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from September 9, 2025 to September 12, 2025
Published on August 28, 2025– Updated on September 1, 2025

EUTOPIA Takes Stage at EAIE Gothenburg 2025


EUTOPIA showcases its developments on an international stage through 14 sessions and a strategic conference presence.
EUTOPIA proudly takes again stage at the 35th Annual EAIE Conference in Gothenburg, Sweden, showcasing the collective efforts of our ten European universities and six global partners dedicated to redefining international cooperation in higher education. Over four days filled with meaningful dialogue, EUTOPIA is making strides in promoting responsible internationalisation, and we’re excited to share the highlights!

Leadership That Inspires
 
Kicking off the conference is Sara López Selga, the Director of International Relations at Pompeu Fabra University-Barcelona, who, as the EAIE President, delivers the Opening Plenary on September 9. Her leadership not only sets the tone but also elevates EUTOPIA’s message on a major platform. Meanwhile, Mattia Bellotti, EUTOPIA’s Secretary-General, will participate to two sessions that delve into the alliance’s mission focused on fostering responsible internationalisation and strengthening collaboration among European universities.

A Day-by-Day Look at EUTOPIA Sessions
  • Wednesday, September 10 – Building Foundations
The day starts with inspiring morning poster sessions. The University of Gothenburg's Sarah Blichfeldt discusses initiatives to support researchers at risk, while Mette Anthonsen and Jeanette Hauff highlight their Executive Faculty program aimed at connecting students with professionals. Maike Heber from the TUDresden shares insights on the TransCampus Initiative.
In the afternoon, critical discussions take center stage. Peter Rosenbaum (TUDresden), Michael Haymes (University of Warwick) and Sarah Jane van der Westhuizen (Stellenbosch University) confront populist pressures and global conflicts in a session on managing responsible internationalisation. Adrijana Lazic  (University of Ljubljana) invites an interactive rethink on short-term programs amidst digital disruption, while Mattias von Feilitzen (University of Gothenburg) explores the exciting potential of AI in international education.
  • Thursday, September 11 – Collaborative Innovation
The focus shifts to enhancing the student experience with sessions that talk about EUI alliances in action and spotlight student and staff mobility, guided by Adrijana Lazic (University of Ljubljana). Sebastian Kilde Westberg (University of Gothenburg) then dives into practical peace-building strategies by navigating conflict through engagement.
In the afternoon, Mattia Bellotti presents EUTOPIA’s approach to maximizing synergies for university alliances within the upcoming EU funding framework.
  • Friday, September 12 – Closing the Gap
One of the highlights is the Signature Session titled “Can we close the gap? Ensuring responsible practices in international education.” Here, Mattia Bellotti joins a panel featuring Jennifer Valcke (Karolinska Institutet) and Joanne Pageze (University of Bordeaux), tackling the vital conversation of bridging ideals with actionable practices.

A Hub of Connection

The EUTOPIA Exhibition Booth serves, once again, as a vibrant meeting point for over 7,000 international attendees, fostering connections and discussions. Dedicated side events offer opportunities for deeper engagement with key stakeholders, and one of the main hosts of the EAIE this year—the University of Gothenburg—enriches the experience with campus activities and faculty involvement throughout the conference.

Aligned with EUTOPIA’s Vision
 
The sessions reflect EUTOPIA’s core mission and priorities, addressing crucial topics like responsible internationalisation, student mobility and integration, collaboration across European universities, academic freedom, and innovation. With a diverse group of speakers from its universities, EUTOPIA is showcasing the strength of its collaborative network. The varied session formats ensure both intimate discussions and larger presentations engage participants fully. The conference is clearly not just an event for EUTOPIA; it’s an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and push the boundaries of what international-oriented higher education can achieve today.
 

Conference Programme

Supporting, promoting and integrating researchers at risk 

  • Time: 09:00 – 10:30 CEST, 10/09/2025 - 1h30

  • Room: Poster area
  • Type: Poster session
  • Topic: Academic freedom, ethics and integrity
  • Description: Inspireurope+ strengthens and coordinates support for researchers at risk in Europe. It combines forces across national and institutional boundaries to respond to growing threats against scholars. The partners leverage their vast networks to involve over 50,000 stakeholders across Europe.
  • Speakers:
    • Sarah Blichfeldt (University of Gothenburg, Sweden) - EAIE SPEAKER
    • Frank Geary (Scholars at Risk, Ireland) - EAIE SPEAKER

Executive Faculty: Engaging students by connecting them with professionals

  • Time: 09:00 – 10:30 CEST, 10/09/2025 - 1h30
  • Room: Poster area
  • Type: Poster session
  • Topic: Community and business partnerships
  • Description: The Executive Faculty programme at the University of Gothenburg's School of Business, Economics and Law in Sweden deepens students' academic experience by connecting teachers and students with professionals from diverse backgrounds. Students gain valuable insights that broaden their perspectives and enhance their understanding of international workplace dynamics.
  • Speakers:
    • Mette Anthonsen (University of Gothenburg, Sweden)
    • Jeanette Hauff (University of Gothenburg) - EAIE SPEAKER

The transCampus initiative: How the model of a unique partnership can be transferred to other collaborations (107)

  • Time: 09:00 – 10:30 CEST, 10/09/2025 - 1h30
    Room: Poster area

  • Type: Poster session
  • Topic: Joint research and doctoral education partnerships
  • Description: The transCampus is a strategic partnership between two European universities, with joint structures and strong research collaborations at its core. Initiated in 2013, it has developed into a successful and vibrant research network covering a wide range of disciplines. This poster shows the process of extracting the key features of a successful partnership as a blueprint for new collaborations, highlighting how the model has been adapted to a partnership with an Indian institution.
  • Speaker: Maike Heber (Technical University of Dresden, Germany) - EAIE SPEAKER


Managing responsible internationalisation in a time of populist pressure and global conflicts

  • Time: 13:30 – 14:30 CEST, 10/09/2025 - 1h

  • Room: K (Congress Hall)
  • Type: Roundtable session
  • Topics: Academic freedom, ethics and integrity / Community engagement and dialogue
  • Description: Institutions of higher education have long been at the forefront of global integration. They heavily invest in international student recruitment and collaboration. Yet universities increasingly find themselves challenged at the very core of their mission by populist movements with anti-immigrant, nationalist and anti-science sentiments.
  • Speakers:
    • Sarah Jane van der Westhuizen (Stellenbosch University, South Africa) - EAIE SPEAKER
    • Peter Rosenbaum (Technical University of Dresden, Germany) - EAIE SPEAKER
    • Michael Haymes (University of Warwick, UK) - EAIE SPEAKER


Campfire: Rethinking short-term programmes 

  • Time: 13:30 – 14:30 CEST, 10/09/2025 - 1h

  • Room: Campfire 01
  • Type: Campfire session
  • Topic: Short-term programmes
  • Description: As education rapidly evolves, short-term programmes are at the forefront of change. This session will explore how digital disruption and changing student expectations redefine the format and delivery of these programmes. We will compare blended intensive programmes (BIPs) with traditional models to identify effective practises and explore how sustainability can be woven into the design of future programme offerings.
  • Speakers:
    • Adrijana Lazic (University of Ljubljana, Slovenia)
    • Iris Waringer (IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems, Austria) - EAIE SPEAKER
    • Adam Aharram (EM Normandie Business School, France) - EAIE SPEAKER

The politics and policies of internationalisation: ministers' views 

  • Time: 15:30 – 16:30 CEST, 10/09/2025 - 1h
  • Room: G2
  • Type: EAIE session
  • Description: While much of the work of internationalisation in higher education plays out directly at the level of individual institutions, national-level actors also clearly have a key role in shaping and sustaining a country's international education landscape. National strategies, funding instruments, legal frameworks and other mechanisms can provide critical support for internationalisation. However, government positions and policies can also thwart international education developments. So, what does internationalisation look like from where the minister sits? Join us for a moderated discussion with three individuals from across Europe currently occupying these key leadership roles to learn more about the politics and policies of internationalisation from the ministers' perspective.
  • Speakers:
    • Prof. Dr. Martina Hirayama (State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, Switzerland)
    • Dr. Igor Papic (Minister for Higher Education, Slovenia)
    • Mr. Michailo Wynnyckyj (Deputy Minister responsible for Higher Education, Ukraine)
    • Laura E. Rumbley (The EAIE, The Netherlands)

Critical Conversations 01: Harnessing AI: Opportunities and challenges for international higher education (S4.01)

  • Time: 15:30 – 16:45 CEST, 10/09/2025 - 1h15
  • Room: K (Congress Hall)
  • Type: EAIE session
  • Topic: Relevant to all
  • Description: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the landscape of higher education, bringing significant opportunities and complex challenges. From enhancing student learning experiences and streamlining administrative processes to ethical concerns and academic integrity, AI's impact on international higher education (IHE) is profound. This session will explore how institutions can strategically integrate AI while addressing risks such as bias, data privacy, and the evolving role of educators. It will also examine the implications for global collaboration, employability, and the future of international education.
  • Speakers:
    • Ellen Wang (Leeds University Business School, UK)
    • Michael Webb (Jisc, UK) - EAIE SPEAKER
    • Mattias von Feilitzen (University of Gothenburg, Sweden)

From data to practice: Navigating complexity and building motivation in EUI alliances (S5.04)

  • Time: 09:30 – 10:30 CEST, 11/09/25 - 1h

  • Type: World Café session
  • Topics: Research on internationalisation / European Universities Initiative
  • Description: This session examines the transformative impact of the European Universities Initiative on higher education institutions, focusing on shifts in institutional practices, leadership and stakeholder perspectives. Through research-backed findings and real-world examples, participants will explore different challenges. Designed for practitioners in EUI alliances, the session offers practical insights and tools to foster motivation, align communication and build resilience.
  • Note: EUTOPIA is one of the examples.
  • Speakers:
    • Piet Van Hove (HEROES Alliance, Belgium)
    • Agata Mannino (ACROSS European University Alliance, Italy)
    • Francesco Girotti (University of Bologna, Italy) - EAIE SPEAKER

