Across Newsletter 3, september 2026

Across was highly visible at several community events organised by Chemnitz University of Technology during summer 2026, bringing the Alliance closer to students, staff and the wider public. At the TUC Summer Night on 27 June, the historic Böttcher Building became a festival venue for an evening of music, entertainment and community activities. Across contributed to the atmosphere through its presence on campus, while an exhibition in the Altes Heizhaus introduced visitors to the Alliance’s mission and vision. A few days later, on 4 July, Across was also represented during Christopher Street Day in Chemnitz. More than 30 students and staff from Chemnitz University of Technology joined the university float alongside over 2,000 participants in the city-centre parade. Through these events, Across helped reinforce values of diversity, openness, tolerance and European cooperation, while strengthening its visibility within the university community.

From 18 to 22 May 2026, Bialystok University of Technology welcomed more than 30 academic and administrative staff members from Across partner universities for an intensive week of international cooperation. The programme included the 16th International Staff Week, which brought together more than 40 participants from 24 countries to exchange good practices, strengthen institutional links and explore new opportunities for mobility and internationalisation. The week also provided an important setting for the Task Team 2.3 – Mobility Across Borders and Sectors meeting, with representatives from six Across universities. Discussions focused on improving mobility opportunities for Master’s and PhD students, developing hybrid formats, simplifying procedures and increasing staff involvement. Together, these activities highlighted the importance of mobility and staff cooperation in building stronger connections between Across universities and creating more opportunities for students and academics across the Alliance.

From 1 to 5 May 2026, University of Girona student David Cebotari represented Across at the 3rd Conference of the Student Bodies of the Alliances, held in Malta. Organised by the European Students’ Union (ESU) together with the University of Malta Student Council, the conference brought together student representatives from European University Alliances under the theme “Leading Together: Strengthening Student Communities and Leadership Across Europe.” Through workshops, discussions and collaborative sessions, participants exchanged good practices and explored how students can play a stronger role in the governance and development of European University Alliances. David Cebotari’s participation marked an important milestone for Across, as it was the Alliance’s first representation at this conference. It also highlighted the growing importance of student involvement in shaping cooperation across European higher education. By strengthening student voices and creating opportunities for exchange between alliances, the event contributed to building a more participatory and connected European university community.

Numidia Chami, a Global Studies student at the University of Girona, represented Across at the European Student Assembly (ESA) held at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Together with more than 250 students from across Europe, she took part in discussions on democracy, citizen participation and the future of the European Union. As a member of the panel dedicated to democracy and civic engagement, she contributed to debates on youth participation, access to reliable information, trust in institutions and ways of bringing European decision-making closer to citizens. For Numidia, the experience was also an opportunity to represent both the University of Girona and Across in an international setting, exchange perspectives with students from different countries and discover how young people can contribute directly to European debates. In her interview, she highlights the value of international opportunities for students and encourages others to get involved, even if they do not initially feel fully prepared. “Young people are not only the future of Europe — we should also help shape it today.”

On 28 May 2026, the University of Udine led the international webinar “Across Generations: Age as a Resource for Inclusion”, dedicated to intergenerational dialogue and the role of age as a resource for growth, participation and innovation. Organised within Task 1.4 – Inclusion, Gender, Equality and Diversity, the online event brought together 92 participants from Across partner universities, including students, PhD candidates, researchers, academic staff and administrative personnel. The discussion explored a wide range of topics, from changing academic pathways throughout life to youth participation, age in the workplace and the benefits of intergenerational exchange in professional and academic environments. By bringing together different generations and perspectives, the webinar highlighted the importance of inclusion, equality and diversity within the Across community. The event marked another step forward in strengthening cooperation across the Alliance and promoting a university environment where experience, age and different life paths are recognised as valuable resources.

