NEOLAiA European Universities Alliance hosts NEOLAiA meeting at the University of Nicosia
From 23 to 25 October, 2024, representatives from nine partner universities – Bielefeld University (Germany), Örebro University (Sweden), Šiauliai State University of Applied Sciences (Lithuania), University of Jaén (Spain), University of Nicosia (Cyprus), University of Ostrava (Czech Republic), University of Tours (France), Ştefan cel Mare University of Suceava (Romania) and University of Salerno (Italy) gathered at the University of Nicosia in Cyprus to reflect on the progress of the European Universities Alliance NEOLAiA over the last ten months.
The three-day meeting provided a platform for assessing successes, overcoming challenges and planning future joint efforts within the Alliance. In addition, the event provided important networking activities to foster closer relationships between partners and promote seamless collaboration across different work packages.
Looking back on ten months of growth and collaboration
Since its beginning, the NEOLAiA alliance has set ambitious goals to strengthen European academic collaboration, support cross-border learning and build a solid educational network between its partner institutions. At the most recent meeting, the members were able to discuss initial successes and the challenges involved in implementing the alliance's activities. Participants shared insights, best practices and ideas for overcoming obstacles to further improve NEOLAiA’s collective goals.
The three-day meeting was rich in activities designed to promote governance, networking and knowledge sharing:
Board meetings: Key members from all partner institutions attended board meetings where clear agendas were set and updates on work package activities were shared. These meetings helped to clarify roles, address emerging needs and confirm priorities for the future.
Ceremonial event: The meeting was marked by a memorable ceremonial event with distinguished speakers including
– The Rector of the University of Nicosia, Phylippos Pouyioutas, welcomed the participants and explained the impact of NEOLAiA on the local and European higher education landscape.
– The Vice-Chancellor of Örebro University, Johan Schnürer, who expressed University’s commitment to the Alliance’s goals and the values of cooperation.
– The Minister of Education, Sport and Youth, Athena Michaelidou, who emphasised the importance of NEOLAiA’s work in promoting European educational unity and innovation.
Representatives from all partner universities delivered greetings and short presentations of their institutions and expressed their enthusiasm for the Alliance’s ongoing efforts to strengthen cross-border academic networks. Director of Šiaulių valstybinė kolegija dr. Lina Tamutienė congratulated the University, participants and wished for success in the upcoming activities in the NEOLAiA Alliance and Project and highlighted that “strength lies in unity, together we can do more than alone”.
The ceremony also included an insightful presentation by José Ignacio Jiménez González, Vice-Rector for Internationalisation at the University of Jaén, and María Luisa Pérez Cañado, NEOLAiA’s Work Package 7 Leader, who outlined the journey of the NEOLAiA Universities Alliance, reinforcing the Alliance’s mission and celebrated its achievements.
The celebratory event concluded with a lively performance of traditional Cypriot music and dance, providing participants with a cultural immersion that deepened their appreciation of Cyprus and added a celebratory note to the event.
Building networks for the future
Throughout the event, participants took part in numerous networking activities aimed at strengthening personal and institutional relationships within the Alliance. These interactions laid the foundation for lasting partnerships and provided valuable opportunities to share resources, expertise and innovative practises in academic collaboration.
The European Universities Alliance NEOLAiA is already making great strides in promoting an interconnected and resilient education network across Europe. The October meeting in Cyprus was an important milestone, strengthening the commitment of the partners and providing momentum for the coming phases of the project.
