EURECA-PRO Education & Research Days are ahead of us

Another important event will take place in the framework of EURECA-PRO in 2026. This is the EUREECA-PRO Education & Research Days, which will focus on the theme “Glocation of universities: A changing perspective.” The event will take place between the 3rd and 5th February 2026

Eureka-PRO Education & Research Days is an event dedicated to how universities can take a global perspective while remaining rooted in the local context.

The three-day conference is open to all those involved in education and/or research – from teaching staff and researchers to the support services and policymakers of our EUREECA-PRO alliance and all other European university alliances.

The theme is glocalization, which in the context of universities refers to the combination of global perspectives and trends with local or regional contexts in the field of higher education. It focuses on how universities can adapt and integrate global perspectives while maintaining local relevance. Finding a balance between functioning in a globalized world through international research cooperation, student mobility and the creation of joint programs, while retaining responsibility for serving local communities by meeting regional needs through relevant study programs and research projects remains a challenge.

European universities are currently facing unique challenges facing the complexity of glocalization. These challenges often arise from the need to maintain international educational standards while adapting curricula to regional economic, social, and cultural needs. Language barriers also pose a real challenge, as although English classes are often taught at European universities, most study programs are delivered in local language. There may also be tensions between providing globally competitive skills and knowledge and solving local problems. Glocalization also refers to the elimination of social inequalities, including access to education for marginalized groups and the promotion of diversity and inclusion.

The emphasis in recent years on global university rankings has prompted universities to put global visibility ahead of local relevance, which can lead to the homogenization of higher education and ignoring local needs.

Eureka-PRO, an initiative of European universities, addresses many of these issues, aiming to solve the serious social and environmental challenges of responsible consumption and production. It offers innovative and diverse additional educational opportunities that aim to develop skills, foster innovation and promote lifelong learning.

These include short courses, workshops, summer schools, professional development programs and online learning modules designed to equip students, staff, and the public with expertise on responsible consumption and production, European values, intercultural communication, and sustainable innovation.

This will also be the subject of an event organized by UHasselt in cooperation with EURECA-PRO. The whole will be devoted to three thematic blocks: Education, Education and Research, Research and Knowledge Transfer.

Registration for the event will be possible from October 13, 2025, to January 12, 2026.

For more information on EURECA-PRO Education & Research Days, please visit: https://www.uhasselt.be/en/events-en/2025-2026/glocalising-universities-a-shifting-horizon