“The world is changing. On the one hand, there is globalisation and integration, and on the other, we are also seeing signs of deglobalisation and disintegration. As a result, there are numerous debates on how universities should teach, conduct research and cooperate with the external environment,” Prof. Alojzy Z. Nowak, Rector of the University of Warsaw, said while opening the seminar of rectors of the 4EU+ Alliance. The event took place on 4th April at the University of Warsaw.

On 4th April, the 4EU+ seminar entitled Leading the Way: Shaping the Future of a Transnational European University in a Changing Global Landscape was held at the University of Warsaw. On the initiative of Prof. Alojzy Z. Nowak, the UW Rector, the university hosted representatives from the seven other European member universities of the 4EU+ Alliance.

The meeting covered topics such as:

• the role of universities in a changing world;
• the importance of the 4EU+ Alliance for developing democracy and fostering understanding of different perspectives;
• funding for research conducted by inter-university research teams;
• the academic world towards the development of artificial intelligence;
• digital medicine as a challenge for science.

The event took place in the Senate Hall of the Kazimierzowski Palace on the UW campus at Krakowskie Przedmieście. It was preceded by a welcome concert with young artists organised on 3rd April.

“The world is changing. On the one hand, there is globalisation and integration, and on the other, we are also seeing signs of deglobalisation and disintegration. As a result, there are numerous debates on how universities should teach, conduct research and cooperate with the outside world,” Prof. Alojzy Z. Nowak, Rector of the University of Warsaw, said opening the meeting.

“For many years in Europe, we lived in the belief that scientific research should be financed mainly by the state. Today, at least in Poland, most of the budget is allocated to defence. We are undertaking discussions on increasing support for science. Beyond that, however, we are thinking about creating an endowment with the support of, among others, our graduates and business,” the UW Rector added.

Speaking about the role of universities in the modern world, Prof. Alojzy Z. Nowak pointed out that nowadays universities are not only supposed to educate students in accordance with market requirements, but also to create the future. At the same time, he acknowledged that all eight universities forming the 4EU+ Alliance have great power to change the world and compete effectively on the international arena.

A strong generation of Europeans

The seminar started with a presentation of the two perspectives of 4EU+: past and present. Prof. Lenka Rovná from Charles University in Prague spoke about the genesis of the Alliance. The current vision was outlined by Prof. Sambor Grucza, the UW Vice-Rector for Cooperation and Human Resources.

“Today, the 4EU+ Alliance is a dynamic and evolving community of more than 325,000 students and 53,000 employees working together across borders. Our 2025–2035 strategy reflects a mature, forward-looking organisation that is ready to deepen collaboration in four key areas: education, research, innovation and global impact. Our collaborative achievements include the 4EU+ Student Portal, a hub for innovative and digital learning, and grant writer support services. And this is just the beginning,” Prof. Sambor Grucza said, adding: “The Alliance has a bold vision of creating a single, comprehensive European research university. This vision is rooted in our shared values: academic freedom, inclusivity and student-centred education.”

Referring to the future, Prof. Grucza pointed out that the strategy, the vision and the integrated inter-university campus allow knowledge to flow across borders.

“We are striving to make education more accessible and inclusive than ever before through mobility, transnational joint curricula and lifelong learning pathways implemented through micro-credentials or MOOC courses. Our scientific collaboration is bound to deepen with the creation of virtual institutes, shared infrastructure and support for interdisciplinary excellence. Together, the 4EU+ Alliance universities are not only shaping a new model of European higher education, but are also building a sustainable, inclusive, forward-looking and transnational academic ecosystem. Is this enough? No. 4EU+ needs to educate a strong generation of Europeans who will be able to face the global challenges of tomorrow,” Prof. Sambor Grucza said.

Five panels

The seminar featured five panels addressing several aspects of the future of the European university.

 

European Universities an Era of Global Turbulence: Navigating Challenges, Ensuring Stability

The panel on the role of European universities in an era of global turbulence, moderated by Prof. Alojzy Z. Nowak, Rector of the UW, featured Prof. Frauke Melchior, Rector of Heidelberg University, Prof. Marina Brambilla, Rector of the University of Milan, Prof. Guillaume Fiquet, Vice-President of Sorbonne University, and Prof. Kristian Lauta, Vice-Rector of the University of Copenhagen.

 

4EU+’s Role in Advancing Democracy and Embracing Diverse Perspectives

The panel on the role of the 4EU+ Alliance in advancing democracy by shaping understanding of diverse perspectives, moderated by Prof. Maciej Raś, the UW Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Quality of Teaching and Learning featured Prof. Markéta Martínková, Vice-Rector of Charles University in Prague, Prof. Yvonne-Marie Rogez, Vice-President of the University of Paris-Panthéon-Assas, Prof. Nelly Quemener from Sorbonne University, and Prof. Francesca Villata from the University of Milan.

 

Funding Collaborative Research at European Universities: Strategies, Needs, and Priorities

The panel on funding of research by inter-university teams, moderated by Prof. Zygmunt Lalak, the UW Vice-Rector for Research, featured Prof. Ladislav Krištoufek, Vice-Rector of Charles University in Prague, Prof. Andreas Dreuw, Vice-Rector of Heidelberg University, Prof. Guillaume Fiquet, Vice-President of Sorbonne University, and Dr Elena Del Giorgio, Secretary General of the 4EU+ Alliance.

 

Digital Medicine: Unlocking New Horizons for European Universities

The panel on the development of digital medicine, moderated by Colonel (Ret.) Piotr Murawski, PhD (Eng.) of the Military Medical Institute – National Research Institute, featured Prof. Brigitte Séroussi from Sorbonne University, Prof. Ferdinand Dhombres from Sorbonne University, Prof. Lars Kayserprof from the University of Copenhagen, Prof. Paolo Pietro Cesare Attilio Bianchi from the University of Milan, and Dr Katarzyna Suski-Grabowski from the UW.

 

Trustworthy AI: Paving the Way for Europa’s Digital Future

The panel on the development of artificial intelligence in the academic world, moderated by Prof. Katarzyna Śledziewska from the UW, featured Prof. Věra Jourová, Vice-Rector of Charles University in Prague, Prof. Silvana Castano of the University of Milan, and Prof. Andrea Pinna of Sorbonne University.

4EU+ Eternity

The event also saw the inauguration of the 4EU+ Eternity project, for which the UW has received more than PLN 1.5 million in funding under the NAWA programme called “Support for European Universities”.

Among the planned actions are:

• development of instructions and training materials for the opening of joint degree programmes;
• support of the academic community in the design and implementation of joint innovative educational programmes;
• support of the construction of the 4EU+ virtual campus and other elements of the common digital infrastructure;
• development of activities supporting joint research, fostering citizen science and open science.