Review Week 2025

A week of reflection, collaboration and vision

19 May, 2025
News

From 12–16 May 2025, the EURECA-PRO Alliance gathered at Université de Lorraine in Nancy, France, for its annual Review Week — a key moment to reflect on achievements, strengthen collaboration, and shape the strategic direction of the alliance.

Over 150 participants from the nine partner universities — including students, researchers, academic leaders, and external stakeholders — came together to discuss how European higher education can support the transition toward a more sustainable and competitive future. The week’s theme, “Contributing to transitions towards a sustainable, competitive, and European future”, framed a rich programme of exchange and co-creation.

The Inaugural Session featured high-level keynotes from Janez Potočnik and Sébastien Treyer, followed by a European panel discussing sustainable competitiveness at global, continental, and regional levels featuring distinguished guests such as Adel ElGammal, General Secretary of the European Energy Research Alliance (EERA); Aurélien Genty from the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission; Sébastien Treyer, Director of the Institut du Développement Durable et des Relations Internationales in Brussels; Christophe Yvetot, UNIDO Representative to the European Union; and Anaïs Voy-Gillis, Chief Strategy and CSR Officer at Humens and Associate Researcher at Université de Poitiers. These opening reflections set the tone for an engaging and impactful week.

Hélène Boulanger

“We were very proud to host the review week in Lorraine, the land of Robert Schuman, the father of Europe, for the first time. In light of the repeated attacks on our democracies, universities, and science, the work we carry out in international alliances such as EURECA-PRO is more important than ever, as it enables us to build a better future together.”

President of Université de Lorraine

Future together

Throughout the Review Week, thematic workshops and strategic sessions provided space for collaboration across disciplines and institutions. Discussions focused on systemic innovation, addressing competence gaps, and increasing the alliance’s impact on local and regional ecosystems. Flagship sessions tackled key topics such as Carbon & Hydrogen Synergies, Sustainable Exploitation of Natural Resources, and Humanities & Transitions, combining expert insights with hands-on workshops.

The alliance’s governance bodies — including the Board of Rectors and Executive Board — also met to align on joint programmes, support emerging academic communities, and reinforce EURECA-PRO’s long-term vision. A major milestone was achieved during the week as the rectors of the nine partner universities signed a Declaration of Intent to form a legal entity, solidifying the alliance’s commitment to unified governance, a shared strategy, and deeper collaboration across borders.

A closing session on Friday brought together key outcomes and next steps, with concrete proposals to guide the alliance forward — from research and education to citizen science and territorial engagement.

Thank you to our hosts at Université de Lorraine for the excellent organisation and warm hospitality — your efforts created the perfect setting for a productive and engaging week.

Vanessa Massegg

“This week was not just a checkpoint in our project — it was a mirror for our mission and a compass for our future. It reminded us that while strategies shape plans, it is shared purpose that shapes progress.”