The Future of European University Alliances

From Vision to Action: Strengthening European University Alliances for Greater Impact

In the Netherlands, eight universities of applied sciences are full partners in eight European University Alliances. Several others are involved as associate partners, members of consortia with a Seal of Excellence, or through long-term collaborations with European institutions.

On 11 September 2025, the European Parliament adopted resolution 2025/2036(INI), “A new vision for the European Universities alliances.”  

To further discuss what this resolution and other developments over the last year mean in practice for European University Alliances and for Dutch universities of applied sciences (UASs), the UASNL EUI Community of Practice is hosting an event:

UASNL EUI Community of Practice Event

Registration is closed.

Date: Wednesday 4 February 2026
Time: 9:30 – 16:00 hrs
Location: Windesheim University of Applied Sciences, Zwolle, The Netherlands
Campus 2, Building G, G2.20
8017 CA Zwolle, The Netherlands
Routing: Contact | International

Participants

All 23 UASNL member institutions invited, 18 participating
Practitioners in the ten European Universities Alliances and other long-term collaborations
The Dutch National Agency Erasmus+ 
The Dutch National Accreditation Agency (NVAO)
The Dutch Ministry of Education, Science and Culture (OCW)
Taskforce for Applied Research (SIA)
Netherlands house for Education and Research (Neth-ER)
European Association for the Applied Sciences in Higher Education (EURASHE)

Objectives

The overall objective is to review and discuss the current state of the European University Alliances involving Dutch UASs, and explore how they can be further developed. The event will serve as a platform for sharing good practices across the alliances.

The guiding questions are:

Strengthen and further collaboration: How can alliances go from the pioneer phase to long-term governance and structures?

Embedding: How can a UAS involve students, employees and (regional) stakeholders in the ambitions of the alliance?

Keynote

The keynote will explore how European University Alliances can move from their current pioneering phase toward greater strategic integration and impact. Drawing on research, interviews, and organizational models, the keynote will:

Highlight the added value and current challenges of alliances.

Provide insights into embedding alliances within institutions.

Offer practical perspectives on governance, collaboration structures, and strategic development.

The keynote will be followed up with the breakout session “Building the roadmap for alliances”. In addition, there are various topics you can discuss in the other breakout sessions, see list below.

Programme

9:30 – 10:00 Coffee and registration

10:00 – 10:20 Welcome and Setting the Scene

Victorine de Graaf, Executive Board Member at Windesheim University of Applied Sciences
Dick Pouwels, Chairman of the Executive Board at Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Chairman of the Executive Committee of Research at The Netherlands Association of Universities of Applied Sciences (VH)

10:20 – 11:00 Keynote

Gerard van Dieren Partner at Galan Group
Ronald Ulrich Partner at Galan Group

11:10 – 12:00 Breakout Session Round 1  

12:00 – 13:00  Lunch & Networking  

13:00 – 13:50 Plenary: Updates and exchange of relevant developments 

Daniela Craciun, Assistant Professor of Higher Education Policy, UTwente, ECIU alliance
John Edwards, Secretary General of EURASHE
José Ravenstein, Senior Policy Officer, NA Erasmus+
Tinke Thede, Chief International Policy & Affairs, NVAO
Charlotte Ruitinga, Senior Policy Officer, OCW
Geleyn Meijer, Chair UASNL – Moderator

14:00 – 14:50 Breakout Session Round 2  

15:00 – 15:30 Plenary: Main outcomes and action points from the breakout sessions and closing remarks

Dr. Mendeltje van Keulen, Professor at the research group “Changing Role of Europe”, The HagueUAS
Dick Pouwels, Chairman of the Executive Board at Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Chairman of the Executive Committee of Research at The Netherlands Association of Universities of Applied Sciences (VH)

15:30 – 16:00   Drinks and bites  

Breakout sessions

You will be able to select two breakout sessions upon arrival at the welcome desk.

Places are limited to the size of the room. Your session selection is based on first come, first choice.

Round 1: 11:10 – 12:00

Building the roadmap for alliances: reflect on key points from the keynote; develop initial building blocks for a roadmap toward stronger integration and collaboration. 

Mobility: innovative approaches to mobility (RUN-EU)

Joint research: organizing research and research support within alliances (ARMA-NL, DIVERSE, U!REKA)   

Creating and sharing value: valorisation within EIT HEI projects and alliance learning (e.g. DIVERSE, STARS EU, U!REKA)   

Joint education: developing joint micro-credentials – toolbox and approaches (DIVERSE)  

Round 2: 14:00 – 14:50

Building the roadmap for alliances: reflect on key points from the keynote; develop initial building blocks for a roadmap toward stronger integration and collaboration. 

Partner in an alliance: from associate partner to full partner & alliance partner selection (UNINOVIS, RUN-EU)   

Research infrastructure in a UAS: barriers and opportunities on the road to Europe: research on the internal organisation and support in a UAS (Dr. Mendeltje van Keulen)

Co-creation in regional innovation ecosystems: collaboration with local partners (U!REKA, E³UDRES²)   

Joint degrees: how to work towards offering a Joint Master in the alliance (E³UDRES²)

 Ethics in alliances: addressing ethical dilemmas in alliance work (KREATIVEU)   

Registration is closed.

Questions? Please contact Gerbrich Miedema at g.g.n.miedema-moes@pl.hanze.nl or Kathi Lemmens-Krug k.lemmens-krug@windesheim.nl.