Community of Practice & Topical Groups
The Community of Practice
The FOREU4ALL CoP is at the heart of the project. It has created a series of 20 topical groups that will be collegially selected and represent the most important topics among strategic fields for alliances.
The full list of the CoP Board is available here.
In practice, the CoP topical groups aim at building and further develop the work carried out by the subgroups of the informal FOR-EU network since 2020.
The objectives of the CoP and its topical groups are:
- To empower alliances through providing a cooperation platform for networking and collaboration on common topics;
- To boost peer learning and encourage alliances to act as role models;
- To enable alliances to share knowledge, know-how as well as skills and thus solve key challenges in transnational cooperation;
- Tu support a substantial leap in Higher Education quality through encouraging the uptake of good practices and experiences within and outside alliances in collaboration with the FOREU4ALL working group on Policy Dialogue as well as Communication & Dissemination.
Topical groups are monitored and supported by the CoP Officer, and regular meetings with topical group Chairs will be organised to foster cross-group collaboration.
In addition, 8 transversal/topical workshops will be organised throughout the four years of the project. Calls for workshops will be published, followed by a collegial selection process. The main outputs from each workshop will feed the work on Policy Dialogue and/or will be disseminated via FOREU4ALL channels.
Relevant activities and events related to the topical groups will be published in the News section of the website. Reports and outcomes will be available here.
The topical groups
A call for topical group proposals was launched in December 2024 and closed in February 2024. Based on the proposals received, the CoP Board evaluated the proposals and established recommendations for the selection of 20 topical groups.
The General Forum (all alliances’ coordinators) were then invited to vote for the selection of topical groups based on those recommendations.
Following this vote, the General Forum approved of the recommendations and thus 20 topical groups were selected, bringing together 1,800+ experts.
- ALLIES (Alliances for Lifelong Learning, Improvement, Empowerment and Skills)
ALLIES (Alliances for Lifelong Learning, Improvement, Empowerment, and Skills) is an initiative fostering collaboration among European University Alliances in the field of University Lifelong Learning (ULLL). Its objective is to develop innovative, inclusive, and flexible educational models, enabling individuals to adapt to the evolving job market and contribute to society. The group focuses on promoting microcredentials, lifelong learning strategies, financing, research, and governance, with particular emphasis on integrating marginalised and non-traditional learners. Through close cooperation with established networks such as EUCEN, EPALE, and the Lifelong Learning Platform, ALLIES effectively pursues its objectives through implementation and dissemination. By doing so, ALLIES enhances competitiveness and social inclusion in Europe, positioning lifelong learning as a cornerstone of educational policy.
- Beate Hoerr (FORTHEM) - Chair
- Päivi Kananen (FORTHEM) - Vice-Chair
- Pascal Paschoud (CIVIS) - Vice-Chair
Objectives
- Map and analyse national and institutional approaches to university lifelong learning to identify strengths, gaps, and synergies.
- Identify and share best practices, position papers, and policy recommendations to influence institutional, national, and EU strategies.
- Share among European University Alliances standards, professional development, and show cases for collaborative virtual platforms.
- Address stakeholders—including public authorities, industries, unions, and NGOs—to ensure relevance, sustainability and impact.
- Promote inclusion by actively supporting vulnerable groups, older adults, and professionals without academic backgrounds.
- Foster transparency and portability of qualifications and the mobility of lifelong learners.
- Communication & Dissemination
The Topical Group Communication and Dissemination (C&D) is one of the twenty groups collegially selected to represent key strategic topics for European Universities alliances.
Among the main objectives of the C&D topical group are the enhancement of already fruitful collaboration between alliance communicators, the sharing of best practices, and the strengthening of peer learning and collaboration.
The group has also an advisory capacity within the FOREU4ALL Community of Practice in terms of communication matters, when requested. Both the group and the alliances involved aim to amplify the reach of dissemination efforts by acting as multipliers of the FOREU4ALL’s dissemination outputs.
- Guillermo Orts (CHARM-EU) - Chair
- Maria-Isabel Soldevila (CIVIS) - Vice-Chair
- Andrea Zestic (ENHANCE) - Vice-Chair
- Anna Coutinho (FilmEU) - Vice-Chair
Objectives
- To improve the already fruitful collaboration between alliance communicators.
