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Cooperation is a part of every university’s DNA. Working across institutions, sectors and borders is a fundamental part of their vision, mission and operations. Indeed, cooperation in education, research and innovation, balanced with healthy competition, is a European hallmark of excellence. But are we at risk of taking it for granted?
In many parts of the world, the value of cooperation is increasingly being called into question. While universities work together in ever more original and effective ways, their relationships with governments and the public are increasingly strained in many countries.
The 2026 EUA Annual Conference, hosted by Yeditepe University in Istanbul, Türkiye, from 16-17 April, will shed light on how key drivers are shaping why, how and with whom universities cooperate. Such drivers include (geo)politics, technological advances, sustainable development and economic challenges.
The event will investigate the evolution of different types of university partnerships; between institutions, with the public sector, with industry and other partners – locally, nationally and internationally, through a mix of panel and interactive discussions.
The Annual Conference is EUA’s flagship event for European university leaders. Each year, the Annual Conference is hosted by one of our member universities and provides an unrivalled opportunity to join discussions on prominent topics in higher education, shape EUA’s policy work at European level and network with high-level colleagues from across Europe. In addition, the Annual Conference is combined with EUA’s yearly General Assembly, where the Association’s members are involved in key management and strategy decisions.
Distinguished colleagues,
It is a great honour and pleasure to welcome you to the 2026 European University Association Annual Conference and General Assembly at Yeditepe University in Istanbul, Türkiye.
Türkiye has always stood at the crossroads of civilizations, ideas and cultures. Its unique position, bridging Europe and Asia, has made it a place where dialogue, exchange and cooperation naturally flourish. This long tradition of openness and connectivity continues to inspire our academic community and resonates deeply with this year’s conference theme: ‘ ‘University cooperation in changing contexts’.
Welcome to Istanbul, a city of history and modernity, diversity and creativity. Ranked among the world’s most dynamic metropolises, Istanbul offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and forward-looking energy. We hope you will not only engage in thought-provoking discussions during the conference, but also take the opportunity to experience the spirit of this remarkable city.
Yeditepe University, founded in 1996 with the vision ‘Science and Education for the Future’, is home to over 20,000 students from around the world. With strong global partnerships, pioneering research, and a vibrant, international campus on the Asian side of Istanbul, Yeditepe is committed to advancing digital transformation, sustainability and innovation in higher education. Our mission is to prepare globally minded citizens, while fostering cooperation across institutions, sectors and borders.
This year’s conference offers an invaluable opportunity to reflect on how universities can renew and strengthen cooperation amidst changing political, technological and societal landscapes. I am confident that the ideas and collaborations emerging here will guide us towards a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable future for higher education.
We look forward to hosting an inspiring and productive conference and to welcoming you soon in Istanbul.
Prof. Mehmet DurmanRector, Yeditepe University
©yeditepeuniversity
Thursday 16 April
11.30-12.30: Keynote speeches
TRUST IN SCIENCE AND EDUCATION IN POST-TRUTH TIMES• Maximilian Conrad, Professor of Political Science, University of Iceland
POLARIZED TRUST IN SCIENCE AND GROWING PUBLIC BACKLASH: CHA(LLE)NGING CONTEXTS FOR UNIVERSITIES AND THEIR ROLE IN DEMOCRACY• Niels Mede, Assistant Professor of Science Communication, Wageningen University & Research, Netherlands
15.05-16.15: Breakout session 1B | How tech is transforming university cooperation
TRANSFORMING UNIVERSITIES SO THAT ONLINE, HYBRID AND BLENDED MOBILITY THRIVE• Patrick Crowley, Project Manager, EuroTeQ Campus, Technical University of Denmark & Ben Parker, Project Manager, EuroTeQ Campus, Eindhoven University of Technology, Netherlands
MODERATED BY Wim van de Donk, Board member, EUA
15.05-16.15: Breakout session 1C | Bridging sectors, boosting innovation: why cooperation matters in R&I
