UNITA at European Universities Student Ambassador Forum 2025
From September 4 to 6, 2025, the European Universities Student Ambassador Forum (EUSAF) took place in Warsaw, bringing together student representatives from all European University Alliances (EUAs) for three days of discussions, collaboration, and idea-sharing.The event is part of the EUC voices project and was created to give student ambassadors a real, lasting role in shaping the European University initiative.This year, UNITA was represented by a student from the University of Turin, Mirela Secrieri, who actively took part in the sessions and brought back valuable insights for the alliance. The 2025 edition opened with a session introducing the role of alliances in building Europe’s academic and cultural future: the key messages included the importance of long-term student engagement through alumni involvement and of restoring trust in European projects by placing youth participation at the centre of institutional processes. The second day focused on sharing concrete experiences: students presented posters highlighting best practices from their alliances, including initiatives related to virtual campuses, inclusion, student mobility and cultural events. Interactive workshops allowed students working in groups to design outreach activities aimed at increasing awareness of alliances at the local level. The final day featured insights from past EUSAF participants, who spoke about how the experience had shaped their involvement in their alliances. The forum then turned to open discussion, with students exchanging views on how to improve democratic processes, increase transparency in student representation, and ensure that the outcomes of the EUSAF are communicated both internally and at the EU level. Participants committed in producing a final report or letter to be sent to the European Parliament, summarising the key priorities and suggestions raised by students. The reflections that emerged during the forum will contribute to ongoing work within the alliance, particularly in areas such as student engagement, stakeholder collaboration, and communication strategies. The experience also underlined the importance of continuing to support student ambassadors and ensuring they are empowered to represent and connect with their peers effectively, both within UNITA and at the European level.
Towards an International and Plurilingual University: the University Language Centres meet in Torino
On the 16th and 17th of September, the University of Turin hosted the second stage of the initiative “Towards an International and Plurilingual University: From Intercomprehension to English-Medium Instruction (EMI)”. The event was organised by the University Language Centre (CLA-UniTo) with the active involvement of the University Language Centre of Brescia (CLA – UniBs). Supported by AICLU (Italian ASssociation of University Language Centres), CEL/ELC (European Language Council), and in collaboration with LinE (Language in Education), the Torino meeting brought together Language Centres from UNITA partner universities as well as other Italian Institutions. This two-day convention followed the inaugural meeting held in Brescia in May, aiming to build on that initial momentum. It further reinforced inter-university dialogue and cooperation within and beyond the UNITA alliance. The first day opened with a plenary session, which explored the evolution of UNITA over recent years and concluded with a workshop on the principles and strategies of Intercomprehension, coordinated by the UNITA Task team 2.2. The second day focused entirely on English-Medium Instruction (EMI) – the use of English to teach academic subjects in contexts where English is not the majority’s first language. In the morning, the LinE Centre coordinated a panel discussion addressing EMI language policies and teacher support at Italian universities. Immediately afterwards, the Matching Event for Language Centres took place, serving as a pivotal moment of the event. This interactive session provided participants with the opportunity to exchange good practices, discuss challenges, and identify common priorities. The discussions highlighted the importance of developing digital tools, offering continuous training for EMI lecturers, and establishing stronger inter-university support networks. Thanks to the diversity of perspectives, the Matching Event transformed ideas into concrete proposals for joint action and laid the foundation for future collaborative projects. The afternoon concluded with two parallel workshops: one on EMI, where scholars shared tried-and-tested approaches to EMI teacher development across different contexts, and another on Italian as a Second Language (L2). Overall, the event proved to be a valuable opportunity to strengthen existing collaborations among participants and to forge new professional relationships and networks. Thanks to the active involvement of Language Centres from multiple UNITA partners, the Torino meeting marked a significant step forward in building a truly international and plurilingual university community.
GO-create! UNITA at EAIE Gothenburg 2025
From 10 to 12 September 2025, UNITA took part, for the second year, in the European Association for International Education (EAIE) Conference and Exhibition, held this year in Gothenburg. With over 7,000 participants attending from across Europe and beyond, the event represented a strategic opportunity for visibility, exchange, and international collaboration — and UNITA fully seized it. At the heart of this success was UNITA’s dedicated booth, which quickly became a vibrant hub of interaction and dialogue. Staff members from almost all partner universities co-animated the stand, ensuring constant engagement and offering a rich, multilingual perspective on the Alliance’s mission and initiatives. The booth was not only a physical space, but a true platform for connection — drawing interest from institutional representatives, researchers, and representatives of Geminae partner Universities. Crucially, UNITA’s presence extended well beyond its booth. Representatives of the Alliance engaged in a wide range of activities throughout the EAIE programme, contributing meaningfully to discussions on the future of European higher education. Whether through dynamic presentation formats or collaborative dialogue sessions, UNITA demonstrated a consistent commitment to sharing best practices and fostering innovation in key areas such as rural mobility, community building, and student participation. A standout moment was the poster session on the Rural Mobility Project, which received wide attention — ranking as the second most voted poster of the entire exhibition. Other interventions explored the use of Erasmus BIPs to develop double degree pathways, the role of universities in fostering community engagement, and the co-creation of a shared student identity across European alliances. UNITA also hosted a three networking events with chocolate tasting at its booth, which proved to be a successful and memorable way to combine academic outreach with cultural exchange. Throughout the week, the UNITA booth remained a lively point of connection – a space that effectively communicated the Allice’s values, goals and ongoing projects. The diversity of formats, the professional quality of materials, and the active, coordinated presence of staff from across the member universities contributed to a strong, coherent image of UNITA as a collaborative and future-oriented network. As follow-up conversations unfold and new synergies take shape, UNITA continues to strengthen its role in shaping the future of European higher education cooperation. Discover the activities organized by UNITA for EAIE 2025: https://univ-unita.eu/Sites/unita/en/Noticia/11941 Watch the official video of EAIE 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hY5OmEr0Hw
European Commission Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu visits the University of Torino
The University of Torino had the honor of welcoming Roxana Mînzatu, Vice-President of the European Commission, as guest speaker at the event “Empowering through Skills: The Role of the European Alliances”. The initiative, held on 15 September, was a great success and featured Mînzatu’s keynote speech on the Union of Skills and the EU’s strategies for building the European university of the future. “My presence here is a signal of the European Commission’s commitment to supporting the European University Alliances in their next steps. This is not yet a project, but a process—a true laboratory of European integration.” With these words, Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission with responsibility for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Employment, and Preparedness for Change, opened her speech in the Aula Magna of the University of Torino. The day was dedicated to the future of European universities and to the strategic role of the Alliances in shaping a more integrated and competitive European Higher Education and Research Area. The event, organized by the University of Torino within the framework of the UNITA Universitas Montium Alliance and under the patronage of the Italian Rectors’ Conference (CRUI), brought together representatives from nearly 60 Italian and European universities belonging to 33 Alliances. They shared projects and best practices, with the ambitious goal of building the European university of the future. The University of Torino plays a leading role in this long-term process: among the 65 European University Alliances currently funded by the European Commission through Erasmus+—involving over 570 institutions across Europe—UniTo is the only Italian university serving as coordinator. Moreover, the UNITA Alliance has been visionary in strengthening the European dimension of education. “I would like to congratulate all the members of UNITA,” added Mînzatu, “for taking part in pioneering initiatives and showing the way forward for the entire European higher education sector.” She concluded by reaffirming the Commission’s support: “Europe is backing this ambition, with a planned 50% increase in education funding through Erasmus+ in the next EU budget.” A perspective warmly welcomed by the Rector of the University of Torino, Stefano Geuna: “Education is one of the most important challenges in Europe,” Geuna said, “and we are honored that Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu chose our university to promote the Union of Skills and the strategic role of the European Alliances in creating an increasingly integrated area of research and higher education.” Alongside Rector Geuna, the European Commission Vice-President was welcomed at the Rector’s Hall by Cristina Prandi, Rector-elect of the University of Torino, who will officially take office on 1 October and has made internationalization one of the cornerstones of her rectoral program. The program continued on 16–17 September with the governance meeting of the UNITA Alliance, focused on defining its long-term strategy and working towards the ambitious goal of creating the first confederal European university—an institution fulfilling all university missions and responsible for implementing joint actions.
UNITO, UNITBV, UVT and UNTL join the ASEA–UNINET network during the 20th Plenary Meeting hosted by the University of Brescia
The University of Brescia hosted the 20th Plenary Meeting of the ASEA–UNINET network “For a Peaceful and Sustainable Development” From the 8th to the 12th of September 2025, the University of Brescia welcomed over 100 delegates for the 20th Plenary Meeting of ASEA–UNINET, the network of European and Asian universities founded in 1994. The network’s mission is to foster ongoing internationalization in higher education and research, promoting cooperation and academic diplomacy to strengthen ties and shape the future of education and science. Throughout the meeting, participants engaged in discussions on major global challenges, including climate change, global health, renewable energy, ecological economics, and digital humanism. As part of the five-day programme, ASEA–UNINET hosted a keynote session on European Universities Alliances, delivered by Professor Alessandra Florio Pla, Vice-Rector for International Education at the University of Turin. During the event, the network officially welcomed nine new member universities, including three UNITA partners (UNITO, UNITBV, UVT) and Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosa’e (UNTL), already a GEMINAE partner of the Alliance. This expansion reflects ASEA–UNINET’s ongoing commitment to building high-quality research collaborations and strengthening academic relations between Europe and ASEAN countries.
UNITA Governance Meeting in Torino: Shaping the Future of the Alliance
From 15 to 17 September 2025, the University of Torino hosted the UNITA Governance Meeting, a milestone event marking both the end of the second year of the current project phase and the fifth anniversary of the alliance. The meeting gathered representatives from all partner universities to reflect on the progress achieved and to chart a shared vision for the years ahead. Discussions revolved around UNITA’s strategic framework, which brings together five key dimensions: Education and Pedagogical Innovation, Research and Innovation, International Strategies and European Values, Community Building, and Quality, Impact, and Sustainability. This structure fosters synergies across activities while strengthening UNITA’s coherence as a European University Alliance. In Torino, the Governance Board and strategic groups engaged in high-level dialogue on long-term priorities, from enhancing mobility and Open Science initiatives to reinforcing student and staff participation. Special attention was also given to sustainability and impact assessment, ensuring that UNITA’s work continues to deliver tangible benefits to its communities. Looking ahead, the meeting served as an important step in preparing for the upcoming “+2” application phase and the midterm report, both of which will be crucial in shaping the next stage of UNITA’s journey. The Torino Governance Meeting confirmed once again UNITA’s role as a laboratory for innovation, inclusion, and cooperation, reaffirming its commitment to building a strong, future-oriented European University.
