ChallengeEU 1st Annual Conference Through the Lens: Photo Gallery
The 1st ChallengeEU Annual Conference in Olsztyn (May 6-7) was not only an opportunity for representatives of nine European universities to meet, but also an important moment to reflect on the journey so far, build relationships and define the next directions for cooperation. The event showed that the strength of the alliance lies in people, regions and concrete actions that can have a real impact on the future of higher education in Europe. For two days, the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn became a space for discussions on cross-border cooperation, the responsibility of universities for regional development, and the challenges related to the green, digital and social transitions. The conference brought together representatives of academia, students, regional partners and stakeholders from different parts of Europe, creating a space for dialogue, exchange of experience and the search for shared solutions. However, the significance of the event went beyond the conference programme itself. Its impact lay in strengthening ties between the alliance partners, increasing the visibility of ChallengeEU in the region, and demonstrating that cooperation between European universities can bring tangible benefits to academic and local communities. The meetings, discussions and joint initiatives became an impulse for further actions to be developed within the alliance — from education and research to social engagement and cooperation with the socio-economic environment. We invite you to view the photo gallery, which offers a chance to revisit the atmosphere of the conference, its key meetings and the moments that helped build the ChallengeEU community. Opening Ceremony, Plenary Sessions and Closing Conference (photo by Janusz Pająk/UWM) Working Meetings (photo by Janusz Pająk/UWM) Conversations and integration (photo by Janusz Pająk/UWM, Michał Orłowski) Through the lens of the UWM Student Photo Agency (Studencka Agencja Fotograficzna “Jamnik”)
Bridging Regions – Connecting Universities: ChallengeEU meets at University of Warmia and Mazury
For two days, the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn became the beating heart of the ChallengeEU Alliance. Created within the framework of the European Universities initiative, ChallengeEU brings together nine institutions from different parts of Europe under a shared banner. Together, they are working on solutions that will support not only their own development, but also the future of European higher education and the regions in which they operate. On 6–7 May, UWM hosted the ChallengeEU 1st Annual Conference. The ChallengeEU Alliance’s journey began several years ago. It brings together Hochschule Offenburg, South East European University, ECAM LaSalle, Mid Sweden University, Universidade Europeia, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Universidad Europea de Valencia, Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz (FHNW) and the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn. All these universities took on a shared challenge — quite literally — to create an alliance aligned with the idea of European Universities. Achieving this goal meant meeting not only formal requirements. All the work invested in agreeing on a common plan, developing a strategy and addressing many other issues was rewarded with approval to establish the Alliance, which began its activities in 2025. “Faced with a challenge, we basically have two choices: approach or avoid. The fact that we’re all here today shows clearly that not only have we approached our Challenge, but we have also managed it quite well (…). But our Challenge doesn’t stop here; and this ChallengeEU First Annual Conference is not a grand finale; it’s a stepping stone because there’s still work to be done, there are still challenges ahead. We’ll be spending these two days exchanging ideas on how to implement our strategies not only in the world of academia, but also in the communities around us, bridging the gap between regions in the same way as we have bridged the gap between our universities”, reminded Dr Czesław Kiński, the conference host. He added: “Over these two days, we will exchange ideas on how to implement our strategies not only in the academic world, but also in the communities around us, bridging differences between regions in the same way as we bridge differences between our universities.” “Five kilometres from this room, in a red-brick castle on a hill, a young canon once spent his evenings looking at the stars. His name was Nicolaus Copernicus. He lived here, in Warmia, for over forty years. He was not yet famous. He worked, as we might say in the language of today’s funding bodies, ‘based at a regional institution’. And from that so-called regional institution, he moved to the centre of the universe,” said Prof. Jerzy Przyborowski, Rector of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, during the opening of the conference. He stressed that, in his view, the famous Polish astronomer would have understood the idea behind the ChallengeEU Alliance. “Copernicus understood that ‘the centre’ is not a place. It is a question. And whoever is brave enough to ask better questions becomes, for that moment, the centre of the world.. In this hall today, I see representatives of nine universities who have decided to ask better questions. Questions about how regions and universities can support each other. About how the green transition can also be a just transition. About how challenge-based learning can replace lecture-based forgetting. About what European belonging means when the borders of Europe are once again