STARS EU Commission holds its annual meeting during the 80th anniversary of Cracow University of Technology

The STARS EU Commission held its annual meeting as part of the celebrations marking the 80^th anniversary of Cracow University of Technology (CUT), one of the alliance’s nine partners. The meeting, held on 1 and 2 October, brought together rectors and members of the partner universities, as well as researchers and academic leaders from other European higher education institutions, united by a common purpose: to strengthen international cooperation and to define the roadmap for the future of the alliance.

This strategic and decisive meeting consisted of two days of intensive work. The agenda on the first day (Wednesday, 1 October) began with an institutional meeting between the Rector of the host university, Andrzej Szarata, and the members of the STARS EU Commission, composed of the rectors and representatives of the partner universities: DickPouwels – President of Hanze University of Applied Sciences; Marta Choinska Colombel – Member of the Executive Team of Saint-Nazaire IUT; Francisco Javier García Rodríguez – Rector of University of La Laguna,; Orlando Rodrigues – President of Bragança Polytechnic University; Shkëlqim Fortuzi – Rector of Aleksandër Moisiu University of Durrës, and Hugues Daussy – President of Marie and Louis Pasteur University.

Governance models

There was a “shared feeling” regarding the need to move towards a new model of governance, one that places greater emphasis on the idea of an “alliance” rather than a “project.” Another key point on which the rectors agreed was the need to go further to ensure that joint work continues, regardless of the continuation of the financial support provided by the European Union (EU). Different governance models were therefore discussed as possible ways to achieve stronger unity among the nine universities of the alliance.

Later that same day, 1 October, a joint meeting was held between the STARS EU Steering Committee, where discussions focused on the governance of the alliance, the third draft of the Research Solutions Agenda, the presentation of the STARS EU Campus Charter, and the work plan for the 2025/2026 academic year.

The day also included a stimulating visit to the At the Environmental Aerodynamics Laboratory they were presented with projects on wind energy, smog research, air purification systems, and the resilience of structures under extreme weather conditions. At the Ultra-Precise Coordinate Measurement Laboratory, they learned about equipment used in advanced research for the aerospace, defence, and microprocessor industries. At the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, the delegation was shown projects related to hydrogen- and methane- powered vehicles, including prototypes designed and built by CUT students.

Commemorative acts

The second day (Thursday, 2 October) was dedicated to the official celebrations of CUT’s 80^th anniversary. Members of STARS EU attended various events, including a Mass at the majestic Cathedral of St. Stanislaus in Wawel Castle, followed by a ceremonial procession along the iconic Grodzka Street to the Market Square. The day concluded with the official inauguration of the 2025/2026 academic year at the Polish Aviation Museum, and a concert at the Karol Szymanowski Philharmonic in Kraków.

Through this meeting, STARS EU reinforced its commitment to international collaboration, shared research, and the development of an open and dynamic European campus, consolidating the alliance’s role within the European Higher Education Area.