15 September 2025
On 28 November 2025, the YUFE Alliance will host the forum Universities with Purpose at the Maison Irène et Frédéric Joliot-Curie in Brussels.
This gathering will bring together university leaders, policymakers, students, and community partners to reflect on how higher education can better serve society in a rapidly changing world.
The forum will open with a dialogue between Daniel Mouchard, President of the YUFE Alliance, and Vanessa Debiais-Sainton, Member of Cabinet at the European Commission, on the future of European universities and their evolving role in society.
Programme Highlights
Universities with Purpose 281125 Agenda-
Universities and Civic Engagement – Strengthening Communities
How can universities build stronger partnerships with local communities and empower students as agents of change? Speakers will include Bojana Ćulum Ilić (University of Rijeka), Zoran Grozdanov (My Place under the Sun), Nathalie Ummels (Refugee Project Maastricht), and Ines Huergo Gonzalez (student, UC3M). -
Universities Co-Creating with Industry and Society
This panel will explore how universities can create value beyond academia through knowledge sharing, collaboration, and innovation, with contributions from the E³UDRES² Alliance, University of Antwerp, and Technopolis Group. -
Inclusive Leadership in Turbulent Times
At a time when leadership is increasingly tested, this session will consider how universities can uphold inclusive and ethical practices. Panelists include Snježana Prijić Samaržija (University of Rijeka), Aleksandar Šušnjar (EQAR), and Karen Bush (former YUFE ED&I lead). -
Spotlight Sessions will showcase innovative initiatives, including a YUFE community engagement project and De Oorzaak, a citizen science initiative on environmental noise led by Prof. Cedric Vuye (University of Antwerp).
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The forum will close with reflections by Tasos Christofides, Rector of the University of Cyprus, followed by a networking reception.
Join Us
Universities with Purpose is an invitation to collectively rethink the role of higher education in strengthening communities, fostering innovation, and promoting inclusive leadership.
📍 Brussels – 28 November 2025, 09:00–16:00
💻 Participation is also possible online via this page: Join virtually
🎖️ If you would like to participate in this event in person, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected]