being renegotiated, sometimes peacefully and sometimes not.” What brings the ChallengeEU community together is not only a readiness to ask questions and push boundaries, but also enthusiasm. This was exactly what Prof. Hélia Gonçalves Pereira, Rector of Universidade Europeia in Lisbon, spoke about when welcoming the conference guests on behalf of the Strategy Board. “When we created this alliance, some said that such an undertaking was impossible; others argued that it was possible, but would be very, very difficult. Today, we can proudly say that we have succeeded — that our dream has come true,” said Prof. Hélia Gonçalves Pereira. “ChallengeEU involves more than 90,000 students, teachers, researchers and partners, working in areas that are crucial not only for the universities forming the Alliance, but also for Europe: mobility and cooperation. As we work to make this ecosystem function as effectively as possible, we are accompanied by great enthusiasm. There is no doubt that in these strange, yet exciting times, we need more and better knowledge.” Prof. Stephan Trahasch, Rector of Hochschule Offenburg, the Alliance’s leading institution, drew attention to the goal that had guided the project from the beginning. “When we brought this alliance to life many months ago, we had a clear vision of what we wanted to do: we wanted European universities to cooperate not only on paper, but in practice, and to take on concrete challenges with a real impact on the world around them. What I see today strengthens my belief that the path we have chosen is the right one,” Prof. Trahasch emphasised. The HSO Rector gave a particularly warm welcome to the students taking part in the conference. “You are not guests at this meeting — you are the reason this alliance exists, and you are the heart of this alliance. Every partnership we build and every barrier we overcome is for you and, most importantly, with you. Your energy and commitment are what make this alliance truly European,” said Prof. Trahasch. Universities have an impact The first Annual Conference of the Alliance was held under the motto “Bridging Regions – Connecting Universities”. It referred to the idea from which ChallengeEU has grown, and whose practical expression can be seen in the long-standing partnership between Offenburg and Olsztyn, as well as in the cooperation between Hochschule Offenburg and the University of Warmia and Mazury that emerged from it. This cooperation would not have been possible without Maria and Georg Dietrich, the founders of the foundation which continues to strengthen relations between the two cities and universities to this day. Julia Ritter spoke about her grandfather’s work and her readiness
From ideas to action: WP4 team meets in Lyon
On 7–8 April 2026, M.A.R.K.E.T. officers and task leaders from WP4 across the alliance gathered at ECAM La Salle in Lyon for a two-day, in-person WP4 meeting. The meeting was highly productive and marked an important step forward in strengthening collaboration, aligning approaches, and advancing ongoing work within WP4. The programme combined structured working sessions with interactive discussions. Key topics included sharing experiences and best practices from M.A.R.K.E.T. Meet-ups, planning joint interregional M.A.R.K.E.T. student activities for 2026, and shaping the future of the Impact Lab, as well as contributions to the Talent Academy. The meeting also provided valuable space for networking, strengthening relationships, and fostering a shared understanding of the M.A.R.K.E.T. officer role across the alliance. Overall, the meeting successfully combined concrete progress on key tasks with meaningful exchange and collaboration, reinforcing the foundations for continued joint work within WP4. Did you know? M.A.R.K.E.T. = Multi-Actor Research+Knowledge Exchange Teams In each of the three selected Smart Specialisation Areas, challenge-and impact-driven M.A.R.K.E.T.s will act as dynamic platforms for transdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and the co-creation of solutions that span digital, green, social, and sustainable dimensions.
Strengthening collaboration within ChallengeEU: LBTU delegation visits SEEU
From 7 to 9 April, South East European University (SEEU) welcomed Prof. Dr Gatis Vitols, Vice-Rector for Science, and Ingus Smits, Lecturer at the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU), for a visit supported by Erasmus+. During the visit, the LBTU delegation had the opportunity to meet with the team from the Max van der Stoel Institute (MVDSI), including its Director, Prof. Dr Veli Kreci. The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss research areas of common interest. The delegation also met with Prof. Dr Veland Ramadani, Pro-Rector for Research and Entrepreneurship, and Prof. Dr Florije Ismaili, Advisor for Academic Planning and Digitalisation. These discussions focused on opportunities for research collaboration, as well as the potential development of double degree programmes between the two institutions. As part of their stay at SEEU, the LBTU team also visited several university facilities, including the SEEU Library, where they met with its Director, Elmedina Abdullahi, as well as the STEM Lab and the VR Lab. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to showcase SEEU’s academic and research environment and to further explore areas for future cooperation. We sincerely thank our colleagues from LBTU for their visit and look forward to future opportunities to work together. As partners in the ChallengeEU university alliance, SEEU and LBTU continue to strengthen their cooperation through academic exchange and ongoing discussions on future collaboration.
