On August 20, 2025, the ACE²-EU Alliance organized the 13th Virtual Coffee session, gathering 79 participants from across its nine partner universities. The event featured Dr. Dawid Spychała, Head of the International Relations Department at the Medical University of Gdańsk, who shared his expertise in academic mobility and international cooperation.
The session provided a comprehensive overview of the ACE²EU mobility programmes, which are developed under the framework of Work Package 6 – Embedding EU Values & Enhancing Mobility Across ACE²EU, coordinated by Prof. Gitana Vycienė from LIK University, Lithuania. This work package plays a central role in promoting mobility as a driver for European integration, inclusivity, and sustainable development.
Key topics covered during the session included:
- procedures for receiving and managing mobility grants,
- handling expenses beyond allocated funds,
- accommodation and meal arrangements at host universities,
- insurance requirements and responsibilities during mobility,
- necessary post-mobility documentation and compliance,
- points of contact for support throughout the process.
Dr. Spychała also introduced participants to a wide range of innovative opportunities within the Alliance, such as ABC programmes, MOOCs, Collaborative Online International Learning (COILs), Flavour Schools, and the annual European Cultural Festival, which fosters multicultural exchange and community engagement.
Beyond practical guidelines, the session emphasized the strategic importance of mobility for knowledge transfer, innovation, and the development of new pedagogical and research initiatives. Participants discussed upcoming events like the Kaleidoscope Festival in October, and were encouraged to actively explore long-term collaborations, from job shadowing and research exchanges to joint educational programmes.
The event concluded with a Q&A session, where attendees shared experiences, asked scenario-based questions, and explored new avenues for collaboration.
Through this dialogue, Virtual Coffee No. 13 reaffirmed ACE²-EU’s commitment to building a strong, inclusive, and sustainable European academic community, where mobility and collaboration act as key drivers of innovation, trust, and shared European values.