Education to address new challenges, focus of the third STARS EU Annual Conference

The next event will take place in March 2026 at the Silesian University in Opava

STARS EU will hold its 2026 Annual Conference from 25 to 27 March in Opava, Czechia, hosted by Silesian University in Opava. Under the theme “Transformative Education for Europe’s Future,” the conference will bring together academic leaders, researchers, educators, and partner institutions from across Europe to reflect, strengthen cooperation, and define the next steps in the development of the STARS EU Alliance.

Over three days, participants will take part in plenary sessions and the official opening, thematic workshops, working group meetings, strategic discussions on shared priorities, and networking activities across European institutions.

The conference emphasizes transformative education as a key approach to address current social, digital, and environmental challenges. This approach promotes critical thinking, creativity, empathy, and civic engagement, preparing students to play an active role in shaping Europe’s future.

Tree important appointments

Around 180 people, including alliance members, experts, and stakeholders, are expected to attend what will be the third STARS EU Annual Conference in Czechia, following those held in France and Albania. The STARS EU Annual Conference 2024 took place on 21–22 March in Besançon, France, and was organized by the Marie et Louis Pasteur University,  old university of FrancheComté. A central theme of the event was the role of higher education and research in supporting regional development, with sessions exploring how universities can contribute through education, research, and knowledge transfer.

The second annual conference  took place from 19 to 21 March 2025 at Aleksandër Moisiu University in Durrës, Albania, bringing together academics, researchers, policymakers, and representatives from industry and public institutions. The event was held under the theme “Research the WORLD. Reach the STARS,” and focused on interdisciplinary research, collaboration, and the role of universities in shaping the future of higher education, innovation, and regional development. Key topics included knowledge transfer, regional economic empowerment, and how research partnerships can drive societal progress across Europe.

For further information about the next conference, registration, and updates, click here.