Have you ever wondered what’s actually inside a smartphone? What raw materials are hidden in there and how are they are actually extracted?

In this new episode of Committed to Planet A, we take you to the mining grounds to explore what really goes into the smartphones we use every day. From the materials hidden inside your device to the environmental and social impact of mining, we uncover the journey from raw resources to finished product - and what we can do to make this process more sustainable.

For this episode, Sandrina Gasser, Chair of the EURECA-PRO Communication and Dissemination Office, sat down with Michel Varelija, researcher and expert in Mining Engineering and Geotechnics at Technical University of Leoben. Together, they talk about the hidden life cycle of smartphones, why responsible mining matters, and how more sustainable practices could shape the future of our devices.

Tune into the Research - What is the PhD Student Journey Like?

In late November 2025, the University of León welcomed 13 PhD students from various universities within the EURECA-PRO alliance.

Led by Andrés Sánchez, Communications Officer at EURECA-PRO ULE, we conducted a workshop called 'Tune into research' with the aim of having the students share their experiences as PhD candidates. Topics included the relationship with their supervisor, imposter syndrome and mental health, pursuing an academic or corporate future, and the pressure to publish.

This new episode is the result of small group discussions held at León University Radio, followed by recorded interviews with several students who shared their experiences with the wider EURECA-PRO university community.

Whether you're a PhD student, researcher, professor, or just starting your university career, you're sure to gain a lot from what they shared!

In this new episode of Committed to Planet A, we take you to the heart of the International Week held at Montanuniversitat Leoben last October. Beyond the agendas and strategic meetings, we explore the "human factor" that drives our European alliance.

This program marks a technical milestone for EURECA-PRO: it is our first-ever remote recording connecting 5 countries simultaneously (Belgium, Germany, Austria, France, and Spain), proving that collaboration truly knows no borders.

Hosted by Maria Speck (Hochschule Mittweida University of Applied Sciences) and Andrés Sánchez (University of León), we are joined by three guests who are key members of the Working Groups meeting in Austria:

• Anna Rath (Montanuniversitat Leoben) – International Relations Office (IRO)

• Capucine François (Université de Lorraine) – Communication & Dissemination (CODI)

• Steven Palmaers (Hasselt University) – Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I&E)

Together, we discuss the latest developments in mobility, our joint communication strategy, and the fostering of entrepreneurship. We also share candid insights into the personal experience of organizing and living through these massive international events.

Tune in to hear how we are building Europe—from Leoben to the world.