Transilvania Creative Camp 2025 – Erasmus+ BIP Summer School in Țara Lăpușului
Between 22 and 28 August 2025, the Faculty of Sociology and Communication at Transilvania University of Brașov organised the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) Transilvania Creative Camp 2025 – Creative Destinations and Heritage Interpretation Summer School. The event brought together 25 students from 11 countries and nine European universities in the picturesque region of Țara Lăpușului. Throughout the week, participants discovered the area’s rich cultural heritage, from local traditions and folklore to wooden churches, crafts, gastronomy and natural landscapes. Fieldwork in Târgu Lăpuș and neighbouring villages offered students a unique opportunity to engage with the daily lives of local communities and explore creative ways of promoting their heritage. The international group included students from five UNITA alliance members – University of Zaragoza (Spain), University of Turin (Italy), Savoie Mont Blanc University (France), Polytechnic Institute of Guarda (Portugal) and Transilvania University of Brașov (Romania) – as well as from Marche Polytechnic University (Italy), Dunaújváros University (Hungary), Stuttgart Media University (Germany) and the Pontifical University of John Paul II in Krakow (Poland). The project was further enriched by the expertise of professors from Meisei University Tokyo (Japan) and The Pennsylvania State University (USA). Working in mixed teams alongside five pupils from “Petru Rareș” Theoretical High School in Târgu Lăpuș, participants used interviews, direct observation and photo-video documentation to develop innovative promotional tools. Their results included leaflets, short films and digital content tailored for social media, designed to highlight the cultural and natural assets of the region. The outcomes of the camp extend well beyond the summer school itself. Two promotional films in English will be made available to local municipalities, while the research data collected will support future academic studies, enhanced by the contributions of six master’s and four doctoral students. By fostering intercultural dialogue and creative collaboration, Transilvania Creative Camp 2025 has once again demonstrated the value of international cooperation in education and the power of creativity in safeguarding and promoting cultural heritage. Assoc. Prof. Dr Florin NechitaProject Coordinator
Empowering through Skills: the Role of European Alliances
September 15, 2025 – University of Turin European University Alliances play a leading role in strengthening cooperation, research, and mobility across Europe. On September 15, 2025, the University of Turin, as part of the UNITA alliance and under the patronage of the CRUI – Conference of Italian University Rectors, will host a day of dialogue to explore the strategic role of Alliances in developing the skills needed for Europe’s future. The event is framed within the Union of Skills initiative launched by the European Commission in March 2025, which aims to promote high-quality education, lifelong learning, and skills development as key drivers of competitiveness, innovation, and sustainable growth. Follow the Plenary Session via Live Streaming on UniToMedia The morning plenary session will be available online via live streaming on UniToMedia, starting at 10:30 AM, giving everyone the opportunity to follow the contributions and reflections of experts, faculty members, and representatives of Italian and European universities and institutions. 📅 When: September 15, 2025, 10:30 AM CET📍 Where: University of Turin – live streaming available on UniToMedia: https://media.unito.it/ 📄 Event program
Strong presence of European Universities alliances at EAIE 2025: co-creating to transform higher education
Over 35 alliances, representing more than 300 higher education institutions, will gather in Gothenburg for the 2025 EAIE Conference, held from 9-12 September. More than 20 sessions and a special FOREU4ALL event will highlight the European Universities Initiative’s impact on the future of higher education. How is higher education transforming Europe and fostering new pathways for global collaboration? This question will be central at the 35th Annual Conference and Exhibition of the European Association of International Education (EAIE), taking place in Gothenburg from 9 to 12 September, 2025. A record of 35 European Universities alliances, nearly double the participation from 2024, will come together at this major international conference. Together, they represent over 300 higher education institutions and showcase the evolution and impact of the European Universities Initiative, a flagship programme of the European Commission launched in 2019, now encompassing a total of 65 alliances and 8 Seal of Excellence alliances. This year’s EAIE Conference’s theme, Go-Create, resonates deeply with the mission of alliances. Through more than 20 sessions, as well as a dedicated FOREU4ALL event, they will highlight their commitment to innovation and their pioneering work in shaping inclusive and collaborative higher education models across Europe. UNITA will be present at Booth P75, where attendees are invited to discover more about the alliance’s strategic vision, initiatives, and projects. As part of its engagement at the EAIE Conference, UNITA representatives are involved in four official EAIE sessions and the UNITA booth P75 will host three thematic events, aiming to encourage dialogue and collaboration with other European University Alliances and representatives from European institutions. The full schedule is available here. FOREU4ALL and participating alliances will share their approaches, results, and impact in a wide range of activities. The full list is available here. European Universities Alliances & FOREU4ALL: Creating Value for the Wider Higher Education Sector As part of the programme, FOREU4ALL – the Community of Practice bringing together all European Universities alliances – will host a special joint session with the European Commission on Wednesday, 10 September, from 13:30 to 14:30. This session, aimed at institutions not currently involved in the initiative, will explore how the community’s collective knowledge and tools can benefit the broader higher education sector. The session will feature an interactive World Café format, inviting participants to discuss practical opportunities around micro-credentials, joint degrees, skills development, and new partnership models. About the European Universities alliances and FOREU4ALL European Universities alliances Launched in 2019, the European Universities alliances are a flagship initiative of the European strategy for universities. It encompasses 65 European Universities alliances with more than 570 higher education institutions of all types, from all across Europe. 🔗 Full list of alliances by country: FOREU4ALL FOREU4ALL provides a collaborative and supportive platform where all 65 alliances come together to share good practices, exchange experiences, and strengthen cooperation. The community fosters a deeper collaboration by facilitating learning, joint initiatives, and the dissemination of results – enhancing knowledge, skills, and effectiveness of the entire higher education sector. 🔗 Official website: https://www.foreu4all.eu/ About EAIE The EAIE Conference is the most important event dedicated to higher education in Europe and the second largest in the world. Its recent venues have been Rotterdam (2023), and Toulouse (2024). 🔗 More information and full programme: https://www.eaie.org/events/gothenburg.html Highlighted sessions offered by European Universities alliances EAIE Conference, Gothenburg. 9-12 September 2025 Check the full programme of sessions at EAIE: Check the list of sessions proposed by the European Alliances and FOREU4ALL: Materials Press contacts Giovanni Andriolo UNITA Alliance unita.communication@unito.it Guillermo Orts Gil CHARM-EU Alliance gorts@ub.edu Paula Talero FOREU4ALL ptalero@ub.edu
Cell and gene therapies explored at UBI by European students
The Blended Intensive Program (BIP) fostered international collaboration among university students in the fields of Biomedical and Biological Sciences. A Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade da Beira Interior (FCS-UBI) organizou o programa internacional Blended Intensive Programme (BIP), dedicado ao tema das terapias celulares e génicas. A componente presencial do BIP decorreu entre os dias 30 de junho e 4 de julho, reunindo 21 estudantes universitários das áreas das Ciências Biomédicas e Biológicas de universidades pertencentes à aliança UNITA – Universitas Montium. Esta iniciativa permitiu a troca de conhecimentos, a colaboração internacional e o desenvolvimento de projetos inovadores. Além dos estudantes da UBI, estiveram presentes estudantes das universidades de Saragoça (Espanha), Turim (Itália), Brescia (Itália) e do Politécnico da Guarda (IPG). A equipa que acompanhou permanentemente os estudantes foi composta por docentes das quatro instituições de Ensino Superior que organizaram o BIP: UBI (Mafalda Fonseca), IPG (Sónia Miguel), Universidade de Saragoça (José Villar) e Universidade de Turim (Giorgio Merlo). O programa científico incluiu seminários e workshops dinamizados por especialistas em Terapia Celular CAR-T, Terapia Génica, Terapias com Células Estaminais, Imunoterapia, Vacinas de DNA, Medicina Regenerativa e Biologia Sintética, promovendo o envolvimento dos estudantes através de discussões e atividades práticas em grupo, com interações entre colegas para estimular a colaboração internacional e o desenvolvimento de competências de comunicação. Os participantes tiveram ainda oportunidade de participar em atividades culturais, incluindo um percurso pedagógico pelo Estrela Geopark (UNESCO), guiado por geólogos e biólogos, bem como uma visita guiada à cidade da Covilhã, com explicação das principais características, factos históricos e murais de arte urbana. A iniciativa permitiu aprofundar a colaboração internacional e o crescimento académico e científico dos futuros profissionais da área das Ciências Biomédicas. O feedback dos estudantes foi bastantes positivo e o BIP vai ter uma nova edição em 2026, com organização da Universidade de Turim.