Arqus participates at the joint SwafS event for European University Alliances in Brussels

The Arqus European University Alliance will be present at the at the joint SwafS event taking place on Friday, October 4th, 2024, at the Norway House in Brussels, represented by Massimiliano Zattin, Chair of the Arqus Research and Innovation Board, and Dorothy Kelly, Arqus Coordinator. This important gathering will bring together representatives from the European University Alliances to reflect on lessons learned from the  second generation of the “Science with and for Society” (SwafS) projects and to discuss pathways for the future. Dorothy Kelly, Arqus Coordinator, will be a featured speaker at the closing session.

The event, co-organized by Circle U., Aurora, EC2U, and other alliances, aims to explore best practices, insights, and strategies for enhancing Research and Innovation (R&I) within European university ecosystems. With a focus on themes such as human capital, joint R&I strategies, and strengthening the foundations of tomorrow’s R&I landscape, the discussions are set to lay critical groundwork for advancing the European Research Area (ERA).

During the closing session of the event, moderated by Ludovic Thilly, Dorothy Kelly will share her reflections on the progress of the Arqus Alliance and the broader European Universities Initiative. Her insights will draw upon Arqus’ experiences in building joint research capacities, promoting open science, and fostering impactful regional engagement.

“The joint efforts of the European University Alliances are key to transforming the R&I landscape across Europe,” said Dorothy Kelly. “By collaborating across borders, integrating diverse expertise, and championing open science, we are laying the foundations for a more interconnected and resilient European Research Area.”

Arqus, alongside other alliances, has been actively involved in developing initiatives such as the Joint Research Action Plan, the Arqus Talent Fund, and shared research infrastructures—all of which will contribute to the future sustainability of European research networks. Dorothy Kelly’s contribution to the event will highlight Arqus’ role as a pioneering force in fostering collaborative and systemic change within the European higher education and research ecosystems.

The event will also feature contributions from prominent figures, including Manuel Aleixo from the European Commission, Ioana Dewandeler representing DG EAC, and Inmaculada Periañez Forte of the Ulysseus Alliance. Discussions will revolve around the Investment Pathway for Alliances and ways in which university collaborations can continue to contribute to the ERA policy agenda.

More info about the event: https://www.circle-u.eu/events/2024/science-society.html

The event will be streamed on Vimeo. Follow this link to watch the stream: https://vimeo.com/event/4590602/67d57187a9