University leaders and experts unite to drive research, education, and inclusion.

On November 13 and 14, 2024, university leaders, researchers, and experts from across Europe gathered at the Valrose Campus of Université Côte d’Azur in Nice for the Ulysseus Summit, the flagship annual event of the Ulysseus European University alliance. This in-person meeting reinforced the alliance’s commitment to creating a European university model that fosters cooperation, research, and innovation, with a strong focus on social inclusion and public engagement. Attendees included representatives from eight universities across Europe, collaborating to further the Ulysseus mission of building a resilient and interconnected European academic community.

Driving Educational and Research Innovation

Today, on 13th, the summit’s agenda included presentations from leaders of Ulysseus’ work packages, which outlined progress on educational innovation, research development, and public engagement. Key figures like Jeanick Brisswalter, President of Université Côte d’Azur, Miguel Ángel Castro, Rector of the University of Seville, and Carmen Vargas, Ulysseus General Coordinator, gave the welcome to all the attendees before the beginning of the updates on transformative projects designed to connect Ulysseus partner institutions.

Notable sessions covered updates from the Education, Research, and Innovation, highlighting initiatives aimed at promoting cross-border research collaboration and joint academic projects. Additionally, the Social Diversity and Public Engagement board addressed strategies to enhance equity and inclusion within and beyond Ulysseus campuses, aligning with the alliance’s commitment to diversity.

In addition to these sessions, the summit included presentations on Ulysseus’ digital campus tools, which aim to create an interconnected virtual academic environment across member institutions. This digital focus was complemented by discussions on Ulysseus’ mobility and internationalization programs, fostering student and staff exchanges that advance both personal and academic growth while strengthening intercultural ties across Europe.

Collaborative Planning and Strategic Development

The second day of the summit will be dedicated to in-depth parallel sessions focused on specific areas of strategic interest, allowing members to collaborate on priority projects. Among the sessions, the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Plan session will provide insights into advancing inclusive policies, while the Research and Innovation task force will discuss frameworks to support cross-border research, particularly through the development of joint research and innovation programs.

Additionally, a session on joint degree preparation will address the steps for establishing a European consortium for joint degrees, including accreditation processes, curriculum alignment, and administrative coordination, guided by Ulysseus’ commitment to delivering high-quality, internationally recognized programs.

This year’s summit in Nice is underscoring Ulysseus’ role in advancing a resilient and inclusive European university alliance, providing a powerful platform for collaboration, innovation, and community building across borders.

About Ulysseus

Ulysseus is one of the 64 European Universities selected by the European Commission to become the universities of the future. Led by the University of Seville, the Alliance encompasses other seven universities in Europe: the University of Genoa, Italy; Université Côte d’Azur, France; the Technical University of Košice, Slovakia; MCI | The Entrepreneurial School®, Austria; Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, Finland, the University of Münster, Germany, and the University of Montenegro, Montenegro.