- To share best practices and reinforce peer learning and collaboration.
- To support FOREU4ALL with specific needs for the expansion of the organisation of joint actions and in doing so, to increase the visibility, reach and engagement potential of alliances’ positions, advocacy initiatives and dissemination of results.
- To organise joint training programmes that go beyond the thematic expertise of communicators and help link them to other areas of FOREU4ALL.
- To reinforce the sense of belonging among members of the group and with the general Alliances’ community.
- To formalise our recurrent meetings and allow for more structured participation of members.
- To encourage innovation and new forms of collaboration.
- Community engagement
The Community Engagement topical group deals with enhancing and reinventing students and staff (i.e., academic and administrative) participation within the alliances, empowering them both as active co-creators and engaged beneficiaries.
The group encourages collaboration between alliances and tackling common challenges in staff and student engagement.
- Barbara Guyomarch (Unite!) - co-Chair
- Giovanni Andriolo (UNITA) - co-Chair
Objectives
- Provide a collaborative platform for networking and peer learning.
- Act as a centre of expertise for the Alliances.
- Strengthen awareness and communication, thus promoting a sense of belonging among students and staff by encouraging their active role and visibility within the alliance community.
- Cooperation with Ukraine
The Diversity and Inclusion topical group brings together European University Alliances committed to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion within higher education. Recognizing diversity and inclusion as cross-cutting themes relevant to all areas of higher education, we foster exchange, support policy development, and promote inclusive practices across our institutions. By working collectively, we contribute to making European university alliances more inclusive, diversity-aware and equitable.
- Melih Özkardeş (ENHANCE) - co-Chair
- Deirdre McQuillan (Eut+) - co-Chair
Objectives
- Learning and Sharing: To learn from each other on how diversity, inclusion, and gender aspects are addressed in different alliances and to share knowledge about Diversity, Inclusion, Gender and Equality.
- Inspiration: To get inspiration on how to solve our common challenges.
- Exploring Synergies: Identify opportunities for joint actions, research, and initiatives.
- Societal Engagement & Impact: Promote meaningful interactions with external stakeholders and communities (incl. associated partners of alliances).
- Addressing Anti-Diversity Movements in Europe: Strengthen alliances’ capacities to counter exclusionary narratives.
- Policy & Implementation Support: Actively contribute to the dissemination and application of DEI-related materials, including guidelines, toolkits, and joint educational activities.
- Diversity & Inclusion
The Diversity and Inclusion topical group brings together European University Alliances committed to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion within higher education. Recognizing diversity and inclusion as cross-cutting themes relevant to all areas of higher education, we foster exchange, support policy development, and promote inclusive practices across our institutions. By working collectively, we contribute to making European university alliances more inclusive, diversity-aware and equitable.
- Melih Özkardeş (ENHANCE) - co-Chair
- Deirdre McQuillan (Eut+) - co-Chair
Objectives
- Learning and Sharing: To learn from each other on how diversity, inclusion, and gender aspects are addressed in different alliances and to share knowledge about Diversity, Inclusion, Gender and Equality.
- Inspiration: To get inspiration on how to solve our common challenges.
- Exploring Synergies: Identify opportunities for joint actions, research, and initiatives.
- Societal Engagement & Impact: Promote meaningful interactions with external stakeholders and communities (incl. associated partners of alliances).
- Addressing Anti-Diversity Movements in Europe: Strengthen alliances’ capacities to counter exclusionary narratives.
- Policy & Implementation Support: Actively contribute to the dissemination and application of DEI-related materials, including guidelines, toolkits, and joint educational activities.
- European Degrees & joint programmes
The European Degree and Joint Programmes topical group (ED&JP TG) brings together representatives from European University Alliances to advance the development of joint programmes and contribute to the shaping of the European Degree initiative. The group brings together stakeholders from different universities and countries to exchange good practices, foster peer learning, and collaborate on designing, implementing, and sustaining joint educational programmes.
Firmly rooted in the operational realities of universities, the group plays a dual role: it supports institutions in navigating the practical aspects of joint programme delivery, while also acting as a structured channel for policy input. By capturing the collective expertise of practitioners working hands-on with joint programmes, the group provides informed feedback to help shape and refine the European Degree Label and related frameworks.
