BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//wp-events-plugin.com//7.3.5//EN BEGIN:VEVENT UID:78@charm-eu.eu DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251112 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251113 DTSTAMP:20260612T092013Z URL:https://charm-eu.eu/news-events/events/charm-eu-annual-conference-2025 / SUMMARY:CHARM-EU Annual Conference 2025 DESCRIPTION:\n Register now\n \n general informationEuropean U niversities Alliances are emerging as a key higher‑education player in s upport of the EU Competitiveness Compass. Sixty‑five alliances now link more than 560 universities\, embedding joint degrees\, seamless mobility\, shared research infrastructures and non-academic partnerships into single “inter‑operable campuses.”\nCHARM‑EU\, as one of the very first E uropean university alliances\, offers a living demonstration of what is al ready \;possible. In six years\, the Alliance cleared cross‑border accreditation hurdles\, pioneered a challenge‑based learning model\, aw arded one of Europes first fully joint mater's degree by \;an Alliance \, and contributed evidence to the Council process through the European De gree pilot ED‑AFFICHE.\nThe 2025 CHARM-EU Annual Conference will bring t ogether alliances\, universities leadership\, policymakers\, and societal actors\, to present\, discuss and translate high‑level discussions into actionable initiatives.\nSessions will cover topics such as:\n\nProfession al development and Union of Skills\nTalent attraction and mobility\nInclus ion and competitiveness\nInteroperability between European universities\nT ransdisciplinarity\, internationalisation and regional development\nVenue: Bar Beton\, Pythagoraslaan 101\, Utrecht\, NL. \nHow to arrive: https://m aps.app.goo.gl/FJP2TZGLpVmfnYWU6\nFormat: \;On-site with partial live streaming. The plenary sessions will be live streamed on the CHARM-EU YouT ube Channel. \;On-site with plenary sessions live streamed on the CHAR M-EU YouTube Channel. \;The workshops and afternoon sessions are desig ned as on-site sessions.\nSpeech-to-Text Reporters provide real-time capti oning. Their expertise is essential to the Conference to cater to the grea test level of attendees’ access and participation needs. Inclusion by de sign means designing the environment from the beginning to the greatest ex tent of users (preventive) rather than a retrospective approach (fixing th e environment afterwards). The hybrid feature is in line with the core val ues of CHARM-EU. The Speech-to-Text can be followed here.\nHost of the CHA RM-EU Annual Conference 2025: Utrecht University\nContact email: \;cha rm-euoffice@ub.edu\nMaster of Ceremonies: Annet van der Riet\, Utrecht Uni versity \; \n Programme \n \n \n Morning Sessions | Plenary sessions \n \n \n \n 09:00–09:30h | Registra tion and coffee09:30–09:45h | OpeningWilco Hazeleger\, Rector of Utrecht University09:45–10:15h | Keynote Speech on Competitiveness\, European University Alliances and SustainabilityThomas Estermann\, Director for Gov ernance\, Funding and Public Policy Development\,European University Assoc iation10:15–11:15h | How the European Universities Alliances can be a ke y Competitiveness Driver in delivering an EU Union of SkillsModerator: Dor is Alexander\, Associate Director of European Engagement\, Trinity College DublinSpeakers: Marcos Ros Sempere\, Member of the European ParliamentVa nessa Debiais-Sainton\, Member of Cabinet of Executive Vice-President at E uropean CommissionLudovic Thilly\, Chair at Coimbra Group and Coordinator General of EC2U AllianceOlga Wessels\, Head of ECIU Brussels Office and C oordinator at FOREU4ALLMeadhbh Costello\, Senior Policy Executive at IBEC  In this high-level dialogue\, experts will discuss the importance of the Union of Skills and the role that European Universities alliances can pla y to its delivery and creation of a competitive EU by helping to addressin g skills gaps\, facilitating the portability of skills\, creating stronger links between research\, education and innovation\, collaborating within and outside of the EU and working to attract and retaining talent through initiatives such as ‘Choose Europe’ whilst ensuring that all activitie s are set against core principles of inclusion and diversity and sustainab ility.  11:15–11:45h | Coffee and first poster session11:45–12:00h | Energizer activity: “\;The Sound and Power of Collaboration“12:0 0–12:50h | Competitiveness in the European Higher Education Ecosystem fr om the Practitioners’ Perspectives: Daily Challenges and the Role of All iancesModerator: Edwin Kanters\, EU Liasion Officer at the University of UtrechtSpeakers:Clare Hart\, Vice-President for International Affairs and European Cooperation. Municipal Councillor for International Relations Mon tpellierElena del Giorgio\, 4EU+ Secretary GeneralHarriet Klavus\, Head of International Cooperation and CHARM-EU manager at Åbo Akademi University Réka Judit Boros\, Chair of the CHARM-EU Student CouncilNadja Simons\, Lo cal program coordinator\, Julius-Maximilians-UniversityWürzburg This ses sion will bring together experienced professionals from diverse sectors to discuss the practical challenges and opportunities shaping Europe’s com petitive landscape. Through an engaging dialogue with each other and the a udience\, the practitioners will explore key issues such as skills gaps in education\, barriers to international mobility\, and the evolving demands of the labor market\, providing insights grounded in daily realities\, hi ghlighting how institutions and individuals navigate competitiveness press ures. The session underscores the critical role of cross-sector and cross- border alliances in addressing these challenges\, fostering innovation\, a nd enhancing agility in a rapidly changing global environment. Audience pa rticipation will enrich the exchange\, reflecting shared concerns and coll aborative potential. 12:50–13:00h | Group picture13:00–14:00h | Lunc h \n \n \n \n Afternoon Sessions | workshops \n \n \n \n \n Workshop 1 \n \n \n Workshop 2 \n \n \n Workshop 3 \n \n \n Workshop 4 \n \n \n Worksh op 5 \n \n \n Workshop 6 \n \n Open Science in Europea n University Alliances: Pathways to Competitivenesswith Ignasi Labastida ( University of Barcelona)\, Nataša Jakominić Marot (Rijeka’\;s Centr e for Research and Innovation)\, Hans de Jonge (Open Science NL) and Rubé n Vicente-Saez (Aalto University)Open Science (open access\, FAIR data\, c itizen science and transparent research workflows) has been a flagship of the European Research Area. Yet the EU’s renewed Competitiveness Agenda raises urgent questions. This workshop will showcase progress across Europ ean University Alliances to illustrate the momentum already under way addr essing questions such as: Can openness and market‑driven innovation rein force each other? How can university alliances translate their Open Scienc e policies and practices into concrete pathways to competitiveness for Eur ope?  \n From Metrics to Merit: Reforming Research Assessm ent &\; Academic Careers to Power Europe’\;s Competitivenesswith D oris Fischer (University Würzburg)\, Stans de Haas  (Utrecht University) \, Aleid de Jong (Utrecht University) and Kirsten Hollaender (Utrecht Univ ersity)Europe’s new Competitiveness Deal positions world-class science a nd skilled talent as the Union’s next “engine room.” Yet traditional \, metric-driven research assessment often undervalues open science\, team work and societal impact— contributions the EU now needs. This workshop zooms in on how European University Alliances can adopt— and scale— p ilot actions for change to sharpen their competitive edge. \n Unlocking Potential: How Diversity\, Equity\, and Inclusion Drive Compe titiveness in Higher Educationwith Agnes Sarolta Fazekas-Vinkovits (Eötv ös Loránd University in Budapest)\, Andrea Bähr (Würzburg University) and Isabel Fraas (Würzburg University)In a global race for talent\, resea rch excellence\, and societal relevance\, Diversity\, Equity\, and Inclusi on (DEI) are no longer optional—they are strategic essentials. For CHARM -EU\, inclusion is not just a value\; it’\;s a pillar of its identity as an innovative\, transnational university model.This interactive worksh op explores how embedding DEI into strategy\, governance\, and daily opera tions strengthens institutional performance and reinforces CHARM-EU’s le adership in the European Higher Education Area. Participants will engage i n a hands-on activity (role-play) to co-create actionable strategies and l eave with practical tools to advance DEI as a driver of excellence\, innov ation\, and social impact. Join us to discover how inclusion\, when embedd ed by design\, becomes a competitive advantage in higher education. \n Building future-proof skills with alumni: stories and strategi eswith Jasper Ewals (Common City Development)\, Alisia Gahabka (European E nvironment Agency)\, Lena Sauer (City Administration of Bornheim) and Jill Hoost (IN Group)In an era of rapid transformation and increasing complexi ty\, having future-proof skills—particularly in sustainability—is more important than ever. This interactive workshop will bring together CHARM- EU alumni and conference participants to explore how graduates have transi tioned from learning sustainability competencies in the classroom to apply ing and further developing these skills in their professional lives. The w orkshop is designed to be dynamic and engaging\, creating a space for dial ogue\, peer learning\, and mutual inspiration. Through a combination of ic ebreakers\, speed-dating conversations\, and a World Café setup\, partici pants will gain firsthand insights into the real-world application of skil ls across diverse career paths. Alumni will share concrete examples of how they have utilized their CHARM-EU education in their jobs and have contin ued to build their professional toolkits.  \n Transdiscipl inarity in Innovation\, Internationalisation and Regional Development (RE GISTRATION CLOSED FOR THIS WORKSHOP)with Marieke Schoots (Tilburg Universi ty and ENGAGE.EU Network) and Ger Corbett (Sandyford Business District)Thi s interactive workshop explores how transdisciplinary collaboration betwee n universities and local communities can strengthen territorial attractive ness and contribute to sustainable development. Participants will engage w ith the core challenges—economic\, cultural\, environmental\, social\, a nd educational—facing local regions\, and examine how to connect them th rough one of CHARM-EU’s key themes: Water\, Food\, Health\, or Energy. \n Interoperability in Higher Education\, Joining Forces by connecting IT-Systemswith Channa van der Brug (Hochschulforum Digitalisier ung for Stiftverband)\, Thomas Lipke (University of Duisburg-Essen and Aur ora Alliance)\, Cecile Ohm (University of Bergen) and Mathew Birdsall Abra ms (INCF)CHARM’s IT-team has recently taken large steps forward by conne cting its IT ecosystems through ajoint platform\, developed by SURF\, the Dutch national organization for IT in education. Through thisplatform\, us ers from any of the CHARM institutions can log in with the credentials of their homeinstitution to make use of designated IT-service. In this break- out session\, several IT decision makersfrom the CHARM-EU partner universi ties will participate in a podium discussion about questions suchas:How ca n interoperability between IT systems make partnerships stronger? What lim itationsor challenges do we see? How has the Alliance’s work helped the IT decision makers in their owninstitution? \n 14:00–15:3 0 | Parallel WorkshopsWorkshop 1: Open Science in European University Alli ances: Pathways to CompetitivenessWorkshop 2: From Metrics to Merit: Refo rming Research Assessment &\; Academic Careers to Power Europe’\;s Competitiveness Workshop 3: Unlocking Potential: How Diversity\, Equity\ , and Inclusion Drive Competitiveness in Higher EducationWorkshop 4: Build ing Future-Proof Skills with Alumni: Stories and StrategiesWorkshop 5: Tra nsdisciplinarity in Innovation\, Internationalisation and Regional Develop mentWorkshop 6: Interoperability in Higher Education\, Joining Forces by c onnecting IT-Systems \n 15:30h–16:00h | Coffee and second poster session16:00h–16:15h | Interactive Quiz16:15h–16:45h | Conclud ing Plenary &\; Adoption of Key Messages16:45-18:00h | Farewell drinks \n \n 09:00–09:30h | Registration and coffee09:30–09:45h | OpeningWilco Hazeleger\, Rector of Utrecht University09:45–10:15h | Key note Speech on Competitiveness\, European University Alliances and Sustai nabilityThomas Estermann\, Director for Governance\, Funding and Public Po licy Development\,European University Association10:15–11:15h | How the European Universities Alliances can be a key Competitiveness Driver in del ivering an EU Union of SkillsModerator: Doris Alexander\, Associate Direct or of European Engagement\, Trinity College DublinSpeakers: Marcos Ros Se mpere\, Member of the European ParliamentVanessa Debiais-Sainton\, Member of Cabinet of Executive Vice-President at European CommissionLudovic Thill y\, Chair at Coimbra Group and Coordinator General of EC2U AllianceOlga We ssels\, Head of ECIU Brussels Office and Coordinator at FOREU4ALLMeadhbh Costello\, Senior Policy Executive at IBEC In this high-level dialogue\, experts will discuss the importance of the Union of Skills and the role th at European Universities alliances can play to its delivery and creation o f a competitive EU by helping to addressing skills gaps\, facilitating the portability of skills\, creating stronger links between research\, educat ion and innovation\, collaborating within and outside of the EU and workin g to attract and retaining talent through initiatives such as ‘Choose Eu rope’ whilst ensuring that all activities are set against core principle s of inclusion and diversity and sustainability.  