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Universities with purpose
What role do European universities fulfil in addressing contemporary social and economic challenges? Participants at the YUFE development forum, which will take place on November 28 at Maison Irène et Frédéric Joliot-Curie in Brussels, will seek answers to this question. The event will also be broadcast live.
The YUFE event "Universities with Purpose: Advancing the Third Mission through Engagement, Knowledge Valorization, and Leadership" will bring together academic leaders, policymakers, students, and community representatives from across Europe. Participants will discuss the growing importance of universities in addressing today's societal and economic challenges. The event will be opened by Prof. Daniel Mouchard, President of the YUFE Alliance, who, together with Vanessa Debiais-Sainton from the European Commission, will reflect on the future of European universities and their role in shaping modern societies.
The debate will revolve around key areas that form the pillars of the so-called “third mission" of universities. The programme includes three thematic panels:
- Universities and Civic Engagement – Strengthening Communities – focused on the role of universities in building strong and cohesive local communities. The panel will be moderated by Aleksandra Śnieć from Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń – an NCU student and staff member, coordinator of the network of student legal clinics, and former member of the YUFE Student Forum.
- Universities co-creating with industry and society – dedicated to cooperation between universities and the public and private sectors in the creation, management, and dissemination of knowledge.
- Inclusive Leadership in Turbulent Times: Reframing Kindness as Strategic Courage – exploring inclusive, empathetic, and courageous leadership in higher education.
The programme will also feature two Spotlight presentations showcasing YUFE initiatives and citizen science projects. The forum will conclude with a closing speech by Prof. Tasos Christofides, Rector of the University of Cyprus, focused on the future of higher education, followed by a networking session.
The event will also be available online. Participation is free of charge, but registration is required.
