ACE2-EU European University

ACE²-EU Represented at FOREU4ALL Workshop on Community Engagement and Sense of Belonging

adminucb — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:53:28 +0000

Strasbourg, France, ACE²-EU was represented at the FOREU4ALL Workshop “From Campuses to Communities: Enhancing Engagement and Sense of Belonging in European Universities”, hosted by the EPICUR Alliance at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on 2-3 June 2026.

The event brought together representatives from European University Alliances across Europe to exchange good practices and develop collaborative approaches for strengthening community engagement, institutional visibility, student participation, inclusion, and the sense of belonging within European Universities.

ACE²-EU participated through its representative Andrei Ghimiși from Constantin Brâncuși University, who contributed to discussions on enhancing engagement within transnational university alliances and explored innovative initiatives aimed at fostering stronger connections between universities, students, staff, and local communities.

The workshop featured keynote discussions, thematic breakout sessions, student-led roundtables, and collaborative activities focused on addressing common challenges and opportunities faced by European University Alliances. Participants worked together to develop proposals and recommendations that will contribute to the future development of the European Universities Initiative.

ACE²-EU Steering Group Meets in Santarém to Advance the Future of European Higher Education

adminucb — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:46:06 +0000

Santarém, Portugal, 2 June 2026 – Leaders of the ACE²-EU (Applied, Connected, Entrepreneurial and Engaged European University) Alliance gathered at Santarém Polytechnic University (IPSantarém), Portugal, for the Rectors and Presidents Steering Group (RPSG) Meeting, reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthening European higher education through deeper institutional cooperation, innovation, and international engagement.

The two-day meeting brought together rectors, presidents, and senior representatives from the alliance’s partner institutions to review progress, define strategic priorities, and take important steps toward the long-term sustainability of the alliance.

A major milestone of the meeting was the advancement of ACE²-EU’s pilot legal entity. Alliance leaders discussed and formally signed key statutes and bylaws, laying the foundation for a stronger and more integrated governance structure that will support future collaboration and joint initiatives.

Participants also reviewed progress against strategic objectives and key performance indicators, assessed ongoing activities, and discussed future developments aligned with the ACE²-EU strategic plan. The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on the evolving European Universities Initiative and to reflect on the role of national ministries and public agencies in supporting transnational university alliances.

Another central topic was the international dimension of the alliance. Discussions focused on global outreach, talent attraction, entrepreneurship, and innovation ecosystems, highlighting how universities can contribute to regional development through stronger connections between academia, industry, and society.

The Steering Group also addressed the future development of joint academic programmes, including the establishment of an Academic Council, support mechanisms for collaborative educational initiatives, and sustainable funding approaches. Preparations for the upcoming ACE²-EU Annual Congress and future alliance activities were likewise reviewed.

Speaking on behalf of the alliance, the Steering Group emphasized that ACE²-EU continues to build a collaborative European university ecosystem that empowers students, researchers, staff, and regional stakeholders while contributing to the European Higher Education Area.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to advancing the alliance’s strategic objectives, strengthening institutional cooperation, and expanding opportunities for innovation, mobility, and international engagement across all partner institutions.

Sustainability Is More Than Waste Sorting: Students Explore Solutions for the Festivals of the Future

adminucb — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 11:43:59 +0000

From 25 to 29 May, the Latvian Academy of Culture (LAC) hosted the ACE²-EU Alliance Flavour School “Sustainable Outdoor Events: Waste Around and Within Us”, bringing together 43 students and more than 10 lecturers from partner universities across Europe to explore solutions for more sustainable outdoor event management. The programme was designed and coordinated by Aija Lūse, Lecturer at the Latvian Academy of Culture and Director of the Master’s programme “Cultural and Arts Management”, in collaboration with Lietuvos Inžinerijos kolegija (Lithuania) and the Medical University of Gdańsk (Poland). Key industry partners included the Latvian music and arts festival “Laba Daba” and the environmental management company “Getliņi EKO”.

“When discussing sustainability in events, we often think only about waste sorting on the festival grounds. However, a sustainable event begins much earlier – during the planning stage, when transport flows, resource consumption, supply chains, and visitor behaviour are taken into account. Our goal was to help students see this entire system and understand that sustainability is not a single activity but a comprehensive approach,” explains programme coordinator Aija Lūse.