On 22 July 2026, representatives from the Université de Perpignan Via Domitia (UPVD) visited the University of Girona (UdG) for a joint working session dedicated to communication and cross-border cooperation within Across. From UdG, participants included Sílvia Espinosa Mirabet, Vice-Rector for Communication ; Anna Estanyol, Head of Communication ; Olímpia Trias, Internal and external Communication Manager ; Irene Compte Lobera, Across Project Manager; Adrià Soler Plana, Communication Officer; and Laura Betancourt Alvarez, Institutional Grants and Project Officer. The UPVD team was represented by Claudine Justafré, Across Project Manager; Innovation Project Officer and coordinator of the 2026 Hackathon jointly organised by UPVD and UdG; and Joan Chillon, UPVD Student Ambassador. Marina Nerin, Across Communication Officer for the Alliance, also took part in the meeting. The working session provided an opportunity to exchange good practices in student communication, scientific communication, media relations and outreach to the wider public, while exploring ways to make Across opportunities and activities more visible and accessible to university communities. Discussions also addressed student representation, communication around the Across Hackathon and initiatives designed to strengthen connections between partner campuses. Beyond the exchange of practices, the visit reinforced cooperation between two neighbouring Across universities and opened new perspectives for joint communication activities. During the second semester 2026, UdG will launch a large communication campaign to promote Across to all the university target groups (students, PhD, academic and administratif staff, partners, media, etc..). This campaign shall serve as inspire for all Across universities. UPVD will pay close attention to the lessons learned from UDG's experience in this area. By bringing together university communication teams, Across project staff, student representatives and the Alliance communication function, the meeting highlighted the essential role of communication in connecting institutions, engaging their communities and giving greater visibility to cross-border cooperation. The next meeting is planned at the UPVD campus in autumn. It will give the opportunity for the UdG delegation to exchange with UPVD Vice-Rector for Student Life, Virginie Soulier, and Director of Communication, Benjamin Heraut, both leaders of the Across Task Team on Communication.

The University of Udine, in collaboration with Across, launched the campaign “For Women in STEM: Make Yourself a Role Model” to highlight women’s experiences in science and encourage more female students to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Developed by the University’s Equal Opportunities Committee together with the Across Task 1.4 team on Inclusion, Gender, Equality and Diversity, the campaign ran from 11 February, International Day of Women and Girls in Science, to 8 March 2026. Through a series of video testimonials shared on Uniud and Across social media channels, female students, researchers, professors and administrative staff spoke about their academic and professional journeys, the challenges they have faced and their passion for science. The campaign concluded with a public event featuring an international contribution from astrophysicist Gabrijela Zaharijas of the University of Nova Gorica. By making women’s experiences and achievements more visible, the initiative promotes positive role models while supporting gender equality, inclusion and diversity across the Alliance.