ChallengeEU Strategy Board defines next steps in Valencia
The Strategy Board, made up of the Rectors of the nine member universities, holds its meeting at the Turia Campus to take stock of the alliance’s first year and define future directions. On Tuesday (10 February), Universidad Europea de Valencia hosted the meeting of the ChallengeEU Strategy Board. This meeting brought together, at the Turia Campus, the rectors of the nine universities that make up the Alliance in a working session focused on future directions, strategic challenges and the evolution of the project. The day began with a welcome coffee, during which Dr Esther Gómez, Regional Secretary for Universities of the Generalitat Valenciana, gave a few words of institutional greeting to the Rectors of the alliance before starting the programme of activities. During the working session, the Strategy Board addressed the presentation of the results of the alliance’s first year of operation, as well as the analysis of the medium and long-term strategy, focused on consolidating the vision and priorities for the coming years. The meeting also allowed progress to be made on the proposal to create double degrees between member universities, as well as exploring the possible incorporation of a Ukrainian polytechnic university as an associate member, in line with ChallengeEU’s commitment to broader and more diverse European cooperation. The meeting was chaired by Prof. Tobias Hagen, Director General of ChallengeEU, and by the Secretary General, Sofiia Hecker, both from the University of Offenburg (Germany), the institution responsible for the overall coordination of the alliance. Dr Annette Klinkert, director of the technical agency that has accompanied ChallengeEU in its application and development process, also participated in the proceedings. The session also agreed that the Rector of the Universidade Europeia de Lisboa, Prof. Helia Gonçalves, will assume the chairmanship of the Strategy Board during the alliance’s second year of operation, replacing Prof. Stephan Trahasch, Rector of the Offenburg University of Applied Sciences (Germany). Likewise, the Rector of Mid Sweden University (Sweden), Docent Anders Fallström, has been appointed as the new Vice-President of the body. Two Student Council representatives at the Strategy Board – Hannah Rendle from Hochschule Offenburg and Keshini Nistar from ECAM LaSalle – held their final meeting in this role. Throughout their mandate, they actively contributed student perspectives to the Alliance’s highest decision-making body, ensuring that the student voice remained an integral part of strategic discussions. New Student Council representatives will soon be elected to continue representing students at the Strategy Board.
The ChallengeEU Mentoring Programme has officially launched
On Monday, January 19, and Thursday, January 22, meetings officially inaugurating the ChallengeEU Mentoring Programme took place. The programme is coordinated by the University of Warmia and Mazury. The ChallengeEU Mentoring Programme aims to provide students with support from European professionals, boost their self-confidence and skills, and help them define their career paths – all through mentoring rooted in the idea of ODEI (Openness, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion). During the first kick-off meeting, participants were welcomed by Prof. Paweł Wielgosz, Rector’s Representative for European Universities, while the second meeting was opened by Prof. Tobias Hagen, Vice-Rector for Internationalisation at Hochschule Offenburg and Chair of the ChallengeEU Alliance. Both speakers spoke about the ChallengeEU Alliance and the role the mentoring programme plays within it. They also expressed their thanks to everyone involved in the programme and to those who showed interest in participating Starting together The main idea behind the kick-off meetings was to allow all mentors and mentees to inaugurate the programme together and to ensure they knew what to expect in the subsequent stages. “The mentoring programme is of great importance to the ChallengeEU Alliance, as it represents a direct investment in what is most valuable – people. It demonstrates that UWM, as the programme organiser and a member of the alliance, is committed to implementing the principles of ODEI. This is crucial for building a culture of openness and development,” said Prof. Katarzyna Ćwirynkało from the Faculty of Social Sciences and ODEI Officer in the ChallengeEU Alliance. The ChallengeEU Mentoring Programme is addressed to all students at universities participating in the alliance. Mentors may include academic staff as well as professionals from outside the academic community, including entrepreneurs. In total, 75 mentors and 79 mentees applied. During the meetings, participants became familiar with essential information about how the programme works, what it involves, and what will take place in the coming weeks. They also had the opportunity to meet the team from the University of Warmia and Mazury