Session 1C (a): BORONGAJ SCIENTIFIC AND EDUCATIONAL CAMPUS: A UNIVERSITY-LED CROSS-SECTOR INNOVATION PLATFORM• Tomislav Josip Mlinarić, Vice-Rector for Innovation, Technology Transfer and Industry Cooperation, University of Zagreb, CroatiaTHE CO-CREATION NEXUS: ORCHESTRATING QUADRUPLE HELIX R&I ECOSYSTEMS AT ITU• Lütfiye Durak-Ata, Vice-Rector for Research, Istanbul Technical University, Türkiye
MODERATED BY Manuel Tuñón de Lara, Board member, EUA
Session 1C (b): UNIVERSITIES IN KOSOVO LINKING WITH INDUSTRY, CIVIL SOCIETY, AND GOVERNMENT: THE ROLE OF SMART4ALL• Kimete Canaj, Vice-Dean for International Cooperation and Projects, University Fehmi Agani GjakoveBRIDGING SECTORS TO BOOST INNOVATION: BUILDING COOPERATIVE TRAINING CAMPUSES THROUGH LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL ECOSYSTEMS• Swen Seebach, Vice-Rector for Quality Assurance, Abat Oliba CEU University, SpainUNIVERSITIES AS HONEST BROKERS IN EUROPE AND BEYOND: BRIDGING POLICY, INDUSTRY, AND SOCIETY• Jamie Arrowsmith, Director, Universities UK International, United Kingdom
MODERATED BY Sunniva Whittaker, Board member, EUA
15.05-16.15: Breakout session 1D | Policy update: the Union of Skills
Susanne Conze, Head of Unit, Higher Education, DG Education and Culture, European Commission (online)Michael Gaebel, Director, Higher Education Policy, EUA
MODERATED BY Maurizio Tira, Board member, EUA
Friday 17 April
11.05-12.15: Breakout session 2B | Supporting at-risk higher education institutions and academics
Gemma Irvine, Vice-President Equality & Diversity, Maynooth University, IrelandHenriette Stoeber, Senior Policy Analyst, Higher Education Policy, EUAMassimiliano Zattin, Vice-Rector International Relations, Doctoral and Postgraduate Studies, University of Padua, Italy
MODERATED BY Ivanka Popović, Vice-President, EUA
11.05-12.15: Breakout session 2C | Strength in diversity: cooperating across sectors to serve society
Session 2C (a): TRANSFORMATIVE HIGHER EDUCATION PATHWAYS FOR UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES• Colm Downes, Project Manager, South East Technological University, Ireland
FROM PARTNERSHIPS TO IMPACT: THE AFRICA-EUROPE YOUTH ACADEMY AS A CROSS-SECTOR COLLABORATION MODEL• Martina Altea Bellinzona, EU-Project Coordinator, University of Pavia, Italy & Andrea Pichelli, Director, Center for Global Strategic Engagement, University of Pavia, ItalyREFRAMING HIGHER EDUCATION CURRICULUM: CROSS-SECTOR COOPERATION AS A STRATEGY FOR SOCIETAL RELEVANCE IN THE HUMANITIES• Irine Darchia, Academic Programmes Director, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Georgia
MODERATED BY Maria Kelo, Director, Institutional Development, EUA
Session 2C (b): GAMEON: A GAMEFUL WAY BACK INTO EDUCATION OR THE WORKFORCE• Rune Andersen, Associate Professor, University of Agder, NorwayWITH GREAT POWER COMES GREAT RESPONSIBILITY• Ioannis K. Panoussis, Vice-President International Development, Catholic University of Lille, FranceEUROPE, THE UNIVERSITY OF MANNHEIM AND THE REGION: CONNECTING EUROPEAN FRAMEWORKS AND LOCAL IMPACT• Francesco Leone, Research Manager, University of Mannheim, Germany
MODERATED BY Monika Steinel, Deputy Secretary General, EUA
11.05-12.15: Breakout session 2D | Policy update: the future of EU funding programmes
Michael Gaebel, Director, Higher Education Policy, EUAMarita Hilliges, Secretary General, Association of Swedish Higher Education Institutions, SwedenKamila Kozirog, Deputy Director, Research & Innovation, EUAKoen Verlaeckt, Secretary General, Flemish Interuniversity Council, Belgium
MODERATED BY Marcin Pałys, Vice-President, EUA
14.30-16.15: Hot topic session | Spotlight on Sustainability: taking stock of the SDGs and looking beyond 2030
MODERATED BY Maurizio Tira, EUA Board member
Yeditepe University is one of Türkiye’s leading private, non-profit universities. Established in 1996 by the İstanbul Education and Culture Foundation (İSTEK), it was founded with the vision of providing education in line with Atatürk’s principles and global standards. In less than three decades, Yeditepe has become a pioneering institution in innovation, research and internationalisation, playing a vital role in shaping Türkiye’s higher education landscape.
Today, Yeditepe welcomes more than 20,000 students from over 50 countries, offering a truly international learning environment. Education is delivered through 13 faculties offering 70 undergraduate programmes, four associate degree programmes, and a graduate portfolio of 91 master’s and 45 doctoral programmes. Spanning disciplines including medicine, engineering, law, business, social sciences, fine arts and communication, Yeditepe was among the first Turkish universities to implement 100% English instruction across all faculties. Students benefit from numerous double-major, joint-degree and exchange opportunities with over 400 partner universities worldwide through Erasmus+, bilateral agreements and research collaborations.
Research and innovation lie at the core of Yeditepe’s mission. The university hosts state-of-the-art laboratories and research centres, including TÜBİTAK-supported facilities and accredited centres for cell therapy, artificial intelligence and pharmaceutical R&D. Faculty members publish in high-impact journals and lead national and international projects contributing to global science and innovation.
The main campus, located on the Asian side of Istanbul in Kayışdağı, spans 125 acres and offers a modern, student-centred environment. It features advanced laboratories, a central library, sports and cultural facilities and cutting-edge IT infrastructure. Designed as a ‘smart and green campus’, Yeditepe integrates sustainability initiatives and solar energy systems, ranking among the top Turkish universities in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings.
Participants of the 2026 EUA Annual Conference will experience Yeditepe’s world-class facilities and inspiring setting for collaboration and dialogue.
Standing proudly at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Istanbul is one of the world’s most inspiring and dynamic cities. Its history stretches back thousands of years, having been the capital of three empires – Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman – and it still reflects their legacy in its magnificent landmarks, cultural traditions and vibrant daily life. This unique metropolis straddles two continents, with the Bosphorus Strait both separating and connecting Europe and Asia, making Istanbul not only a bridge between East and West but also a true global meeting point for people, ideas and cultures.
Istanbul is a city of contrasts and harmony, where ancient monuments such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern coexist with a thriving contemporary art scene, cutting-edge museums and a growing number of design districts and creative hubs. Its neighborhoods – from the historic peninsula and bustling Grand Bazaar to the bohemian streets of Karaköy and the elegant avenues of Nişantaşı – each have their own character, offering visitors a unique cultural mosaic.
Beyond its lively urban energy, Istanbul offers moments of peace and escape. The city is surrounded by the tranquil waters of the Marmara Sea and the Black Sea, and just a short ferry ride away are the serene Princes’ Islands, where horse-drawn carriages and bicycles replace cars. Istanbul’s gastronomic culture is equally rich, combining traditional Turkish flavors with international cuisine, Michelin-starred restaurants and a thriving café culture that embodies the city’s warm hospitality.
With two major international airports, a rapidly expanding metro network and extensive transport links, Istanbul is one of the most accessible and well-connected hubs in the world. It is a city of learning and innovation, home to over 50 universities and a vibrant academic community, making it an ideal destination for global conferences, cultural exchange and collaboration.
©visitIstanbul
Priority will be given to those who register early. We will not be able to accept additional registrations once the event is full, even if this occurs before the registration deadline.
The early registration deadline is 27 February 2026. The ultimate deadline for registration is 30 March 2026.
** This fee is only valid for students enrolled at an EUA member university. To benefit from this fee, please download the student certificate and send it to the EUA Events Team (annual-conference@eua.eu which has to be signed and stamped by your institution’s secretariat.
Please note that by submitting the event registration form you agree to full payment of registration fees.
The participant fee (EUA members, non-members and students) includes attendance at the conference, all documentation, coffee breaks, lunches and the networking reception/gala dinner on Thursday 16 April. Participant fees do not cover travel and accommodation expenses.
Information regarding the General Assembly
EUA members are encouraged to attend the EUA General Assembly (GA). EUA members who register for the Annual Conference will be able to indicate during the registration process whether they wish to attend the General Assembly.
EUA members who do not wish to attend the EUA Annual Conference are entitled to attend the EUA General Assembly (GA) only, in which case no registration fee is charged. If you wish to attend the General Assembly only, please select the registration type ‘GA only’ during the first stage of the registration process. For more information, please contact the EUA events team at annual-conference@eua.eu.
Confirmation
Your registration will be confirmed by email. Please wait for your confirmation before making any further arrangements. Deadline for registration is 30 March 2026.
Payment
Payment has to be made upon confirmation and prior to the event either by bank transfer or credit card. The participant assumes full responsibility for paying all bank charges associated with the payment and any fee related to the exchange rate.
Cancellations
Substitutes will be accepted at any time provided that EUA is informed of the change. Cancellations or changes must be sent in writing to the following email address: annual-conference@eua.eu.
Liability
Neither EUA nor Yeditepe University will be liable for any losses, accidents or damage to persons or objects, regardless of the cause. Participants and companions attend the conference and all related events at their own risk and responsibility.
Photography
Please note that photos and videos will be taken during the event and may be used by the organisers and host for publications and websites. Should you be opposed to your picture being used in this way, please contact the photographer or the organisers onsite.
