The 2026 Arqus Annual Conference begins today at Maynooth University

The 2026 Arqus Annual Conference officially begins today at Maynooth University, bringing together around 300 participants from across the Alliance and beyond for two days of dialogue, reflection and collaboration under the theme “Voices of Impact: Weaving Stories Across Europe.”

Participants are encouraged to consult the full conference programme here:

As the flagship annual gathering of the Arqus Alliance, this year’s conference explores how European University Alliances are creating meaningful impact for individuals, institutions and society through a programme of keynote addresses, plenary sessions and community discussions.

The conference opens with welcome addresses by Eeva Leinonen, President of Maynooth University, and Dorothy Kelly, Arqus Coordinator, before launching into four plenary sessions centred on different dimensions of impact.

The first plenary, “Journeys of Change: Personal Stories from the Heart of Europe,” will focus on the personal experiences that illustrate the transformative power of European collaboration. Speakers include Dr Erivelton Nepomuceno (Maynooth University), Sharon Ferguson (Atlantic Technological University) and Elena Diana Radoi (European Commission, Arqus Ambassador and graduate of the Arqus Joint Master’s Programme in European Studies).

The second session, “Redefining the University: Institutional Transformation Through European Alliances,” examines how alliances are reshaping higher education institutions. Contributions will come from Martha Brandes (Maynooth University), Fernando Galán (EU-CONEXUS) and Adriana Miele (University of Lyon 1).

The programme continues with “Universities as Policy Shapers: Driving Change Through European Alliances,” bringing together leading voices from European higher education policy, including Suzanne Conze (European Commission), Josep M. Garrell (European University Association), Caroline Censier-Calmus (French Ministry of Higher Education) and Lana Par (European Students’ Union).

On the final day, the conference will conclude with “Beyond Borders: European Universities and Their Societal Footprint,” highlighting the wider societal impact of European university alliances. Speakers include Ricardo Araújo, Mayor of Guimarães, Piotr Kepski (NAWA), Michael Hanley (Maynooth University) and Bernhard Weber (UNICORN – Start-up & Innovation Hub, University of Graz).

Moreover, the conference will also be the moment to celebrate the Arqus 2026 Awards Ceremony, recognising outstanding initiatives in Open Science, Innovation and Teaching Excellence, showcasing the creativity, collaboration and commitment that shapes the Arqus community.

Throughout the conference, speakers have been invited to share story-driven presentations highlighting real experiences and tangible impact at personal, institutional, policy and societal levels. Audience participation will also play a central role, with interactive discussions designed to encourage dialogue and exchange across the Arqus community.

For the complete programme, including session descriptions, room locations, timings and practical information, please visit the conference webpage: