UnILiON has continued to make impressive strides in promoting collaboration, knowledge exchange, and advocacy within the European higher education landscape. Through various initiatives, events, and engagements, UnLiON has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a dynamic environment for collaboration.
The Core Group has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of UnLiON. Regular meetings have allowed this team to assess key issues, address strategic planning, and approve significant proposals that drive the network’s mission forward. The various Working Groups—focused on Horizon Europe & Future Policy, Excellence, Innovation, International Cooperation, and Higher Education—have been instrumental in advancing initiatives that promote research and policy engagement within the sector.
UnLiON continued its tradition of facilitating meaningful conversations through its series of Focus Talks and Open Talks. With three Focus Talks and eight Open Talks held throughout the year, these events offered members opportunities to delve into emerging trends and engage in critical dialogue. By leveraging the expertise within the network, these discussions have strengthened the collective knowledge and fostered deeper intelligence-gathering efforts.
To enhance partnership opportunities, UnILiON organized two successful Brokerage Events focused on collaborative projects. These events brought together members and external stakeholders, facilitating valuable networking and enabling the identification of joint initiatives that can propel the sector forward.
Under the organization of the Excellence Working Group, research managers and officers gathered in Brussels to share their knowledge and experience about the European Research Council (ERC) and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) calls. Attendees engaged in insightful presentations from Commission representatives, which provided valuable updates on the future calls.
During the study visit organised by the Innovation Working Group, 32 technology and knowledge transfer officers from 26 UnILiON member universities across 11 countries came to Brussels to learn about the crucial role of connecting research with commercialization, bolstering European innovation ecosystems and competitiveness.
UnILiON has made strides in engaging with key external stakeholders, including umbrella organisations across Brussels, and various departments within the European Commission. These collaborations are essential in navigating the complexities of European education policies and fostering a supportive environment for institutions.
The Annual Conference stood as a central highlight of UnILiON’s activities, drawing participation from over 140 members. This event not only provided a platform for networking and best practice-sharing but also introduced innovative sessions, such as an AI Expert forum and the engaging FARI walk, which received positive feedback from attendees.
A range of social events and activities were organized throughout the year to strengthen relationships among members and encourage active participation.
As we move forward, UnILiON continues its advocacy for collaboration and knowledge exchange with a commitment to tackle future challenges while promoting the importance of a cooperative research framework across Europe.
