Take a look at the aftermovie of the Forum
Distinguished Guests
Stefan Koch (JKU Rector), Alberta Bonanni (JKU Vice-Rector for International Relations) and Ludovic Thilly (EC2U Coordinator General) officially opened the Forum, which included opening remarks by state representatives and guests from other institutions, including Dietmar Prammer (city of Linz), Helena Kirchmayr (Upper Austrian State Parliament), Angelika Sery-Froschauer (Upper Austrian Chamber of Commerce), Simone Mesner (Austrian Ministry of Education, Science & Research) and Philipp Bergsmann (JKU Student Union representative), kicking off an inspiring week of dialog.
An Impressive Turnout
The Forum attracted 375 participants, among them 96 students involved in the event. The participants also had an option to take part in the Forum online and many utilised this option, underscoring the Forum’s inclusive and hybrid approach.
A Unique Alliance Across Academia
Since joining the Alliance at the end of 2023, the JKU has maintained close ties with universities in Germany, Portugal, France, Italy, Spain, Romania, and Finland.
Manfred Heublein, EC2U Alliance coordinator at the JKU, remarked: “EC2U is more than just a partnership and network, the alliance builds bridges between universities and their home cities, supports student and researcher mobility, international research initiatives, and shared European values.”
Rector Stefan Koch also stressed the broader mission: “The EC2U Forum allows us to drive new ideas in support of higher education in the future forward, as well as build bridges between people, countries, and disciplines.”
Forum Highlights
The EC2U Forum featured a diverse, wide-ranging programme of discussions, presentations, workshops, and interactive sessions.
Think-Tank Session: Peace-Building and Social Innovation
Participants in this interactive session explored innovative strategies to promote peace within their communities. A 40-minute poster session featured each partner university presenting unique projects designed to foster and encourage social harmony.
The Science Contest: Showcasing Ingenuity
Teams from JKU Linz, Iasi University, and Salamanca University competed against each other in an inspiring Science Contest, showcasing interdisciplinary solutions to address complex issues. Held in partnership with JKU’s Circus of Knowledge, the contest demonstrated the power of science and its ability to inspire people and connect communities. And in the end, the University of Iasi won the contest! More information on the Science Contest
Voice of the Students: Creating the Future
The final session “Voice of the Students” served as a platform for student to present their ideas regarding five current global issues. The topics ranged from supporting an inclusive campus for refugees, to managing digital transformation in higher education.
If you missed these – or any other – sessions, or would like to re-watch any particular session, recordings are available on YouTube.
Collaboration broadens Horizons
JKU Vice-Rector Alberta Bonanni praised the Forum’s creative and collective spirit: “We need international partnerships in order to overcome global challenges, particularly in research. The EC2U Forum provides space and opportunities to network across borders, thereby benefitting students, researchers, and all university employees equally.”
The EC2U: Heading Towards the Future Together
The 2024 EC2U Forum was a testament to the Alliance’s mission and purpose. As part of the network, JKU and its partner institutions aim to lay a well-balanced foundation to build a vibrant, liberal, and inclusive European academic community. Each Forum drives EC2U’s mission forward by fostering unity, sharing common values, and focusing on innovative solutions that address today’s global issues.