Arqus reflects on four years of collaboration and looks forward the future

More than 80 members of the Arqus Alliance will come together on 22 and 23 September at the University of Granada to discuss the final details of the current funding period and reflect on four years of intensive collaboration, shared initiatives and major achievements.

This meeting offers an excellent opportunity to review the impact of the work carried out across the Alliance over the past four years, highlighting the progress made through its initiatives and joint programmes. It will also be a moment to look ahead and discuss the future of Arqus, exploring new opportunities and collaboration for the next steps that will be taken in the transition to the next phase of the project: Arqus Bridge.

Walking together to a shared future

As the current funding period comes to an end by the end of September, this transition meeting represents a major milestone for the Alliance. By bringing together colleagues from the Alliance, the participants will build on the structures, partnerships and initiatives developed over the past four years while opening new opportunities to strengthen cooperation and further develop the Arqus initiative in the next funding period. 

“This meeting in Granada marks an important point of transition for the Alliance: a moment to reflect on what has been achieved together, consolidate the experience and knowledge gained over the past four years, and prepare the ground for the next stage of Arqus”, says Dorothy Kelly, the current Arqus Coordinator until the end of September, when the role will be taken by Guadalupe Soriano Barabino.

Making time for wellbeing and connection

The first day of the meeting will feature a two-part workshop designed to create a space for dialogue through a series of group dynamics and techniques where participants will co-create solutions together. 

The group will be divided into two smaller groups and sessions will be guided by facilitators trained in group dynamics with the support of one member of the Arqus Coordination team. 

This space will give participants the opportunity to step away from the usual work routine, share experiences and strengthen the personal connections that underpin collaboration across the Alliance. 

Planning the year ahead

After two days full of parallel sessions, meetings and multiple planning, the transition meeting will finish with a closing session. 

This short final meeting will address any remaining issues, with closing remarks from the incoming Arqus Coordinator, setting the dates for the overall context of the Arqus calendar major events, including the 2027 Annual Conference, and the organisation of two possible future co-leads meetings in 2027, in Wrocław (February) and Graz (autumn).