EAIE 2026 in Glasgow marked an important milestone for the Across European University Alliance, bringing increased visibility, new international connections and valuable opportunities to exchange with the wider European higher education community. For the first time, Across established a strong and tangible presence at one of Europe’s major international higher education events. Together with COLOURS and UNINOVIS, Across shared a joint booth bringing together three European University Alliances with different regional identities and strengths, but a common ambition: to transform European higher education through cooperation, inclusion, innovation and impact. More than simply sharing an exhibition space, this joint presence reflected the collaborative spirit at the heart of the European Universities Initiative. Today, alliances are increasingly developing as long-term platforms connecting education, research, innovation and regional engagement across Europe. Across beyond the exhibition booth Across’ participation extended well beyond its presence in the exhibition hall. Across Alliance Coordinator Agata Mannino contributed to two official EAIE sessions. In “From Navigation to Revolution: Redefining Leadership in European University Alliances and International Collaborations,” she joined Annette Klinkert, Founder and CEO of city2science, and Bruna Vives Prat, Independent Senior Advisor and European Commission Expert Evaluator, to discuss the evolving role of leadership within European University Alliances. She also chaired “The Border Paradox: Proximity and the Rhythm of Cross-Border Internationalisation,” alongside Liana Berkowitz, International Project Manager at Université Sorbonne Paris Nord and a leading contributor to the UNINOVIS Alliance, and Laurent Cavaignac, Vice-President for International and Cross-Border Relations at UPVD. These sessions gave Across the opportunity to contribute directly to discussions on European cooperation, leadership and cross-border internationalisation. Beyond the official programme, Across colleagues also took part in poster presentations, conference sessions and networking activities, exchanging good practices, strengthening connections with other alliances and creating new opportunities for future cooperation. Learning from other European University Alliances EAIE 2026 was also an opportunity to strengthen relationships with other European University Alliances. Exchanges between communication teams and project representatives provided practical insights into how other alliances approach common challenges, from institutional communication and engagement to visibility and collaboration. For a young alliance such as Across, this type of peer learning is particularly valuable as it continues to develop its identity, activities and European network. Extending Across’ visibility online The Alliance’s presence in Glasgow was amplified through its digital communication channels. Across publications related to EAIE reached several thousand people, while visits to the Alliance’s online platforms increased during the event. Posts featuring members of the Across team also generated positive engagement, helping give the Alliance a more recognisable and human face. Social media therefore played an important role in extending the impact of the event beyond those physically present in Glasgow. The value of an event such as EAIE, however, goes beyond figures alone. It is also found in conversations that can develop into collaborations, contacts that can become partnerships and professional exchanges that strengthen connections across borders. Building on a successful first experience EAIE 2026 provided valuable lessons for future editions. Earlier communication planning, closer coordination between the booth, conference sessions, posters and social media activities, as well as a clearer system for recording contacts and follow-up actions, could further strengthen Across’ participation. The objective for future editions will therefore not be to reinvent the experience, but to build on this first participation and make Across’ presence more coordinated, more distinctive and more measurable. Despite travel disruption affecting some participants during the conference, the Across team remained highly active throughout the event and made the most of the opportunities available. Overall, EAIE 2026 strengthened Across’ visibility, credibility and international network while providing valuable experience for the future. The next step will be to maintain this momentum and transform the connections created in Glasgow into lasting collaborations across Europe and beyond.

The beta version of the Across eCampus is now online, providing a central digital hub for learning, mobility and collaboration across the Alliance. Designed with a “Security by Design” approach, the platform uses federated eduGAIN authentication, enabling students and staff to access services securely with their home university credentials. The eCampus already offers a growing range of opportunities. Educators can access the Teacher Training Academy, while students can discover the first Atomic Learning Units (ALUs) available through the course catalogue and register for learning opportunities directly on the platform. The Mobility Guide also provides practical information about partner universities, including accommodation and support services. For lecturers, the platform offers tools to create courses, manage participant lists and generate QR codes for attendance tracking. Further developments are planned, including deeper integration with partner Learning Management Systems and a future research discovery service, making the eCampus an increasingly important gateway to Across opportunities.

On 11 March 2026, the University of Nova Gorica organised a Workshop on Open Science, held for the first time within the framework of Across. The workshop is now part of the 50 courses planned for the Across Teacher Training Academy, launched on the Across eCampus on 1 July 2026. More than 80 participants joined the event in person and online, including over 40 participants from Across partner universities. The programme explored key issues in open science and academic publishing, including national open science initiatives, peer review, publishing ethics and the growing impact of artificial intelligence on research integrity. The discussions provided practical insights for academics, researchers and students, particularly those at the beginning of their research careers, on navigating scholarly publishing and using AI responsibly. By integrating the workshop into the Teacher Training Academy, Across is helping to share expertise and promote responsible research and teaching practices across its university community.

On 9 May 2026, Across joined the traditional TUCtag at Chemnitz University of Technology, an annual University Day bringing the campus to life for prospective students, alumni and the wider public. Around 4,500 visitors took part in more than 120 activities, including lectures, laboratory and campus tours, information sessions and opportunities to discover research and university life. Across was represented with its own information stand, offering visitors the opportunity to learn more about cooperation between the Alliance’s partner universities and the international opportunities available to students. In particular, prospective and current students could discover possibilities for studying and gaining experience abroad through the Across network. Events such as TUCtag provide an important opportunity to bring the European University closer to students and the local community, making international cooperation more visible and helping learners understand how Across can become part of their university experience. Tag: Education

A major highlight of the week in Bialystok was INNOBUILD 2026, an international conference held from 20 to 22 May 2026 and dedicated to sustainable construction, energy systems and climate transformation. The event brought together around 200 participants, including researchers, experts and representatives from the economic sector. Across was strongly represented, with 77 participants from eight partner universities, reinforcing scientific and teaching cooperation in areas that are central to the green transition. The programme also included the international debate “Women in Science and STEM”, bringing together female researchers from different countries and backgrounds. The discussion addressed academic career paths, professional challenges and the importance of strengthening equality and diversity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. These activities demonstrated how Across can connect researchers, disciplines and institutions while supporting international cooperation and knowledge exchange.

From 1 to 3 June 2026, the University of Perpignan hosted PAMS 2026 – Physics, Applied Mathematics and Simulations, organised as part of the Across workshop series “Science Beyond Borders and Disciplines.” The conference was supported by the University of Craiova, the University of Perpignan and the Across alliance. The organising committee included Maria-Magdalena Boureanu and Radu Constantinescu from the University of Craiova, and Olivier Coquand and Mircea Sofonea from the University of Perpignan, together with Andaluzia Matei from Craiova. The three-day programme brought together researchers working in physics, applied mathematics and simulations, with contributions from the University of Craiova, the University of Perpignan, the University of Nova Gorica, the University of Girona and Italian universities including Palermo and Messina. UPVD researchers presented work in several scientific areas, including spectroscopy, cosmological fluid dynamics, mathematical modelling, frugal computing and numerical simulations. Among the UPVD contributors were Adina Ceausu-Velcescu, Paul Blaise, Bilal Dergaoui, Mircea Sofonea, Matthieu Martel, Rawane Mansour and Vo Anh Thuong Nguyen. The programme also welcomed Across colleagues from other partner universities, including Lazaros Moysis from the University of Nova Gorica and Cristian Moreno Pulido and Maria Aguereles Carrero from the University of Girona, further broadening the scientific exchanges beyond the initial Perpignan–Craiova cooperation. Dedicated discussion sessions gave participants time to advance existing research collaborations and explore new ones. Several contributions already reflected joint work between Perpignan and Craiova, including research involving Maria-Magdalena Boureanu, Loredana Dafinoiu and Mircea Sofonea, with publications and ongoing work developed within the Across framework. Beyond the scientific sessions, informal discussions and visits to Collioure and Perpignan helped strengthen personal and professional connections between participants. The conference demonstrated the value of face-to-face meetings in turning scientific exchanges into concrete collaborations, from joint publications and future research projects to student co-supervision and mobility opportunities.

On 7–8 May 2026, the University of Craiova hosted an Across meeting dedicated to research and innovation, with a particular focus on regional policies and instruments linked to the Across Border Engagement Centres (ABECs). Nearly 100 Across representatives, experts and researchers joined the meeting, either in person or online. The programme focused primarily on Work Package 3, exploring how research activities across partner universities can be better connected and developed through joint initiatives within the European University framework. Plenary sessions and task team meetings provided an opportunity to review current activities, challenges and future perspectives. Discussions addressed topics such as cross-border research and innovation cooperation, smart industry, applied sciences, regional development, technology transfer and the role of ABECs in strengthening collaboration with regional stakeholders. The meeting also enabled participants to discover Craiova and its cultural heritage, while reinforcing connections between researchers and Across teams. By bringing together academic expertise and regional actors, the Craiova meeting contributed to strengthening cross-border research cooperation and innovation across the Alliance.

On 29 May 2026, the University of Banja Luka welcomed Prof. Aleh Marozau from Białystok University of Technology for a research visit marking an important milestone in academic cooperation within Across. During the visit, Prof. Marozau met with representatives of the Center for Development and Research Support (CDRS) at the Faculty of Forestry. The discussions focused on support for researchers in the preparation and implementation of projects, the importance of research mobility between partner institutions, and opportunities to develop new joint project proposals. The meeting highlighted the role of researcher and academic staff mobility in strengthening cooperation across the Alliance, facilitating the exchange of knowledge, experience and good practices between partner universities. Prof. Marozau’s visit was particularly significant as he was the first researcher from an Across partner university to visit the University of Banja Luka under the academic staff exchange programme.

Since June 2025, the University of Perpignan Via Domitia has benefited from funding from the French National Research Agency through the France 2030 programme, supporting several PhD projects linked to Across. Among them is the doctoral research of Anaïs Gomez, supervised by Professor Nicolas Marty and co-supervised with the University of Girona. Her work explores Catalan cannon merchants during the interwar period and is rooted in the long-standing academic cooperation between Perpignan and Girona. The cross-border dimension of the thesis provides access to archives on both sides of the French-Spanish border, supports language development through mobility opportunities and strengthens engagement with Catalan and Spanish historiography. For both the researcher and her supervisor, Across offers a valuable framework for developing long-term scientific cooperation and exploring border regions as spaces of shared history, mobility and European connection.

From 29 June to 3 July 2026, the University of Banja Luka welcomed Assoc. Prof. Ewa Zapora, PhD, from Białystok University of Technology as part of an Erasmus+ mobility visit. A highlight of the programme was her lecture “Mycoinnovations: How Fungi Are Changing the World and Our Lives?”, held on 30 June at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. Students, researchers and academic staff discovered recent scientific developments concerning fungi and their growing applications in science, technology and everyday life. Beyond the lecture, the visit provided opportunities for exchanges with representatives from Biology and Chemistry programmes, the Faculty of Forestry, the Institute of Genetic Resources and the University’s international cooperation office. Discussions focused on developing joint research activities, future academic exchanges and new mobility opportunities for students and staff. The visit strengthened cooperation between two Across partner universities while opening new perspectives for scientific collaboration, knowledge exchange and joint initiatives.

On 9 July 2026, representatives met at the University of Ruse to discuss future activities for an academic Across Border Engagement Centre connecting Ruse and Craiova. The planned centre is expected to provide a shared space for events, seminars and other collaborative activities organised by the University of Ruse, the University of Craiova and local partners, including public authorities and companies. Its aim is to create new opportunities for stakeholders on both sides of the Romania–Bulgaria border to engage in cross-border cooperation and benefit from the connections developed through Across. By bringing universities together with regional actors, the initiative seeks to strengthen links between academia, local communities and the economic sector, while encouraging the development of joint activities addressing shared regional needs. The Ruse–Craiova initiative represents another step towards turning cross-border cooperation into concrete opportunities for the territories involved in the Alliance.

On 10 June 2026, the University of Ruse hosted a seminar on “Open Data and Open Science in Bulgaria” at its Doctoral Center. The event addressed topics closely connected to the research priorities and activities developed by the University of Ruse within Across, highlighting the growing importance of open science and open data in today’s research environment. Participants explored how greater openness in research can support knowledge sharing, transparency and collaboration, while helping researchers make scientific results and data more accessible and reusable. The seminar also provided an opportunity to connect national developments in Bulgaria with broader discussions taking place within the Across research community. By promoting awareness of open science practices, the event contributed to strengthening a research culture based on cooperation, accessibility and the responsible sharing of knowledge across institutions and borders.

What if just 53 hours were enough to turn an idea into a concrete solution for one of today’s biggest challenges? From 20 to 22 November 2026, the Across European University Alliance invites students, researchers, entrepreneurs, professionals and citizens to take part in the Across Water Hackathon at UPVD IN CUBE in Perpignan. Over three intensive days, 50 participants divided into 10 teams will work together on real-life challenges related to water and climate resilience, including sustainable water management, agricultural and urban uses, water quality, marine and coastal ecosystems, and technological innovation. Participants will benefit from expert coaching, multidisciplinary teamwork and opportunities to connect with researchers, companies, public authorities and other innovation stakeholders from across the cross-border territory. One challenge, three days, real impact Whether you already have an idea or simply want to contribute your skills and perspective, everyone is welcome. No previous experience is required. At the end of the hackathon, teams will pitch their projects before a jury, with prizes and further opportunities awaiting the winning solutions. 📅 20–22 November 2026 📍 UPVD IN CUBE, Perpignan, France 👥 Open to everyone Innovation starts with an idea. The next one could be yours. 👉 [Register for the Across Water Hackathon](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/199stDK4hKQTMemEZ3qtd1cbTmrQwtice6ztNEzT1R8M/edit?usp=sharing_eip&ts=6a4511df)

Erasmus+ mobility is helping Across universities exchange expertise and strengthen professional cooperation between their teams. In May 2026, Stephanie Höber, Alumni Coordinator at Chemnitz University of Technology, took part in a job-shadowing visit at Université Perpignan Via Domitia (UPVD) in France. During the visit, she worked with the UPVD alumni team and exchanged experiences on developing alumni networks, organising events and supporting graduates as they enter professional life. Discussions also explored approaches to entrepreneurship and start-up support. The mobility gave both institutions an opportunity to compare practices and share expertise, while contributing to the professional development of the staff involved. This example illustrates how Erasmus+-funded staff mobility can support much more than individual training. By facilitating the transfer of knowledge and good practices between partner universities, it helps strengthen cooperation within Across and contributes to the long-term development of shared approaches across European higher education.

Students from the University of Nova Gorica showcased their research at the XV International Symposium on Agricultural Sciences – AgroReS 2026, held in Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina, from 25 to 28 May 2026. The event brought together researchers and students from several institutions, including four Across partner universities. Among the University of Nova Gorica participants, Tara Seničić received the award for Best Student Oral Presentation for her Master’s research on the Slovenian wine Zelen, while Špela Nusdorfer won the award for Best Scientific Poster for a student research project on the life cycle of a fruit-based frozen dessert. Students Anuša Skušek and Magdalina Mihajlovska also presented their research during the symposium. Their participation was supported through Across mobility grants, helping students turn academic projects into international experiences while developing skills in scientific communication, public speaking and intercultural exchange. As Tara Seničić highlighted, presenting her research internationally was an opportunity to gain confidence, exchange ideas with researchers and build valuable connections.

From 20 to 24 April 2026, the University of Banja Luka hosted the Erasmus+ Staff Training Week “BLENDin: Banja Luka Erasmus Networking Days”, bringing together participants from universities and institutions across Europe. Over five days, participants exchanged knowledge, experiences and good practices through lectures, interactive sessions and institutional visits. The programme addressed topics including artificial intelligence in education, inclusion in higher education and the employment of international students. The week also provided an opportunity to present the Across Alliance and its activities. During the Best Practices Forum, representatives of European University Alliances shared cooperation models and experiences, while the International Fair enabled participants to present their institutions, study programmes and mobility opportunities. By creating new connections between academic and administrative staff, the Staff Training Week contributed to strengthening international cooperation and opening new opportunities for future exchanges and partnerships.

From 11 to 15 May 2026, the University of Ruse hosted its 10th Erasmus Staff Week, alongside several Across meetings, under the theme “Borderless Knowledge and Innovation Exchange.” The programme combined traditional Staff Week activities — including participant presentations, a campus tour and intercultural exchanges — with sessions dedicated to Across and its cross-border cooperation activities. Particular attention was given to the work of Task Team 4.2 – Across Border Inter-Alliance Cooperation and Task Team 4.4 – Across Project Support Unit, both led by the University of Ruse. The week provided an opportunity for participants to exchange experiences, strengthen professional connections and explore new forms of cooperation across institutions and borders. By bringing Erasmus+ mobility and Across activities together, the event highlighted the University of Ruse’s role in fostering international collaboration and supporting the development of joint initiatives within the Alliance.

Students Oliwia Kudrichka and Gabriel Malej from Białystok University of Technology are spending the summer semester of the 2025/2026 academic year at the Faculty of Forestry of the University of Banja Luka through the Erasmus+ exchange programme. During their stay, they are attending classes, taking part in field activities and discovering the Faculty’s teaching and research environment. The exchange gives them the opportunity to deepen their knowledge in forestry and natural resource protection while gaining valuable international experience. Their mobility also contributes to strengthening cooperation between the University of Banja Luka and Białystok University of Technology within Across, while supporting the internationalisation of both institutions. Beyond academic activities, the students are also discovering the natural landscapes, cultural heritage and traditions of the region, adding an important intercultural dimension to their study experience abroad.