On June 30th, 2025, the EUNICE Board of Directors met with the newly established Expert Advisory Board for a joint meeting. It was an opportunity for both groups to get to know each other and start building a working relationship towards common goals.
Magdalena Sikorska, Secretary General of EUNICE AISBL, opened the floor by walking everyone through the alliance’s mission, ongoing projects and activities, as well as long-term goals of EUNICE. Her presentation provided a clear vision of how the Expert Advisory Board will support and shape the development of the project’s initiatives.
“This joint meeting is a crucial milestone for EUNICE, as we bring together internal leadership and external experts in order to align our ambitions for the future. The insights and experience of the members of Expert Advisory Board will be essential in shaping an innovative and inclusive European university alliance.”
The meeting also included a short overview of next steps for the EAB, which is expected to provide external guidance and feedback as EUNICE continues to grow and develop. Initial exchanges and reflections were shared through a Q&A, offering a chance to discuss future collaboration and dialogue.
In order of appearance: Katarzyna Rzeszut (BoD), Magdalena Sikorska (Secretary General), Mariusz Głąbowski (BoD), Efthalia Chatzigianni (BoD), Leena Pöntynen (EAB), Cristina Satriano (BoD), Gabriel Moncalian (BoD), Joël Gallegos (EAB), Nathalie Kostman (AISBL), Carina Eriksson (BoD), Rony Snyders (BoD), Isabel Menezes (EAB), Joe O’Hara (EAB), Maria Stoicheva (EAB), Areti Vogopoulou (BoD), Ivanka Capova (BoD), Lucia Zappalà (BoD), Anna Budzanowska (EAB), Maria Figueiredo (BoD), Dorothy Anne Kelly (EAB), Rodrigo Martins (EAB).
Key priorities
Key priorities were discussed during the meeting, including strengthening research collaboration, expanding student mobility and internship opportunities, developing joint degrees across partner institutions, as well as ensuring institutional alignment with the EUNICE strategic plan.
Support from the Experts
The Expert Advisory board would provide input on strategic plans, offering insights on the alliance’s achievements, and acting as a sounding board for the development of future policies and priorities. The Advisory Board serves also as a source of expertise on emerging trends and opportunities in the higher education and research landscape. It can also provide advice on specific topics and contribute to shaping the alliance’s direction, as well as deepen connections with external stakeholders, enhancing EUNICE visibility across Europe.
The EAB will meet four times between 2025 and 2027, with the first face-to-face meeting planned during the General Assembly at Poznań University of Technology in May 2026.
The Expert Advisory Board members showed great interest in working together to support EUNICE Alliance development and help guide its future direction.
