From 23 to 25 October 2024, representatives of the nine partner universities – Bielefeld University, Örebro University (Sweden), Šiauliai State University of Applied Sciences (Lithuania), the University of Jaén (Spain), the University of Nicosia (Cyprus), the University of Ostrava (Czech Republic), the University of Tours (France), Ștefan cel Mare University of Suceava (Romania) and the University of Salerno (Italy) – met in Nicosia, Cyprus. They discussed the progress made by the European University Alliance NEOLAiA over the last ten months. Among those attending on behalf of Bielefeld University were Rector Professor Dr Angelika Epple and the Rectorate Representative for International Networking and the NEOLAiA Alliance, Professor Dr Michaela Vogt.
The three-day meeting provided a platform for evaluating hits, mastering challenges and planning future joint projects within the alliance. There were also numerous networking opportunities to strengthen relationships between the partners and promote cooperation in various areas.
© University of Nicosia
“With the European University NEOLAiA, we as Bielefeld University have set out together with our European partners to research, study and teach transnationally as a European University Alliance – an ambitious goal! It is very important to me to fully develop the potential of NEOLAiA and to further advance our alliance,” says Rector Professor Dr Angelika Epple.
Looking back on ten months of growth and collaboration
Since its foundation, the NEOLAiA alliance has pursued ambitious goals to promote European academic cooperation, support cross-border learning and build a strong educational network between the partner universities. During the meeting, members discussed initial successes and challenges in the Alliance’s activities. They shared insights, best practices and ideas to further advance the common goals of NEOLAiA.
Representatives from all partner institutions participated in parallel in various steering committees in Nicosia, where they exchanged up-to-date information on activities in the various working areas and also discussed the specific needs and issues of the individual partner universities. The hits also served to clarify roles, develop a deeper understanding of each other and set priorities for the future.
© University of Nicosia
Building networks for the future
These discussions laid the foundations for lasting partnerships and provided valuable opportunities to share resources, expertise and innovative practices in academic collaboration. The European University Alliance NEOLAiA has already made progress in creating an interconnected and robust education network across Europe. So far, this has included joint teaching and learning formats between several NEOLAiA universities, such as blended intensive programmes, the establishment of a research network, joint digital work and exchange platforms, as well as mobilities of administrative staff, instructors, lecturers and researchers within the network. The meeting in October in Cyprus was an important milestone that strengthened the commitment of the partners and provided impetus for the coming phases of the project.
