Madrid, 4-5 June 2025
Hosted by Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (UFV)
From 4 to 5 June 2025, members of the ACE2-EU Alliance gathered in Madrid for an intensive two-day dedicated to Work Package 8 (WP8), focusing on strategic planning, communication, and impact assessment.
Organised by Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (UFV), the face2face meeting was part of the Alliance’s efforts to strengthen its internal and external communications systems and to prepare the next phase of dissemination and impact activities.
Highlights of the Face2Face meeting:
Day 1 – Main Working Day (4 June)
The day opened with warm welcoming remarks by project leaders João Moutão, president of IPSantarem and project manager of the ACE2-EU Alliance and Juan Pérez-Miranda, Vice-rector of UFV.
The morning sessions, led by Corina Drăgan and the WP8 team, reviewed the key achievements of WP8 to date. According to the WP8 Interim Report (June 2025), has developed an effective and versatile communication system, with strong progress in building a unified brand identity, active social media presence, dynamic website, and innovative initiatives such as Virtual Coffee sessions, Virtual Town Halls, and the Idea Box.
In this context, the Face2Face Meeting of WP 8, served as a crucial opportunity to address upcoming challenges, refine activity flows, coordinate working groups, and plan the materials required for the August 2025 deliverables.
The afternoon was dedicated to an updated Communication Working Strategy, exploring necessary adjustments for the 2025-2026 period, ensuring alignment with evolving project priorities and stakeholder needs.
The day concluded with a visit to the Museo del Traje, including a fashion show and networking cocktail reception, fostering informal exchanges among participants.
Day 2 – Strategic Planning Day (5 June)
The second day focused on preparing the alliance’s impact assessment methodology:
- defining the methodology framework,
- assigning roles and responsibilities,
- developing a stakeholder engagement plan.
WP 8 team worked on creating a dedicated survey tool and setting a clear timeline with deliverables to ensure consistent monitoring of communication impact.
In line with the WP8 Interim Report, the Alliance aims to combine quantitative KPIs (reach, engagement, interactions across platforms) with qualitative impact case studies, showcasing best practices that can inspire the broader European Higher Education Area.
A visit to the Faculty of Communication at UFV provided additional insights into media production and dissemination strategies.
Student engagement:
An important element of this event was the active participation of students, who were present and involved throughout the two days. Their perspectives and creative input enriched the discussions, particularly during sessions on communication strategy and impact storytelling. Their involvement also reflects the Alliance’s commitment to student-centred approaches and co-creation in all dissemination activities.
Looking Ahead:
Building on the strong progress reflected in the WP8 Interim Report and the outcomes of this event, the WP8 team is now moving forward with finalising key communication materials and preparing the next phase of dissemination and impact activities. The focus remains on increasing visibility, strengthening engagement, and ensuring that the Alliance’s successes resonate across the European educational landscape.