At the heart of Learn2Play4Future (L2P4F) lies a collaboration between some of Europe’s most forward-thinking institutions in education, media, and game design. This transnational initiative is grounded not only in research excellence but also in the lived experience and innovation of the people behind it.
Each of our partner institutions contributes a unique perspective. It is grounded in years of academic expertise, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and a shared commitment to transforming education through play.
Building Research-Driven Innovation in Poland
The University of Bielsko-Biała in Poland serves as one of the project’s academic pillars, with its Institute of Modern Languages offering deep expertise in teacher training, particularly in the field of language education. Here, research meets real-world pedagogy in meaningful ways.
Dr. Elwira Lewandowska, a seasoned assistant professor and Erasmus+ coordinator, represents the university’s long-standing commitment to international collaboration and pedagogical innovation. Her leadership in foreign language education and her systematic approach to research methodology make her instrumental in driving the L2P4F project’s academic integrity.
Working alongside her is Dr. Marzena Okoń, whose work in teacher education focuses on integrating creativity and game-based strategies into language learning. Their shared experience in curriculum design and teacher development ensures that the Polish contribution is both pedagogically sound and deeply practical.
Redefining Game-Based Learning in Slovakia
Slovakia’s University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava (UCM) brings a unique asset to the project: the Department of Digital Games within its Faculty of Mass Media Communication, one of the few university departments in Europe fully dedicated to game studies.
At the helm of this department is Dr. Magdaléna Švecová, a prominent scholar whose research spans ethical game design and educational media. Under her guidance, UCM not only delivers research excellence but also provides strategic direction to the entire project as its coordinating institution.
Her colleague, Dr. Juraj Kovalčík, adds further academic depth with his specialization in game history, mechanics, and narrative structures. His scholarly insights ensure that the games developed under the project are rooted in meaningful engagement, rather than novelty alone.
Supporting them is PhD researcher Mária Dolniaková, whose investigation into media culture and digital learning environments contributes critical perspective to the project’s baseline analysis. Complementing this academic team is František Rigo, a language educator whose innovative integration of media and games into language instruction bridges theory with teaching practice.
The Bridge Between Academia and Industry: Impact Games
While the universities form the backbone of the research, the Slovak-based game development company Impact Games brings those ideas to life. Known for its expertise in serious and educational game design, Impact Games serves as a vital bridge between pedagogy and digital storytelling.
Leading the company’s contribution to L2P4F is Jakub Žaludko, co-founder and co-CEO. With over a decade of experience in educational innovation, Jakub ensures that the project’s vision is translated into compelling, playable solutions. His understanding of how to balance learning objectives with immersive gameplay is key to the project’s success.
Creative Collaboration from the Nordics
The South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (XAMK) contributes a Nordic perspective rooted in applied research and innovation. Within its Creative Industries Research Unit, the institution nurtures a strong ecosystem where education, design, and digital media intersect.
Minna Porvari, an RDI specialist at XAMK, brings both academic knowledge and industry insight to the project. Her work in gamification, service design, and participatory development connects future game developers with the educational goals of L2P4F. Through her coordination, XAMK acts as both a testing ground and an incubator for scalable solutions.
A Pan-European Vision, Rooted in Expertise
What makes Learn2Play4Future stand out is not just its innovative mission, but the combined credibility of the institutions and individuals behind it. These partners don’t just represent their fields—they help shape them. From Poland’s pedagogical expertise, to Slovakia’s leadership in digital game studies, to Finland’s cutting-edge design thinking, the project is as much about knowledge-sharing as it is about co-creation.
As Learn2Play4Future continues to develop tools that make teacher education more engaging, inclusive, and playful, its foundation remains strong: a team of highly experienced professionals, backed by trusted institutions, committed to transforming education across Europe.