|
Dear PIONEER community,autumn leaves are falling, and with them come fresh beginnings! As October paints the world in golden hues, we’re thrilled to launch the very first PIONEER Alliance newsletter.
In this debut edition, we bring you stories from across the alliance — highlights of our progress, glimpses into new initiatives, and reflections on how our shared journey is shaping smarter, more sustainable cities through learning, research, and innovation.
It all began in Paris. The PIONEER Alliance, a prestigious European University Alliance dedicated to sustainable cities and smart transportation, was officially launched at Université Gustave Eiffel in January 2025. Experts and representatives from ten leading European institutions came together to set the foundation for this ambitious collaboration.
👀Watch the video recap! |
|
|
|
|
| Zlín Partner Meeting - October 2025 |
|
|
Following the momentum from Paris, partners met at Tomas Bata University in Zlín to reflect on progress, share insights, and define the next steps of our collective path.
👉 Discover more! |
|
|
|
| PIONEER Alliance at EAIE 2025, Gothenburg |
|
|
The PIONEER Alliance delegation had a strong representation at this year’s EAIE: European Association for International Education Conference. Our large team engaged in fruitful discussions on deepening cooperation within the Erasmus+ programme, advancing joint study programmes, and exploring new research project opportunities.
👉 Find out more! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| TH Köln Launches the PIONEER COIL Initiative |
|
|
Expanding digital collaboration through Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), connecting students and lecturers across borders. The first in-person meeting will take place on 4–5 November 2025, where members will present initial outcomes such as communication materials, guidelines, and training concepts.
👉 Read more!
|
|
|
|
|
BFH International Staff Week 2025 |
|
|
During the International Staff Week 2025 , themed "pathways to sustainable cities and communities", BFH will present itself as an active partner and expert institution within the PIONEER Alliance. Join us in Bern, 24 -27 November 2025!
👉 Read here! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Iuav International Staff Week 2025 |
|
|
Four days of exchange and collaboration from 15–18 December 2025, exploring the future of European higher education partnerships and academic cooperation.
👉 Read more!
|
|
|
|
| Laurea International Week & PIONEER Festival in January 2026 |
|
|
Laurea University of Applied Sciences, chair of PIONEER for 2026, will host Laurea International Week & PIONEER festival during the Laurea JobFest on Tikkurila and Leppävaara Campuses in Finland from 26–30 January 2026 — a vibrant start to the new year of collaboration.
👉 Register here!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PIONEER Alliance Launches a Collaborative Platform to Explore Funding Opportunities under EC-Funded R&I Calls |
|
|
Are you looking for collaborators and funding to advance your research on sustainable cities and communities?
Explore the PIONEER Funding Opportunities Board — a shared space to discover current funding calls, connect with partners, and co-develop project ideas across the Alliance in support of SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities.
👉 Explore current opportunities here
You can indicate your interest directly in the list by adding your contact details. Based on your responses, PIONEER will organize targeted networking and info sessions to help shape strong collaborative proposals.
Some calls are based on the draft Horizon Europe Work Programme and may be updated once officially published.
For more information, please contact your institutional PIONEER Office or WP5 delegate.
|
|
|
|
|
| | Master students from PIONEER partner institutions will gather in Paris from 20–24 March 2026 to tackle real-world mobility challenges in low-density areas.
👉 Find out more! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Strengthening Connections with City Partners |
|
| Avans met with its city partners Tilburg and ’s-Hertogenbosch to explore how the PIONEER Alliance can advance shared goals for sustainable and resilient cities. The session strengthened collaboration in research, education, and innovation, linking local challenges with European solutions.
👉 Read more! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | The InCITIES project, coordinated by Iscte, served as the Alliance’s starting point. The BIP “Cities Futures – Interdisciplinary Challenges” pilot in Lisbon demonstrated the power of blended learning, inclusion, and co-creation.
👉 Read the story! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
European Collaboration Towards an Open Campus |
|
| An open campus is more than just a place it’s a community where students, staff, alumni, and partners come together both in person and online. The aim is to make it easy for people from different backgrounds to meet, share ideas, and create something new together.
👉 Find out more! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Workshop: PIONEERing Leadership for Transformation |
|
| Organized with Laurea University of Applied Sciences, this workshop marked an important step in the journey towards creating inclusive, forward-looking universities. With leadership pilots underway in areas such as ecosystem co-creation, equality, diversity and inclusion, international mobility and competence development, the PIONEER Alliance continues to pave the way for transformative change across Europe’s higher education landscape.
👉 Find out more! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Strategic Meeting with Associated Partners |
|
| Participants included the City Council of Huelva, the Official College of Architects, the Foundation for Climate Research, Spain, with UNHCR, CADE – Andalucía Emprende, and the Andalusian Hydrogen Cluster. Together, we explored challenges and opportunities related to urban sustainability and SDG 11. In parallel, the University continues to support transformative urban planning, launched plans for 4.4 km of new bike lanes linking the university with city transport hubs.
👉 Discover insights! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| IUAV joins the Magna Charta Universitatum |
|
| The Università Iuav di Venezia has been officially accepted as a signatory of the Magna Charta Universitatum 2020 — reaffirming its commitment to academic freedom, integrity, and global collaboration. By joining this international network of over 900 universities, Iuav strengthens both its own and the PIONEER Alliance’s dedication to excellence and shared values in higher education.
👉 Find out more! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
European Sustainable Development Week (ESDW) |
|
| Under the theme Resilience and Balance, the university engaged its community through creative sustainability workshops, collections, and student-led initiatives.
👉 Explore more! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
University of Žilina Brings Research Closer -and Earns European Recognition |
|
| At the Night of Science 2025, UNIZA showcased quantum computing, robotics, and digital security — featuring a dedicated PIONEER booth. The university also received the HR Excellence in Research Award, joining leading European institutions committed to supporting researchers and fostering excellence.
👉 Find out more! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Enhancing Togetherness in Western Bern |
|
| A creative research project strengthens community participation and intercultural dialogue through art and design-led urban engagement.
👉 Read more! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PIONEER continues to grow as a network of people who believe that the future of higher education lies in openness, dialogue, and the courage to rethink. From discussions within the InCITIES framework to shared commitments in Paris and beyond, this idea keeps moving forward with the same spirit.
Warm regards, The PIONEER Alliance Team
|
|
|
|
For further information, please, refer to the project website and social media. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Co-Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
This project is co-funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ programme Grant Agreement n°101177236. |
|
|