11:15–11:45h | Coff ee and first poster session11:45–12:00h | Energizer activity: "The Soun d and Power of Collaboration“12:00–12:50h | Competitiveness in the Eur opean Higher Education Ecosystem from the Practitioners’ Perspectives: D aily Challenges and the Role of AlliancesModerator: Edwin Kanters\, EU Li asion Officer at the University of UtrechtSpeakers:Clare Hart\, Vice-Presi dent for International Affairs and European Cooperation. Municipal Council lor for International Relations MontpellierElena del Giorgio\, 4EU+ Secret ary GeneralHarriet Klavus\, Head of International Cooperation and CHARM-EU manager at Åbo Akademi UniversityRéka Judit Boros\, Chair of the CHARM- EU Student CouncilNadja Simons\, Local program coordinator\, Julius-Maximi lians-UniversityWürzburg This session will bring together experienced pr ofessionals from diverse sectors to discuss the practical challenges and o pportunities shaping Europe’s competitive landscape. Through an engaging dialogue with each other and the audience\, the practitioners will explor e key issues such as skills gaps in education\, barriers to international mobility\, and the evolving demands of the labor market\, providing insigh ts grounded in daily realities\, highlighting how institutions and individ uals navigate competitiveness pressures. The session underscores the criti cal role of cross-sector and cross-border alliances in addressing these ch allenges\, fostering innovation\, and enhancing agility in a rapidly chang ing global environment. Audience participation will enrich the exchange\, reflecting shared concerns and collaborative potential. 12:50–13:00h | Group picture13:00–14:00h | Lunch \n \n Workshop 1 \n \n \n Workshop 2 \n \n \n Workshop 3 \n \n \n Workshop 4 \n \n \n Workshop 5 \n \n \n Workshop 6 \n \n Open Science in European University Alliances: Pathways to Competitivene sswith Ignasi Labastida (University of Barcelona)\, Nataša Jakominić Mar ot (Rijeka’\;s Centre for Research and Innovation)\, Hans de Jonge (O pen Science NL) and Rubén Vicente-Saez (Aalto University)Open Science (op en access\, FAIR data\, citizen science and transparent research workflows ) has been a flagship of the European Research Area. Yet the EU’s renewe d Competitiveness Agenda raises urgent questions. This workshop will showc ase progress across European University Alliances to illustrate the moment um already under way addressing questions such as: Can openness and market ‑driven innovation reinforce each other? How can university alliances tr anslate their Open Science policies and practices into concrete pathways t o competitiveness for Europe?  \n From Metrics to Merit: R eforming Research Assessment &\; Academic Careers to Power Europe’ \;s Competitivenesswith Doris Fischer (University Würzburg)\, Stans de Ha as  (Utrecht University)\, Aleid de Jong (Utrecht University) and Kirsten Hollaender (Utrecht University)Europe’s new Competitiveness Deal positi ons world-class science and skilled talent as the Union’s next “engine room.” Yet traditional\, metric-driven research assessment often underv alues open science\, teamwork and societal impact— contributions the EU now needs. This workshop zooms in on how European University Alliances ca n adopt— and scale— pilot actions for change to sharpen their competit ive edge. \n Unlocking Potential: How Diversity\, Equity\, and Inclusion Drive Competitiveness in Higher Educationwith Agnes Sarolta Fazekas-Vinkovits (Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest)\, Andrea Bähr (Würzburg University) and Isabel Fraas (Würzburg University)In a global race for talent\, research excellence\, and societal relevance\, Diversit y\, Equity\, and Inclusion (DEI) are no longer optional—they are strateg ic essentials. For CHARM-EU\, inclusion is not just a value\; it’\;s a pillar of its identity as an innovative\, transnational university model .This interactive workshop explores how embedding DEI into strategy\, gove rnance\, and daily operations strengthens institutional performance and re inforces CHARM-EU’s leadership in the European Higher Education Area. Pa rticipants will engage in a hands-on activity (role-play) to co-create act ionable strategies and leave with practical tools to advance DEI as a driv er of excellence\, innovation\, and social impact. Join us to discover how inclusion\, when embedded by design\, becomes a competitive advantage in higher education. \n Building future-proof skills with alum ni: stories and strategieswith Jasper Ewals (Common City Development)\, Al isia Gahabka (European Environment Agency)\, Lena Sauer (City Administrati on of Bornheim) and Jill Hoost (IN Group)In an era of rapid transformation and increasing complexity\, having future-proof skills—particularly in sustainability—is more important than ever. This interactive workshop wi ll bring together CHARM-EU alumni and conference participants to explore h ow graduates have transitioned from learning sustainability competencies i n the classroom to applying and further developing these skills in their p rofessional lives. The workshop is designed to be dynamic and engaging\, c reating a space for dialogue\, peer learning\, and mutual inspiration. Thr ough a combination of icebreakers\, speed-dating conversations\, and a Wor ld Café setup\, participants will gain firsthand insights into the real-w orld application of skills across diverse career paths. Alumni will share concrete examples of how they have utilized their CHARM-EU education in th eir jobs and have continued to build their professional toolkits.  \n Transdisciplinarity in Innovation\, Internationalisation and R egional Development (REGISTRATION CLOSED FOR THIS WORKSHOP)with Marieke S choots (Tilburg University and ENGAGE.EU Network) and Ger Corbett (Sandyfo rd Business District)This interactive workshop explores how transdisciplin ary collaboration between universities and local communities can strengthe n territorial attractiveness and contribute to sustainable development. Pa rticipants will engage with the core challenges—economic\, cultural\, en vironmental\, social\, and educational—facing local regions\, and examin e how to connect them through one of CHARM-EU’s key themes: Water\, Food \, Health\, or Energy. \n Interoperability in Higher Educat ion\, Joining Forces by connecting IT-Systemswith Channa van der Brug (Hoc hschulforum Digitalisierung for Stiftverband)\, Thomas Lipke (University o f Duisburg-Essen and Aurora Alliance)\, Cecile Ohm (University of Bergen) and Mathew Birdsall Abrams (INCF)CHARM’s IT-team has recently taken larg e steps forward by connecting its IT ecosystems through ajoint platform\, developed by SURF\, the Dutch national organization for IT in education. T hrough thisplatform\, users from any of the CHARM institutions can log in with the credentials of their homeinstitution to make use of designated IT -service. In this break-out session\, several IT decision makersfrom the C HARM-EU partner universities will participate in a podium discussion about questions suchas:How can interoperability between IT systems make partner ships stronger? What limitationsor challenges do we see? How has the Allia nce’s work helped the IT decision makers in their owninstitution? \n Open Science in European University Alliances: Pathways to Competitiv enesswith Ignasi Labastida (University of Barcelona)\, Nataša Jakominić Marot (Rijeka's Centre for Research and Innovation)\, Hans de Jonge (Open Science NL) and Rubén Vicente-Saez (Aalto University)Open Science (open a ccess\, FAIR data\, citizen science and transparent research workflows) ha s been a flagship of the European Research Area. Yet the EU’s renewed Co mpetitiveness Agenda raises urgent questions. This workshop will showcase progress across European University Alliances to illustrate the momentum a lready under way addressing questions such as: Can openness and market‑d riven innovation reinforce each other? How can university alliances transl ate their Open Science policies and practices into concrete pathways to co mpetitiveness for Europe? From Metrics to Merit: Reforming Research Asses sment &\; Academic Careers to Power Europe's Competitivenesswith Doris Fischer (University Würzburg)\, Stans de Haas  (Utrecht University)\, Al eid de Jong (Utrecht University) and Kirsten Hollaender (Utrecht Universit y)Europe’s new Competitiveness Deal positions world-class science and sk illed talent as the Union’s next “engine room.” Yet traditional\, me tric-driven research assessment often undervalues open science\, teamwork and societal impact— contributions the EU now needs. This workshop zoom s in on how European University Alliances can adopt— and scale— pilot actions for change to sharpen their competitive edge.Unlocking Potential: How Diversity\, Equity\, and Inclusion Drive Competitiveness in Higher Edu cationwith Agnes Sarolta Fazekas-Vinkovits (Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest)\, Andrea Bähr (Würzburg University) and Isabel Fraas (Würzbu rg University)In a global race for talent\, research excellence\, and soci etal relevance\, Diversity\, Equity\, and Inclusion (DEI) are no longer op tional—they are strategic essentials. For CHARM-EU\, inclusion is not ju st a value\; it's a pillar of its identity as an innovative\, transnationa l university model.This interactive workshop explores how embedding DEI in to strategy\, governance\, and daily operations strengthens institutional performance and reinforces CHARM-EU’s leadership in the European Higher Education Area. Participants will engage in a hands-on activity (role-play ) to co-create actionable strategies and leave with practical tools to adv ance DEI as a driver of excellence\, innovation\, and social impact. Join us to discover how inclusion\, when embedded by design\, becomes a competi tive advantage in higher education.Building future-proof skills with alumn i: stories and strategieswith Jasper Ewals (Common City Development)\, Ali sia Gahabka (European Environment Agency)\, Lena Sauer (City Administratio n of Bornheim) and Jill Hoost (IN Group)In an era of rapid transformation and increasing complexity\, having future-proof skills—particularly in s ustainability—is more important than ever. This interactive workshop wil l bring together CHARM-EU alumni and conference participants to explore ho w graduates have transitioned from learning sustainability competencies in the classroom to applying and further developing these skills in their pr ofessional lives. The workshop is designed to be dynamic and engaging\, cr eating a space for dialogue\, peer learning\, and mutual inspiration. Thro ugh a combination of icebreakers\, speed-dating conversations\, and a Worl d Café setup\, participants will gain firsthand insights into the real-wo rld application of skills across diverse career paths. Alumni will share c oncrete examples of how they have utilized their CHARM-EU education in the ir jobs and have continued to build their professional toolkits. Transdis ciplinarity in Innovation\, Internationalisation and Regional Development (REGISTRATION CLOSED FOR THIS WORKSHOP)with Marieke Schoots (Tilburg Univ ersity and ENGAGE.EU Network) and Ger Corbett (Sandyford Business District )This interactive workshop explores how transdisciplinary collaboration be tween universities and local communities can strengthen territorial attrac tiveness and contribute to sustainable development. Participants will enga ge with the core challenges—economic\, cultural\, environmental\, social \, and educational—facing local regions\, and examine how to connect the m through one of CHARM-EU’s key themes: Water\, Food\, Health\, or Energ y.Interoperability in Higher Education\, Joining Forces by connecting IT-S ystemswith Channa van der Brug (Hochschulforum Digitalisierung for Stiftve rband)\, Thomas Lipke (University of Duisburg-Essen and Aurora Alliance)\, Cecile Ohm (University of Bergen) and Mathew Birdsall Abrams (INCF)CHARM ’s IT-team has recently taken large steps forward by connecting its IT e cosystems through ajoint platform\, developed by SURF\, the Dutch national organization for IT in education. Through thisplatform\, users from any o f the CHARM institutions can log in with the credentials of their homeinst itution to make use of designated IT-service. In this break-out session\, several IT decision makersfrom the CHARM-EU partner universities will part icipate in a podium discussion about questions suchas:How can interoperabi lity between IT systems make partnerships stronger? What limitationsor cha llenges do we see? How has the Alliance’s work helped the IT decision ma kers in their owninstitution?14:00–15:30 | Parallel WorkshopsWorkshop 1: Open Science in European University Alliances: Pathways to Competitivenes sWorkshop 2: From Metrics to Merit: Reforming Research Assessment &\; Academic Careers to Power Europe's Competitiveness Workshop 3: Unlocking Potential: How Diversity\, Equity\, and Inclusion Drive Competitiveness in Higher EducationWorkshop 4: Building Future-Proof Skills with Alumni: Sto ries and StrategiesWorkshop 5: Transdisciplinarity in Innovation\, Interna tionalisation and Regional DevelopmentWorkshop 6: Interoperability in High er Education\, Joining Forces by connecting IT-Systems15:30h–16:00h | Co ffee and second poster session16:00h–16:15h | Interactive Quiz16:15h–1 6:45h | Concluding Plenary &\; Adoption of Key Messages16:45-18:00h | F arewell drinks \n Speakers and Panelists \n \n Wilco Hazele ger \n \n \n Thomas Estermann \n \n \n Vanessa Debiais-S ainton \n \n \n Marcos Ros Sempere \n \n \n Ludovic Thil ly \n \n \n Meritxell Chaves \n \n \n Doris Alexander \n \n \n Elena Del Giorgio \n \n \n Olga Wessels \n \n \n Harriet Klåvus \n \n \n Meadhbh Costello \n \n \ n Edwin Kanters \n \n \n Annet van der Riet \n \n \n Clare Hart \n \n \n Nadja Simons \n \n \n Ignasi Labasti da \n \n \n Nataša Jakominić Marot \n \n \n Hans de Jo nge \n \n \n Doris Fischer \n \n \n Stans de Haas \n \n \n Agnes Sarolta Fazekas-Vinkovits \n \n \n Isabel Fraas \n \n \n Andrea Bähr \n \n \n Marieke Schoots \n \n \n Ger Corbett \n \n \n Réka Judit Boros \n \n \n Channa van der Brug \n \n \n Thomas Lipke \n \n \n Ce cilie Ohm \n \n \n Jasper Ewals \n \n \n Kirsten Hollaen der \n \n \n Aleid de Jong \n \n \n Mathew Birdsall Abra ms \n \n \n Rubén Vicente-Saez \n \n \n Lena Sauer \n \n \n Alisia Gahabka \n \n \n Jill Hoost \n \n Wi lco Hazeleger\nRector Magnificus\, Utrecht University \n Wilco Hazeleger is Rector Magnificus of Utrecht University since 26 March 2025 a nd professor of Climate System Science. As rector\, he is responsible for research\, education and student affairs at UU. His mission is to make the university open and accessible to society. He does this by stimulating sc ientific disciplines\, connecting them and actively collaborating with soc ietal actors. For him\, an accessible university means that everyone can b e given the space to study and research at the university.Hazeleger studie d meteorology at Wageningen University and Reading University (UK). He obt ained his PhD in physical oceanography at Utrecht University in 1999. He t hen worked at Columbia University (New York) and at the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI). He was also professor of Climate Dynamics at Wageningen University. From 2014 to 2019\, he was director of the Neth erlands eScience Center\, focusing on the application of digital technolog y and data science in all scientific domains. Hazeleger was dean of the F aculty of Geosciences from 1 July 2019 to 1 March 2025. There\, Hazeleger was closely involved in promoting diversity and inclusivity and in inter- and transdisciplinary research focused on sustainability transitions. His research focuses on climate research and applications of AI and data scien ce in it. \n \n Thomas Estermann\, Director for Governance\, Funding and Public Policy Development\, Europea n University Association (EUA) \n Thomas Estermann is Director for Governance\, Funding and Public Policy Development at the European Uni versity Association (EUA) with responsibilities for EUA’s work aimed at strengthening universities’ autonomy\, governance\, leadership\, managem ent and their financial sustainability. He is actively involved in variou s European and national committees\, expert groups\, editorial boards\, an d advisory boards\, including those of European university alliances. He r egularly contributes to higher education management programs and recently developed the EUA Leadership Development Programme to equip senior univers ity leaders with the leadership tools to drive transformation in higher ed ucation. He has provided guidance in multiple national higher education re form processes in Europe and beyond and has authored publications on unive rsity funding\, governance\, leadership\, and management. Prior to joinin g EUA in 2007\, he held the position of Deputy University Director at the University of Music and Performing Arts\, Vienna. During this time\, he se rved as a member of the university’\;s senate and was involved in sev eral significant higher education reforms in Austria. Before entering the University\, he pursued a career as a lawyer. He holds a master’s degree in law from the University of Vienna.  \n \n Vanessa Debiais-SaintonMember of Cabinet of Executive Vice-Pr esident at European Commission\, Social rights and skills\, quality jobs a nd preparedness\n \n Vanessa Debiais-Sainton is a member of cab inet of Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu at the European Commissio n\, where she is responsible for all levels of education &\; training\, Union of Skills\, digital education and Erasmus+. Previously\, she acted as Head of Unit in Higher Education\, shaping European policies and progr amme to reform and transform higher education. Among her responsibilities were the co-creation\, launch and supervision of the European Universities initiative\, paving the way towards the universities of the future. Respo nsible for the higher education dimension of the European Education Area\, including the European Degree\, the European Approach to Micro-credential s\, the automatic recognition of higher education qualifications and learn ing periods abroad\, the EU Student Card initiative and the higher educati on strand of Erasmus+. Before moving to the European Commission\, Vanessa spent eight years working for several companies. She studied Chemical Eng ineering in France (Institut National Polytechnique de Lorraine). \ n \n Marcos Ros SempereMember of the Euro pean Parliament \n Marcos Ros Sempere has been a Spanish Member of the European Parliament since February 2020. He is the shadow rapporte ur for the EPBD on the Environment\, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) committee which is responsible for giving its opinion to the leading commi ttee (ITRE). He is also a member of Industry\, Research &\; Energy (ITR E)\, Culture and Education (CULT) and Regional Development (REGI) committe es. On the CULT committee\, he is the co-rapporteur for the own initiativ e report on the New European Bauhaus which brings together interdisciplina ry solutions including the decarbonisation of buildings for integrating th e green transition into the lives of EU citizens. Prior to his role in th e European Parliament\, Mr. Ros Sempere spent eleven years as a Professor of Urban Planning at the School of Architecture of Cartagena. He has a PhD in architecture\, specialise in urban planning issues and a long experien ce in the rehabilitation of the architectural heritage. \n \n Ludovic ThillyCoordinator General of the EC2U European University Alliance and co-coordinator of FOREU4ALL \n Ludovic Thilly is a Full Professor of Physics at the University of Poiti ers and\, since 2012\, has served as Vice-Rector in charge of European Str ategy and the EC2U Alliance. A member of the Coimbra Group Executive Board since 2015\, he was elected Chair in June 2017 and has been re-elected tw ice since. His current mandate runs until 2028. Professor Thilly is the C oordinator General of the EC2U European University Alliance and co-coordin ator of FOREU4ALL\, the community of practice bringing together the 65 sel ected European University Alliances. He continues to teach and supervise P hD candidates. His research focuses on the deformation mechanisms of (nan o- )materials. He has co-authored more than 80 publications in internation al peer-reviewed journals\, including four book chapters\, and has deliver ed over 60 invited lectures at international conferences and institutions.   \n \n Meritxell Chaves\nSecreta ry General of European University of CHARM-EU \n Meritxell Chav es has more than thirty years of experience in the higher education secto r\, in four universities of the Catalan university system\, in different f unctional areas of the University such as academic management\, strategic planning\, quality and accreditation\, and international relations in diff erent organisational cultures. As Secretary General of European Universit y of CHARM-EU since the start of the initiative in 2019 she has been leadi ng CHARM-EU team. \n \n Doris Alex ander\nAssociate Director of European Engagement\, Trinity College Dublin \n Doris Alexander has worked in Research Management Administra tion since 1994\, taking up her current post as Associate Director of Euro pean Engagement in 2019 and is responsible for the development of strategi es of engagement\, working to get early insight on new EU policy/initiativ es so as to maximise the opportunity space for Trinity. She is currently e ngaged in the implementation of aspects of the ERA policy agenda. She has been involved in several EC stakeholder groups including the co-creation of the European Universities initiative\, is the co-director of CHARM-EU a lliance in Trinity College and a member of the Executive Board. She was Ch air of the R&\;I subgroup of the FOREU1 network (the network of the 17 European Universities alliances funded through the first Erasmus+ pilot ca ll) and is currently chair of the R&\;I Topical Group (part of FOREU4AL L) for all alliances.Doris holds a BA in Mathematical Science and an MSc i n Computer Science (Health informatics) from Trinity College Dublin. \n \n Elena Del Giorgio4EU+ Secretary G eneraL \n Prior to this appointment as Secretary General of 4EU + Alliance\, Elena Del Giorgio has served as 4EU+ Policy Officer and as Po licy Officer at the University of Milan supporting the university’s Euro pean and international institutional partnerships such as LERU and U7+. W ith the University of Milan becoming a member of the 4EU+ Alliance in Nove mber 2018\, she was involved in 4EU+ almost since its creation. In her rol e as seconded 4EU+ Policy Officer\, she worked on the development of the n ew 4EU+ strategy 2025- 2035. She has most recently served as Interim Secr etary General\, playing a key role in overseeing the establishment of the 4EU+ Secretariat in Brussels and relocating the Alliance’\;s legal en tity to Belgium. She holds a PhD in Political and Social Sciences from the European University Institute in Florence\, Italy. Early in her career\, she served as a research fellow in the framework of several EU-funded pro jects. \n \n OLGA WESSELSHead of e ciu brussels office and foreu4all coordinator \n Olga Wessels i s the Head of Brussels’ Office of the European Consortium of Innovative Universities (ECIU). In this position\, Wessels contributes to setting the agenda of ECIU at the European level\, increasing the organisation’s vi sibility as a potential and reliable partner for European institutions in debates on policy and programme developments. \;Wessels also coordinat es FOREU4ALL\, bringing together all 73 European University alliances in a cohesive structure to foster collaboration and share best practices.  \;Before joining ECIU\, Wessels represented the Dutch universities (includ ing Utrecht University) in Brussels\, focussing on higher education and Op en Science policies\, and worked for the Dutch National Students’ Union (LSVb)\, focusing on flexible education and quality assurance. \n \n Harriet KlåvusHead of International Co operation and CHARM-EU manager at Åbo Akademi University\, Finland \n Harriet Klåvus is Head of International Cooperation and CHARM-EU manager at Åbo Akademi University\, Finland\, and Lead of WP6 Mobility f or CHARM8. Furthermore\, she is the Institutional Erasmus Coordinator as w ell as the Coimbra Group representative at Åbo Akademi University. She ha s been working at the International Affairs since 1995. She is also a repr esentative in both national and regional committees and has been the found ing member of both the Nordlys Student Exchange Network and the Coimbra Gr oup Student Exchange Network. Both of them are multidisciplinary student e xchange networks\, today functioning under the Erasmus programme. She has been participating in several Erasmus projects and has acted as a consult ant on student exchange for both the Finnish National Agency and the Nordi c Council of Ministers. She has also been the Secretary General for the No rdic Association of University Administrators (NUAS). \n \n Meadhbh Costellosenior policy executive at Ibec \n Meadhbh Costello is a senior policy executive at Ibec\, the group representing employers and business in Ireland. In this role she act s as a strategic advisor and support for businesses across Ireland on issu es related to education\, skills\, innovation and social policy. Her role includes skills research\, the development of tools and guidelines\, lobb ying and developing policy positions at a national and European level. Pre viously\, Meadhbh served as a policy specialist working for public\, priva te and NGO organisations in Ireland and Europe.  \n \n Edwin KantersEU Liaison Officer\, University of Utre cht \n Edwin Kanters is the EU Liaison Officer at Utrecht Unive rsity\, bringing a wealth of experience in research management and adminis tration to his role. With a background that spans from researcher to admin istrator\, Edwin has held key positions in grant advising and research sup port at prestigious institutions. He served as a grant advisor at Amsterda m University Medical Centre and as interim head of the Grants Office at Vr ije Universiteit Amsterdam before joining Utrecht University in November 2 021.Edwin’\;s expertise encompasses EU grants\, research policy\, and education\, with a particular talent for building bridges and connecting people to facilitate impactful research initiatives. He currently serves a s a Board Member of EARMA (European Association of Research Managers and A dministrators)\, contributing to the advancement of research management as a profession. \n \n Annet van der Rietlead Professional Development CHARM-EU \n Annet van der R iet is an educational scientist and works within the European alliance CHA RM-EU\, where she is responsible for the professional development of lectu rers. Key themes include challenge-based learning\, transdisciplinary edu cation\, hybrid education\, and programmatic assessment. In previous roles at Utrecht University\, Annet worked at the Centre for Academic Teaching as Teacher Development Coordinator. In this role\, she focused on the cont inuous development and improvement of the training programs for lecturers at Utrecht University. Annet gained experience in educational innovation at Educate-it. In this role\, she was responsible for the professional dev elopment programs in the area of blended learning and focused on teaching support for lecturers.  \n \n Cla re Hart\nVice-President for International Affairs and \nEuropean Cooperati on. Municipal Councillor for International Relations Montpellier\, France \n A social change maker and expert in Corporate Social Respon sibility\, London-born Clare Hart now lives with her family in Montpellie r\, in southern France. She is passionate about gender equality and social inclusion through grassroots mobilization\, and a fervent charity activis t. After her University years in European Studies and Geopolitics (Nottin gham and Cambridge) and a year spent in an NGO in India (New Delhi\, Calcu tta\, Mumbai)\, she founded a professional training company in 1993\, and since she has counseled and trained multiple executives on cross-cultural management and communication. She also joined the French Chamber of Commer ce and the Foundation of Action for Social Inclusion. In 2020\, se was el ected to Montpellier City and Metropolitan Council as Vice-President for I nternational Affairs and European Cooperation.  \n \n Nadja SimonsPROFESSOR AND Local program coordinator\, Julius- maximilians-University Würzburg \n \n Nadja Simons is a professor for Applied Biodiversity Sciences at the Biology department o f JMU Würzburg and local program coordinator for the Master program “Gl obal Challenges for Sustainability”. Her role in CHARM involves coordina ting teaching activities and content with the eight partner universities. Her own teaching activities for the program include lectures and workshops on research design and co-supervision of student teams in the final semes ter.In her research\, she focuses on ecological sustainability\, in partic ular how land use practices affect biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. On the one hand\, she is interested in how management decisions affect bi ological communities and how this translates into changes in the provision of ecosystem functions. On the other hand\, she investigates how biodiver sity and ecosystem services are considered in management decisions and pla nning\, and how they can be integrated into decision-making processes. Be fore starting her professorship in Würzburg\, she has worked in inter- an d transdisciplinary research projects related to sustainable habitat manag ement at TU Darmstadt and TU Munich. \n \n iGNASI lABASTIDARECTOR's delegate FOR SCIENTIFIC JOURNALS AND OPE N SCIENCE\, UNIVERSITY OF BARCELONA \n Ignasi Labastida is the Rector’s Delegate for Scientific Publications and Open Science at the Un iversity of Barcelona where he is also the head of the research support in the library Currently he chairs the Board of SPARC Europe and the working policy group on Information and Open Access at League of European Researc h Universities (LERU). He has participated in the elaboration of the Cata lan Strategic Plan on Open Science and the Spanish National Strategy on Op en Science He has been working on copyright and openness since his involve ment in introducing Creative Commons licenses in Spain in 2003. \n \n Nataša Jakominić MarotHead of the Un iversity of Rijeka’s Centre for Research and Innovation \n Na taša Jakominić Marot is Head of the University of Rijeka’s Centre for Research and Innovation and a senior executive with 20+ years’ experienc e advancing innovation\, research\, and sustainability in higher education . \;She leads institutional reforms in research(er) assessment aligned with CoARA\, serving in two CoARA working groups and helping embed narrat ive CVs\, qualitative indicators\, and open-science incentives across UNIR I policies. She has managed a portfolio of 50+ projects exceeding €50 mi llion\, with expertise in project cycle management\, strategic planning\, training\, consulting\, and peer review/external assessment. \;An acti ve member of EARMA and the YERUN Policy Platform\, she is a trainer in EU funding and R&\;I leadership. She holds an MBA (MODUL University Vienna ) and completed executive programme Innovation for Economic Development at Harvard Kennedy School \n \n hans de jongedirector open science nl \n Hans de Jonge is director of Open Science NL. He has worked at NWO since 2018. As a programme leader \, he was responsible for various aspects of NWO’\;s open science pol icy.Hans was closely involved in the development of Plan S of coalitions a nd represented NWO in the National Platform Open Science. He wasalso acti vely involved with recognition and rewards for open science practices. Bef ore joining NWO\, Hans worked as a programme leader at the academic affair s Department of Utrecht University and at the association of universities in the Netherlands (UNL). Hans is a historian ofscience by training.   \n \n Doris FischerVice-President f or internationalisation at würzburg university \n Doris Fische r is Vice President for Internationalisation and Alumni at the Julius-Maxi milians University of Würzburg (JMU)\, represents the JMU as a director o n the Executive Board of CHARM-EU and within the Coimbra Group\, and holds the chair for China Business and Economics at JMU.An Economist and Sinolo gist with more than 30 years of experience in academic research\,teaching\ , and consultancy on China’s economy. Doris Fischer has done extensive research oncompetition\, regulation\, and industrial policies in various s ectors\, focusing on the rationale ofChinese economic policies\, the resul ting incentive structures of economic actors and the impactof China’s ec onomic rise on the global economy \n \ n stans de haasdirector of operations of social sciences department at utrecht university \n Stans de Haas is Director of Operations of the department Social Sciences (which consists of the sections: Cultura l Anthropology\, Sociology\, Interdisciplinary Social Sciences\, and Metho ds and Statistics). She is aldo appointed as expert of the theme Recognit ion and Rewards in the Open Science programme at UU. “  \n \n Agnes Sarolta Fazekas-Vinkovitsassistant pr ofessor at the Eötvös Loránd \nUniversity in Budapest\, Hungary \n Agnes Sarolta Fazekas-Vinkovits (she/her) is an assistant professor at the Eötvös LorándUniversity Bárczi Gusztáv Faculty of Special Nee ds in Budapest\, Hungary. Since 2019\, Agnes has been the leader of the w ork package on inclusiveness in the CHARM-EU 2019-2022 project and has con tinued the work as Lead of the CHARM-EU DEI Office (from 2023- ) of the CH ARM-EU Alliance. In 2024\, CHARM-EU’\;s inclusion and diversity work was a ZeroProject Awardee.  \n \n isabel fraashead of diversity management at würzburg university \n Isabel Fraas is head of the Diversity Management and the Anti-Discr imination Contact Point at Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg (JMU) . She is furthermore responsible for gender and diversity consulting for D FG-funded research networks at the University. She advises and supports r esearch projects in the planning and implementation of equity measures and is currently co-spokesperson for the Germany-wide Gender and Diversity Co nsulting Network. Isabel Fraas coordinates personnel development programs for female scientists under the umbrella of the Gender Equality Academy JM U. She has been the university’\;s Aanti-Semitism Officer since July 2024. Isabel Fraas holds a doctorate in German studies. After working for many years in teaching and research at the Institute of German Philology at JMU\, she moved into science management\, where she was responsible for training JMU tutors and continuing education in university teaching as pa rt of the BMBF-funded Quality Pact for Teaching program. As a freelance t rainer\, she has been offering trainings for academics on topics such as u nconscious bias\, diversity\, empowerment\, and leadership for many years. \n \n Andrea BährWomen's represe ntative office at Würzburg university \n Andrea Bähr runs the women’s representative office at the University of Würzburg. Her area of expertise is designing and applying processes and tools to promote gend er equality in academic contexts. Coming from an academic background in cu ltural studies she is committed to studying societal norms and challenging them wherever they create inequality.   \n \n Marieke Schoots\, Program Director for Academic Collaborati on Centers within the Programma Brede Welvaart at Tilburg University \n Marieke Schoots is Program Director for Academic Collaboration Ce nters within the Programma Brede Welvaart at Tilburg University\, where sh e develops and leads initiatives that strengthen the university’s societ al impact and foster collaboration with both (inter) national and regional partners. She also serves as work package leader for Societal Outreach i n the European University Network ENGAGE.EU. In this role she initiated th e Expedition Weeks\, a challenge-based learning format in which students a pply design thinking to real-life societal and economic challenges\, gaini ng valuable interdisciplinary and intercultural skills. She has played a key role in advancing projects that connect universities with local commun ities\, policymakers\, and businesses\, thereby contributing to sustainabl e regional development and broad prosperity. Her expertise spans stakehold er engagement\, transdisciplinary collaboration\, and impact-driven educat ion\, with a strong track record in designing innovative formats that link education\, research\, and practice. \n \n Ger corbettCEO of Sandyford Business District \n Ger Corbett is CEO of Sandyford Business District\, Ireland’s largest busine ss improvement district\, home to many important companies. \;Ger comm enced his tenure with Sandyford Business District as Commercial Manager in June 2021 before assuming the role of CEO in 2022. Throughout his leaders hip\, he has spearheaded the association’\;s initiatives to assist th e district’\;s 1\,000 companies\, 26\,000 employees\, and 6\,000 resi dents in overcoming pandemic-related challenges and adapting to the evolvi ng economic landscape.\nUnder his guidance\, Sandyford Business District h as continued to foster meaningful collaborations with the district’s co- founder and local council\, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council\, as we ll as esteemed academic institutions including Trinity College Dublin\, No va UCD\, Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art\, Design and Technology (IADT) an d the Irish Management Institute (IMI).\nDemonstrating a steadfast commitm ent to advancing the district’\;s sustainability efforts\, Ger has pl ayed a pivotal role in the inception of Project Green\, SBID’\;s ambi tious environmental agenda. He has successfully secured funding for variou s circular economy initiatives\, shared mobility schemes\, and climate res ilience projects at local\, national\, and European levels.\nGer’\;s leadership in the district’\;s European ventures has fostered collabo rations with partner cities including Istanbul\, Berlin\, Helsinki\, Guima rães\, City Network Sweden\, City Network Slovenia\, and London.\n \n \n Réka judit borosChair of the CHAR M-EU Student Council \n Réka Judit Boros is currently serving as Chair of the CHARM-EU Student Council and is a student at Eötvös Lor ánd University (ELTE) in Budapest\, Hungary. She has been actively invol ved in student representation for the past four years\, with a particular focus on international affairs and cross-border academic cooperation. With in the university context\, she works to strengthen the voice of students in decision-making processes and advocates for inclusive\, transparent gov ernance in higher education. At this conference\, she contributes a stude nt perspective to the discussion\, emphasizing the importance of meaningfu l participation\, diversity\, and co-creation in higher education policy a nd practice. \n \n Channa van der Brug International Affairs Programme Manager\, Hochschulforum Digitalisier ung for Stifterverband\, \nGermany \n Channa van der Brug conne cts universities\, policymakers\, and technology experts to driveinnovativ e approaches in digital learning internationally. She champions the creati on andimplementation of learning and teaching environments that improve st udent engagementand institutional effectiveness. Channa contributes her e xpertise in two flagship initiatives at the Stifterverband (founded in 192 0\, the Stifterverband is a joint initiative of Germancompanies and founda tions dedicated to improving education\, science\, and innovation): The &# 8220\;Hochschulforum Digitalisierung”\; –\; Germany’s national platform for advancing higher education in the digital age\, and the Euro pean Digital Education Hub. \n \n Thomas lipkeADVISOR Digital Transformation and Academic Controlling at the University \nof Duisburg-Essen\, aurora alliance \n Thomas Lip ke works at the University of Duisburg-Essen in Germany\, a member of the AURORA Alliance. He is responsible for the digital transformation of the u niversity’s administration\, driving innovation and efficiency in proces ses. In addition\, he oversees technical interoperability in the field of cooperation\, ensuring that the university’s systems can connect smoothl y with partner universities. A key part of his work is within the AURORA European University Network\, where they explore solutions that can also a pply to other German and international collaborations. Thomas is committed to developing sustainable standards and ecosystems that give students and universities real digital sovereignty.  \n \n CECILE OHM\, Deputy Director of IT Department &\; head di gital products and business services AT UNIVERSITY OF BERGEN \n Cecilie Ohm has worked in higher education in Norway since 1993. She has a formal background as a computer scientist and meteorologist. She also ha s a master’\;s degree in university management and has worked with un iversity administrative tasks throughout her professional career. Cecilie has held management leadership positions at the University of Bergen\, th e Bergen Academy of Art and Design\, and as a joint project manager for th e four universities in Bergen\, Oslo\, Trondheim and Tromsø. IT solutions for administrative processes have always been a focus in Cecilie’\;s work\, and the importance of enterprise architecture\, interoperability a nd source data is always high on the agenda. She is currently Deputy Dire ctor of the IT Department at the University of Bergen\, where she heads th e section for digital products and business services. \n \n Jasper Ewals\, COMMUNITY DEVELOPER \n Jasper Ewals is half German\, half Dutch. He studied at CHARM-EU from 202 3 –\; 2025\, following the track Life &\; Health. After his studie s\, he found a job as a Community Developer for Common City Development\, an organisation that creates and aids co-housing initiatives. Aside from t hat\, he makes music and organises events. Both of these roles allow him t o connect with people and bring them together\, something he find a lot of joy in.  \n \n Kirsten Hollaende rPROJECT MANAGER EUROPEAN COLLABORATION AT UTRECHT UNIVERSITY \n With a PhD in sociology\, Kirsten Hollaender early on specialized in int er- and transdisciplinary research\, covering the full range from initiati ng\, supporting and doing through promoting\, funding\, improving and eval uating. Next to her work as European research policy advisor\, she coordi nates the Research Assessment procedures at the University of Utrecht and contributes to the Research and Innovation Dimension of CHARM-EU. \ n \n aleid de jongpolicy adviser RESEARCH AND OPEN SCIENCE at utrecht university \n Aleid de Jong is a s trategic policy adviser for Open Science at Utrecht University. In this ro le\, she coordinates and monitors activities related to the five pillars o f Open Science within the university: Open Access\, FAIR data and software \, Public Engagement\, Open Education\, and Recognition &\; Rewards. To achieve this\, she collaborates with and connects experts across differen t levels of the university\, with the goal of advancing and embedding the Open Science way of working within the institution. In addition to her wo rk at Utrecht University\, she focuses on promoting Open Science in nation al and international contexts—for example\, through the Coalition for Ad vancing Research Assessment (CoARA).  \n \n Mathew Birdsall abramsdirector of science and training at incf \n Mathew Birdsall Abrams\, PhD\, MPH is Director of Science an d Training at the International Neuroinformatics Coordinating Facility (IN CF)\, a global organization dedicated to open\, FAIR\, and citable neurosc ience. Mathew is a neuroscientist with over 25 years of experience in bot h experimental neuroscience and clinical psychiatry\, as well as 12 years of experience in community coordination\, community building\, and product development in neuroinformatics. Mathew has worked with the infrastructur e developers of the world’s large scale brain initiatives (BRAIN Initiat ive in US\, Human Brain Project in Europe\, Canadian Open Neuroscience Pla tform\, and Brain/MINDS in Japan). He also holds Positions of Trust in man y neuroscience societies (e.g. SfN\, FUN\, FENS\, and IBRO). Mathew condu cted his doctoral thesis research at Tulane University and Karolinska Inst itutet\, obtained his MPH in Health Systems Management at Tulane Universit y School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine\, and completed his underg raduate education at the University of Richmond.  \n \n Rubén Vicente-SaezResearcher and Research Manager at Aalto University \n Rubén Vicente-Saez is a Senior Postdoct oral Researcher and Research Manager at Aalto University’s Department of Industrial Engineering and Management\, in Finland. His research and teac hing focus on open science policy\, leadership and management\, science an d innovation policy\, and university governance. \;\nSince 2021\, Rub én has led the Open Science and Innovation Community of the European Univ ersity Alliance Unite!. The team develops evidence-based policy tools\, gu idelines\, and recommendations to support university managers\, policymake rs\, funders and researchers in mainstreaming open science and innovation practices across Europeanuniversities.\nRubén earned a double PhD in the topic Open Science in the digital era from Aalto University and the Univer sity of Valencia (2021). \; He has also worked as an Innovation Projec t Specialist for Peacekeeping Missions in the Technology Development Unit of the United Nations\, Project Manager at the University of Valencia Scie nce Park\, and served as a Policy Officer within the Blue Book programme\, focusing on ICT and Education at the European Commission.\nThrough his wo rk at Aalto and Unite!\, Rubén helps translate open science principles in to practical policy\, governance models\, and infrastructure that empower researchers\, students\, institutions\, and decision-makers. \n \n lena sauerclimate adaptation manager for the city \nadministration of Bornheim\, Germany \n Lena Sauer i s a graduate of CHARM-EU and was part of the first group of students to co mplete this master’\;s program. At the time\, she chose to focus on f ood systems. During and after her studies\, she completed several internsh ips\, including at GIZ (German Society for International Cooperation) and the European Environment Agency in Copenhagen (Bluebook traineeship). Cur rently\, she works as a climate adaptation manager for the city administra tion of Bornheim in Germany (between Cologne and Bonn). In this role\, she supports efforts to prepare the city for changing climate patterns and in crease resilience to extreme weather events such as heat\, drought\, heavy rain\, and flooding in order to protect the population through preventive measures. Her field of work is very broad\, ranging from strategic plann ing and implementation of concrete measures to the involvement of stakehol ders (citizens\, politicians\, businesses\, farmers\, universities) to awa reness campaigns\, press relations\, and fundraising \n \n Alisia GahabkaBluebook Traineeship at the Europea n \nEnvironment Agency \n Alisia Gahabka has been a student wit h the CHARM-EU Master’s programme in Global Challenges for Sustainabilit y with stations at Trinity College Dublin\, Universitat de Barcelona and U trecht University from 2023 to 2025. After graduation\, she completed the Bluebook Traineeship with the European Environment Agency in the Climate Risk and Resilience Unit. She will start her upcoming role as a public sec tor consultant in Germany soon.   \n \n Jill HoostCSR Officer at IN Groupe \n Jill Hoost is an alumna of the CHARM-EU Master’s programme in Global Challenges for Susta inability from 2021 to 2023 with stations at Universitat de Barcelona and Université de Montpellier. Before her Master’s programme\, she had a ba ckground in Human Resources. After graduating\, she completed a traineeshi p and has worked as an ESG project manager and sustainability auditor. Now \, she is working as a CSR Officer at IN Groupe\, located in the Netherla nds. \n \n Wilco Hazeleger\nRector Magnificus\, Utrecht University \n Wilco Hazeleger is Rector Magnific us of Utrecht University since 26 March 2025 and professor of Climate Syst em Science. As rector\, he is responsible for research\, education and stu dent affairs at UU. His mission is to make the university open and accessi ble to society. He does this by stimulating scientific disciplines\, conne cting them and actively collaborating with societal actors. For him\, an a ccessible university means that everyone can be given the space to study a nd research at the university.Hazeleger studied meteorology at Wageningen University and Reading University (UK). He obtained his PhD in physical oc eanography at Utrecht University in 1999. He then worked at Columbia Unive rsity (New York) and at the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KN MI). He was also professor of Climate Dynamics at Wageningen University. F rom 2014 to 2019\, he was director of the Netherlands eScience Center\, fo cusing on the application of digital technology and data science in all sc ientific domains. Hazeleger was dean of the Faculty of Geosciences from 1 July 2019 to 1 March 2025. There\, Hazeleger was closely involved in prom oting diversity and inclusivity and in inter- and transdisciplinary resear ch focused on sustainability transitions. His research focuses on climate research and applications of AI and data science in it. \n \n Thomas Estermann\, Director for Governance\, Funding and Public Policy Development\, European University Association (EUA) \n Thomas Estermann is Director for Governance\, Funding and Public Polic y Development at the European University Association (EUA) with responsibi lities for EUA’s work aimed at strengthening universities’ autonomy\, governance\, leadership\, management and their financial sustainability.  He is actively involved in various European and national committees\, expe rt groups\, editorial boards\, and advisory boards\, including those of Eu ropean university alliances. He regularly contributes to higher education management programs and recently developed the EUA Leadership Development Programme to equip senior university leaders with the leadership tools to drive transformation in higher education. He has provided guidance in mult iple national higher education reform processes in Europe and beyond and h as authored publications on university funding\, governance\, leadership\, and management. Prior to joining EUA in 2007\, he held the position of D eputy University Director at the University of Music and Performing Arts\, Vienna. During this time\, he served as a member of the university's sena te and was involved in several significant higher education reforms in Aus tria. Before entering the University\, he pursued a career as a lawyer. He holds a master’s degree in law from the University of Vienna.  \n \n Vanessa Debiais-SaintonMember of Cabinet of Executive Vice-President at European Commission\, Social rights and ski lls\, quality jobs and preparedness\n \n Vanessa Debiais-Sainton is a member of cabinet of Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu at the Europ ean Commission\, where she is responsible for all levels of education & \; training\, Union of Skills\, digital education and Erasmus+. Previousl y\, she acted as Head of Unit in Higher Education\, shaping European polic ies and programme to reform and transform higher education. Among her resp onsibilities were the co-creation\, launch and supervision of the European Universities initiative\, paving the way towards the universities of the future. Responsible for the higher education dimension of the European Edu cation Area\, including the European Degree\, the European Approach to Mic ro-credentials\, the automatic recognition of higher education qualificati ons and learning periods abroad\, the EU Student Card initiative and the h igher education strand of Erasmus+. Before moving to the European Commiss ion\, Vanessa spent eight years working for several companies. She studied Chemical Engineering in France (Institut National Polytechnique de Lorrai ne). \n \n Marcos Ros SempereMember of t he European Parliament \n Marcos Ros Sempere has been a Spanish Member of the European Parliament since February 2020. He is the shadow rapporte ur for the EPBD on the Environment\, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) committee which is responsible for giving its opinion to the leading commi ttee (ITRE). He is also a member of Industry\, Research &\; Energy (ITR E)\, Culture and Education (CULT) and Regional Development (REGI) committe es. On the CULT committee\, he is the co-rapporteur for the own initiativ e report on the New European Bauhaus which brings together interdisciplina ry solutions including the decarbonisation of buildings for integrating th e green transition into the lives of EU citizens. Prior to his role in th e European Parliament\, Mr. Ros Sempere spent eleven years as a Professor of Urban Planning at the School of Architecture of Cartagena. He has a PhD in architecture\, specialise in urban planning issues and a long experien ce in the rehabilitation of the architectural heritage. \n \n Ludovic ThillyCoordinator General of the EC2U Europe an University Alliance and co-coordinator of FOREU4ALL \n Ludovic Thi lly is a Full Professor of Physics at the University of Poitiers and\, sin ce 2012\, has served as Vice-Rector in charge of European Strategy and the EC2U Alliance. A member of the Coimbra Group Executive Board since 2015\, he was elected Chair in June 2017 and has been re-elected twice since. Hi s current mandate runs until 2028. Professor Thilly is the Coordinator Ge neral of the EC2U European University Alliance and co-coordinator of FOREU 4ALL\, the community of practice bringing together the 65 selected Europea n University Alliances. He continues to teach and supervise PhD candidates . His research focuses on the deformation mechanisms of (nano- )materials . He has co-authored more than 80 publications in international peer-revie wed journals\, including four book chapters\, and has delivered over 60 in vited lectures at international conferences and institutions.  \n \n Meritxell Chaves\nSecretary General of Europ ean University of CHARM-EU \n Meritxell Chaves has more than thirty y ears of experience in the higher education sector\, in four universities o f the Catalan university system\, in different functional areas of the Uni versity such as academic management\, strategic planning\, quality and acc reditation\, and international relations in different organisational cultu res. As Secretary General of European University of CHARM-EU since the st art of the initiative in 2019 she has been leading CHARM-EU team. \n \n Doris Alexander\nAssociate Director of Eur opean Engagement\, Trinity College Dublin \n Doris Alexander has worke d in Research Management Administration since 1994\, taking up her current post as Associate Director of European Engagement in 2019 and is responsi ble for the development of strategies of engagement\, working to get early insight on new EU policy/initiatives so as to maximise the opportunity sp ace for Trinity. She is currently engaged in the implementation of aspects of the ERA policy agenda. She has been involved in several EC stakeholde r groups including the co-creation of the European Universities initiative \, is the co-director of CHARM-EU alliance in Trinity College and a member of the Executive Board. She was Chair of the R&\;I subgroup of the FOR EU1 network (the network of the 17 European Universities alliances funded through the first Erasmus+ pilot call) and is currently chair of the R& \;I Topical Group (part of FOREU4ALL) for all alliances.Doris holds a BA i n Mathematical Science and an MSc in Computer Science (Health informatics) from Trinity College Dublin. \n \n Elen a Del Giorgio4EU+ Secretary GeneraL \n Prior to this appointment as Se cretary General of 4EU+ Alliance\, Elena Del Giorgio has served as 4EU+ Po licy Officer and as Policy Officer at the University of Milan supporting t he university’s European and international institutional partnerships su ch as LERU and U7+. With the University of Milan becoming a member of the 4EU+ Alliance in November 2018\, she was involved in 4EU+ almost since it s creation. In her role as seconded 4EU+ Policy Officer\, she worked on th e development of the new 4EU+ strategy 2025- 2035. She has most recently served as Interim Secretary General\, playing a key role in overseeing the establishment of the 4EU+ Secretariat in Brussels and relocating the Alli ance's legal entity to Belgium. She holds a PhD in Political and Social Sc iences from the European University Institute in Florence\, Italy. Early in her career\, she served as a research fellow in the framework of severa l EU-funded projects. \n \n OLGA WESSELS Head of eciu brussels office and foreu4all coordinator \n Olga Wessels is the Head of Brussels’ Office of the European Consortium of Innovativ e Universities (ECIU). In this position\, Wessels contributes to setting t he agenda of ECIU at the European level\, increasing the organisation’s visibility as a potential and reliable partner for European institutions i n debates on policy and programme developments. \;Wessels also coordin ates FOREU4ALL\, bringing together all 73 European University alliances in a cohesive structure to foster collaboration and share best practices.&nb sp\;Before joining ECIU\, Wessels represented the Dutch universities (incl uding Utrecht University) in Brussels\, focussing on higher education and Open Science policies\, and worked for the Dutch National Students’ Unio n (LSVb)\, focusing on flexible education and quality assurance. \n \n Harriet KlåvusHead of International Cooper ation and CHARM-EU manager at Åbo Akademi University\, Finland \n Har riet Klåvus is Head of International Cooperation and CHARM-EU manager at Åbo Akademi University\, Finland\, and Lead of WP6 Mobility for CHARM8. Furthermore\, she is the Institutional Erasmus Coordinator as well as the Coimbra Group representative at Åbo Akademi University. She has been work ing at the International Affairs since 1995. She is also a representative in both national and regional committees and has been the founding member of both the Nordlys Student Exchange Network and the Coimbra Group Student Exchange Network. Both of them are multidisciplinary student exchange net works\, today functioning under the Erasmus programme. She has been parti cipating in several Erasmus projects and has acted as a consultant on stud ent exchange for both the Finnish National Agency and the Nordic Council o f Ministers. She has also been the Secretary General for the Nordic Associ ation of University Administrators (NUAS). \n \n Meadhbh Costellosenior policy executive at Ibec \n Meadhbh Co stello is a senior policy executive at Ibec\, the group representing emplo yers and business in Ireland. In this role she acts as a strategic advisor and support for businesses across Ireland on issues related to education\ , skills\, innovation and social policy. Her role includes skills researc h\, the development of tools and guidelines\, lobbying and developing poli cy positions at a national and European level. Previously\, Meadhbh served as a policy specialist working for public\, private and NGO organisations in Ireland and Europe.  \n \n Edwin Ka ntersEU Liaison Officer\, University of Utrecht \n Edwin Kanters is th e EU Liaison Officer at Utrecht University\, bringing a wealth of experien ce in research management and administration to his role. With a backgroun d that spans from researcher to administrator\, Edwin has held key positio ns in grant advising and research support at prestigious institutions. He served as a grant advisor at Amsterdam University Medical Centre and as in terim head of the Grants Office at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam before joi ning Utrecht University in November 2021.Edwin's expertise encompasses EU grants\, research policy\, and education\, with a particular talent for bu ilding bridges and connecting people to facilitate impactful research init iatives. He currently serves as a Board Member of EARMA (European Associat ion of Research Managers and Administrators)\, contributing to the advance ment of research management as a profession. \n \n Annet van der Rietlead Professional Development CHARM-EU \n Annet van der Riet is an educational scientist and works within the Euro pean alliance CHARM-EU\, where she is responsible for the professional dev elopment of lecturers. Key themes include challenge-based learning\, tran sdisciplinary education\, hybrid education\, and programmatic assessment. In previous roles at Utrecht University\, Annet worked at the Centre for A cademic Teaching as Teacher Development Coordinator. In this role\, she fo cused on the continuous development and improvement of the training progra ms for lecturers at Utrecht University. Annet gained experience in educat ional innovation at Educate-it. In this role\, she was responsible for the professional development programs in the area of blended learning and foc used on teaching support for lecturers.  \n \n Clare Hart\nVice-President for International Affairs and \nEuropea n Cooperation. Municipal Councillor for International Relations Montpellie r\, France \n A social change maker and expert in Corporate Social Re sponsibility\, London-born Clare Hart now lives with her family in Montpe llier\, in southern France. She is passionate about gender equality and so cial inclusion through grassroots mobilization\, and a fervent charity act ivist. After her University years in European Studies and Geopolitics (No ttingham and Cambridge) and a year spent in an NGO in India (New Delhi\, C alcutta\, Mumbai)\, she founded a professional training company in 1993\, and since she has counseled and trained multiple executives on cross-cultu ral management and communication. She also joined the French Chamber of Co mmerce and the Foundation of Action for Social Inclusion. In 2020\, se wa s elected to Montpellier City and Metropolitan Council as Vice-President f or International Affairs and European Cooperation.  \n \n Nadja SimonsPROFESSOR AND Local program coordinator\, J ulius- maximilians-University Würzburg \n \n Nadja Simons is a profes sor for Applied Biodiversity Sciences at the Biology department of JMU Wü rzburg and local program coordinator for the Master program “Global Chal lenges for Sustainability”. Her role in CHARM involves coordinating teac hing activities and content with the eight partner universities. Her own t eaching activities for the program include lectures and workshops on resea rch design and co-supervision of student teams in the final semester.In he r research\, she focuses on ecological sustainability\, in particular how land use practices affect biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. On the o ne hand\, she is interested in how management decisions affect biological communities and how this translates into changes in the provision of ecosy stem functions. On the other hand\, she investigates how biodiversity and ecosystem services are considered in management decisions and planning\, a nd how they can be integrated into decision-making processes. Before star ting her professorship in Würzburg\, she has worked in inter- and transdi sciplinary research projects related to sustainable habitat management at TU Darmstadt and TU Munich. \n \n iGNASI lABASTIDARECTOR's delegate FOR SCIENTIFIC JOURNALS AND OPEN SCIENCE\, UNI VERSITY OF BARCELONA \n Ignasi Labastida is the Rector’s Delegate fo r Scientific Publications and Open Science at the University of Barcelona where he is also the head of the research support in the library Currently he chairs the Board of SPARC Europe and the working policy group on Infor mation and Open Access at League of European Research Universities (LERU).  He has participated in the elaboration of the Catalan Strategic Plan on Open Science and the Spanish National Strategy on Open Science He has been working on copyright and openness since his involvement in introducing Cr eative Commons licenses in Spain in 2003. \n \n Nataša Jakominić MarotHead of the University of Rijeka’s Centr e for Research and Innovation \n Nataša Jakominić Marot is Head of t he University of Rijeka’s Centre for Research and Innovation and a senio r executive with 20+ years’ experience advancing innovation\, research\, and sustainability in higher education. \;She leads institutional ref orms in research(er) assessment aligned with CoARA\, serving in two CoARA working groups and helping embed narrative CVs\, qualitative indicators\, and open-science incentives across UNIRI policies. She has managed a portf olio of 50+ projects exceeding €50 million\, with expertise in project c ycle management\, strategic planning\, training\, consulting\, and peer re view/external assessment. \;An active member of EARMA and the YERUN Po licy Platform\, she is a trainer in EU funding and R&\;I leadership. Sh e holds an MBA (MODUL University Vienna) and completed executive programme Innovation for Economic Development at Harvard Kennedy School \n \n hans de jongedirector open science nl \n Hans de Jonge is director of Open Science NL. He has worked at NWO since 2 018. As a programme leader\, he was responsible for various aspects of NWO 's open science policy.Hans was closely involved in the development of Pla n S of coalitions and represented NWO in the National Platform Open Scienc e. He wasalso actively involved with recognition and rewards for open sci ence practices. Before joining NWO\, Hans worked as a programme leader at the academic affairs Department of Utrecht University and at the associati on of universities in the Netherlands (UNL). Hans is a historian ofscience by training.   \n \n Doris FischerVic e-President for internationalisation at würzburg university \n Doris Fischer is Vice President for Internationalisation and Alumni at the Juliu s-Maximilians University of Würzburg (JMU)\, represents the JMU as a dire ctor on the Executive Board of CHARM-EU and within the Coimbra Group\, and holds the chair for China Business and Economics at JMU.An Economist and Sinologist with more than 30 years of experience in academic research\,tea ching\, and consultancy on China’s economy. Doris Fischer has done exte nsive research oncompetition\, regulation\, and industrial policies in var ious sectors\, focusing on the rationale ofChinese economic policies\, the resulting incentive structures of economic actors and the impactof China ’s economic rise on the global economy \n \n stans de haasdirector of operations of social sciences department a t utrecht university \n Stans de Haas is Director of Operations of the department Social Sciences (which consists of the sections: Cultural Anth ropology\, Sociology\, Interdisciplinary Social Sciences\, and Methods and Statistics). She is aldo appointed as expert of the theme Recognition an d Rewards in the Open Science programme at UU. “  \n \n Agnes Sarolta Fazekas-Vinkovitsassistant professor at t he Eötvös Loránd \nUniversity in Budapest\, Hungary \n Agnes Sarolt a Fazekas-Vinkovits (she/her) is an assistant professor at the Eötvös Lo rándUniversity Bárczi Gusztáv Faculty of Special Needs in Budapest\, Hu ngary. Since 2019\, Agnes has been the leader of the work package on incl usiveness in the CHARM-EU 2019-2022 project and has continued the work as Lead of the CHARM-EU DEI Office (from 2023- ) of the CHARM-EU Alliance. I n 2024\, CHARM-EU's inclusion and diversity work was a ZeroProject Awardee .  \n \n isabel fraashead of diversity management at würzburg university \n Isabel Fraas is head of the Dive rsity Management and the Anti-Discrimination Contact Point at Julius Maxim ilian University of Würzburg (JMU). She is furthermore responsible for ge nder and diversity consulting for DFG-funded research networks at the Univ ersity. She advises and supports research projects in the planning and im plementation of equity measures and is currently co-spokesperson for the G ermany-wide Gender and Diversity Consulting Network. Isabel Fraas coordina tes personnel development programs for female scientists under the umbrell a of the Gender Equality Academy JMU. She has been the university's Aanti -Semitism Officer since July 2024. Isabel Fraas holds a doctorate in Germa n studies. After working for many years in teaching and research at the In stitute of German Philology at JMU\, she moved into science management\, w here she was responsible for training JMU tutors and continuing education in university teaching as part of the BMBF-funded Quality Pact for Teachin g program. As a freelance trainer\, she has been offering trainings for a cademics on topics such as unconscious bias\, diversity\, empowerment\, an d leadership for many years. \n \n Andre a BährWomen's representative office at Würzburg university \n Andrea Bähr runs the women’s representative office at the University of Würz burg. Her area of expertise is designing and applying processes and tools to promote gender equality in academic contexts. Coming from an academic b ackground in cultural studies she is committed to studying societal norms and challenging them wherever they create inequality.   \n \n Marieke Schoots\, Program Director for Academic Co llaboration Centers within the Programma Brede Welvaart at Tilburg Univers ity \n Marieke Schoots is Program Director for Academic Collaboration Centers within the Programma Brede Welvaart at Tilburg University\, where she develops and leads initiatives that strengthen the university’s soci etal impact and foster collaboration with both (inter) national and region al partners. She also serves as work package leader for Societal Outreach in the European University Network ENGAGE.EU. In this role she initiated the Expedition Weeks\, a challenge-based learning format in which students apply design thinking to real-life societal and economic challenges\, gai ning valuable interdisciplinary and intercultural skills. She has played a key role in advancing projects that connect universities with local comm unities\, policymakers\, and businesses\, thereby contributing to sustaina ble regional development and broad prosperity. Her expertise spans stakeho lder engagement\, transdisciplinary collaboration\, and impact-driven educ ation\, with a strong track record in designing innovative formats that li nk education\, research\, and practice. \n \ n Ger corbettCEO of Sandyford Business District \n Ger Corbett is CEO of Sandyford Business District\, Ireland’s largest business improvem ent district\, home to many important companies. \;Ger commenced his t enure with Sandyford Business District as Commercial Manager in June 2021 before assuming the role of CEO in 2022. Throughout his leadership\, he ha s spearheaded the association's initiatives to assist the district's 1\,00 0 companies\, 26\,000 employees\, and 6\,000 residents in overcoming pande mic-related challenges and adapting to the evolving economic landscape.\nU nder his guidance\, Sandyford Business District has continued to foster me aningful collaborations with the district’s co-founder and local council \, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council\, as well as esteemed academic i nstitutions including Trinity College Dublin\, Nova UCD\, Dún Laoghaire I nstitute of Art\, Design and Technology (IADT) and the Irish Management In stitute (IMI).\nDemonstrating a steadfast commitment to advancing the dist rict's sustainability efforts\, Ger has played a pivotal role in the incep tion of Project Green\, SBID's ambitious environmental agenda. He has succ essfully secured funding for various circular economy initiatives\, shared mobility schemes\, and climate resilience projects at local\, national\, and European levels.\nGer's leadership in the district's European ventures has fostered collaborations with partner cities including Istanbul\, Berl in\, Helsinki\, Guimarães\, City Network Sweden\, City Network Slovenia\, and London.\n \n \n Réka judit borosCh air of the CHARM-EU Student Council \n Réka Judit Boros is currently serving as Chair of the CHARM-EU Student Council and is a student at Eötv ös Loránd University (ELTE) in Budapest\, Hungary. She has been activel y involved in student representation for the past four years\, with a part icular focus on international affairs and cross-border academic cooperatio n. Within the university context\, she works to strengthen the voice of st udents in decision-making processes and advocates for inclusive\, transpar ent governance in higher education. At this conference\, she contributes a student perspective to the discussion\, emphasizing the importance of me aningful participation\, diversity\, and co-creation in higher education p olicy and practice. \n \n Channa van der Brug International Affairs Programme Manager\, Hochschulforum Digitalisie rung for Stifterverband\, \nGermany \n Channa van der Brug connects un iversities\, policymakers\, and technology experts to driveinnovative appr oaches in digital learning internationally. She champions the creation and implementation of learning and teaching environments that improve student engagementand institutional effectiveness. Channa contributes her experti se in two flagship initiatives at the Stifterverband (founded in 1920\, th e Stifterverband is a joint initiative of Germancompanies and foundations dedicated to improving education\, science\, and innovation): The "Hochsch ulforum Digitalisierung" - Germany’s national platform for advancing hig her education in the digital age\, and the European Digital Education Hub. \n \n Thomas lipkeADVISOR Digital Trans formation and Academic Controlling at the University \nof Duisburg-Essen\, aurora alliance \n Thomas Lipke works at the University of Duisburg-E ssen in Germany\, a member of the AURORA Alliance. He is responsible for t he digital transformation of the university’s administration\, driving i nnovation and efficiency in processes. In addition\, he oversees technical interoperability in the field of cooperation\, ensuring that the universi ty’s systems can connect smoothly with partner universities. A key part of his work is within the AURORA European University Network\, where they explore solutions that can also apply to other German and international c ollaborations. Thomas is committed to developing sustainable standards and ecosystems that give students and universities real digital sovereignty.   \n \n CECILE OHM\, Deputy Director of IT Department &\; head digital products and business services AT UNIVE RSITY OF BERGEN \n Cecilie Ohm has worked in higher education in Norwa y since 1993. She has a formal background as a computer scientist and mete orologist. She also has a master's degree in university management and has worked with university administrative tasks throughout her professional c areer. Cecilie has held management leadership positions at the University of Bergen\, the Bergen Academy of Art and Design\, and as a joint project manager for the four universities in Bergen\, Oslo\, Trondheim and Troms ø. IT solutions for administrative processes have always been a focus in Cecilie's work\, and the importance of enterprise architecture\, interoper ability and source data is always high on the agenda. She is currently De puty Director of the IT Department at the University of Bergen\, where she heads the section for digital products and business services. \n \n Jasper Ewals\, COMMUNITY DEVELOPER \n Jas per Ewals is half German\, half Dutch. He studied at CHARM-EU from 2023 - 2025\, following the track Life &\; Health. After his studies\, he foun d a job as a Community Developer for Common City Development\, an organisa tion that creates and aids co-housing initiatives. Aside from that\, he ma kes music and organises events. Both of these roles allow him to connect w ith people and bring them together\, something he find a lot of joy in.  \n \n Kirsten HollaenderPROJECT MANAGER EUROPEAN COLLABORATION AT UTRECHT UNIVERSITY \n With a PhD in sociolog y\, Kirsten Hollaender early on specialized in inter- and transdisciplinar y research\, covering the full range from initiating\, supporting and doin g through promoting\, funding\, improving and evaluating. Next to her wor k as European research policy advisor\, she coordinates the Research Asses sment procedures at the University of Utrecht and contributes to the Resea rch and Innovation Dimension of CHARM-EU. \n \n aleid de jongpolicy adviser RESEARCH AND OPEN SCIENCE at utrecht u niversity \n Aleid de Jong is a strategic policy adviser for Open Scie nce at Utrecht University. In this role\, she coordinates and monitors act ivities related to the five pillars of Open Science within the university: Open Access\, FAIR data and software\, Public Engagement\, Open Education \, and Recognition &\; Rewards. To achieve this\, she collaborates with and connects experts across different levels of the university\, with the goal of advancing and embedding the Open Science way of working within th e institution. In addition to her work at Utrecht University\, she focuse s on promoting Open Science in national and international contexts—for e xample\, through the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA).   \n \n Mathew Birdsall abramsdirector of science and training at incf \n Mathew Birdsall Abrams\, PhD\, MPH is Director of Science and Training at the International Neuroinformatics Coordinating Facility (INCF)\, a global organization dedicated to open\, F AIR\, and citable neuroscience. Mathew is a neuroscientist with over 25 y ears of experience in both experimental neuroscience and clinical psychiat ry\, as well as 12 years of experience in community coordination\, communi ty building\, and product development in neuroinformatics. Mathew has work ed with the infrastructure developers of the world’s large scale brain i nitiatives (BRAIN Initiative in US\, Human Brain Project in Europe\, Canad ian Open Neuroscience Platform\, and Brain/MINDS in Japan). He also holds Positions of Trust in many neuroscience societies (e.g. SfN\, FUN\, FENS\, and IBRO). Mathew conducted his doctoral thesis research at Tulane Unive rsity and Karolinska Institutet\, obtained his MPH in Health Systems Manag ement at Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine\, and completed his undergraduate education at the University of Richmond.   \n \n Rubén Vicente-SaezResearcher a nd Research Manager at Aalto University \n Rubén Vicente-Saez is a Se nior Postdoctoral Researcher and Research Manager at Aalto University’s Department of Industrial Engineering and Management\, in Finland. His rese arch and teaching focus on open science policy\, leadership and management \, science and innovation policy\, and university governance. \;\nSinc e 2021\, Rubén has led the Open Science and Innovation Community of the E uropean University Alliance Unite!. The team develops evidence-based polic y tools\, guidelines\, and recommendations to support university managers\ , policymakers\, funders and researchers in mainstreaming open science and innovation practices across Europeanuniversities.\nRubén earned a double PhD in the topic Open Science in the digital era from Aalto University an d the University of Valencia (2021). \; He has also worked as an Innov ation Project Specialist for Peacekeeping Missions in the Technology Devel opment Unit of the United Nations\, Project Manager at the University of V alencia Science Park\, and served as a Policy Officer within the Blue Book programme\, focusing on ICT and Education at the European Commission.\nTh rough his work at Aalto and Unite!\, Rubén helps translate open science p rinciples into practical policy\, governance models\, and infrastructure t hat empower researchers\, students\, institutions\, and decision-makers. \n \n lena sauerclimate adaptation manage r for the city \nadministration of Bornheim\, Germany \n Lena Sauer is a graduate of CHARM-EU and was part of the first group of students to com plete this master's program. At the time\, she chose to focus on food syst ems. During and after her studies\, she completed several internships\, in cluding at GIZ (German Society for International Cooperation) and the Euro pean Environment Agency in Copenhagen (Bluebook traineeship). Currently\, she works as a climate adaptation manager for the city administration of Bornheim in Germany (between Cologne and Bonn). In this role\, she support s efforts to prepare the city for changing climate patterns and increase r esilience to extreme weather events such as heat\, drought\, heavy rain\, and flooding in order to protect the population through preventive measure s. Her field of work is very broad\, ranging from strategic planning and implementation of concrete measures to the involvement of stakeholders (ci tizens\, politicians\, businesses\, farmers\, universities) to awareness c ampaigns\, press relations\, and fundraising \n \n Alisia GahabkaBluebook Traineeship at the European \nEnvironmen t Agency \n Alisia Gahabka has been a student with the CHARM-EU Master ’s programme in Global Challenges for Sustainability with stations at Tr inity College Dublin\, Universitat de Barcelona and Utrecht University fro m 2023 to 2025. After graduation\, she completed the Bluebook Traineeship with the European Environment Agency in the Climate Risk and Resilience U nit. She will start her upcoming role as a public sector consultant in Ger many soon.   \n \n Jill HoostCSR Offic er at IN Groupe \n Jill Hoost is an alumna of the CHARM-EU Master’s programme in Global Challenges for Sustainability from 2021 to 2023 with s tations at Universitat de Barcelona and Université de Montpellier. Before her Master’s programme\, she had a background in Human Resources. After graduating\, she completed a traineeship and has worked as an ESG project manager and sustainability auditor. Now\, she is working as a CSR Officer at IN Groupe\, located in the Netherlands. \n \n Call for posters (closed) \n The poster session will be a s pace where members of European University Alliances\, university staff\, s tudents and external stakeholders can exchange ideas and discuss practical cases.When? 12 November 2025 from 11:15 to 11:45H and 15:15 to 16:00H Wh ere? Bar Beton\, Pythagoraslaan 101\, Utrecht\, NL. (how to arrive: https: //maps.app.goo.gl/FJP2TZGLpVmfnYWU6)Have you developed\, researched\, impl emented or benefitted from an initiative that has strengthened European co mpetitiveness? Share your experience at the CHARM-EU Annual Conference.We are inviting poster submissions for the CHARM-EU Annual Conference “Boos ting European Competitiveness: European University Alliances as Catalysts for Innovation and Sustainability in Higher Education”. The poster prese ntation session offers you an opportunity to share your ideas and gather f eedback from CHARM-EU conference participants.We are taking a broad view o f European competitiveness and welcome a diversity of poster presentations . These can be research based\, practitioner case studies\, policy or proc edure examples\, collaborative initiatives\, emerging ideas\, or personal narratives on an initiative.Posters should align with at least some of the se topics:Higher education institutions\, alliances or external stakeholde rs contributing to general European competitiveness.Educational curricula supporting skills for key competitiveness areas (e.g. digital and green tr ansitions).Research contributing to European societal or economic competit iveness.Micro-credentials or lifelong learning initiatives that enhance ta lent.Creating environments for innovation\, entrepreneurship\, and start-u p support.Policies or practices that have impacted on competitiveness.Pers onal narratives on activities or challenges related to competitiveness.Inc reasing employability\, boosting European careers\, transdisciplinary coll aboration\, intercultural competencies\, transversal skills\, personal imp act\, DEI as an enabler.Open Science policies and practices enhancing comp etitiveness for Europe.Students and researchers’ mobility in European hi gher education area contributing to a competitive Europe. Who should subm it?We welcome submissions from academic and administrative staff\, externa l stakeholders\, students\, alumni and professionals involved in European University Alliance projects\, cross-border cooperation\, and strategic ed ucation and research initiatives.How do I submit a poster proposal?Please submit your poster abstract including title\, authors\, author affiliation s\, previous connection with CHARM-EU if any by the 12th of September. Al l submissions will be reviewed to ensure their alignment with the goals of the conference. Successful proposers will be notified of their acceptance by the 19th of September. A poster template will be sent to all successfu l proposers. The final poster should be submitted by the 31st of October f or final review.When will I present my poster if it is successful?The post er presentation will be held on the 12th of November in Utrecht\, during t he CHARM-EU Annual Conference 2025. You are expected to attend in person.W ill the poster be published?Posters and abstracts will be shared on the CH ARM-EU resource centre post-conference.Who can I contact for more informat ion about posters?If you have any questions\, please contact Silvia Gallag her gallags6@tcd.ie.Will I receive any recognition for my submission?An aw ard for best poster will be presented at the end of the conference. ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://charm-eu.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/S QUARE-POST-scaled.png CATEGORIES:Sustainability LOCATION:Ruhr West University of Applied Science\, Campus Parkstadt\, Wisso llstraße 19\, Mülheim is an der Ruhr\, 45478\, X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Campus Parkstadt\, Wissolls traße 19\, Mülheim is an der Ruhr\, 45478\, ;X-APPLE-RADIUS=100;X-TITLE= Ruhr West University of Applied Science:geo:0,0 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR