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.
UNITA Starting Grants: Results of the Calls on Circular Economy, Environment, and Digital Transition
The UNITA Alliance is pleased to announce the results of the Starting Grants for Research calls, dedicated to the thematic hubs of Circular Economy and Environment and Digital Transition. These calls aim to promote innovative, interdisciplinary, and collaborative research projects led by early-career researchers within the UNITA alliance. Following a highly competitive selection process, a number of promising projects have been awarded funding across the two thematic areas. All proposals were evaluated by expert committees, and the results have been communicated to the applicants. Circular Economy and Environment This thematic hub addressed two specific research areas: Topic 1 – Technical and Innovative Solutions 7 projects were selected: Topic 2 – Social, Economic and Legal Challenges Digital Transition The Digital Transition hub focused on key challenges at the intersection of technology and sustainability: Topic 1 – Intelligent Information Processing for the Digital Transition: Promises and Risks 4 projects were selected: Topic 2 – Green and Secure ICT for the Digital Society in the Anthropocene 2 projects were selected: The selected projects reflect the Alliance’s strong commitment to scientific excellence and its strategic vision in addressing global challenges through transdisciplinary cooperation. UNITA extends the congratulations to all applicants and look forward to following the development and impact of the selected initiatives in the coming months.
UNITA BIP “Beyond Borders”: A record-breaking edition for inter-alliance cooperation
The 2025 edition of Beyond Borders: Migrations, Identities, Languages, the Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) organized by the University of Turin under the UNITA – Universitas Montium Alliance, marked a new milestone in the internationalization of higher education. Held from July 21st to 25th, this year’s programme set a record in participation, with more than 40 students and staff taking part in a truly European learning experience. What made this edition particularly significant was its inter-alliance dimension. Beyond Borders welcomed participants from both UNITA and the Transform4Europe Alliance, reinforcing synergies between two major European University Alliances and highlighting the potential of cross-network collaboration in addressing global challenges. Focusing on the theme of borders and barriers, the programme offered a rich and interdisciplinary exploration of how physical, social, political, and economic boundaries shape our societies. Students engaged in lectures, interactive workshops, and critical debates, designed to foster reflection on contemporary issues such as migration, identity, inequality, and international cooperation. A diverse group of academic staff contributed to the success of the initiative, including faculty from Saarland University (Germany), a key member of the Transform4Europe Alliance. Their participation added valuable perspectives and enhanced the transnational scope of the discussions. The Beyond Borders BIP continues to consolidate its role as a flagship initiative within the UNITA Alliance, combining academic excellence, intercultural dialogue, and European values. By promoting intensive, short-term mobility in a blended format, the programme reflects the European Commission’s vision of a more connected and inclusive European Education Area. The next edition is already planned for July 2026, and promises to further expand its reach and impact, strengthening partnerships and offering new opportunities for students and staff across Europe to engage in meaningful, interdisciplinary dialogue—beyond borders.
UBI Hosts Staff Week Dedicated to Intercomprehension in Romance Languages
he University of Beira Interior (UBI) hosted, for the third time, the Staff Week for Intercomprehension in Romance Languages, within the framework of the UNITA – Universitas Montium alliance. A iniciativa reuniu nove participantes oriundos de instituições parceiras, num programa que combinou formação linguística, partilha intercultural e visitas institucionais. Ao longo de vários dias, os participantes aprofundaram os seus conhecimentos sobre a língua e cultura portuguesas, desenvolveram competências de intercompreensão entre línguas românicas e enriqueceram o vocabulário necessário para comunicar em Português, tanto na forma oral como escrita. Além das atividades letivas, o programa integrou momentos de descoberta cultural. No dia 15 de julho, os participantes tiveram oportunidade de visitar o centro histórico da Covilhã, explorando o património da cidade anfitriã. Já no dia 17, o grupo deslocou-se ao Instituto Politécnico da Guarda (IPG), também membro da aliança UNITA, onde participou numa sessão de intercompreensão durante a manhã e, à tarde, num World Café subordinado ao tema da Cidadania Europeia, em colaboração com os colegas da Tarefa 2.5. O dia terminou com um passeio guiado pelo centro histórico da Guarda, permitindo um contacto direto com a identidade da cidade mais alta de Portugal. Entre os participantes estiveram representantes das instituições parceiras Université Savoie Mont Blanc (USMB) e Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour (UPPA), de França, da Haute École Spécialisée de Suisse Occidentale (HES-SO), da Suíça, bem como da Universidad de Zaragoza (Espanha), da Università degli Studi di Torino (UniTo) e da Università degli Studi di Brescia, ambas de Itália. A semana foi, acima de tudo, uma experiência de partilha e valorização do património linguístico comum, que reforça os laços entre instituições e promove uma verdadeira comunidade académica europeia multilingue.
