Every six months, the Alliance organises the EC2U Forum to gather students, staff, citizens, local and regional authorities to foster open dialogue on pressing issues in society and to share good practices.

Take a look at this aftermovie created by the University of Jena, listing the highlights of the week:

The Forum in illustrations

Discover the graphic illustrations designed by the artist Blanche Ellis which are representing the live sessions:

Virtual Institutes	This session provided an opportunity for a panel of experts from various research and planning contexts ranging from climate change adaptation, socio-spatial transformations, public health, migration and culture communication to meet and exchange around the theme of  social change. Speakers were invited to share strategies and ideas for change in times of global turmoil.
Higher Education roundtable	From student testimonies to best practices shared by European experts, this session was an opportunity to reflect on related challenges in higher education and to discuss the innovative solutions that are being implemented. Concrete examples such as the EC2U Healthy Campus were also presented.
Think Tank	This session gave the opportunity to review the results of the seven local EC2U Think Thanks and deepen the European debate with experts and the public on how to promote innovation in our universities and cities in the future.
Research & Innovation for Cities & Citizens	During the RI4C2 (Research & Innovation for Cities & Citizens) session “Connecting the Dots”, each EC2U university presented an example of a collaborative network linking sustainability and innovative research across disciplines for universities & cities.
Voice of Students	The students had the last word at the 6th EC2U Forum in the Voice of Students session. Their creations offered a fresh look on issues relating to well-being and higher education. A full article was written on this session. Click here to read it.

Students and staff feedback

“I think that the EC2U Forum offers a unique experience for students. I appreciated the “Voice of Students” session where we could work in international teams and express our opinion on important subjects such as mental health, green mobility, inclusion and diversity, ecological sustainability and quality education. I would love to be part of another EC2U event !” – Student from the University of Poitiers

“This is my first time attending the EC2U Forum and first time visiting Jena. I think the Forum is an excellent opportunity to build new connections within the Alliance and foster existing ones. I was happy to see so many people involved and also students being an integral part of the programme! I think it’s important to include them as our co-creators in the Alliance activities” – Staff from the University of Turku

Discover the Forum’s image gallery, full of discussions and shared moments: