EMERGE participants at Matej Bel University
Held on 21–22 April 2026, the EMERGE European University Alliance held a joint meeting that brought together representatives from the nine partner universities, including members of the Governing Board, Student Advisory Board, and Project Management Team.
Discussions focused in particular on plurilingualism and community engagement. Anne Goarzin, Vice-President for EMERGE at Université Rennes 2 and lead for Work Package 7 (Languages and Culture), co-led—together with Angela Farrell (University of Limerick)—the presentation of the EMERGE Plurilingual Language Policy. This key initiative aims to provide the Alliance with a structured framework to guide collaboration whilst respecting linguistic and cultural diversity across the Alliance, in line with the objectives of the European Education Area.
A dedicated session on community engagement, led by colleagues from Matej Bel University, highlighted how partner institutions are strengthening links with their regional ecosystems and reinforcing their social impact.
More broadly, the meeting reaffirmed the role of universities as key actors in addressing societal challenges in close collaboration with local partners. The programme featured a range of workshops, panel discussions, and strategic meetings involving academic leaders, researchers, administrative staff, and students. These exchanges supported dialogue on shared priorities, including innovation in teaching, research collaboration, inclusivity, and civic engagement.
The presence of Lesley Lelourec, Secretary General of EMERGE, underscored the strategic importance of the gathering, while the active participation of the Student Advisory Board reflected the Alliance’s commitment to inclusive and participatory governance.
The event concluded in fitting style across two memorable settings: an evening at the State Opera in Banská Bystrica, where participants enjoyed a performance of Carmen, followed by a festive gala dinner on the UMB campus. More than a formal alliance, EMERGE continues to develop as a dynamic partnership dedicated to building modern, inclusive, and socially responsible higher education environments.
Vincent Gouëset, President of Université Rennes 2, who attended the meeting, welcomed the “rich and constructive exchanges” that are helping to strengthen the Alliance’s shared vision.
