Early on May 26th, 2025, Abraham Duarte Muñoz was officially named rector of Rey Juan Carlos University (URJC), one of the ten EULiST member institutions, following the publication of his appointment in the Official Bulletin of the Community of Madrid (BOCM). For further information, please refer to the official announcement in the BOCM and the detailed news release published by URJC.
On May 26th, 2025, Rey Juan Carlos University (URJC) had the pleasure of welcoming a delegation from Jönköping University (JU) to its Fuenlabrada campus as part of the ongoing collaboration within the EULiST Alliance. This visit represented an important step in enhancing academic cooperation and building stronger links between partner institutions in the alliance.
The day’s programme began at 9:00 with a warm welcome by Pablo T. Salvadores Alonso and Juan Manuel García Camús, who greeted the delegation on behalf of URJC. This was followed by a presentation of the Jönköping University delegation, during which Professors Thomas Winman, Eva-Lotta Palm, Ernesto Abalo, Fredrik Ebefors, Dusan Zelic, and Kristina Johansson provided a brief overview of their institution and areas of expertise.
Subsequently, Professors Alberto Hernando García Cervigón and Lorenzo Torres introduced the Schools and Faculties based at the Fuenlabrada Campus, with a particular focus on education and communication. This session offered valuable insights into the academic strengths and priorities of URJC in these fields.
The morning continued with a series of bilateral meetings, where Professors Rainer Rubira, Antonio García Jiménez, Arcadio Sotto, and Isabel Enciso engaged in in-depth discussions with their counterparts from Jönköping University. These meetings enabled both sides to explore specific topics in greater detail and identify specific opportunities for joint projects, student mobility, and collaborative research. The constructive dialogue highlighted the diversity and complementarity of both institutions, laying the foundation for impactful partnerships in the years ahead.
Following the meetings, the Jönköping University delegation, accompanied by URJC staff, visited the communication laboratories at the Fuenlabrada campus. Professor Raquel Vinader, Vice Dean of Technological Infrastructures and Professional Sectors, guided the group through the facilities dedicated to audiovisual education, including the radio and film studios. The tour also included other key spaces that support teaching and research activities, providing the delegation with a comprehensive view of the resources and dynamic environment that characterize URJC.
This visit is a clear example of EULiST’s ongoing commitment to fostering meaningful collaboration between its member universities. Through these joint initiatives, the alliance continues to strengthen connections, share expertise, and work together to advance educational and research excellence across Europe.
On May 19th and 20th, 2025, a 12-member delegation from Rey Juan Carlos University (URJC) visited the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) to reinforce the strategic partnership within the EULiST Alliance and explore opportunities for future academic and research collaboration across a broad range of engineering fields.
The delegation, led by URJC Vice-Rector for International Relations Prof. María Luisa Humanes Humanes and the Chair of EULiST Management Board, Pablo Tomas Salvador Alonso, Head of URJC International Office, consisted of representatives from various faculties.
The event was inaugurated with welcome speeches by academic leaders, including the NTUA Rector, Prof. Ioannis K. Chatjigeorgiou, the NTUA Vice Rector, Prof. Athanasios Zisis, and Emer. Prof. Katerina Adam, EULiST NTUA Scientific Responsible.
The meeting proceeded with a session of presentations highlighting key research activities at NTUA. Prof. Sotirios Karellas, EULiST NTUA Scientific Responsible, and WP4 Leader, gave an institutional overview on behalf of Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Outreach, Prof. Manos Varvarigos. He also presented the EULiST Research activities, with a particular focus on ERIA (EULiST Research and Innovation Academy), the flagship of Work Package 4: “Research & Innovation”. Ongoing activities within WP4, such as “Fridays for Research”, were also introduced. Subsequently, NTUA Professors with research activities relevant with these of the URJC delegation, i.e. Marinos Manolesos, Maria Taxiarhou, Georgios Stamou, Simos Papavasiliou, Nikos Mitrou, and Athanasios Rentizelas showcased their research areas and the projects conducted in their laboratories.
URJC’s research activities were then introduced by Pablo Tomás Salvadores Alonso, Director of Internationalization, Santiago Gómez Ruiz, Academic Director of International Research Promotion, and other representatives from various URJC schools and faculties including Luis Fernando Bautista from School of Experimental Sciences and Technology (ESCET), Cristina Soguero from School of Engineering of Fuenlabrada, Rafael Capilla from School of Computer Engineering and Ana Medina Lopez from Faculty of Economics and Business Science.
