Maynooth University hosts the 2026 Arqus Annual Conference “Voices of Impact: Weaving Stories Across Europe” from 7 to 9 July

The 2026 Arqus Annual Conference will take place from 7 to 9 July at Maynooth University. Through a dynamic mix of plenaries, panels and community moments, the conference will highlight how the Arqus Alliance continues to create impact across institutions, communities and borders.

Under the theme “Voices of Impact: Weaving Stories Across Europe,” the programme places lived experience at its centre. This year’s conference is designed as a vibrant, story-driven forum where voices from across Arqus and beyond will share examples of the European Universities Initiative in action.

The 6th Arqus Annual Conference aims to bring together, academics and students from the Alliance to reflect on the future of European higher education. We believe that real stories are powerful catalysts for deepening understanding, strengthening collaboration, and inspiring meaningful change across this European landscape.

Around 300 participants are expected to take part in this conference that will officially open on Wednesday, 8 July at 09:30 GMT+1. The event will begin with keynote addresses from Eva Leinonen, President of Maynooth University, and Dorothy Kelly, Arqus Coordinator. This opening ceremony will mark the start of three days of dialogue, reflection and connection.

Below you can take a look at the main sessions of this annual conference:

7 July: Arrival day

Arrival day and internal meetings

8 July: Conference Day 1

09:30–10:15 | Opening Ceremony

10:15–11:30 | Plenary Session 1: Personal Impact; Journeys of Change: Personal Stories from the Heart of Europe

Moderator: Rector Pedro Arezes (University of Minho, Arqus)

Speakers:

• Dr Erivelton Nepomuceno, Associate Professor of Electronic Engineering & International Coordinator, Maynooth University
• Sharon Ferguson, EU Green Alliance; Mental Health & Wellbeing Project Officer, Atlantic Technological University
• Elena Diana Radoi, Blue Book Trainee, European Commission / Arqus Ambassador / Graduate of the Arqus Joint Master’s Programme in European Studies

Rapporteur: Vanessa Alves (University of Minho, Arqus)

11:45–13:00 | Plenary Session 2: Institutional impact; Redefining the University: Institutional Transformation Through European Alliances

Moderator: Rector Eva Inés Obergfell (Leipzig University, Arqus)

Speakers:

• Martha Brandes, Head of Access Operations, Maynooth University, Arqus
• Fernando Galán, EU-CONEXUS Executive Director
• Adriana Miele, Professor of Biophysics, University of Lyon 1, Arqus

Rapporteur: Ninon Böhme (Leipzig University, Arqus)

14:30–15:45 | Plenary Session 3: Systemic Impact; Universities as Policy Shapers: Driving Change Through European Alliances

Moderator: President Bruno Lina (University of Lyon 1/Arqus)

Speakers:

• Suzanne Conze, Head of Unit for Higher education in the Directorate General for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport of the European Commission
• Josep Maria Garrell, European University Association (EUA) President
• Caroline Censier-Calmus, Ministere de l’Enseignement Supérieur
• Lana Par, European Students’ Union President 2025/26

Rapporteur: Dana-Maria Daia (University of Lyon 1, Arqus)

9 July: Conference Day 2

09:15–09:30 | Opening and Recap

09:30–10:45 | Plenary Session 4: External Stakeholder Impact; Beyond Borders: European Universities and Their Societal Footprint

Moderator: Rector Rimvydas Petrauskas (Vilnius University, Arqus)

Speakers:

• Ricardo Araújo, Mayor of Guimarães
• Piotr Kepski, Director of Institutional Programmes, NAWA
• Michael Hanley, Maynooth University, Arqus

Rapporteur: Julija Savickė (Vilnius University, Arqus)

10:45–11:15 | Arqus Awards Ceremony

16:00–17:00 | Closing session