrogen ecosystems often remain fragmented and immature. …

In his article “Why AI Won’t Democratize Education”, Wieczorek (2025) challenges the techno-optimistic narrative surrounding intelligent tutoring systems. He argues that these systems, despite their promise of personalized feedback and educational efficiency, will not democratize education from a pragmatist …

The Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity (DMIS) has been widely used to conceptualise changes in how individuals experience cultural difference, typically described as a progression from ethnocentric toward ethnorelative orientations. While the model’s value is considerable, its common interpretation …

Intercultural literature often treats ethnocentrism and ethnorelativism as opposite ends of a single continuum. This paper challenges that assumption by adapting Herzberg’s two-factor theory to propose a dual-spectrum model: (1) a “hygiene” axis (ethnocentrism ↔ absence of ethnocentrism) that prevents …

Play has long been recognised for its capacity to open new possibilities for reimagining what has become static, settled or entrenched, whether conceptually, socially, or culturally. Historically, urban play carries a subversive potential, which can be traced back to the Situationist movement, even though …

Traditional non-linear models offer Dutch municipalities limited insight into the social behaviour of local stakeholders, even though this behaviour largely determines the success of policies in complex sociotechnical systems. This study addresses the following research question: “How can an agent-based …

This dissertation aims to strengthen socioscientific issues (SSI) education by focusing on the resources available to students. SSI education is a type of science and citizenship education that supports students’ informed and critical engagement with social issues that have scientific or technological …

The paper explores how Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) can achieve financial and operational sustainability beyond initial EU funding. Using the SECOVE project as a case study, it introduces a Hybrid Funding Matrix that integrates public, private, and commercial income streams. The model promotes …

In this short article the author reflects on AI’s role in education by posing three questions about its application: choosing a partner, grading assignments, and replacing teachers. These questions prompt discussions on AI’s objectivity versus human emotional depth and creativity. The author argues that …