Chernivtsi National University delegation visits the University of Turin
From July 7 to July 11th, 2025, the University of Turin hosted a delegation of three colleagues from the Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University (CHNU), an associated partner of the UNITA Alliance, within the framework of the Erasmus+ KA171 mobility programme between UniTo and CHNU. The visit marked a significant opportunity to further strengthen academic and administrative cooperation between the two institutions. The week began on Monday with the participation of the CHNU delegation in the UNITA Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) opening session titled “Italian language for staff and teachers”. This session offered an introductory overview of the Italian language and culture, providing a valuable starting point for their immersion into the academic environment of the University of Turin. The delegation was also involved in a cultural walk through the historic city center, organized in collaboration with Erasmus Student Network Torino. On Tuesday, the guests were welcomed at the Department of Humanities and visited the Aldo Moro Library, guided by Professor Roberto Merlo. The visit offered insight into the department’s educational resources and academic organization. The programme continued with a meeting at the International Office of the Hub of Humanities, followed by a guided visit to the Campus Einaudi Library by Dr. Fabio Giuffré. In the afternoon, the group was received at the International office of the Hub of Natural Sciences, where they had the opportunity to explore potential areas of collaboration in scientific education and research. The last day, the delegation toured the LIFE Lab – Laboratory for Innovation in Philosophy and Education, once again accompanied by Dr. Giuffré. The visit emphasized innovative approaches in philosophical and educational practices. The day concluded with a formal meeting with the Academic Committee responsible for the Erasmus+ KA171 agreement at UniTo. This successful mobility visit not only enhanced mutual understanding but also laid the groundwork for future joint initiatives under the UNITA Alliance and Erasmus+ programmes.
Understanding Each Other to Understand the Mountains
The multilingual BIP on Intercomprehension and sustainable mountain tourism hosted by the University of Turin explored “good” and “bad” tourism and sustainable ways of living in mountain regions. From June 30 to July 4, 2025, the University of Turin welcomed 26 students from Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, and Romania for a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) on sustainable mountain tourism, organized in the framework of the UNITA alliance. What made this BIP unique was not only its focus on sustainability, but also its methodology: the participants engaged in all activities through intercomprehension. Intercomprehension is a communicative approach where each person speaks in their own language and understands others through shared linguistic roots, without switching to a common lingua franca. During the week, students explored key concepts of “good” and “bad” tourism, especially in mountain areas, with a strong focus on environmental, social, and cultural impacts. A two-day field visit to San Sicario, in the Italian Alps, allowed them to experience firsthand the effects of tourism development. They visited San Sicario “bassa,” where they saw restored alpine houses and met Daniele Bermod, who runs a sustainable farm. Topics discussed included high-altitude agriculture, animal husbandry, and the balance between tradition and modern tourism. Guided by anthropologist and UniTo professor Lia Zola, the students reflected on sustainable ways of living in mountain regions. They also heard from Marco Rigat, who narrated the history of the Cesana mountains — in the Occitan language. The programme concluded with students developing multilingual guides on best practices for mountain tourism, as well as creative projects: a board game on tourism sustainability, and a rural mobility proposal for the area, complete with a mock budget. This BIP showcased the strength of multilingual cooperation, territorial engagement, and student-driven innovation — the essence of the UNITA alliance. 2025 © unita – universitas montium
UNITA Students at the Heart of the European Student Assembly 2025
superlead temporário Just like that, the fourth edition of the European Student Assembly (ESA) came to an end, but not without leaving a mark. Even this time, the UNITA Alliance was strongly represented, with a delegation of seven students among the 230 selected participants. Held in the iconic hemicycle of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, the ESA gathered students from 190 universities and 50 nationalities in the shared effort to draft policy recommendations that could shape Europe’s future. The ESA unfolds in three phases: For those involved, however, this timeline does not capture the full depth of the experience. To truly understand the essence of such an experience, students’ direct testimonials must be heard. Francesco Bologna (University of Turin) summed it up well: “It is precisely the concept of plurality and mutual exchange, in a context of shared European values, that I carry with me from ESA.” This idea of connection – across cultures, disciplines, and perspectives – is a common thread in the testimonies of all UNITA participants. For Chiara De Piccoli (University of Turin), the most striking part wasn’t just the event itself, but the continuity it fostered: “Not even two months have passed, and with some members of our panel working on ‘Unity in Diversity’ we are already pursuing a project to bring our policies forward,” she said.“ESA works in this exact direction: fostering the meeting of the new generation of change-makers.” Panel discussions spanned from digital democracy to social justice and sustainable innovation.Elisa Ducoli (University of Brescia), part of the “Innovation for All” group, recalled: “We developed eight policy proposals on how the EU can balance innovation and competitiveness for sustainable growth. The experience was both inspiring and transformative.” Equally committed to imagining a better Europe, Chiara D’Agostino (University of Turin) joined the “Unveiling Inequalities” panel: “It was inspiring to engage with other students on such current and complex topics,” she said, referring to issues like the gender pay gap and minority representation.“This experience helped me better understand the role we, as young people, can play in driving change.” Angela Rinaldi (University of Turin) participated in the “Artificial Intelligence and Civic Engagement” panel. For her, the discussions were not only intellectually stimulating but profoundly meaningful: “We reflected together on the challenges and opportunities AI presents in democratic and social contexts,” she said. Presenting their work inside the European Parliament “was a true privilege and a source of great pride.” Bilel El Badaoui (Technical University of Cluj-Napoca) was also part of the same panel. For him,seeing the recommendations finally being adopted was both a relief and a recognition of all the work and research carried out: “Working on these issues and debating them in Strasbourg allowed me to truly feel European, to be a European citizen who is taking part in initiatives that have a meaning.” ESA is not just an event, it’s a launchpad. As Europe navigates unprecedented challenges, the ideas and energy of youths are more than ever vital. And for the students of the UNITA Alliance, ESA was a space to speak, connect, and act. With the fifth edition of the European Student Assembly already on the horizon, the journey continues, and the next generation of changemakers is ready to step up. Find out more: read the article “European Student Assembly 2025: Three Days of Ideas, Democracy and Collective Vision in Strasbourg”: https://www.eucvoices.eu/it/content/european-student-assembly-2025-three-days-ideas-democracy-and-collective-vision-strasbourg Article written by the students participating in ESA 2025