The afternoon session included bilateral meetings and guided
visits to NTUA laboratories. Based on their research interests the URJC delegation was divided into two groups:
The visit concluded with a joint session where representatives from both institutions convened to discuss potential future synergies in research, education, and innovation, based on areas of mutual interest and a shared commitment to advancing sustainability and driving the green and digital transition.
On Monday, May 5th, Rey Juan Carlos University (URJC) welcomed a delegation from LUT University (Finland) and TU Wien (Austria) to further strengthen the bonds within the EULiST alliance.
The visit began with a welcome address by Pablo T. Salvadores Alonso, Director of Internationalisation and Chair of the Management Board, who highlighted the university’s commitment to international cooperation and the shared vision of EULiST in connecting society and technology.
Sonsoles Manotas Cabeza, Head of the Department for Research and Innovation, presented an overview of URJC’s innovation and research ecosystem. Her presentation included insights into the university’s research units, the European Projects Office, and the Board of Ethics in Research, underlining URJC’s active role in European research initiatives.
The agenda continued with a session dedicated to the EULiST Office at URJC, where Juan Manuel García Camús introduced the university’s organizational structure, EULiST local office staff, and ongoing activities within various tasks and work packages. The discussion also explored new opportunities for collaboration between URJC and LUT University under the EULiST framework.
On Tuesday, May 6th, the programme continued under the guidance of Bernardino Muñoz Valadés. During this part of the visit, the delegation had the opportunity to learn about the Ofilibre and the Diversity Unit, gaining further insight into the university’s commitment to inclusion and support services.
This visit reflects the strong partnership between URJC and LUT University and reinforces the shared commitment of EULiST member institutions to advance research, innovation, and educational excellence across Europe.
As representatives of the Governing Board of the European University Alliance EULiST – European University, we express our concern regarding the current developments surrounding Harvard University. We stand in full support of Harvard’s governance in its efforts to defend the independence of academia and academic freedom in the face of political pressure linked to financial restrictions imposed by the federal government of the United States.
Universities, whether public or private, are essential bearers of democratic values, manifested above all in free thought, open inquiry, and autonomous governance. Critical dialogue and diversity of opinion are natural and necessary principles of academic life. We therefore view political interference in academia — including through economic constraints — as a violation of these foundational principles.
International cooperation is an essential functional principle of the university environment. Therefore, with this statement, we express our solidarity with the governance of Harvard University and its entire academic community in rejecting proposals whose adoption would violate the principles on which universities have historically been built.
On behalf of EULiST – European Universities and by decision of the Alliance Board, composed of the rectors and presidents of ten European universities, the Chair of the Management Board, and the Chair of the Student Board – LUH Hannover, TUW Vienna, STU Bratislava, BUT Brno, URJC Madrid, NTUA Athens, UnivAQ Aquila, IMT Paris, JU Jönköpping, LUT Lappeenranta-Lahti.
Ladislav Janíček, President
The event will take place on 12th May 2025, from 10:00 to 13:00, during ViennaUP 2025, the international startup and innovation festival held annually in Vienna, Austria. One startup from each university of the EULiST network is going to pitch.
Join the rhythm of innovation at “The Waltz of Pioneers”, a unique contribution of TU Wien to the ViennaUP 2025, to see how Europe’s university-born spin-offs are transforming research into impactful solutions. This Pitch Competition brings together spin-offs from 10 leading European universities, a testament to the European academic alliance linking society and technology (EULiST).
Much like a waltz, where harmony is key, this competition highlights the interplay between spin-offs and their respective university programs supporting them. Come and witness spin-off pitches showcasing the latest innovations, explore Austrian and European initiatives for entrepreneurs, and connect with investors, industry leaders, and fellow innovators.
Register here. There is a limited number of tickets available. Secure your spot today and join us for an unforgettable event that celebrates innovation and collaboration across Europe!
For additional information, please visit the event page on ViennaUP website.
We are excited to invite you to participate in our upcoming Webinar Series on Professional Faculty Development. This series is promoted by the Task Group 3.2 “Innovative Teaching and Learning” and will focus on innovative learning and teaching methodologies designed to enhance your teaching practices and engage your students.
What you can expect:
– Explore Innovative Learning Strategies: Discover the latest trends and techniques that can transform your teaching experience and create a more dynamic learning environment.
– Enhance Your Teaching Methodologies: Learn how to implement diverse and effective teaching strategies that cater to various learning styles, ensuring that all students feel included and supported.
– Collaborate with Colleagues: Connect with fellow faculty members from across the EULiST Alliance, sharing insights and best practices that can enrich your teaching experience and foster a collaborative community.
– Gain Expert Insights: Benefit from the knowledge of experienced professionals who will provide practical tips and resources to support your professional growth.