Its work contributes to a shared understanding of joint programme implementation, strengthens inter-alliance cooperation, and promotes evidence-based dialogue with European stakeholders.
- Romita Iucu (CIVIS) - co-Chair
- Laura Colo (4EU+) - co-Chair
Objectives
- Support alliances and higher education institutions in designing, implementing, and scaling joint programmes by providing good practices and lessons learned from successfully implemented programmes, especially in the context of the ED framework.
- Promote the exchange of expertise and good practices, building the sector’s capacity to tackle evolving challenges and opportunities.
- Act as a channel for policy input, bringing the sector’s vision and needs to European-level discussions.
- Support advocacy and policy-oriented dialogue at European level on the transformation, innovation, and enhancement of joint programmes, by ensuring that the perspectives and priorities gathered within this group (composed of representatives from European University Alliances working hands-on with joint programmes) are duly reflected and taken into account, in close collaboration with FOREU4ALL Project Management and Policy Dialogue activities.
- European Universities Governance and legal frameworks
The topical group on European Universities Governance and Legal Frameworks supports the success of all alliances in the areas of effective governance, legal frameworks, and financial sustainability. Through collaborative exchange and shared best practices, the group also contributes to FOREU4ALL advocacy in collaboration with the Policy Dialogue team.
Key activities and outcomes include disseminating key findings through good practices, publications, position papers, or workshops and exploring ways to strengthen financial sustainability of alliances, supporting policy dialogue on governance, legal entities, and investment pathway.
- Meritxell Chaves (CHARM-EU) - Chair
- Timothée Toury (EUt+) - Vice-Chair
- Fernando Pérez (SEA-EU) - Vice-Chair
Objectives
- Share best practices and challenges to support the success of all alliances in the fields of governance, legal frameworks and financial sustainability.
- To support the development of a Legal Status for alliances that is based on real-world feedback, experience, and the evolving needs expressed by alliances.
- To explore avenues for increased financial sustainability for alliances and understand the nuanced needs of the alliances in this regard.
- Impact
The FOREU4ALL Impact topical group aims to promote a culture of impact across the European Higher Education and Research Areas. It supports European University Alliances (EUAs) in understanding, assessing, communicating, and managing the transformative effects of their work. By raising impact awareness, enhancing impact literacy, and fostering impact readiness, the group empowers Alliance members to reflect on and deepen their contributions to the European Higher Education and society.
Its work focuses on fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge and good practices, and promoting joint approaches to impact. It also aims to increase the visibility of the Alliances’ impact among policymakers and stakeholders, drawing on real evidence and testimonials. Through the transfer of effective, impact-driven practices and engagement with key partners, the group contributes to amplifying higher education’s positive impact across Europe.
- Gloria Nunes Rodrigues (ENLIGHT) - co-Chair
- Igor Campillo (ENLIGHT) - co-Chair
- Angela Kipf (EU GREEN) - Vice-Chair
- Ernesto Exposito (UNITA) - Vice-Chair
- Laura Corazza (UNITA) - Vice-Chair
- Audrey Sullivan (Circle U.) - Vice-Chair
- Mara Noblet (ERUA) - Vice-Chair
General objectives:
- Raising Impact Awareness.
- Building Impact Literacy.
- Enhancing Impact Readiness*.
Specific objectives:
- Empower alliances.
- Raise awareness of and enhance the visibility of alliances' transformative impact.
- To support a susbstantial leap of Higher Education impact.
*The concept of Impact Awareness, Literacy and Readiness was first introduced by Igor Campillo, Glória Nunes Rodrigues and Iñigo Puertas in Campillo,I., Nunes, G., Puertas, I. (2023). “Defining impact: as shift in thinking, acting and being.” At Times Higher Education. https://www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/defining-impact-shift-thinking-acting-and-being
- Upscaling Internationalization and Innovation in Education
This group focuses on Upscaling Internationalization and Innovation in Education.
Regarding internationalization, it focuses on ways to achieve the Alliances’ goal of massively increasing the number of students gaining meaningful international exposure. Focus is on inclusive, accessible, green, highly scalable strategies, including (short-term) physical, virtual, blended mobility, internationalization of curriculum, Internationalization at Home.
