Every 6 months, the EC2U community gathers in one of the universities of the Alliance on the occasion of the EC2U Forum. Beyond discussions, the event served as a dynamic platform for networking and collaborative initiatives. Attendees have the chance to build connections, initiate joint projects, and share best practices.
The 7th Forum was held in Poitiers, in October 2023. The sessions of the event mainly focused the future of European Universities Alliances, as it wrapped up EC2U’s pilot phase, which officially ends with the start of a new phase in the beginning of November 2023.
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Opening Ceremony: Setting the stage
The Forum started with an inspiring opening ceremony that underscored the significance of the gathering. Academic leaders and representatives from the host city, Poitiers, as well as French & European policy makers welcomed participants, emphasizing the Forum’s commitment to strengthening the bonds between city-universities and their communities.
► watch the replay of the opening ceremony
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Higher Education Round Table: Long-term sustainability of Alliances
Six experts took part into this round table, moderated by the EC2U coordinator: Ludovic Thilly.
- V.Debiais-Sainton, DG EAC, European Commission
- J.Comby, Special advisor on alliances, French ministry of Higher Education and Research
- E.Gardan, Director of the Coimbra Group Office
- J.Kola, Rector of the University of Turku
- E.Baer-Eiselt, Executive director of the Eu-Conexus Alliance
- O.Wessels, Coordinator of the ECIU Alliance
► watch the replay of the round-table
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Virtual Institutes Session: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
A one-hour session gathered the different actors of the 3 EC2U Virtual Institutes to exchange on innovative ways in which EC2U can contribute to achieving the SDGs. Discussions centred on collaborative projects, research initiatives, and educational efforts aligned with sustainability objectives.
► watch the replay of the VI session
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The Great Finale: Science Battle triumph for Pavia
One of the highlights of the forum was the Science Battle. In a high-spirited competition, teams from the universities of Jena (gGermany) and Pavia (Italy) went head-to-head, testing their knowledge and creativity in a range of scientific questions. Ultimately, Pavia’s team emerged victorious, celebrating both their intellectual acumen and its spirit of friendly competition.
► watch the replay of the Science Battle
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Municipalities Session: strengthening community bonds
The session on municipalities highlighted the pivotal role city-universities play in enhancing the communities they serve. It explored successful models of collaboration, innovative urban development projects, and the mutual benefits of a strong partnership between cities and their universities.
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RI4C2 Session: Research & Innovation focus
The RI4C2 session delved into the heart of Citizen Science, with experts from the 7 universities of the Alliances giving examples of science communication, innovation, interdisciplinary research, etc.
► watch the replay of the RI4C2 session
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Kick Off of the EC2U new phase: a vision for tomorrow
The Forum’s closing ceremony served as the launchpad for the next phase of the EC2U Alliance, showcasing a shared vision for the future. This session was the opportunity to have a look at the achievements reached during the pilot phase, and to officially welcome the Johannes Kepler University in Linz, Austria.
► watch the replay of the kick-off of the new phase
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Students’ Programme: Voices of the Future
A joint programme and activities were also organised for the students participating in the Forum. The Mobility Fair provided students with an opportunity to explore the offerings and study opportunities of the member universities of the EC2U Alliance. The Voice of Students session, which focuses on students’ perspectives on their chosen topic, was this time organised by using various means of expression. The session offered the Forum participants a versatile and interesting way to experience students’ views on the theme of Gender and Inclusion through the means of photography, performances and stand-up comedy, among other things.
The 7th EC2U Forum in Poitiers was a resounding success, a testament to the collective determination to steer the course of European higher education. The Forum celebrated city-universities as dynamic hubs of innovation, sustainability, and community engagement.