Navigating responsible international partnerships in a challenging geopolitical landscape (S5.07)

  • Time: 09:30 – 10:30 CEST, 11/09/25 - 1h
  • Room: G2
  • Type: Panel session
  • Topics: Strategic partnerships / Academic freedom, ethics and integrity
  • Description: International partnerships have become more complex due to the changing geopolitical landscape and increased security efforts. How can institutions be 'as open as possible, as closed as necessary', ensuring proportionate safeguarding measures and retaining self-governance? This session will discuss examples of national and institutional approaches to responsible internationalisation from Norway, South Africa and Sweden.
  • Speakers:
    • Pär Svensson (Lund University, Sweden)
    • Elin Kvaale (Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Norway) - EAIE SPEAKER
    • Sarah Jane van der Westhuizen (Stellenbosch University, South Africa) - EAIE SPEAKER

Spotlight on Student and Staff Mobility

  • Time: 09:30 – 11:00 CEST, 11/09/25 - 1h30

  • Room: F5
  • Type: Spotlight session
  • Topic: Student and staff mobility
  • Description: This interactive session highlights practical ways to connect visiting and local students, promoting integration and inclusion. Through discussions, testimonials, and shared experiences, participants will explore co-created initiatives that bridge cultural gaps and enhance the student experience. 
  • Speakers:
    • Colin Blackburn (European Student Placement Agency Ltd, UK)
    • Adrijana Lazic (University of Ljubljana, Slovenia)
    • Angeliki Psychogyiou (ACA, Belgium)
    • Kristin Torp Skogedal (University of Bergen, Norway)

Critical Conversations 03: Navigating conflict and peace through engagement (S6.10)

  • Time: 11:30 – 12:45 CEST, 11/09/25 - 1h15
  • Room: F4
  • Type: EAIE session
  • Description: This session explores practical solutions for higher education institutions to promote international understanding and peace in a conflicted world. In the face of complex situations, strong emotions and various demands for action, how can institutions foster open dialogue and create a culture of peace on campus? With direct reference to real-world conflicts, this session will feature perspectives from students, university staff and peace-building experts helping to surface effective real-world strategies for fostering harmonious and collaborative educational environments.
  • Speakers:
    • Asli Ilgit (Cukurova University, Türkiye)
    • Sebastian Kilde Westberg (University of Gothenburg, Sweden)

EUI alliances: Leveraging EU funding programmes and maximising synergies in the next Multiannual Financial Framework

  • Time: 15:30 – 16:30 CEST, 11/09/25 - 1h
  • Room: K (Congress Hall)
  • Type: Roundtable session
  • Topic: European Universities Initiative
  • Description: University alliances can benefit from various EU funding sources, including Erasmus+. Leveraging synergies between these is of key interest for the sector. Hands-on good practice examples, as well as dos and don'ts, will be presented in this session by practitioners of European Universities Initiative alliances who have successfully managed different EU funding sources.
  • Speakers:
    • Mattia Bellotti (EUTOPIA alliance, Belgium) - EAIE SPEAKER
    • Susanne Conze (European Commission, Belgium) - EAIE SPEAKER
    • Andreas Winkler (Technische Universität Darmstadt, Germany)

Leveraging international alumni to enhance student support and career opportunities

  • Time: 15:30 – 16:30 CEST, 11/09/25 - 1h

  • Room: A4
  • Type: Roundtable session
  • Topics: Student mental health support / Employability
  • Description: International alumni, as key stakeholders, are ideally positioned to support international students at higher education institutions. Strengthening global alumni partnerships provides international students with access to support and opportunities in government, industry and society, benefiting their business and career growth. This culturally attuned, non-stigmatising relational support can also significantly enhance international student mental health and well-being.
  • Speakers:
    • Christelle Cronje (Stellenbosch Business School, South Africa)
    • Geraldine Dufour (Therapeutic Consultations Ltd, UK)
    • Sandra Rincon (ALDEAS, Netherlands)

Can we close the gap? Ensuring responsible practices in international education

  • Time: 10:30 – 11:30 CEST, 12/09/25 - 1h

  • Room: F5
  • Type: Roundtable session
  • Topics: Internationalisation of the curriculum / Global citizenship
  • Description: International education has long been guided by aspirational ideals, with a recent shift towards 'responsible internationalisation'. However, institutional constraints mean a gap often exists between those ideals and actual practices. This session aims to address this disconnect, sparking dialogue on moving beyond conventional approaches. We'll critically examine current methods and brainstorm strategies to create more equitable and impactful experiences, aligning actions with aspirations.
  • Speakers:
    • Jennifer Valcke (Karolinska Institutet, Sweden) - EAIE SPEAKER
    • Mattia Bellotti (EUTOPIA alliance, Belgium) - EAIE SPEAKER
    • Joanne Pageze (University of Bordeaux, France)