At the same time, it focuses on ways to promote scalable innovation in education, leveraging a network of European Universities, notably focusing on Challenge Based Learning, as it is a key requirement for the Alliances. The focus is on didactical innovation, on bridging educational research and practice, and supporting teachers’ professional development.
- Frédéric Renouard (EDUC) - Chair
- Piet Van Hove (HEROES) - Vice-Chair
- Sujal Chouhan (EDUC) - Vice-Chair
- Rozenn Joufflineau (EDUC) - Vice-Chair
- Sara Repo (Ulysseus) - Vice-Chair
- Bianca van Putten (Ulysseus) - Vice-Chair
- Victor le Cam (EUniWell) - Vice-Chair
- Sonia Gomez Puente (EuroTeQ) - Vice-Chair
Objectives
- Share experience on strategies and best practices.
- Internationalize and modernise teaching and learning, both at course and curriculum level.
- Enable universities to respond to the evolving needs of students, teachers, and society.
- Internationalisation and global outreach
The Internationalisation and Global Outreach topical group is dedicated to strengthening collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and policy alignment across European University Alliances. Its primary aim is to support the development of impactful and inclusive internationalisation and global outreach strategies. By fostering joint efforts and shared learning, the group contributes to enhancing the global engagement and visibility of European higher education.
- Selma Probic (Aurora) - co-Chair
- Magdalena Sikorska (EUNICE) - co-Chair
- Francisco do Adro (UNITA) - Vice-Chair
- John Gardiner (Ulysseus) - Vice-Chair
Objectives
- Strengthen collaboration, knowledge-sharing and policy alignment across alliances.
- Advancing impactful, inclusive internationalisation and global outreach strategies.
- IT & Digitalization
This topical group brings together experts from European University Alliances to collaborate on key aspects of digital transformation in higher education. Through dedicated sub-groups, members work on interoperability, digital identity, micro-credentials, cybersecurity, AI in education, shared digital services, and alignment with EU digital strategies. The group aims to develop shared solutions, influence policy, and support the creation of a more connected and secure European Higher Education digital ecosystem.
- Clément Loret (CIVICA) - co-Chair
- Stéphane Auzanneau (CIVICA) - co-Chair
- Vlad Petcu (UNITA) - co-Chair
- Thrasyvoulos-Konstantinos Tsiatsos (ECIU) - co-Chair
- Fred Barstad (ENHANCE) - co-Chair
- Francisca Martin (UNINOVIS) - co-Chair
- Jesus Alcober (Unite!) - co-Chair
Objectives
- Provide a structured forum for alliances to share experiences.
- Develop shared strategies.
- Contribute to EU-wide efforts in the digitalization of higher education.
- Align efforts with national policies and initiatives for greater impact at the local and regional levels.
- Library and Open Science
The Library and Open Science topical group aims to foster collaboration, innovation and capacity building among university library networks within European university alliances by addressing common challenges and leveraging collective expertise.
The current topical group highlights the role of libraries in advancing the missions of European universities. Focus areas include Open Science, including Citizen Science, Diamond Open Access model and Open Educational Resources, digital transformation, sustainability, academic mobility and scientific resource sharing, professional capacity building through a solid and concrete community of practice, and policy collaboration with European infrastructures like the EOSC EU Node, OpenAIRE, and major European library networks like LIBER (Ligue des Bibliothèques européennes de recherche).
- Marc Martinez (CIVICA) - Chair
- Zhengdong Shi (EUGLOH) - co-Chair
Objectives
- Strengthen OS, Diamond and OER practices.
- Improve academic mobility including resource sharing.
- Promote digital transformation and sustainability.
- Professional capacity development and community building.
- Influence policy and infrastructure development.
- Produce practical outputs and evidence-based recommendations.
- Mobility
Mobility in all its forms is a crucial element of the European Universities Initiative, especially with the 50% target set by the Commission. Many new and innovative mobility formats have already been piloted. However, challenges in supporting various mobility formats persist and often multiply when moved to an alliance level, as does reporting them.The Mobility topical group addresses three main themes: identifying main obstacles to mobility and how to solve them, defining mobility and tracking and accounting for mobility and international exposure.
