The Transform4Europe (T4EU) European University Alliance joined more than 7,000 higher education leaders in Glasgow for the 36th Annual EAIE Conference (8–11 September 2026). Organized by the European Association for International Education under the theme “The Rhythm of Revolution,” this year’s event inspired discussions on partnerships that can deliver lasting systemic change in European higher education.
‘EAIE 2026 marks an important milestone for Transform4Europe. After four editions of EAIE participation, we are no longer presenting the potential of a European University Alliance but demonstrating its transformative impact. As an increasingly integrated European campus, T4EU shows how joint education, research, innovation, and regional engagement are already creating tangible value across Europe’ – said Prof. Dominik Brodowski, T4EU Secretary General (Saarland University).
European University Alliances continue to redefine European and transnational higher education by establishing partnerships with institutions worldwide. T4EU already collaborates with universities from Australia, Brazil, Georgia, India, Kenya, Mozambique, and the United States. At the EAIE conference, the Alliance not only strengthened existing ties but also sought new strategic partners.
‘We stand for academic freedom. Where we find partners and stakeholders that follow this purpose, we will be there. We will also be there for those that, through partnership with European Universities Alliances, will have the strength to stand for this freedom. As we cannot be everywhere at the same time, regions neighbouring Europe and the Mediterranean, as well as Central and South-East Asia, are our priority’ – said Francisco Mendes Palma, T4EU Global Engagement Director (Universidade Católica Portuguesa).
The Rhythm of Revolution
Reflecting on the conference theme, T4EU delegates emphasized how transformation shapes the Alliance’s strategic actions. They noted that although changes in education are evolutionary and require a steady rhythm, they are also open to revolutionary solutions.
‘Educational revolution is not a single breakthrough but a new rhythm of continuous change. T4EU is helping universities move beyond rigid degree structures towards more flexible, challenge-based and interdisciplinary learning, while giving academic staff new opportunities to collaborate, experiment and teach across institutional boundaries’ – noted Tomas Mickevičius, Steering Committee Member (Vytautas Magnus University).
However, experimentation is made possible thanks to strong cooperation among universities in Europe.
‘To succeed in this rhythm of change, universities must unlearn operating as isolated ivory towers. We must embrace flexible short-form learning, short-term mobility, and rapid updating of our academic offering. Combining empathy and active dialogue with external stakeholders alongside academic creativity gives us our best chance for success’, emphasised Prof. Małgorzata Myśliwiec, Steering Committee Member (University of Silesia in Katowice).
‘At T4EU, we have understood that European universities drive a fundamental change that greatly improves the quality of our cooperation, ultimately providing better mobility opportunities to our students and staff. Research shows that an international experience greatly supports self-realisation, and this is where we get our motivation to drive collective action’, explained Prof. Michaël Mrissa, Steering Committee Member (University of Primorska).
Cooperation, however, requires openness and a readiness for change across all member universities of the Alliance.
‘Transformation is inscribed in our name, pouring into the very core of the Alliance. We are transforming as individuals and institutions to positively impact surrounding communities. By becoming more inclusive, sustainable, and interconnected, we actively live our green and digital strategies across multiple levels’, stated Aleš Oven, Steering Committee Member (University of Primorska).
Through this collaboration, the Alliance nurtures knowledge entrepreneurs – students and staff at partner universities who recognize and respond to the challenges facing local communities. The solutions developed, while tested in specific regions or countries, can subsequently be implemented across the broader European or global space.
‘T4EU empowers knowledge-entrepreneurs by connecting learning, collaboration, and real-world challenges. Staff members develop new skills through the T4EU Professional Development Programme, while students gain experience through T4EU Weeks, Summer Schools, Stakeholder Challenges, and Student Competitions – turning knowledge into ideas, solutions, and impact for Europe’, concluded Lukas Redemann González, T4EU Alliance Coordinator (Saarland University).
Representatives of the Transform4Europe Alliance at EAIE Glasgow 2026 included:
Key delegates representing the Transform4Europe Alliance included:
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- Francisco Mendes Palma, T4EU Global Engagement Director (Universidade Católica Portuguesa)
- Tomas Mickevičius, Steering Committee Member (Vytautas Magnus University)
- Prof. Michael Mrissa, Steering Committee Member (University of Primorska)
- Prof. Małgorzata Myśliwiec, Steering Committee Member (University of Silesia in Katowice)
- Aleš Oven, Steering Committee Member (University of Primorska)
- Prof. Rytis Pakrosnis, Steering Committee Member (Vytautas Magnus University)
- Lukas Redemann González, T4EU Alliance Coordinator (Saarland University)
fot. Małgorzata Dymowska