No pre-registration required! Simply join us for these engaging sessions and take advantage of this opportunity to expand your teaching toolkit without the need for prior sign-up.
The webinars of the “Spring/Summer Session 2025” are:
Wed., April 2, 2025, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. (CET)
Universitá L´Aquila, Aula magna Centro congressi “Luigi Zordan” and via Live Streaming on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDqfzXLL5ZI
Tue., May 20, 2025, 2:00 – 3:00 (CET)
Via LUH platform Stud.IP https://studip.uni-hannover.de under the working group “EULiST Webinars on Professional Faculty Development”
Fri., June 20 2025, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. (CET)
Via LUH platform Stud.IP https://studip.uni-hannover.de under the working group “EULiST Webinars on Professional Faculty Development”
Don’t miss out on this chance to enhance your skills and connect with peers! We look forward to seeing you there and embarking on this journey of professional development together. Mark your calendars and join us for an inspiring series of webinars!
To enter the platform Stud.IP https://studip.uni-hannover.de please, select “EULiST European university”, then pick “login with EULiST university”, choose now your own Institution from the list and login with your own account.
After that, you will be re-directed to Stud.IP home page and, from the search tool on top right of the page search, look for “EULiST Webinars on Professional Faculty Development”. At this point, you are on the General Information section of the platform, click on “Go to the course”, under the Menu at the left-hand side of the screen, and sign up to the course.
Explore the site, find the material and under “BigBlueButton” you can enter the webinar room.
For any inquiries regarding the webinar series please contact Alessandra Continenza (alessandra.continenza@univaq.it) and Francesca Cristaldi (Francesca.Cristaldi@zuv.uni-hannover.de)
From March 31st to April 2nd, University of L’ Aquila (UnivAQ) will host the 2025 General Assembly of the EULiST – European Universities Linking Society and Technology University Alliance.
The annual event is a fixed appointment of great importance to take stock of the state of the art of the Alliance and to focus attention on results achieved and future objectives.
These are the main topics that will be discussed during the three intense days, in the historic setting of the “Luigi Zordan” Congress Centre at the San Basilio monastery:
Upcoming events: EULiST Global Conference and Student Conference.
One of the most significant moments of the event will be the inauguration of the 2024/25 academic year of the University of L’Aquila. A moment of meeting between the Italian Universities, represented by the guest Rectors and the international institutions that are members of EULiST:
Furthermore, during the General Assembly, the first appointment of the series of webinars dedicated to the professional development of academic staff, promoted within the EULiST Alliance, will be held. The initiative, coordinated by Task group 3.2 “Innovative Teaching and Learning”, aims to offer innovative tools and advanced strategies to improve teaching and learning. The first meeting of the Webinar Series on Professional Faculty Development is entitled “Challenge-based Learning: an Active Pedagogy in Higher Education” and will be held by Prof. Claudia Migliaccio of the Institut Mines-Télécom of Paris, one of the EULiST partner universities. The appointment is for Wednesday 2 April, 5.00-6.30, Aula Magna of the “Luigi Zordan” Congress Centre and live streaming on the UnivAQ YouTube channel.
Download the poster .
The webinar series has a programme already defined for the spring/summer period 2025, to continue the Task group 3.2 invites experts to share their knowledge and insights on various key topics to improve educational practice and professional growth. Details in the Call for Contributions.
Join us at UnivAQ for an unforgettable experience, as we collectively embark on a journey towards shaping the future of EULiST together!
For more information, visit the UnivAQ website announcement.
The 8th EULiST “Fridays for Research” event on “AI in product realization for Sustainable Industry” will be held as a joint online meeting on Friday, 7th March, 12:00 – 15:00 CET.
More specifically, representatives from the EULiST member universities will deliver concise 5-minute presentations on the following topics:
This will be followed by a 10-minute discussion, fostering further research collaborations.
The session will conclude with a summary of key outcomes and a presentation of the future steps.
Participants may connect using this Webex link.
For more information regarding the event, contact Angelos Markopoulos amark@mail.ntua.gr.
The 7th EULiST “Fridays for Research” event on “Digital Trust and Cybersecurity” will be held as a joint online meeting on Friday, 14th February, 12:00 – 15:00 CET.
More specifically, representatives from the EULiST member universities will deliver concise 5-minute presentations on the following topics:
This will be followed by a 10-minute discussion, fostering further research collaborations.
The session will conclude with a summary of key outcomes and a presentation of the future steps.
Participants may connect using the following link: https://centralntua.webex.com/centralntua/j.php?MTID=ma2cc6e04bb9035df0ae600363614a712
For more information regarding the event, contact Pavlačková Zdeňka pavlackova@vutbr.cz,