- Klementyna Kielak (4EU+) - co-Chair
- Lotte Skovborg (Circle U.) - co-Chair
Objectives
- Discuss and propose common definitions of what inclusive mobilities are.
- Develop tools for mobility tracking and reporting, both at the institutional and alliance levels.
- Share experiences on how to collect and report on data on Internationalization at Home.
- Address obstacles to mobility.
- Multilingualism and multiculturalism
The Multilingualism and Multiculturalism topical group brings together members of European University Alliances who are committed to promoting linguistic diversity, cultural inclusion and intercultural dialogue. Recognising that multilingualism and multiculturalism lie at the heart of the European project, we support the sharing of experience and reflection on teaching, research and institutional practice that value linguistic and cultural diversity as assets. We are also interested in alliance policies in our area and work together to share ideas and align approaches for monitoring and evaluation across alliances. We encourage research on multilingual, multicultural and policy-related topics, and aim to help alliances strengthen intercultural, plurilingual and global competence. We also explore how digital and AI tools can support wider access and participation. As a space for mutual learning, we work towards higher education environments that are fairer, more open to the world, and more responsive to cultural diversity.
- Elisa Corino (UNITA) - co-Chair
- Tamás Péter Szabó (FORTHEM) - co-Chair
- Björn Kjellgren (Unite!) - co-Chair
Objectives
- Promote linguistic and cultural diversity in Higher Education.
- Strenghten educational and research practices through multilingual and multicultural approaches.
- Support research on multilingualism and multiculturalism.
- Encourage institutional cooperation and policy alignment across alliances.
- Promote intercultural and global competence.
- Enable shared learning and deepened collaboration among alliances.
- Contribute to European and national policy development.
- Embed monitoring and reflexive development.
- Project Management
FOREU4ALL PM serves as a collaborative platform for networking and coordination among project managers at the coordinator level across the European University Alliances. Its mission is to pioneer the transformation of EU reporting within the EUI framework, promote peer learning to establish common standards and develop practical guidelines, facilitate knowledge transfer within Alliances and across topical groups, and strengthen communication and cooperation with the EACEA.
- Jonas Salz (YUFE) - Chair
- Lucia Conte (ECIU) - Vice-Chair
Short-term objectives:
- Facilitate the internal exchange of best practices on project management across alliances.
- Strengthen collaboration channels with the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA).
- Promote a collaborative working culture that supports continuous improvement across all European University Alliances (EUAs).
- Coordinate common strategies for meeting reporting requirements efficiently.
- Establish a mentorship network within the Community of Practice to build capacity and knowledge-sharing.
- Develop standardized tools and key performance indicators (KPIs) for effective monitoring of European University Initiative (EUI) projects.
Mid-term objectives:
- Disseminate EU project management best practices to stakeholders beyond the EUA network.
- Create a comprehensive repository of project management best practices tailored to higher education contexts.
- Compile and maintain a shared repository of digital project management tool.
- Co-author a joint publication outlining good practices in EUA project management, focusing on approaches beyond individual project reporting.
- Develop clear and actionable guidelines for the financial management of EUA projects, including handling multiple funding sources.
Long-term objectives:
- Advocate for and implement holisitic project management frameworks that are adaptable to both individual projects and entire alliances.
- Design and apply improved methodologies for data collection and evaluation across the European Universities Initiative.
- Quality Assurance
The Quality Assurance Topical Group brings together QA professionals, programme managers, and higher education stakeholders from across all European University Alliances. Its core aim is to develop, test, and share innovative QA approaches that respond to the unique needs of transnational cooperation in higher education.
This group is organised around three focus areas: QA of joint educational offers, Internal QA systems in alliances (KPIs, mobility, inter-institutional provision) and QA beyond education, including research, governance, and societal impact.
The QA group is particularly engaged with evolving topics such as the European Approach, the proposed QA framework for alliances, and alignment with the European Degree Label criteria. It aims to provide practical guidance, gather good practices, and shape the future of QA in the European Higher Education Area.
- Mara Noblet (ERUA) - Chair
- Swantje Schirmer (4EU+) - Vice-Chair
- Anna Karin Björling (CIVIS) - Vice-Chair
- Mario Calabrese (EPICUR) - Vice-Chair
- Filip Idzikowski (EUNICE) - Vice-Chair
- Alexandre Wipf (EUPeace) - Vice-Chair
- Nicole Oneill (EUt+) - Vice-chair
- Angela Kipf (EU GREEN) - Vice-Chair
Short-term objectives:
- Facilitate knowledge exchange by sharing good practices and case studies related to QA within and across alliances, including topics such as joint programmes, internal QA systems, mobility and impact evaluation.
- Establish collaborative formats (Open Hours, webinars, workshops) for cross alliance dialogue and learning.
- Initiate joint activities with other topical groups including European Degree and Joint Programmes, Upscaling Internationalization and Innovation in Education and other relevant groups.
- Discuss and reflect on good practices on how to coordinate different layers of QA within alliances and align QA with alliance-level impact goals.
Mid-term objectives:
- Develop and disseminate practical recommendations for implementing QA policies, procedures, KPI monitoring, and evaluation tools tailored to the EUI context.
- Develop and publish reflection papers at venues such as the European Quality Assurance Forum (EQAF), European Association for International Education (EAIE) conference and exhibition, as well as FOREU4ALL Policy Dialogue venues.
- Address emerging challenges in QA, such as micro-credentials, joint programmes and the European Degree label but also transnational education and new forms of mobility.
Long-term objectives:
- Establish a better understanding of the QUA of EUAs focusing on e.g., joint programmes, mobility, KPI monitoring, and inter-institutional education.
- Enhance mutual learning by bridging first-generation and new alliances, leveraging their respective maturity and innovation as well as spurring peer learning.
- Contribute to ongoing and future political developments and provide informed perspectives to influence European Higher Education policies in general and QA policy-making in particular, ensuring that QA practices are aligned with the evolving needs of alliances and other Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), including but not limited to the European Commission's European Degree Package and the ESG review planned for 2027.
- R&I
The R&I topical group, which is open to all alliances, is expected to be an active group looking at where we can collectively work on thematic topics and horizon, scan what is happening in the European R&I environment (as it relates to alliances) and interacting where necessary via the FOREU4ALL Policy Dialogue and Communication teams. Cognisant that alliances are competing with each other, the focus is on activities which benefit all alliances and, where working together can progress thematic areas and exchange best practice ideas, particularly on implementation of ERA policy agenda actions and framework conditions for building R&I excellence within/beyond Alliances to HEIs/external stakeholders. In addition to the work of the core TG, a number of thematic subgroups, to be agreed collectively by the TG, will facilitate a more in-depth discussion and progression of themes, overcoming obstacles and challenges. The TG will work with the FOREU4ALL Policy Dialogue team to help secure an R&I investment pathway and in general will contribute to the wider dissemination of learnings with FOREU4ALL Communication team.
- Doris Alexander (CHARM-EU) - Chair
- Jörg Langwaldt (ECIU) - Vice-Chair
- Ludovic Thilly (EC2U) - Vice-Chair
Objectives
- Follow/influence EU R&I policy/programme design including research-informed education, focusing on potential opportunities/challenges for the alliances' R&I missions in strong connection with FOREU4ALL Policy Dialogue activities.
- Discuss and share practices on implementation of ERA policy agenda actions (e.g., Open Science and Citizen Science).
- Share experiences/practices in setting/updating and delivering joint strategies ensuring an EDI based approach (e.g., infrastructures).
- Work to secure an R&I investment pathway (with FOREU4ALL Policy Dialogue).
- Contribution to the wider dissemination of learnings with FOREU4ALL communication channels.
- Promote, help create and make use of inter-alliances projects.
- Focus on a number of thematic subgroups to facilitate a more in-depth discussion and progression of themes, overcoming obstacles and challenges.
- Regional innovation ecosystems
The Regional Innovation Ecosystems topical group supports Alliances with a regional focus in becoming drivers of transformation and contributors to Europe’s competitiveness. It promotes inclusive, challenge-driven innovation aligned with regional Smart Specialization Strategies and key EU priorities like cohesion, digitalization, and the green transition. The group is structured around two main pillars:
Knowledge Sharing in a Reflective Community of Practice: The group serves as a collaborative platform for sharing insights, challenges, and best practices. Through case studies and webinars, members will reflect on engagement models aimed at strengthening regional innovation capacities across diverse socio-political and academic contexts.
