Glocalising Universities:
EURECA-PRO Education & Research Days 2026 at Hasselt University
- News
From 3 to 5 February 2026, partners from across the EURECA-PRO European University Alliance and beyond gathered at Hasselt University for the Education & Research Days under the theme “Glocalising Universities: A Shifting Horizon”.
Over three intensive days, colleagues reflected on what it truly means to connect global challenges with local responsibility in education, research, innovation and collaboration. The programme combined strategic vision with hands-on exchange, demonstrating how EURECA-PRO continues to evolve into a mature, impact-driven European University Alliance.
Day 1
Transformative education and teaching excellence
The conference opened with a strong focus on education as the foundation of societal transformation. In her opening address, the Vice-Rector for Education of Hasselt University, Prof. dr. Elke Hermans, underlined that glocalisation is not a slogan but a responsibility. Universities, she noted, must equip students to engage with global realities while remaining deeply rooted in their regional contexts.
The keynote by dr. Indira van der Zande (Campus Fryslân – University of Groningen) explored transformative pedagogy in times of polycrisis, examining how higher education can respond to interconnected global challenges such as climate change, geopolitical tensions and democratic resilience.
Three core building blocks of transformative education framed the discussion:
- Reflection – critically questioning assumptions and frames of reference
- Identity development – understanding education as becoming, not merely knowing
- Co-creation – linking knowledge to action through collaboration
Concrete examples illustrated how transformation can be embedded at institutional, curricular and classroom levels, from living labs and challenge-based learning to internationally connected learning environments.
The day concluded with a celebratory moment: the first EURECA-PRO Teaching Excellence Awards. The awards honoured educators who successfully combine innovation, global perspectives and local impact in their teaching practice. By recognising glocal teaching excellence across the alliance, EURECA-PRO reaffirmed its shared commitment to educational quality and innovation.
Three core building blocks of transformative education framed the discussion:
- Reflection – critically questioning assumptions and frames of reference
- Identity development – understanding education as becoming, not merely knowing
- Co-creation – linking knowledge to action through collaboration
Concrete examples illustrated how transformation can be embedded at institutional, curricular and classroom levels, from living labs and challenge-based learning to internationally connected learning environments.
The day concluded with a celebratory moment: the first EURECA-PRO Teaching Excellence Awards. The awards honoured educators who successfully combine innovation, global perspectives and local impact in their teaching practice. By recognising glocal teaching excellence across the alliance, EURECA-PRO reaffirmed its shared commitment to educational quality and innovation.
The 2026 awardees were:
- Rising Star Award: Dr. Sofía Blanco Moreno, Universidad de León
- Glocal Teaching Excellence Award: Peggy Winkels, Hasselt University
- Innovative Teaching Practice Award: Prof. María Piedad Campelo Rodríguez, Universidad de León
Read the full article on the: Teaching Excellence Awards
The evening concluded with the EURECA-PRO Café, an informal networking moment designed to extend the conversations beyond the plenary sessions.
In a relaxed setting, colleagues from across the alliance continued exchanging ideas, exploring potential collaborations and strengthening existing partnerships, while enjoying a specially curated menu of small dishes inspired by the diverse regions represented within EURECA PRO.
The Café Connect activity added an interactive element to the evening, inviting participants to engage with new colleagues through light-hearted challenges. The enthusiasm with which participants embraced the activity, including the playful competition to win a pair of EURECA-PRO socks, reflected the alliance’s open and collegial spirit.
Day 2
Innovation, global responsibility and strategic dialogue
Day 2 broadened the perspective from classroom transformation to institutional and societal innovation. The morning keynote and panel discussion featured Prof. Daniella Tilbury (University of Cambridge) and Ioana Dewandeler (European Commission), both internationally recognised voices in sustainability and higher education transformation.
