EULiST |

URJC Hosts the First EULiST Global Conference to Advance Climate-Resilient and Sustainable Societies

29/11/2025

The European university alliance EULiST held its first Global Conference on the Aranjuez campus under the title “Co-creating Sustainable Solutions for Climate-Resilient Societies”, in which 230 researchers from 34 countries debated for two days, with European companies and cities also in attendance.

The opening of this Global Conference was presided over by Abraham Duarte, the Rector of the URJC, together with María Luisa García Mínguez, Deputy Director of the European Commission’s Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA), Miguel Gómez, Mayor of Aranjuez, and Pablo T. Salvadores, President of the Global Conference Organising Committee.

On 20 November, the rector highlighted the excellent figures and data that support the URJC’s commitment to sustainability, reflected both in global rankings such as “Green Metric World University”, where the URJC is among the most sustainable universities, and in the awards recently received for the best Spanish university in sustainability education and the Energy Efficiency award. Finally, he highlighted the URJC’s commitment to EULiST and the European Universities Initiative, which he considered key to building a more innovative, connected and sustainable Europe.

This Global Conference was structured around a Plenary Session in which various international experts have reflected on the joint work of cities and EULiST, and parallel panels on different topics, always with sustainability as the driving force.

During the final day, participants gathered in parallel thematic sessions and in the closing plenary session to reflect on the major global challenges related to climate change, urban transformation, international cooperation, and innovation in education and technology. In turn, a workshop on Science Communication was held, where this topic was addressed in a practical and interactive way for participants.

The closing ceremony of this exceptional event took place on 21 November and was led by César Cáceres, URJC Rector’s delegate for EULiST; Natia Gamkrelidze, EULiST Secretary General; and Pablo T. Salvadores and Antonia Lampopoulou, heads of the Global Conference Organising Committee.

Finally, as a closing ceremony, Rey Juan Carlos University handed over the baton to the National Technical University of Athens, with a gift for the celebration of the next Global Conference in Athens in 2027.

The conference reaffirmed the commitment of the EULiST alliance to foster cooperation, knowledge exchange and cross-sector collaboration for tackling climate change and promoting sustainable development.

LUT Delegation Visit at NTUA

26/11/2025

On November 5 and 6, 2025, a research delegation from the Department of Separation Science of LUT School of Engineering Sciences visited the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) to strengthen academic partnerships within the EULiST Alliance and explore opportunities for future research collaboration.

The visit was hosted at the NTUA School of Chemical Engineering. The scientific fields that were explored during the visit were Biorefining, Food Processing Technologies, Metals and Minerals, and P-to-X Chemicals.

The visit was inaugurated by the NTUA Vice Rector for Research, Innovation and Extroversion, Prof. Manos Varvarigos, and the NTUA School of Chemical Engineering Dean, Prof. Glykeria Kakali.

LUT delegation consisted of Assoc. Prof. Sami Virolainen, Assoc. Prof. Ikenna Anugwom, Assoc Prof. Rama Layek, Assist. Prof. Samuel Perez-Vega, Assoc. Prof. Nima Rezaei, Assoc. Prof. Niko Kinnunen, Dr. Katja Lahikainen, and Dr. Taija Hämäläinen.

NTUA delegation consisted of Prof. Sotiris Karellas, Prof. Emer. Katerina Adam, Prof. Andreas Boudouvis, Prof. Costas Charitidis, Prof. Antonis Kokossis, Prof. Magdalini Krokida, Prof. Gerasimos Lyberatos, Prof. Evangelia Pavlatou, Prof. Petros Taoukis, Prof. Evangelos Topakas, Prof. Epaminondas Voutsas, Prof. Anthimos Xenidis, Assoc. Prof. Maria Giannakourou, Assoc. Prof. Stamatina Vouyiouka, Assist. Prof. Kyriakos Lampropoulos, Assist. Prof. Antonis Peppas, Assist. Prof. Stergios Vakalis, Dr. Christos Boukouvalas, Dr. Lazaros Karaoglanoglou, Dr. Vicky Louli, Dr. Efstratios Nikolaivits, Dr. Konstantina Papadopoulou, Dr. Georgia Pappa, Dr. Panagiotis Angelopoulos, Dr. Chrysa Politi, PhD Cand. Maria Modestou, Antonia Lampropoulou.

The visit included plenary sessions with a presentation of the EULiST WP4 “Research and Innovation” activities, with a particular focus on ERIA (EULiST Research and Innovation Academy), topics pitches from both counterparts, visits to Laboratories at the School of Chemical Engineering (Design and Process Analysis Lab, Thermodynamics and Transport Phenomena Lab, Biotechnology Lab) and the School of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering and the Mineralogical Museum.

Most importantly, bilateral discussions took place, and discussions were initiated on developing joint proposals. These discussions have formed a basis for building trust, understanding mutual interests, and establishing a foundation for cooperation in specific funding calls.

The Master Programs of NTUA’s School of Chemical Engineering were presented to explore a potential future EULiST double degree framework between equivalent study programs from LUT and NTUA. As a first step, the delegates will seek to develop EULiST courses exploring the complementarity of existing Master Programs.

This vibrant visit highlights the dynamic cooperation fostered within the EULiST Alliance and underscores the commitment of both institutions to advancing long-lasting and meaningful collaborations in education and research.

Agenda

Students Shape the Future of the EULiST Digital Campus

21/10/2025

As part of the 2nd EULiST Student Conference, an interactive usability workshop brought together 30 students and members of task group 2.1 to collaboratively explore and improve the EULiST Digital Campus. Divided into four groups, participants conducted hands-on usability tests at dedicated tables, each focusing on a specific aspect of the platform:

Table 1: Testing the usability of the Digital Campus, with a special focus on the course catalogue.
Table 2: Evaluating the current workflow for an e-learning course.
Table 3: Helping to clarify course descriptions for better understanding and accessibility.
Table 4: Examining the current communication channels of the platform.

The workshop fostered rich discussions and practical insights, resulting in highly valuable feedback on how to make the Digital Campus more user-friendly, clear, and effective for all students.

We deeply value and appreciate the engagement and efforts of all participants. Their contributions are instrumental, and we have already started to implement their ideas and suggestions to further enhance the EULiST Digital Campus experience.

BIP Staff Week at IMT Mines Albi, 17-21 November 2025

10/10/2025 Deadline: October 20, 2025

Are you eager to connect with colleagues from around the world and exchange best practices in higher education and all this within an EULiST institution?

Look no further! IMT Mines Albi is thrilled to invite you to our annual Staff Week, a dynamic event designed to foster collaboration and innovation in academia.

Hosted on our campus in the city of Albi (France), our Staff Week offers a unique opportunity to engage with a diverse community of educators, administrators, and researchers.
Through interactive workshops, insightful presentations, and networking sessions, participants will learn how to manage cultural differences in higher education, share valuable insights, and forge lasting partnerships.

Why attend the IMT Mines Albi BIP Staff Week?

Exchange ideas and expertise with peers from international institution
Discover innovative approaches to teaching, research, and student support services
Explore the surroundings of Albi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Expand your professional network and cultivate collaborative opportunities
Experience the renowned hospitality and cultural richness of France

Dates: 17-21 November + Virtual opening on the 7th of November, at 10am (CET)

Location: IMT Mines Albi Campus, Albi, France

Pre-registration for Eulist members only (until October 20th): by email at international@mines-albi.fr

Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to enhance your professional development and be part of a global conversation in higher education.

Join us at the IMT Mines Albi Staff Week and let’s shape the future of learning together!

EULiST Global Conference in Madrid, 20-21 November 2025

22/09/2025

Welcome to the EULiST Global Conference “Co-creating Sustainable Solutions for Climate-Resilient Societies”, a meeting space for research, innovation, and collaboration in the pursuit of sustainable solutions to the great challenges of our time. This event brings together academics, researchers, and representatives from the regions and the productive sector, with the goal of fostering dialogue and cooperation in key areas such as energy transition, Industry 4.0, climate resilience, bioengineering, circular economy, and the social impact of technological transformation.

In a world marked by climate urgency, accelerated digitalization, and the need for more sustainable economic and social models, science and education play a fundamental role. This conference is designed to address global challenges from a multidisciplinary and integrative perspective, aligned with innovation.

More information is available on https://www.eulistglobalconference.com/.

EULiST at EAIE 2025 in Gothenburg

02/09/2025

We are excited to announce that EULiST will participate in the EAIE (European Association for International Education) Conference and Exhibition 2025 taking place in Gothenburg, Sweden, from September 9^th to 12^th. This marks our second presence at this leading international event in higher education.

You will find us in the exhibition hall, among the European University Alliances, at booth P44.
At our stand, we will showcase how EULiST – a network of ten universities across Europe – connects students, researchers, and staff and present the opportunities and benefits of being part of our alliance.