The opening day introduced participants to the theoretical foundations of sustainability and their relevance to cultural event management. LAC guest lecturer Rūdolfs Kivlenieks provided an overview of the environmental and social dimensions of sustainability, while Associate Professor Agnese Hermane explored the relationship between outdoor events and visitor experience, examining how event environments, organisational decisions, and audience needs shape the overall experience.

Later that day, Gundega Turnele, Director of the “Laba Daba” festival, introduced students to the festival’s sustainability practices and challenges within the context of Latvian outdoor events. Her presentation laid the foundation for the collaborative group work that continued throughout the week. The day concluded with a masterclass led by Professor Ramona Galkina, where participants explored sustainability, interconnectedness, and self-awareness through movement and embodied experience.

Throughout the week, student teams worked on a challenge provided by the representatives of “Laba Daba” festival titled “Small Country, Wide World”. The task focused on one of the festival’s key strategic questions: how to become more internationally recognised without losing its unique Latvian identity. Students were asked to develop a vision of what internationalisation should mean for the festival, identify new cooperation networks, European funding opportunities, and international partnerships, and propose practical sustainability solutions for the festival’s future development.

The resulting proposals were diverse and creative. Several groups argued that international growth should not be based on attracting mass tourism, but rather on offering authentic Latvian culture, nature, and community experiences to international audiences. Students proposed joining European festival networks, creating international artist residency programmes, strengthening cooperation with European cultural organisations, and building strategic relationships with international media outlets and cultural professionals.

Alongside internationalisation strategies, students also developed sustainability initiatives. Proposed ideas included a “Green Passport” programme for festival visitors, sustainability education activities embedded within the festival programme, international craft and cultural exchange projects, circular economy initiatives, sustainable mobility solutions, and increased visitor participation in environmental protection activities.

International lecturers also played a significant role in the programme. On the second day, students worked with professors Romutė Mikučionienė and Valda Gudynaitė-Franckevičienė from Lietuvos Inžinerijos kolegija, analysing the impact of festivals on soil and natural ecosystems and discussing how nature and movement can become integral elements of sustainable event experiences. LAC researcher and student Marta Dieviņa led a practical workshop on aquatic ecosystems and their role in event planning, encouraging participants to think on a river-basin scale and evaluate the suitability of different territories for outdoor events.

The third day focused on human health and often overlooked environmental risks in event settings. Professor Maciej Tankiewicz from the Medical University of Gdańsk introduced participants to health and safety protocols for outdoor events, discussing heat-related risks, hydration strategies, and the impact of noise, light pollution, and other environmental factors on well-being. Students also conducted practical noise measurements and analysed their potential effects on visitors.

Another important component of the programme was a study visit to “Getliņi EKO”, where students gained first-hand insight into waste management processes, circular economy principles, and sustainable resource use in practice. The visit encouraged participants to look beyond festival grounds and understand the broader chain of responsibility associated with the environmental impact of events.

Prior to the visit, students attended a lecture by Professor Vilda Grybauskienė from Lietuvos Inžinerijos kolegija on the impact of festivals on soil and natural ecosystems. The lecture provided a theoretical understanding of the environmental consequences of human activity and the importance of sustainable resource management. The visit to Getliņi then allowed participants to observe these principles in practice and see how modern waste management systems and circular economy approaches can reduce environmental impact and contribute to more sustainable futures.

At the end of the programme, student teams presented their solutions to representatives of the “Laba Daba” festival, demonstrating both their ability to analyse complex sustainability challenges and their capacity to develop practical, actionable ideas.

At the same time, the programme highlighted that sustainable event management is not merely a collection of technical solutions. It is an interdisciplinary process in which environmental responsibility, cultural identity, human health, and community participation are equally important components.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them. Project 101177596.

Prepared by Aija Lūse

Forty teachers from across Europe launch ALPS, ACE²-EU’s Active Learning Pedagogy School, at UFV

adminucb — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 11:37:11 +0000

The first edition of the programme brought academic staff from the Alliance’s partner universities together for four days in Madrid to master active-learning methods they will go on to apply in their own courses — to the benefit of students across Europe.
Madrid — From 26 to 29 May 2026, the Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (UFV) hosted the first edition of ALPS, the Active Learning Pedagogy School of the ACE²-EU European University Alliance, made up of nine partner universities from across Europe. Conceived as a kick-off for what will become a recurring school, the four-day programme brought together 40 teachers from every academic field — from the experimental sciences to the arts, by way of entrepreneurship.
Over four intensive days, participants worked side by side to learn and practise the methodology behind Micro Learning Opportunities (MLOs) — short, focused, experiential courses. The aim was for participants to experience and master a general set of active-learning approaches that each of them could later take home and apply to their own courses. Following a consistent theory-into-practice pattern, every input on diversity and interculturality, experiential learning, assessment or the ACE teacher persona was immediately followed by a hands-on space in which participants tried out the methodology together.
The city itself became part of the classroom. Beyond the working sessions at the UFV campus, participants explored central Madrid on a city gymkhana and spent an afternoon at the Prado Museum, approaching art through a pedagogical lens as a shared intercultural and reflective moment. An intercultural night brought the cohort together off campus to build the trust and the relationships that underpin genuine co-creation.
For many, the biggest surprise was the atmosphere. “I had a bit of prejudice before coming,” admitted Mykolė Lukošienė, of Lietuvos inžinerijos kolegija HEI (Lithuania). “I was very surprised because it was really inclusive: you could find a place as a person, with your personality, in the team. You have a full toolkit of methods you can use in your own discipline.”
That sense of immediate applicability was echoed across disciplines. “I think I can apply the roleplay dynamic we did at the UFV with my entrepreneurship classes, when simulating how to build a startup,” said Mark, of Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (Germany). “We did it in a playful context, putting ourselves in the shoes of other people. Switching into different roles fits perfectly.”
ALPS forms part of ACE’s pedagogical area, led by Chelo Pérez (UFV). The school is designed not as a one-off but as the starting point of a long-term pedagogical model: over the next four years, the Alliance will offer different kinds of training to students across all of its partner universities. Every one of those students stands to benefit from the active-learning methods these teachers have now mastered and will apply when designing their own short, focused courses — and from the network of ACE ambassadors launched on the final day to sustain the approach at each home institution.
In her closing reflection, Agustina Jutard — one of the teachers who accompanied the programme throughout the four days — drew out the thread running through the week: intentionality. Presence, she reminded participants, does not simply happen — it is chosen; and interculturality is not something spontaneous but a competence developed through openness, curiosity and a readiness to listen. Her parting challenge looked ahead to the journey home: to choose one or two very concrete first steps, and not to take them alone.
The programme was delivered by a teaching team drawn from UFV and the Alliance’s partner universities, who guided the sessions on diversity and interculturality, team-building and co-creation, active methodologies, assessment and the ACE teacher persona.
UFV and the ACE²-EU Alliance thanked all of the partner universities for their presence and their active participation throughout the week. With its first edition behind it, ALPS is only just beginning.

ACE²-EU Flavour School Kicks Off at Goce Delcev University, Stip

adminucb — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 11:33:19 +0000

Goce Delcev University in Stip, North Macedonia, has officially welcomed participants of the ACE²-EU Flavour School, an intensive international programme organised within the framework of the ACE²-EU Alliance. The initiative brings together students from across Europe for a five-day immersive learning experience focused on economic resilience, crisis response, and future-oriented decision-making.

The Flavour School is hosted by Goce Delcev University in collaboration with the Santarém Polytechnic University, reinforcing the Alliance’s commitment to strengthening European cooperation in higher education and fostering innovative, interdisciplinary learning environments.

The programme explores how economies, governments, and businesses can prepare for, respond to, and recover from crises in an increasingly uncertain global environment. Key themes include geopolitical instability, economic shocks, energy insecurity, environmental pressures, and the role of sustainability and ESG principles in building resilient systems. Through real-world case studies and interactive sessions, students examine how resilience can be strengthened through diversification, innovation, good governance, and international cooperation.

Participants are working in international and interdisciplinary teams alongside students, researchers, and external stakeholders, including representatives from SMEs and start-ups, supply chain and logistics companies, central banks and fiscal authorities, and chambers of commerce and business associations.

The learning journey includes scenario planning workshops, expert lectures, panel discussions, and collaborative group projects aimed at developing practical resilience strategies.

The Flavour School reflects the ACE²-EU Alliance’s mission to promote collaboration, innovation, and shared learning across European higher education institutions. By bringing together students from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds, the programme fosters not only academic development but also intercultural exchange and long-term professional networking.

At the end of the programme, students will present their group projects, reflect on their learning experience, and complete a final reflection activity, marking the conclusion of an intensive week of collaborative and applied learning in Stip.

Santarém Polytechnic University hosts ACE2-EU’s BIP Designing Social Good: Bridging Sustainability and Project Management

adminucb — Thu, 28 May 2026 18:40:10 +0000

Santarém Polytechnic University hosted the launch of the in-person activities for “Designing Social Good: Bridging Sustainability and Project Management,” promoted by the ACE²-EU European university alliance.

The Pedagogical Support Center of the School of Education of Santarém (ESES) welcomed students and faculty members from various partner universities for a week of intensive work.

Day 1: Welcome, Team Building, and Cultural Exchange

The inaugural day began with the reception and registration of participants, followed by the official opening session led by Cristina Novo, Pro-President for the Coordination of the ACE²-EU European Alliance, alongside the program’s professors.

Afterward, the “ACEperience” took place—a session where each of the 8 alliance universities gave a 5-minute presentation. The morning session concluded with the first work instructions regarding data collection and country selection.

The afternoon of the first day kicked off with a teambuilding session to integrate the students. This was followed by a Creativity class focused on understanding the context of the problem, and a period dedicated to group work. The first day wrapped up with the “Taste of Culture” activity, promoting cultural exchange among everyone.

Day 2: Project Management and Cultural Tour

The second day started with a theoretical session on “Social Good” and Project Management, followed by a Creativity class aimed at finding creative solutions and stakeholder integration. The afternoon was filled with practical group work and mentoring, culminating in the presentation of the initial context developed by each team. To close the day, participants went on a cultural tour of the city of Santarém.

#IPSantarém #ACE2EU

Santarém Polytechnic University Launches “From Living Soil to Living Food: A One Health Perspective” within the ACE²-EU European University Alliance

adminucb — Thu, 28 May 2026 06:41:29 +0000

Santarém Polytechnic University proudly welcomed international students and academic participants for the opening of the Flavour School “From Living Soil to Living Food: A One Health Perspective”, an initiative integrated into the ACE²-EU European University Alliance. The programme highlights the institution’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and international collaboration in higher education.

The first days of the Flavour School created a dynamic and multicultural environment where students from different countries exchanged ideas and perspectives on soil health, food systems, and global well-being. Through interactive ice-breaking activities and engaging discussions on bioeconomy and sustainable development, participants explored the strong connections between agriculture, the environment, and public health.

The opening programme also showcased the richness of the region through a special tasting experience featuring regional wines and cheeses, celebrating local traditions and gastronomy.

The second day of activities focused entirely on agricultural sustainability, addressing topics such as organic and regenerative farming practices. Participants took part in practical field and laboratory sessions, gaining hands-on experience in analysing soil as a living ecosystem and understanding its essential role in sustainable food production.

This interdisciplinary initiative reflects the growing importance of the One Health approach, promoting collaboration across agriculture, environmental sciences, and health studies. The Flavour School reinforces the role of the Santarém region as a hub for innovation, education, and sustainable development within the European higher education landscape.

Through initiatives such as this, Santarém Polytechnic University and the ACE²-EU European University Alliance continue to strengthen international cooperation and prepare students to address some of today’s most pressing global challenges.

International Flavor School on Sustainable Fashion and Cultural Resilience Held at Goce Delcev University

adminucb — Tue, 26 May 2026 17:05:37 +0000

From May 18 to 22, 2026, the Faculty of Technology at Goce Delcev University hosted the international Flavor School for students from the ACE2-EU universities, titled “Fast Fashion Waste and Cultural Resilience: Rebuilding Sustainable Lifestyles in Times of Global Crisis.”

The program brought together students and academic staff from partner institutions to explore contemporary challenges related to sustainable fashion, textile waste management, and the preservation of cultural heritage in the context of global environmental and social crises.

Throughout the five-day program, participants engaged in interactive lectures, practical workshops, and collaborative discussions focused on sustainable approaches in fashion and textile production. The activities encouraged critical reflection on current industry practices while promoting innovative and ethical alternatives for the future.

The Flavor School addressed several important and timely topics, including the environmental and social impact of the fast fashion industry, opportunities for the reuse and recycling of textile waste, the role of textiles during periods of crisis, and the significance of traditional textile techniques in strengthening cultural resilience and sustainable lifestyles.

In addition to the academic component, the program provided students with opportunities to exchange ideas, develop creative solutions, and work collaboratively in an international and intercultural environment. The initiative strongly promoted knowledge exchange, critical thinking, and cooperation among students and university staff from different countries and academic backgrounds.

The program was implemented with the participation of Professor Maria Izabel Castro Diaz from Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, together with professors from the Faculty of Technology at Goce Delcev University: Silvana Zhezhova, Sanja Risteski, Saska Golomeova Longurova, and Sonja Jordeva.

The organizers expressed gratitude to all participants, partners, and collaborators whose engagement and enthusiasm contributed to the successful realization of the program. It is hoped that the knowledge, experiences, and connections established during the Flavor School will continue to inspire future initiatives dedicated to sustainable development, responsible fashion, and cultural resilience.

From Festival Experience to Waste Management: the Latvian Academy of Culture Together with “Laba Daba” and “Getliņi EKO” Organise an International Study Programme on Sustainable Events

adminucb — Mon, 25 May 2026 18:59:46 +0000

From 25 to 29 May, the Latvian Academy of Culture (LAC) will host the international study programme “Sustainable Outdoor Events: Waste Around and Within Us”, dedicated to sustainable outdoor event organisation and the development of environmentally friendly solutions in the cultural and festival sector. The programme is organised by the Latvian Academy of Culture in cooperation with the festival “Laba Daba” and SIA “Getliņi EKO”.

The programme is implemented within the framework of the European University Alliance ACE²-EU in cooperation with Lietuvos inžinerijos kolegija (Lithuanian Engineering College) and the Medical University of Gdańsk, bringing together students, representatives of academia, and industry experts from different countries. Throughout the week, participants will analyse sustainability challenges in the cultural and event sector while exploring practical and interdisciplinary solutions for creating more environmentally friendly and socially responsible events.

The programme will address topics related to environmental sustainability, public health, and audience experience. Lectures and practical sessions will focus on the impact of large-scale events on ecosystems, waste management and resource reuse, food safety, the effects of noise and light pollution on human health, as well as sustainable event logistics and audience engagement practices.

Participants will take part not only in lectures and masterclasses, but also in group work focused on real-life sustainability and international development challenges related to the festival “Laba Daba”. Students will be tasked with developing ideas on how to strengthen the festival’s international visibility without losing its unique identity and values, while also proposing solutions in various sustainability areas — from audience participation and environmental communication to circular economy principles and sustainable business models.

As part of the programme, participants will also visit SIA “Getliņi EKO”, where they will explore one of the most advanced waste management companies in the Baltics and discuss practical approaches to waste reduction and sustainable resource use in event planning.

The aim of the study programme is to strengthen international cooperation, develop students’ practical skills, and promote understanding of how the cultural and festival sector can become more sustainable, socially responsible, and environmentally friendly.

MUG representatives at the 3rd European Universities Conference (kEUI) in Poznań

Franziska — Wed, 20 May 2026 12:09:57 +0000

Today, representatives of the Medical University of Gdańsk (MUG) are taking part in the 3rd European Universities Conference – a key forum shaping the future of European higher education.

This is more than participation — it is an opportunity to actively engage with the European Universities community. We are listening, learning, and drawing insights from other alliances, exchanging experiences, and exploring practical solutions to shared challenges.
Across discussions on education, research & innovation, and responsible internationalisation, one message stands out clearly: the strength of European Universities lies in collaboration, trust, and the ability to co-create.

For ACE2-EU, moments like this are essential.
 They allow us to:
learn from diverse alliance models and governance approaches   exchange good practices and operational know-how   build meaningful connections that go beyond individual projects   strengthen our collective capacity to deliver impactful, future-oriented education

And this is only the beginning — tomorrow we continue these conversations at the European Universities Practitioners Forum, where strategy meets day-to-day implementation.

Because the future of European Universities is not designed in isolation — it is built together.

#ACE2EU #EuropeanUniversities #MUG #HigherEducation #ErasmusPlus #Collaboration #Innovation #AcademicPartnerships