1. Can you briefly introduce yourself, including how long you have been with COLOURS?
My name is Piergiorgio Mazzotti, and I am currently in my second year of a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Management at the University of Ferrara.
My journey with the Alliance began in June 2024 during the Blended Intensive Programme held in Paderborn, Germany. From that moment, my curiosity and interest grew, further fuelled by the meeting of Nicolas Thieffry, who deepened my understanding of the Alliance’s activities and the central role of students within it. In September 2025, I will mark one year of active involvement in our ambitious Alliance.
2. What initially attracted you to join COLOURS?
I saw the opportunity to engage with an international environment that appealed to me and allowed me not only to apply what I study but also to experience new challenges, which are always a reason for growth. In particular, I noticed that students have an active and central role, where their work, ideas, and presence are essential.
3. What were the top three things that impressed you about COLOURS when you first joined the Student Forum?
When I joined the Student Forum, I was immediately struck by its deeply institutional nature. COLOURS is a structured and recognised alliance with clear processes, organised meetings, and professional management. Each meeting had a defined agenda, precise objectives, and a focus on roles and responsibilities, making it clear that I was part of something serious where commitment and quality matter.
Another key aspect is the freedom students have to propose and implement their own projects. It’s not just about executing top-down activities but having the real opportunity to design, develop, and lead initiatives, even on a European scale. This autonomy is motivating and allows you to test your organisational and leadership skills with the support of an international network.
Lastly, the Forum’s international and multicultural dimension is a major strength. Engaging with students from different countries, each with unique cultures and experiences, is constantly enriching. It pushes you to step out of your comfort zone, listen actively, rethink your ideas, and appreciate diversity as a driver for innovation.
4. Why did you decide to run for the position of Vice President?
My candidacy for the Vice Presidency of the COLOURS Alliance did not come from an impulsive decision, but matured progressively, especially thanks to the work carried out in the previous months with our student delegation at the University of Ferrara. During that period, we managed to build a cohesive, active group capable of promoting autonomous projects and, at the same time, contributing significantly to the activities proposed by the delegation.
From this concrete experience came the desire to take a further step, and I saw in the Vice Presidency not only a unique opportunity for personal growth, but also a stimulating challenge: a chance to test my coordination, communication, and leadership skills in a multicultural, international, institutional context with a clear and structured organisation, where you work with people from whom you can certainly learn.
I strongly believe in the potential that COLOURS has for universities, for students, and for European cooperation. Being able to contribute directly to its evolution, representing student perspectives in the best way possible, is for me both a privilege and a great responsibility.
5. What are your plans for the COLOURS Student Forum? What do you hope to bring to the students of the nine universities?
My first goal is to foster genuine, constant, and effective collaboration between Student Forum members and the staff of each partner university. This approach prioritises local-level work without compromising activities at the European level. I believe we can balance these two spheres, allowing them to reinforce each other. One of my goals is to increase student participation internationally, not only through common projects but also with events like Hackathons and CoLabs. On a more institutional level, I find it essential to ensure SCAs are present at the Alliance’s Steering Committee, especially since student engagement in European Work Package meetings has not yet reached the desired level. This new organisational model would balance student participation with the organisation of the Alliance’s projects alongside work package leaders and various delegations.
Additionally, I wish to launch a project inherited from my predecessor Nicolas: the COLOURS Magazine. This initiative would provide students with the opportunity to learn journalistic skills and could become a network of local and international publications, enhancing the sense of belonging and visibility of COLOURS.
Another priority is introducing a dual recognition system in COLOURS, consisting of digital badges and participation certificates. This simple yet powerful system can motivate current participants and attract new students, demonstrating externally that our alliance, despite being young, knows how to reward its members’ contributions.
Finally, in the second half of the year, I plan to launch a project I had in mind for my university: creating a list of stakeholders (including companies, NGOs and policy makers) within each delegation. The idea is to interview them to understand the skills they seek in the job market and the challenges they face in their sectors. This information would be invaluable for organising Hackathons, CoLabs, and workshops that address both students’ interests and the real needs of businesses and society. In this way, the Student Forum would become a true bridge between education and the world of work.
6. What are three reasons why students should become COLOURS ambassadors? Please focus on the benefits and “advertise” to attract more high-quality members.
There are at least three compelling reasons to become a COLOURS Ambassador.
Firstly, you join a European project that is open to all but not for everyone. COLOURS offers numerous opportunities but demands commitment, attention, and active participation. Being an Ambassador involves taking on operational responsibilities, contributing to project implementation, and working in a collaborative environment where teamwork is key to success.
Secondly, it fosters personal and professional growth. As an Ambassador, you develop practical skills that are hard to acquire solely in the classroom, such as event management, coordinating international projects, working in multicultural teams, and problem-solving. This experience challenges you, pushes you out of your comfort zone, and aids your growth as a person and future professional.
Thirdly, it expands your network. Joining COLOURS gives you access to an international network of students, professors, professionals, and stakeholders, enabling collaboration on European and regional projects. It opens doors to potential start-up and research opportunities, professional collaborations, and lifelong friendships. This experience broadens your horizons and allows you to make a tangible impact both at your university and on a European level.
Being a COLOURS Ambassador is not just a title; it is an experience that requires commitment but, in return, offers real growth, an international network, and the chance to contribute to something significant.
7. What are the roles and responsibilities of COLOURS ambassadors? Please highlight their duties to emphasise the importance of COLOURS students within the alliance.
Ambassadors serve as the direct link between their university’s students and the entire COLOURS Alliance. They gather ideas, needs, and proposals from students and relay opportunities, projects, and initiatives developed at the international level back to the university
Operationally, they contribute to designing and organising Work Package activities and events such as Hackathons, CoLabs, workshops, and cultural activities. They collaborate with university staff and students from European delegations, actively promoting the Alliance’s initiatives, increasing student participation, and fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Among the Ambassadors is the Student Chief Ambassador (SCA), who coordinates the work of their university’s Ambassadors, serves as the reference point for the delegation, and participates in meetings with other SCAs to exchange ideas and coordinate activities at the European level.