Our team looks forward to:

Exchanging knowledge and best practices
Exploring opportunities for collaboration
Showcasing how EULiST partner universities can shape a more sustainable and innovative future together.

We warmly invite you to visit our stand and engage with us during the conference!

EULiST is Now on Instagram

30/08/2025

We are excited to announce that EULiST has officially launched its Instagram account:

Username: @eulist.university

Account name: EULiST European University

Follow us to stay updated on the latest news, events, activities, and opportunities and gain insights into how our diverse community connects students, researchers, and staff across Europe.

By showcasing our work in a more engaging and visual way, we invite you to discover the shared vision of all partner institutions – how EULiST links society and technology, empowers students and researchers as change agents, and works towards climate action, digital transition, and social cohesion – shaping a sustainable, inclusive, and innovative Europe!

👉 Follow us on Instagram: @eulist.university

“The Waltz of Pioneers” – Celebrating Europe’s Top Early-Stage spin-offs

31/07/2025

As part of the ViennaUP Festival, The Waltz of Pioneers took place on May 12th, 2025, at TU Wien – an event spotlighting academic spin-offs from across Europe. Organized by the TU Wien Innovation Incubation Center (i²c) and powered by the EULiST European University Alliance, the event marked the launch of the first-ever EULiST pan-European spin-off pitch competition.

The competition brought together participants from 28 countries and nine leading European universities, each showcasing their most innovative ventures through ten inspiring pitches spanning a diverse range of industries. TU Wien was represented by co2ol Catalyst, a pioneering startup converting CO₂ into methanol – a crucial step toward a more sustainable future.

A jury of experts provided feedback and posed insightful questions, while the networking session that followed gave spin-offs the opportunity to connect directly with investors and key figures from Europe’s innovation ecosystem. The event was further supported by the Austrian Business Agency, the Vienna Business Agency, and TU Wien’s SpinOff Factory.

Competition Highlights:

Best EULiST Spin-off 2025: Replico (IMT, France) – awarded for their 3D-printed anatomical models with integrated nerve structures. The team received a €3,000 prize sponsored by SpinOff Factory and a media package from Brutkasten.

X-ECD took second place and was awarded a professionally produced promotional video.

The Waltz of Pioneers not only celebrated Europe’s vibrant academic spin-offs but also strengthened the cross-border collaboration and knowledge exchange at the heart of the EULiST Alliance.

EULiST Student Conference 2025 in Douai, France: A Week of Collaboration, Innovation and Cultural Connections

15/07/2025

From June 30th to July 4th, 2025, the IMT Nord Europe in Douai, France, hosted the second edition of the EULiST Student Conference. Bringing together 200 students of all levels (undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD), with diverse fields of study, from across the 10 EULiST partner universities and countries, this marks the alliance’s largest student event.

On 30^th June, the conference opened with a warm welcome from the Mayor of Douai, Dr. Frédéric Chereau.

Day 1 – Opening and Thematic Workshops

On 1^st July, a hot sunny day in Douai, the conference officially began with an inspiring Opening Ceremony. Welcoming addresses were delivered by the Director of IMT Nord Europe, Céline Fasulo, the EULiST Secretary General, Dr. Natia Gamkrelidze, the IMT Vice-President for Academic and International Affairs and EULiST Management Board member, Dr. Frédérique Vincent, and the Chair of the EULiST Management Board and Director of Internationalization at URJC, Pablo Tomás Salvadores Alonso. In addition, the ceremony featured an engaging panel discussion with the former Rector of NTUA, Professor Andreas Boudouvis, and the Policy Officer for Higher Education at the European Commission, Ioana Dewandeler, who shared valuable perspectives on the role of university alliances in shaping Europe’s educational future. Students from the organising team also took the stage to welcome participants and encourage everyone to make the most of the diverse opportunities ahead.

In the afternoon, participants took part in seven interactive workshops designed to foster group work, critical thinking, and creativity – encouraging students to think “outside the room” both figuratively and literally. The thematic workshops, a central part of the conference, were held in two sessions, Session 1 on the first day, and Session 2 on the third day. A highlight was the EULiST Digital Campus workshop, where students tested the first pilot version of the Digital Campus platform and shared their feedback.

