| Dear PIONEER community,it is an honour for Laurea University of Applied Sciences to begin its chairmanship of the PIONEER Alliance in 2026. We step into this role with deep appreciation for the collaborative spirit, expertise and long‑term vision that define our community. Together, we are building something truly significant: a European alliance that strengthens education, amplifies students’ voices, supports international mobility, research and the development of resilient, inclusive and sustainable future cities.
We look forward to working closely with the Governing Board, Steering Committee, Local Coordinators and work package leaders. In September 2026, we will host the alliance meeting at Laurea´s Leppävaara campus, where we will continue shaping PIONEER’s shared pathway.
Thank you for your trust and partnership. Let us make this an inspiring and impactful year for our entire alliance.
Warm regards, |
|
|
|
Jouni Koski President, CEO Laurea University of Applied Sciences Chair of the PIONEER Alliance 2026 |
|
| | |
| Find Research Partners Faster: PIONEER Launches New Matchmaking Tool |
|
|
In December 2025, the PIONEER Alliance rolled out the first version of its Research Matchmaking (RMM) Tool – a living, dynamic, online knowledge map and expertise repository of the Alliance. Developed by the University of Žilina (UNIZA), it is an important output of the PIONEER, which fosters cross-institutional collaboration and supports strategic decision-making. It enables researchers to search for collaborators both in the context of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, as well as in all research topics addressed by partner institutions. The recording of the webinar is available at this link. |
|
|
|
| PIONEER Portuguese Website |
|
|
The PIONEER Portuguese Website was recently developed with the specific purpose of strengthening national engagement within the broader PIONEER European University Alliance framework.
Created as a dedicated platform for the Portuguese academic community, the website centralizes relevant and up-to-date information about the Alliance, highlighting Iscte’s role and the opportunities available to students, academic staff, and researchers. It features news, events, calls for participation, mobility opportunities, and updates on collaborative initiatives carried out with European partner universities.
👉 See more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | One login, many universities — but only if systems truly work together. European University Alliances are reshaping higher education, yet fragmented data, legal barriers, and semantic gaps are slowing the progress. How do we turn pilots into scalable digital ecosystems? Discover what it really takes to make the virtual campus happen.
👉 Read more |
|
|
|
| Working together on the Innovation Ecosystem Joint Action Plan |
|
|
During the International Week (26 to 30 January 2026) at Laurea University of Applied Sciences, PIONEER leads, co-leads and delegates from WP6, WP5, WP4 and WP3 held an in-person working session to shape the innovation ecosystem Joint Action Plan (JAP). The focus was clear: advancing the Innovation Ecosystem JAP to strengthen collaboration and drive real impact across Europe. During the session, participants shared next steps, aligned pilots and explored concrete connections between work packages: ensuring that plans turn into action. Working in multidisciplinary writing teams, delegates contributed directly to different sections of the JAP. Co-creation at its finest!
👉 Read more |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | |
| How do we strengthen the next generation of European researchers? |
|
|
In the autumn of 2026, the PIONEER Alliance will organise its first annual Early Career Researchers (ECR) Training School. This international training week, developed and organised by Avans University of Applied Sciences and Iscte, will be held from 28 September to 2 October 2026 in ’s-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands.
👉 Registration and more information
|
|
|
|
|
Professional Development Week “HumanCentric Leadership in Higher Education” |
|
|
From 28 September to 2 October 2026, PIONEER, in collaboration with Avans University of Applied Sciences (NL), Laurea University of Applied Sciences (FI) and TH Köln – University of Applied Sciences (DE), will host the Professional Development Week “HumanCentric Leadership in Higher Education” in Breda. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| XII Aesop Sustainable Food Planning Conference |
|
|
Iuav is pleased to announce the upcoming XII Aesop Sustainable Food Planning Conference, to be held in Venice, Italy, from 21 to 24 October 2026. As in previous editions, the conference aims to serve as a reference point for scholars, doctoral students and practitioners who observe urban and territorial issues and dynamics related to food systems. The call has just been published and will close on the 30 April 2026.
👉 Find out more |
|
|
|
| UHU International Week 2026 |
|
|
The University of Huelva is pleased to invite partners to its International Week, taking place in Huelva, Spain, from 4 to 8 May 2026. The event will bring together staff from partner universities for a week of institutional exchange, presentations, networking activities and cultural experiences, including campus tours, a Study Abroad Fair and the PIONEER Festival. Participants will also have the opportunity to join Spanish language sessions, social events and guided cultural visits in the city. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
International Week at UTB will take place from 20 to 24 April 2026 and preparations are already underway. UTB is looking forward to welcoming partners from all around the world, with special excitement for the participation of our PIONEER Alliance colleagues. We cannot wait to create a vibrant international atmosphere and strengthen our global connections together.
👉 Read more
|
|
|
|
| |
University of Žilina (UNIZA) will host its International Staff Week on May 18–22, 2026. The event will bring together colleagues from partner universities for a week of international and interdisciplinary exchange. The Staff Week can be included in the Erasmus+ programme as mobility for training (subject to approval by the home institution).
Registration is open until March 30, 2026.
👉 Registration form |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | 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 express your interest by adding your contact details and selecting the call you are interested in. Based on your responses, PIONEER will organize targeted networking and info sessions to help shape strong collaborative proposals.
Please remember that this is not a full list of current opportunities but a selection of relevant funding opportunities that support research on Future Cities, if you think there is more, do not hesitate to insert it in the form.
For more information, please contact your institutional PIONEER Office or WP5 delegate.
|
|
| | | |
Gustave Eiffel University strengthens its European doctoral program |
|
| Training researchers capable of meeting the challenges of sustainable cities: this is one of the ambitions of the European PIONEER Alliance. At Gustave Eiffel University, this ambition is being realized through the launch of three theses under international joint supervision or co-direction.
👉 Read more |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Student Network of the Alliances held at Iscte for the first time ever |
|
| On 15–16 November, Iscte and AEISCTE hosted the first edition of the Student Network of the Alliances (REA), in the format of a joint meeting, bringing together students from Portuguese Higher Education institutions involved in the current European University Alliances.
The event featured two days of training sessions, round tables, and debates on pedagogical innovation, student participation in European Alliances’ governance, inclusion, and the future of European Higher Education.
👉 Read more |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Hope at the Heart of Laurea’s PIONEER Festival |
|
|
Inspiring conversations, new connections, and a shared commitment to a more hope-centred future working life — Laurea’s PIONEER Festival, International Week and JobFest brought together international partners, students, and employers to learn, co-create, and build an inclusive, empathetic community. From meaningful networking to fresh perspectives on higher education ecosystems, the event showed the power of collaboration.
👉 Read more |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
First PIONEER Festival at TH Köln |
|
| At the premiere of the PIONEER Festival at TH Köln, several events were organized to foster interaction between the PIONEER partner universities and the TH Köln community.
👉 Read more |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Universidad de Huelva: From Strategy to Green Innovation |
|
| Universidad de Huelva has started the year with several initiatives strengthening its engagement in the PIONEER Alliance. In January, the UHU PIONEER community met to advance its strategic roadmap for 2026, focusing on teaching innovation, collaborative research and regional engagement. In early February (4–6 February), the university also participated in the Spanish Green Hydrogen Summit, presenting research connected to the region’s emerging Green Hydrogen Valley and highlighting the role of European cooperation in the green transition. Later that month (9–11 February), UHU welcomed Erasmus and international students during its International Welcome Week, fostering openness, diversity and intercultural exchange within the European academic community.
👉 Discover UHU’s Hydrogen Research here |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Tomas Bata University in Zlín Celebrates 25 Years |
|
| This year, Tomas Bata University in Zlín celebrates the 25th anniversary of its establishment. Since 1 January 2001, the University has come a long way. Today, it is an integral part of Zlín and Uherské Hradiště, a key driver of development in the Zlín Region, and an important centre of education, research and cooperation not only within the Czech Republic and Europe, but in certain fields worldwide. The anniversary will be marked throughout the year by a series of events for students, employees and the general public.
👉 Read more |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
UNIZA wins 18 medals and ranks third at the 2026 Slovak Winter Universiade |
|
| University of Žilina successfully hosted the 2026 Slovak Winter Universiade, the country’s largest university sports event, bringing together 616 athletes across 14 disciplines over 12 days. UNIZA celebrated team victories in floorball and a bronze in ice hockey.
👉 Read more |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Inspiring Encounters and Strengthened Partnerships: BFH International Staff Week 2025 |
|
| Representatives from European partner universities discovered BFH as a place of learning, teaching, research, and innovation. They visited BFH campuses, laboratories, and research infrastructures in the Canton of Bern.
👉 Read more |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | 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. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
