Representatives of Petro Mohyla Black Sea National University (Mykolayiv, Ukraine), took part in the STARS EU Annual Conference, where they also joined discussions with the STARS EU Commission and the Steering Committee on the next steps in cooperation between the university and the alliance.

The Ukrainian university was represented by Liudmyla Vovchuk, Head of the International Relations Office and lecturer in the Department of International Relations and Foreign Policy; and Olena Filimonova, Senior Specialist of the International Relations Office. Both representatives brought strong experience in international academic cooperation, project development, and university internationalization.

Their participation in the Annual Conference created an important opportunity to further strengthen dialogue with STARS EU and explore concrete ways to deepen cooperation. The exchanges with the Commission and Steering Committee confirmed a shared interest in building closer institutional ties and expanding the university’s involvement in alliance activities.

During the meetings, Petro Mohyla Black Sea National University presented its profile, academic strengths, and experience in international cooperation. As a classical university under the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, it combines a broad academic base with active engagement in international partnerships, mobility, and project work. The university has established cooperation with a wide range of higher education institutions and organizations across Europe and beyond.

Particular attention was given to the strong alignment between the university’s expertise and STARS EU’s priorities. The university presented several proposals for future cooperation linked to the alliance’s main areas of activity, including Digital Transformation, Healthy Ageing, and Social Justice. These proposals cover topics such as digital transformation in education and public health, neuroscience and neurorehabilitation, rehabilitation support for victims of blast-related injuries, equality, and the harmonization of Ukrainian legislation with European standards.

The discussions also built on cooperation already developed between Petro Mohyla Black Sea National University and STARS EU. The university highlighted its strong record in international mobility and project development, including participation in Erasmus+, DAAD, and other international initiatives. This experience provides a solid basis for further collaboration through academic exchange, virtual and blended learning, joint projects, thematic networking, and shared educational and research activities.

An important outcome of the meetings was the decision of the STARS EU Commission to designate Petro Mohyla Black Sea National University as a Strategic Associated Partner of the STARS EU Alliance. The decision reflects the Commission’s appreciation of the cooperation already in place, the university’s strong regional and thematic fit with STARS EU areas of activity, and its clear commitment to further developing and intensifying cooperation with the alliance.

Next steps

This marks an important next step in the relationship between STARS EU and Petro Mohyla Black Sea National University. It underlines both the value of the cooperation established so far and the strong potential for future collaboration in areas of shared strategic interest.

The next step will be the preparation of a Memorandum of Understanding between STARS EU and Petro Mohyla Black Sea National University, which will provide a framework for the continued development of the partnership.

With this decision, STARS EU opens a new chapter of cooperation with a Ukrainian partner university and creates further opportunities for students, researchers, academic staff, and professional staff to engage in joint activities and knowledge exchange across the alliance.

The international art exhibition Voices of [h] eritage, displayed in La Capilla cultural space at the University of La Laguna (Spain), and Pedagogy as Art, Art as Pedagogy, recently held at the Silesian University in Opava (Czechia), are final results of the work developed within the framework of STARS EU through its Thematic Interest Group (TIG) in Arts and Creative Industries.

These two exhibitions are joined by a previous one, presented at the Polytechnic University of Bragança. The three ones organised by this TIG are interconnected: they share the common theme of creativity and art, while each explores a different subject, as Jana Orlova, professor at SUO and member of this TIG, emphasized.

The combined intensive program (BIP) Heritage and Creativity for Inclusion aimed at teachers, researchers, and professionals in the arts, held its in-person meeting in Tenerife. Coordinated by Noemí Peña (ULL) co-leader of the Thematic Interest Group (TIG) Art and Creative Industries and Vice Dean of University of La Laguna’s Faculty of Fine Arts, it brought together participants from various countries in a hybrid work environment that combined online sessions with an intensive week of collaboration.

The meeting allowed participants to explore the potential of cultural heritage and creativity as tools for fostering inclusion, particularly regarding the exchange of methodologies, experiences, and artistic practices.

In this context, Voices [ h]eritage is presented as the culmination of this collective process: an exhibition showcasing artistic results and highlighting the research-creation processes developed during the BIP. The works exhibited at La Capilla are the direct result of the projects and working dynamics developed during the meeting in Tenerife, and reflect diverse approaches to the concept of heritage, understood not only as a living space for interpretation, dialogue, and critical intervention.

The exhibition features projects that emerged from workshops, collaborative sessions, and cultural activities held during the program, addressing issues such as memory, identity, territory, and forms of cultural transmission. Furthermore, it serves as a space where artistic practice and pedagogy converge, demonstrating how learning can unfold through shared creative processes.

From Tenerife to Opava

As a continuation of the work developed within the framework of the TIG, and developed in parallel, the experience has led to a second exhibition, Pedagogy as Art, Art as Pedagogy, recently held at the Silesian University in Opava (Czechia), as part of the STARS EU Annual Conference.