responsible for organising the initiative. The team includes Prof. Katarzyna Ćwirynkało, Dr Monika Ryndzionek and Agata Przyborowska, MA, supported by members of Work Package 5. The first edition of the mentoring programme within the ChallengeEU Alliance will last approximately six months. A minimum of five mentor–mentee meetings is planned, which will primarily take place online (with the option of meeting on university campuses). Both mentors and mentees will receive certificates of participation upon completion of the programme. A dose of essential knowledge After both inauguration meetings, training sessions for mentors were held and led by Dr Monika Ryndzionek. During these sessions, mentors learned about their roles, received practical tools and tips to help them fulfil their responsibilities, and became thoroughly familiar with the goals of the ChallengeEU Alliance mentoring programme. Each training session lasted 75 minutes. “The idea behind mentoring programmes is to learn from more experienced people in various areas and fields of life, as mentors may include university staff, representatives of non-governmental organisations, or entrepreneurs. However, it is worth remembering that mentors also develop through this process, for example by sharing their experience,” emphasised Dr Monika Ryndzionek from the Faculty of Social Sciences, an ODEI expert in the ChallengeEU Alliance. Photo by: Freepik.com
AI in higher education discussed at the Online Café meeting
On December 18, ChallengeEU organized its first Online Café on Artificial Intelligence, bringing together professors from across the Alliance to share institutional practices, ethical guidelines, and innovative solutions for AI integration in higher education. ChallengeEU Online Café was dedicated to one of the most transformative topics in academia today: Artificial Intelligence in higher education. The aim of the meeting was to create a collegial and open space for discussion, where professors and academic staff could meet peers facing similar questions, exchange experiences, and gather ideas for their own pedagogical practice. The conversation was broadly structured around three overarching questions: how are institutions framing and supervising students’ use of AI?; in what ways can AI enrich teaching and course activities?; what governance, support mechanisms, and ethical frameworks are needed for responsible AI use? This session brought together four speakers from four ChallengeEU partner universities, each offering brief insights into AI-related initiatives developed at their institutions. Sara Gancho from Universidade Europeia de Lisoboa showcased institutional initiatives: AI Best Practices Awards, professor training and ethical guidelines. Florije Ismaili from Southeast European University presented AI@SEU, a system with three modules to streamline admissions, academic guidance, and research support. Ingus Šmits from Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies addressed challenges of generative AI in student work and lecturer training to ensure integrity. Etienne Bossy from ECAM LaSalle shared experience with AI detection tools and mandatory AI usage forms, aiming to balance transparency, ethics, and practical assessment in engineering education. These presentations were followed by breakout room sessions, which allowed professors to interact more deeply on this topic. In the future, further events from the Online Café series will take place. Photo: www.freepik.com
Holiday Traditions Across the ChallengeEU Alliance
The ChallengeEU Alliance brings together nine universities from nine different countries. Members of our community are happy to share their cultures with one another – including the traditions that shape them. We invite you to explore a short guide to customs associated with the Christmas and New Year holiday season. From candlelit processions and Christmas markets to family feasts, carols, and small acts of kindness, the weeks around the end of the year look a little different in every country – yet they share a common spirit of togetherness. Below, our partner universities take you on a festive journey through their local traditions, favourite flavours, and the unique ways their campuses celebrate the season. Latvia: Candlelit Ziemassvētki, Nine Dishes and the Magic of Riga’s Christmas Market Christmas in Latvia is a blend of Christian tradition and deep-rooted pagan customs that honour light, nature, and renewal. The season begins with Advent, when homes glow with candles and the aroma of piparkūkas – spiced gingerbread – fills the air. On December 24th, Ziemassvētki, families gather for a warm and peaceful celebration. Many still observe the old custom of eating nine symbolic dishes, believed to bring strength and luck, e.g. grey peas with bacon for prosperity. The Christmas tree also has special significance here: Latvia is one of the first places in Europe where the decorated tree tradition was recorded, dating back to the 16th century. Instead of folk songs and ķekatas, many visitors today experience the festive atmosphere at the Riga Christmas Market, one of the most charming and celebrated markets in the world. Set in the heart of the Old Town, it glows with wooden stalls, handmade crafts, mulled wine, local delicacies, and traditional music. Tourists and locals gather around the towering Christmas tree in Doma Square, creating a warm, bustling contrast to the crisp winter air. Christmas in Latvia remains slow, candlelit, and deeply rooted in tradition – yet beautifully complemented by the magical charm of Riga’s world-famous market. Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies has its own special Christmas traditions. One of the most elegant and anticipated events in the country is the Christmas Ball held in Jelgava Palace, bringing together students, staff, and guests for an evening of music, dancing, and rich historical atmosphere. Each year, LBTU also hosts a Christmas market organized by students and university employees, offering handmade gifts, festive treats, and a warm sense of community. Another cherished tradition is the LBTU Winter Solstice greeting, which highlights the university’s connection to Latvian seasonal heritage. Among the most significant traditions is the formal session of the LBTU Convent, a ceremonial gathering that reflects the university’s academic spirit and long–standing cultural identity. Spain: Twelve Grapes, the Christmas Lottery and Three Kings In Spain, Christmas celebrations are deeply rooted in tradition. Families and close friends gather on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to share festive meals and joyful moments. New Year’s Eve is equally special: people flock to the main square of their city or village, holding twelve grapes to eat in rhythm with the twelve chimes of midnight. Finishing all twelve grapes before the last chime is believed to bring good luck in the year ahead. Another highlight of the season occurs on December 22, when the entire country tunes in to watch the National Christmas Lottery. Known as the largest lottery in the world, it boasts a prize pool of €2.7 billion, with more than 70% of Spaniards participating. Finally, on January 6, Spain celebrates the arrival of the Three Wise Kings. Traditionally, Spanish children receive their gifts from the Reyes Magos rather than from Father Christmas. During the holidays, Christmas music echoes everywhere. Alongside global favorites like All I Want for Christmas Is You, traditional Spanish carols can be heard in Christmas markets, bustling streets, and department stores, adding a uniquely local charm to the festivities. Christmas in Spain is also a feast for the senses. Families enjoy dishes such as turkey, seafood, and comforting meatball soup, accompanied by classic sweets like nougat and polvorones. On January 6, the celebration continues with the Roscón de Reyes, a special cake hiding a bean inside. Whoever finds it is crowned “King” for the day, adding a playful tradition to the holiday table. At Universidad Europea de Valencia, the festive spirit fills every corner. Buildings are beautifully decorated with Christmas ornaments and a grand tree, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere. The university also partners with Fundación Mi Aportación to fulfill the wishes of underprivileged individuals who have written heartfelt letters. In addition, student clubs – ranging from sports to cultural groups – organize special activities to celebrate the season together. North Macedonia: Holiday Songs, Flavours, Buzmi and Badnik Traditions In North Macedonia, winter holidays are celebrated across communities through a mix of shared practices and distinct cultural traditions shaped by the country’s multiconfessional character. New Year’s Eve (31 December) is widely observed as a family celebration, marked by festive meals, visits, and gifts for children. Among Albanians, the holiday season carries an additional cultural layer rooted in the ancient traditions of Buzmi and Kërshëndellat – pre-Christian solstice rituals symbolizing renewal and the rebirth of light. The burning of the buzmi log expresses hopes for prosperity and good fortune, while Kërshëndellat are understood as të këndellunit e ditës së re – the awakening of the new day. Macedonian families observe Badnik on 6 January and Orthodox Christmas on 7 January. Across the country, all communities welcome the season with warm hospitality, family gatherings, and traditions that blend spiritual meaning with elements of older symbolism. Most families decorate Christmas trees as part of the New Year festivities. End-of-year celebrations also fill schools with laughter and excitement, as children present songs, dramas, and poems during festive concerts. During the winter holidays in North Macedonia, music reflects the country’s cultural diversity. Among Albanians, children often sing “Drenushat vrapojnë” (“The Does Are Running”), a playful winter song – similar in melody to Jingle Bells – that is especially popular around New Year.
UWM–HSO meeting: Cooperation is a shield in difficult times
On Monday, 8 December, the University of Warmia and Mazury was visited by guests from Hochschule Offenburg and the Maria and Georg Dietrich Foundation. The pre-Christmas meeting is a tradition that strengthens the ties between the two partner universities. It was, among other things, this friendship that gave rise to the ChallengeEU Alliance. The annual UWM–HSO meeting is a tradition. Professor Jerzy Przyborowski, Rector of the University of Warmia and Mazury (UWM), welcomed the delegation in the rector’s office building, saying: “I am very grateful that we can meet every year as part of the Christmas Bridge initiative, launched by Georg Dietrich. It is a true symbol of friendship between our institutions, but also between all the people involved.” Both the host and the guests emphasised that good relations between countries are more important than ever in the face of the ongoing war in Ukraine and many other geopolitical threats. “Thank you very much for this wonderful welcome during Advent. For us, this is not an official visit – it is a visit to friends. This friendship is a prerequisite for successful cooperation, because something good usually grows out of human relationships,” said Prof. Dr Stephan Trahasch, Rector of Hochschule Offenburg (HSO). Participants in the meeting underlined that what has particularly strengthened the friendship between the University of Warmia and Mazury and Hochschule Offenburg in recent times is the fact that both universities are members of the ChallengeEU European Universities Alliance. The ChallengeEU Alliance places strong emphasis on student mobility. “Exchange and cooperation among young people form the foundation of unity between nations, and thus of peace in Europe,” explained Stephan Trahasch. During the meeting, discussions on joint initiatives within the ChallengeEU Alliance were continued. Prof. Dr Tobias Hagen, Vice-Rector for Internationalisation at Hochschule Offenburg and Chair of the ChallengeEU Alliance, spoke, among others, with Professor Paweł Wielgosz, the UWM Rector’s Representative for European Universities, about new joint educational programmes and academic cooperation – especially in the field of research. “The project has only just started, but we already have our first results – our academic staff have taken part in joint training sessions, and in recent days students, including from our university, met in Offenburg,” said Prof. Paweł Wielgosz. “We are preparing to launch new joint study programmes – not only with HSO, but also with other partner universities. It is also very important to me that we can conduct scientific research together. From experience, I know that effective academic cooperation is often born precisely from joint research. I hope that our working meetings will lead to ideas for new study programmes and new areas of scientific collaboration.” As Prof. Dr Stephan Trahasch recalled, in addition to cooperation within the ChallengeEU Alliance and its other dimensions, what connects UWM and HSO is joint education. The universities run two programmes at the Faculty of Geoengineering (Environmental Engineering in the field of Process Engineering and Biotechnology) and one at the Faculty of Food Science (Food Technology and Human Nutrition in the field of Food Engineering). They also cooperate in programmes such as German Studies and Business Linguistics, in which students also learn German. Prof. Dr Tobias Hagen, who took part in several ChallengeEU working meetings during his stay at UWM (including one devoted to the conference planned for May to summarise the Alliance’s first year of activities), noted that discussions within the ChallengeEU team and with the Faculties of Economics, Geoengineering and Food Science were intensive, extremely fruitful and constructive, and took place in a very friendly atmosphere. He was convinced that this would enable us to further develop the long-standing partnership between our universities and that there would be many new ideas for the future. The HSO delegation also included Prof. Dr Jens Pfafferott (Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Process Engineering in Offenburg), who had the opportunity to meet with UWM representatives to discuss possibilities for further cooperation. Dr Wolfgang Bruder, Chairman of the Georg and Maria Dietrich Foundation, noted that over the years the foundation has awarded more than 200 scholarships to UWM students, contributing to broadening knowledge, creating better learning conditions, and deepening cooperation. In this way, it continues the ideas of Georg Dietrich, who already decades ago deeply understood the importance of Polish–German cooperation and was committed to ensuring that it also developed at university level.
