Summary of the ACE²-EU Kick-off Meeting in Madrid

13.12.2024

Between December 9 and 11, 2024, the inaugural meeting of the ACE²-EU alliance took place in Madrid. The event brought together representatives from all nine partner universities in the alliance, including its leader, the Polytechnic Institute of Santarém (Instituto Politécnico de Santarém, Portugal).

The consortium also includes the Medical University of Gdansk (Poland), the Carinthia University of Applied Sciences (Austria), Constantin Brâncusi University of Târgu Jiu (Universitatea Constantin Brâncusi, Romania), Goce Delčev University in Štip (Univerzitet „Goce Delčev“, North Macedonia), Lietuvos Inzinerijos Kolegija Higher Education Institution (Lithuania), Francisco de Vitoria University (Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Spain), the Latvian Academy of Culture (Latvijas Kultūras akadēmija, Latvia), and the Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences (Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt, Germany).

The meeting was attended by university leaders, coordinators of specific work packages, and experts responsible for key areas of collaboration. Hosted by Francisco de Vitoria University in Madrid, the event featured professional organization and an environment conducive to strategic discussions and action planning.

A Shared Vision and Strategy

The meeting served as a platform for exchanging ideas, experiences, and innovative concepts. Participants developed a cohesive action plan for the next project phases, focusing on the alliance’s key priorities, including the development of advanced digital tools to enhance the educational process, the promotion of scientific research, and the facilitation of mobility for students, academic staff and administrative personnel.

One of the main topics was the planning of initiatives under ACE²-EU’s flagship programs, such as:

· APP Factory – development of innovative educational programs,
· ARIES Incubator – support for research and entrepreneurship,
· SPACE Centre – promotion of cultural diversity and social projects,
· e-Campus – expansion of digital education infrastructure

– As part of the APP Factory, we aim to create innovative educational programmes in modern formats. Overlays for study programmes will be developed, as well as joint study programmes wherever feasible. We will also focus on developing our teaching staff through training and skill enhancement, so they can effectively implement innovative teaching methods, – announces Prof. Michał Markuszewski, Rector of the Medical University of Gdańsk. – Meanwhile, under the ARIES Incubator, we will focus on team management, well-being, i.e., the balance between work and private life, effective networking, and innovative methods of motivating collaborators, ranging from students to faculty members.

Through the Entrepreneurship Academy, we will also foster the entrepreneurial spirit among researchers and establish a mentoring network for them. The ARIES Incubator platform will be developed at the MUG in the synergy with the Research University Excellence Initiative Program (IDUB).

– The SPACE Center module will be responsible for enhancing the social impact of our initiatives. Additionally, in the Cultural Hub, we will promote cultural exchange among consortium members, enabling mutual understanding and appreciation of the benefits of diversity. All platforms will be supported by an e-learning system through the e-Campus platform. Furthermore, horizontal actions promoting the shared values of ACE2-EU will be carried out, supporting the mobility of students and staff, – explains Prof. Anna Żaczek, Vice-Rector for Development and Cooperation at the Medical University of Gdańsk.

The meeting not only defined strategic objectives but also fostered participant integration and allowed for discussions on key challenges, reinforcing ACE²-EU’s role as a driver of innovation in the European educational space.

Building Relationships and Sharing Experiences

In addition to formal sessions, the event provided opportunities to build interpersonal relationships, an essential element of effective international collaboration. Participants exchanged experiences and best practices in both formal panel discussions and more informal settings during accompanying events.

The ACE²-EU kick-off in Madrid confirmed that the collaboration within the alliance is built on solid foundations and shared values such as excellence, openness, and engagement. Future meetings and activities planned for the coming months will build on the agreements made in Madrid, contributing to the realization of the project’s ambitious goals.

ACE²-EU is not only an initiative that strengthens partnerships between universities but also sets new standards in international academic collaboration, placing students, researchers, and society at the centre of its activities.