The exhibition featured works from Albania, Brazil, France, Portugal, Spain, and the Czechia. The multimedia works were presented by Uendi Çerma from Aleksandër Moisiu University in Durrës (UAMD) in Albania; Marcus Ramusyo de Almeida Brasil from the Brazilian Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Maranhão (IFMA); Dominique Soucy from Université Marie et Louis Pasteur (UMLP) in Besançon; and from the Portuguese Instituto Politécnico de Bragança (IPB), the creative duo Carlos Casimiro Costa & Jacinta Costa, together with their colleague Tiago Fernandes. Noemí Peña Sánchez from Universidad de La Laguna (ULL) in Tenerife will also present her work.

The audiovisual pieces will be complemented by a collaborative photographic-poetic project by Jana Orlová from Silesian University in Opava (SUO) and Ana Lúcia Pinto from Instituto Politécnico de Bragança (IPB).

This exhibition presents the artistic work of teachers and researchers involved in the group, with works from different countries and institutional contexts, but this time from a perspective more focused on the relationship between pedagogy and artistic practice. Although both exhibitions are two interconnected manifestations of the same process—a pedagogical and artistic laboratory, and education in a space of critical experimentation—it is, in Voices of [h] eritage, where this process finds its first public materialization.

STARS EU Highlights explores gamification as a tool to foster critical thinking and inclusion among students

Sociologist Madelon van Oomstrom, from Hanze University of Applied Sciences, advocates in episode 4 for this integrative methodology, which boosts participation

Sociologist and Associate Professor at Hanze University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands), Madelon van Oomstrom, advocates the use of game-based learning to promote digital literacy, critical dialogue, and student participation. For the expert in digital transformation, gamification is becoming one of the “most effective” methodologies for transforming higher education.

She made this clear during her participation in a workshop for educators held in Tenerife, focused on digital literacy and inclusion, as well as in the fourth episode of STARS EU Highlights, the video podcast from the alliance about innovative teaching: Playing to Learn – Gamification, Digital Literacy, and Inclusion. “The best way to foster a productive dialogue about opportunities and risks is to create gamified learning experiences,” she explained, stressing that this approach enables students to share knowledge and learn collaboratively.

Van Oomstrom highlighted that game-based learning not only makes classes more dynamic but also strengthens students’ confidence. “Students feel more secure and proud of what they know,” she noted, while emphasising that these methodologies encourage more active participation.

Boosting critical thinking

One of the main benefits of gamification, she pointed out, is its ability to enhance critical thinking. In contrast to more traditional models, which rely on direct guidance and recommendations, the expert advocates a more participatory approach: “Rather than saying ‘this is dangerous’, it is better for students themselves to identify potential problems.”

In this regard, she argued that gamification facilitates the creation of “spaces for dialogue” where students can compare experiences and build knowledge collectively. “It allows for the initiation of critical conversations, the generation of useful ideas, and sparks the desire to continue learning and developing,” she stated.

From her perspective as a sociologist, Van Oomstrom also highlighted the social dimension of technology, noting that while digitalisation offers significant opportunities, it can also lead to exclusion. “Technologies can be a solution for some, but at the same time a problem for those who lack access or digital skills.” For this reason, she considers it essential for higher education to incorporate inclusive methodologies that facilitate access to knowledge. In her view, game-based learning helps to “reduce these gaps” by making content more accessible and participatory.

Workshop for teaching staff

In addition to her participation in the STARS EU video podcast, (available on YouTube and Spotify) Van Oomstrom delivered a workshop in Tenerife — during the STARS EU meeting held in November 2025 — aimed at university teaching staff, with around twelve participants. This initiative, conducted within the alliance, is part of efforts to adapt teaching to an increasingly digitalised context.

In this framework, the expert in digital transformation and human-centred technologies, among other fields, stressed the importance of updating teacher training in line with the changes of an increasingly technological society: “Teachers have a great deal of experience, but they need spaces where they can learn in an interactive and practical way.”

She concluded with a call to integrate gamification into the classroom as a “means of promoting a more innovative, critical and inclusive education,” capable of responding to the challenges of digital transformation.

The STARS EU university alliance concluded its annual conference, held at the Silesian University in Opava, Czech Republic, with a clear commitment to evolve from a European Union-funded initiative into a consolidated strategic alliance with its own governance and long-term vision. This was announced by the Alliance’s Secretary General, Dick Pouwels, during the closing ceremony, alongside Tomáš Gongol, Rector of the host institution.

Both presided over the conclusion of the three-day event (25–27 March 2026), which focused on key challenges in higher education, university cooperation, and academic innovation within the European context. It was also confirmed that the next edition of the conference will take place in Krakow in March 2027, with the host institution, the Cracow University of Technology, taking over organisation duties.

During the meeting, which brought together academic, institutional, and administrative representatives from member universities, the Steering Committee and Executive Board discussed key next steps for the consortium. These include the development of a strategic plan to be completed before next summer and the establishment of a common governance model by October 2026—both essential elements to strengthen the alliance’s autonomy and strategic projection.

Upcoming funding call

It was also announced that the alliance plans to apply for the next European funding call, scheduled for autumn, under the new multiannual programme starting in 2028. The European institutions view university alliances as priority actors—“front runners”—in the development of higher education and research in Europe, ensuring continued financial support.