Policy Recommendations and Advocacy: The group strives to increase the visibility and influence of EUAs through policy briefs and practice-oriented toolkits. It aims to have an impact on regional and EU policies by showcasing how alliances can address societal challenges through research aligned with regional strategies and needs.
- Annette Klinkert (COLOURS) - Chair
- Mona Roman (U!REKA) - Vice-Chair
- Enno Ence (FORTHEM) - Vice-Chair
Objectives
- Foster systems thinking to strengthen EUA impact on regional innovation.
- Promote policy alignment to position EUAs as central stakeholders in Smart Specialization and regional development.
- Empower alliance members to facilitate inclusive knowledge exchange across academia, civil society and industry.
- Share knowledge on how to advance regional and international synergies through cross-border and interregional collaboration.
- Support talent development and retention aligned with entrepreneurial and technological needs.
- Establish collaborative innovation and policy-making models in European regions.
- Share comparative best practices to inspire effective regional strategies.
- STEAM
STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. It is an educational approach that equally integrates these disciplines to promote critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
The STEAM topical group wants to implement a STEAM-driven agenda in European Universities and beyond. This includes identifying existing approaches to STEAM in HEIs, the potential for knowledge and experience transfer between HEIs participating in European Universities and devising policy-driven initiatives that can foster a STEAM agenda on the European Level. The group supports a novel approach that departs from the Arts to touch upon STEM methodologies and approaches.
- Manuel José Damásio (FilmEU) - co-Chair
- Martin Prchal (IN.TUNE) - co-Chair
- Veerle van der Sluys (FilmEU) - Vice-Chair
- Dusanka Jelenkovic Vidovic (IN.TUNE) - Vice-Chair
Objectives
- Foster the adoption of a STEAM agenda and related priorities by European Universities Alliances and across the European Higher Education and Research areas more broadly.
- Set up collaborative networks that allow for the strategic and structural formation of innovative collaboration that can drive the adoption and piloting of STEAM activities.
- Promote the dissemination of knowledge and best practices on the use of STEAM by European Universities.
- Promote joint activities that empower HEIs that are interested in STEAM with the appropriate training, network and resources to support ground-breaking new pedagogical innovations and artistic research activities and results.
- Student-led community on Sustainable and Democratic Student Participation
The FOREU4ALL Student-led Community comprises student representatives from all European Universities Alliances (EUAs) and their member institutions. It is designed as a space for peer exchange, support, and collaborative engagement. Its core purpose is to strengthen democratic student representation across EUAs and foster sustainable, transparent governance structures. The group also serves as a collective voice of EUA students in both internal and external discussions. By building a bottom-up community, the FOREU4ALL Student-led Community aims to enhance the legitimacy and influence of student participation within the European Universities Initiative.
- Eddie Arriaga Flores (ECIU) - co-Chair
- Giulia Rebecca Conte (CIVICA) - co-Chair
At EUA level, the group aims to:
- Strengthen the role of student representatives in EUAs through transfer of knowledge and mutual support.
- Promote systems and practices through which EUAs can directly establish democratic student representation and integrate it into their core governance structures and decision-making processes.
- Collect data on student participation in EUAs’ governance through a survey during the first year and in 2028, in collaboration with other international student organisations.
- Document, showcase and discuss common challenges and solutions, fostering mutual learning and collaboration.
At FOREU4ALL level, the group aims to:
- Establish a space for peer-to-peer exchange that allows for straightforward connections and ensures engagement of student representatives.
- Reach out to all EUAs at least twice a year, in order to guarantee the involvement of students from all alliances.
- Maintain a dialogue with other related topical groups to jointly identify synergies and opportunities for collaboration.
- Work together with international student organisations to communicate the needs and opinions of EUA students towards other European institutions and initiatives.
- Actively participate in all relevant FOREU4ALL workshops, both as participants and contributors.
- Recognize students as experts of their own university experience and ensure their feedback from the EUA level is shared with other groups and governance bodies.