Prof. Daniella Tilbury highlighted that universities must move beyond fragmented sustainability initiatives towards systemic integration across governance, education and research. She stressed that European alliances such as EURECA-PRO provide a unique space to test new models of transnational collaboration. Ioana Dewandeler added a geopolitical perspective, underlining the importance of values-based cooperation, inclusive governance and democratic resilience within higher education networks. In a panel discussion moderated by Prof. Dr Tom Kuppens (Hasselt University), the conversation turned to balancing global ambition with regional responsibility, ensuring socially responsible innovation, and developing governance models that enable long-term transformation.
The Innovation Café that followed translated these reflections into an interactive exchange. Participants moved between thematic discussion tables focused on valorisation, interdisciplinary collaboration and stakeholder engagement. The format encouraged open dialogue and cross-institutional learning.
In the afternoon, Hasselt University opened its research infrastructures and science parks to alliance partners, giving them the opportunity to discover where innovation takes shape on the ground. The programme included visits to MOVElab within REVAL, the Application Centre for Concrete and Construction, and the EnergyVille labs.
More than guided tours, these visits became moments of genuine exchange. Participants met researchers and innovation professionals working at the interface of academia and industry, exploring how regional ecosystems reinforce European collaboration.
At several points, conversations became so engaging that parts of the official route were briefly forgotten. A small price to pay for new connections, fresh ideas and the first sparks of future cooperation. 
Day 3
Flagships, synergies and research collaboration
The final day shifted the spotlight to research, innovation and the strategic Flagships that define EURECA-PRO’s joint research agenda. After a welcome by the Vice-Rector for Research of Hasselt University, Prof. dr. Ken Haenen, participants explored the alliance’s flagship initiatives through a set of inspiring presentations that highlighted both progress and future ambitions:
- Circular Energy Production and Consumption by Prof. Dr. Wouter Schroeyers (Hasselt University)
- Hydrogen and Carbon by Prof. dr. Bouchra Belaissaoui (Université de Lorraine)
- Sustainable Resources for a Just Transition by Dorian Maillard (Université de Lorraine)
- Social Sciences and Humanities for Transitions by Dr. Emmanuelle Gurtner, Prof. Stéphane Guy (Université de Lorraine) and Dr. Karoline Gritzner (Technical University of Leoben)
- Sustainable Materials for Building by Prof. dr. Noni Maravelaki (Technical University of Crete) & Prof. dr. Marcin Górski (Silesian University of Technology)
Together, these Flagships reflect the breadth of EURECA-PRO’s expertise and its commitment to sustainability-driven transformation. They demonstrate how technological innovation, materials research and social sciences are interwoven within a shared European framework.
The interactive poster experience allowed researchers to present ongoing projects, exchange expertise, and identify complementarities. Conversations initiated at posters and during the presentations of the Flagship initiatives evolved into more strategic discussions during the afternoon parallel sessions:
- Flagship synergy sessions: from connections to collaboration
- Introduction to European research funding through Horizon Europe
The focus was clear: expanding teams, strengthening cooperation and identifying concrete funding opportunities. The sessions translated thematic alignment into actionable collaboration pathways.
Key takeaways for EURECA-PRO as a European University Alliance
Across three days, several strategic insights emerged:
- Glocalisation requires structural alignment
Connecting global challenges with local engagement demands coordinated vision across education, research and innovation.
- Transformation begins with education
Transformative pedagogy remains central to preparing students to be responsible, action-oriented citizens.
- Innovation must be responsible
Technological progress and sustainability transitions must be grounded in social responsibility and inclusive governance.
- Flagships provide strategic direction
The EURECA-PRO Flagships offer a coherent framework that integrates diverse expertise into a shared European research agenda.
- Collaboration thrives in multiple formats
From keynotes and panel discussions to cafés, poster sessions and site visits, meaningful exchange happens in both formal and informal spaces.
The 2026 EURECA-PRO Education & Research Days at Hasselt University confirmed that EURECA-PRO is not merely coordinating projects, but cultivating a shared culture of collaboration, innovation and responsibility. By bringing together education, research and societal engagement under the umbrella of glocalisation, the alliance continues to strengthen its role as a forward-looking European University shaping sustainable futures.
