On February 14-16, the partner institution, the University of Vaasa hosted an international project meeting of the EUNICE consortium, during which the partners of the EUNICE European University met to plan the upcoming activities of the consortium and summarize the recently submitted application to the European Commission for the next 4 years of financing the initiative European University. 

During the opening ceremony, the newly created EUNICE mission statement was signed, which is to train a new generation of Europeans, to tackle global challenges through an interdisciplinary approach and to increase the potential of our regions.

“It is important that we are leading the way for the future of higher education in Europe. We can create solutions to global challenges only through strong cooperation” -  said Minna Martikainen, Rector of the University of Vaasa during the speech opening the meeting.

Rectors and Presidents emphasized the opportunities and benefits of international cooperation for the future of Europe, as well as the future of regions. They also congratulated Minnie Martikainen on her new position as Rector of the University of Vaasa. The Alliance will continue to develop models of cooperation so that these activities undertaken as part of the initiative of the European University become an increasingly integral part of the activities of member universities. 

During the meetings, strategic goals and possible joint research activities within the alliance were discussed. In addition, future mobility and education activities as well as joint study programs were planned. During the meetings, it was also proposed to introduce digital certification of achievements using the so-called Open Badges, which offer a standard, verifiable way of confirming skills and competences, increasingly widespread in Europe. 

The meeting was attended by the university authorities: PUT Rector, Prof. Teofil Jesionowski, Ph.D., D.Sc. and Vice-Rector for International Relations, PUT Prof. Paweł Śniatała, Ph.D., D.Sc., as well as Prof. Mariusz Głąbowski Ph.D., D.Sc. (Dean of the Faculty of Electronics and Telecommunications), PUT Prof. Michal Rychlik Ph.D., D.Sc. (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering), Magdalena Zawirska-Wolniewicz (Head of the International Relations Office), Magdalena Sikorska (Head of the European University Office), Marta Malepszak (European University Office), PUT Prof. Rafał Ślefarski, Ph.D., D.Sc. (Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Energy) and Paweł Czyżewski D.Sc.Eng. (Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Energy).