The workshops provided students with the opportunity to tackle key topics, solve problems collaboratively, and work with peers from different countries. Participants chose workshops aligned with their interests and joined mixed groups of students, researchers, and professionals. Together, they explored issues shaping the future of academia and society, aiming to develop solutions with real impact beyond the conference.

At the end of the day, the International Evening was a memorable event, where each country’s delegation brought traditional snacks and drinks for everyone to try, giving all participants the chance to experience different European flavours.

Day 2 – Pitch Sessions, Hackathon, and Cultural Activities

The second day of the EULiST Student Conference was filled with fresh perspectives and forward-thinking ideas. The EULiST Pitch Sessions gave students the opportunity to present their academic projects and innovative solutions to some of tomorrow’s most pressing challenges. Organised into three 45-minute rounds, the sessions encouraged lively exchanges and inspired new ways of thinking.

Hackathon teams also began developing ideas with real-world applications, setting the foundation for projects that will continue to grow beyond the conference.

Participants supported each other enthusiastically, creating a positive and collaborative atmosphere.

A true highlight of the day was the inspiring keynote speech by Marianne Heiß, former CEO, advisory board member, bestselling author, and advocate for female leadership and sustainable business. In her talk, Design Your Career in International Business, she encouraged students to be bold, clear, and authentic in shaping their professional paths. Her message resonated strongly with participants, offering honest insights and practical advice for navigating the international business landscape.

In the afternoon, participants stepped outside the classroom to discover Douai’s rich heritage — exploring historic mines, visiting the planetarium, and taking a guided walking tour through the heart of the city.

Day 3 – Thematic Workshops, Poster Session, and Closing Gala

On 3^rd July, the second round of thematic workshops took place. This was followed by the EULiST Poster Session, where participants had the chance to dive into exciting research, meet inspiring people, and spark new collaborations.

The day also featured a thought-provoking keynote by Dr. Tim Flohrer, Head of the Space Debris Office at the European Space Agency (ESA), and a leading expert on the growing challenge of space debris, who highlighted how science, policy, and industry must work together to ensure a sustainable and safe orbital environment.

Finally, a Closing Gala at the Louvre-Lens Museum brought together participants, partners, and guests from across Europe for a night of celebration, discovery, and connection.

Overall, the 2nd EULiST Student Conference in Douai was an enriching experience for everyone involved, providing countless opportunities for personal growth, academic development, and intercultural exchange. It was a week that embodied the shared vision of all partner institutions — fostering collaboration, innovation, and meaningful connections while shaping the future of higher education and society in Europe together.

For the full program of the Student Conference, please visit its website.

First EULiST In-Person PR Unit Meeting: Three inspiring days in Athens

14/07/2025

The first in-person EULiST PR Unit meeting was successfully hosted by the National Technical University of Athens from 23 to 25 June 2025 in the vibrant city of Athens, Greece.

Representatives from nearly all ten EULiST member universities gathered to meet each other and work face-to-face for the first time on shaping the future of the alliance’s communication and outreach. This meeting was also the first in-person gathering attended by EULiST’s new Secretary General, Dr. Natia Gamkrelidze — an honour for the entire team.

The agenda focused on strategic alignment, message harmonisation, communication tools, and joint campaigns to showcase the strength and impact of EULiST — 10 universities, 200,000 students, and 20,000 staff across Europe.

On the first day, each university presented its local PR structure, followed by a fruitful exchange of best practices and a presentation of the FOREU4ALL alliance.
The second day included discussions on the alliance’s strategic positioning, project flagships, work package deliverables, and the overall narrative. LUT University (Finland) also shared an update on the progress of the new logo and branding. Finally, the team reviewed existing EULiST communication channels and explored ideas for new ones to enhance outreach and engagement.

On the final day, discussions focused on the PR Unit’s contribution to several major upcoming events, including the 2^nd EULiST Student Conference (30 June – 4 July), the EAIE Conference and Exhibition in September, and the 1^st EULiST Global Conference in Madrid this November. Next implementation steps were defined in line with the EULiST Communication and Dissemination Strategy, alongside the upcoming recruitment of a Communications Manager.

Beyond the working sessions, many social events — including dinners and outings in the centre of Athens with breathtaking views of the Acropolis — gave members the chance to build strong personal connections and set the foundation for more direct and effective collaboration in the months ahead to further enhance EULiST’s visibility and impact across Europe.

The energy, creativity, and dedication of each participant were invaluable. Together, we continue to build a stronger EULiST — linking society and technology for a sustainable, inclusive, and connected Europe!

Detailed Agenda