Another significant announcement was the future inclusion of the International Black Sea University (Ukraine) as an associate partner, reinforcing cooperation with European institutions in particularly challenging contexts. STARS EU has also initiated an exploratory process to integrate a university from the United Kingdom in the future, in line with British engagement with European programmes such as Erasmus+.

Teaching innovation

The conference focused on teaching innovation under the concept of “transformative education”, with sessions addressing the impact of artificial intelligence on learning, flexible curricula, future skills development, and the strengthening of the link between universities and society. The programme combined panels, workshops, and strategic discussions, emphasising how higher education can adapt to Europe’s social, digital, and economic challenges.

The event also highlighted the growing integration between the alliance’s different working groups and thematic lines, as well as the strengthening of relationships among its members, both in formal and informal programme settings.

Organised by the Silesian University in Opava, the event was the largest hosted to date by the institution, which received unanimous recognition from participants for its meticulous organisation and programme design.

A few days have passed since the conclusion of the STARS EU Annual Conference, and the sense of inspiration and collaboration remains strong.

Over three days, the conference brought together alliance members: students, staff, researchers, and policymakers to explore key themes in educational innovation, scientific research, and regional development. Under the slogan “Research the WORLD. Reach the STARS”, participants engaged in keynote lectures, work package meetings, student-led discussions, and thematic parallel sessions.

This year’s highlights included:

• Advancement of the Research Solutions Agenda and its impact on regional transitions, innovation, and academic excellence
• Inspiring keynote speeches, which sparked valuable dialogue and fresh perspectives across the network.
• A strong emphasis on openness, transparency, and mutual commitment across the alliance
• Active student participation, with valuable input and reflections shared during the “STARS EU Students: From Today to the Future” session
• Key networking opportunities designed to increase collaboration between academics, students, and regional stakeholders

Complementary activities included site visits to local institutions such as the Durrës Port Authority and Periso Company, offering real-world context to the region’s sustainable development goals.

We sincerely thank all participants for contributing to such a productive and collaborative experience.

View the group photos from the events here.

We look forward to the next working meeting, planned November 25 -26, 2025 in Tenerife as well as the STARS EU Annual Conference, to be hosted by Silesian University in Opava from March 25–27, 2026. Until then — let’s keep the momentum going!

STARS EU is finalising preparations for its major annual event, which will be held from 19 to 21 March at the Aleksandër Moisiu University in Durrës (Albania), one of the nine partners of the alliance. The event, which aims to mark an important step in the field of European higher education, will be attended by leading authorities of the country, academics, researchers and representatives of the industrial sector.

Organised by Aleksandër Moisiu University, the conference ‘Research the WORLD. Reach the STARS’ highlight initiatives driven by interdisciplinary research and collaboration, thus reinforcing the alliance’s commitment to fostering resilient communities across Europe. It will also serve as a forum for strategic discussions on how universities and other stakeholders can cooperate to shape the future of research and innovation at European level.

The event, which will focus on exploring best practices in knowledge transfer, regional economic empowerment and the impact of research partnerships on societal progress, will be attended by representatives of different European institutions, government bodies and regional organisations.

The role of universities

At this event, fundamental questions will be put on the table about the role played by universities in regional development: from the promotion of economic growth, the possible influence on public policies or the contribution to sustainability objectives.

Intersectoral collaboration and the need to strengthen cooperation between universities, companies and public administrations to enhance the social impact of innovation and research, as well as the decisive role of science in the formation of an educational system capable of facing the challenges of the future, are other axes around which this meeting will be discussed, which is expected to bring together more than 200 people.

Another of the focal points of this event is the interdisciplinary perspective of higher education, especially with regard to strategies to promote integration between different disciplines, the promotion of new training paths and the promotion of creativity and innovation among students.

Keynote lectures and round tables

 The event will feature high-level presentations and debates on key topics such as transformations in regional policies and the role of universities in socio-economic development; funding mechanisms, the mobility of research and technology, as well as their influence on the evolution of academic institutions and collaborative research as a response to global challenges, without losing sight of their impact on sustainable growth.

In addition to the conferences, attendees will be able to participate in interactive parallel sessions and working groups focused on university-business cooperation and knowledge transfer, strategies for the digital, social and green transition in higher education, student participation initiatives, as well as mobility programs and innovative learning environments.

Visits and networking opportunities

The strengthening of the connection between academia and industry will be addressed with visits to innovation and regional development centers ─where it will be shown how universities and economic sectors collaborate in the promotion of innovation─ and spaces dedicated to networking and the generation of strategic alliances between STARS EU institutions.

The conference is presented as a key opportunity to strengthen institutional collaboration, exchange ideas and define future strategies in an environment conducive to debate and the generation of alliances.

There are many advantages to participating in this forum. These include access to high-level debates on the future of higher education, being aware of new policy frameworks and strategic priorities that will mark the academic agenda, as well as connecting with academic leaders and promoting collaborative research projects and institutional agreements.

The conference Research the WORLD. Reach the STARS will be a unique opportunity to explore new forms of cooperation and advance the transformation of European higher education in an ever-evolving global context.

You can get more information about the agenda and program of the event by clicking here.