The researchers identify current gaps in the circular economy and COVID 19 topics and encourage the application of text tools to stimulate the research process and assist in communicating with the public. This proposes a new insight into the circular economy following the analysis of the most prominent issues related to COVID 19, the government responses to the crisis, and life sustainability. The global emergency of the COVID 19 pandemic requires a response through science and technology means, wherein Nanotechnology approaches may contribute with advanced solutions.

They can address the many clinical and healthcare challenges that have arisen from the coronavirus activity, the fight against the disease, and the ongoing mitigation strategies. The COVID 19 crisis has accelerated as well the need to digitally transform education and training systems. In Higher Education (HE), there is a need for strengthening the Education 4.0 perspectives to provide high-quality, inclusive digital education and to realize an immediate impact of the new knowledge for combating the coronavirus pandemic.

To address these needs, the project “Digital University Aula in Nanotechnology education to fight COVID 19 – Nano-Code” develops an innovative educational programme addressing a theme of particular EC interest: Nanotechnology vs. COVID 19. It is based on ICT and EQF/NQFs/HE strategic system for organization of an education process and is foreseen to improve the professional performance of HE tutors/graduates and encourage implementation of relevant quality standards in nanotech area. The innovative digitally enhanced curriculum in “Nanotechnology to fight COVID 19” creates prospects for targets-focused impact. Its structuring and operation within the established Digital University Aula through a Learning Outcomes-based model contributes to the introduction of a competence-grounded approach to teaching/learning and assessment. In this way the project promotes HEIs capacity to support and build up employability, mobilizing education, science and technology to realize positive effect in COVID 19 combat.