The University of Goce Delčev (UGD) is hosting a series of meetings with representatives from the members of the European University Alliance “Applied, Connected, Entrepreneurial and Engaged – European University (ACE2-EU)” under the theme “Addressing Future Challenges – Driving Societal Transformation.” UGD participates as an equal member in this alliance, which was formed in December 2023 at the headquarters of the Polytechnic Institute in Santarém, Portugal.
The ACE2-EU Alliance brings together nine European universities: the Polytechnic Institute in Santarém (Portugal), University of Goce Delčev in Štip (Macedonia), Carinthia University of Applied Sciences (Austria), Constantin Brâncuși University in Târgu Jiu (Romania), Kaunas University of Technology (Lithuania), University of Francisco de Vitoria (Spain), Medical University in Poland, the Latvian Academy of Culture (Latvia), and Hochschule Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences (Germany).
The rector of UGD, Prof. Dr. Dejan Mirakovski, welcomed the partners, emphasizing that despite the diversity in the knowledge and research capacities of each university, there is a shared interest in building bridges for students to gain knowledge at any of the institutions, as well as opportunities for professors to collaborate on common issues. He stressed that, as the alliance’s motto suggests, it is crucial to address and solve societal problems today that will shape the future. He also highlighted that the partnership offers vast opportunities for student mobility, faculty collaboration, and joint research projects. The ultimate goal is for students to graduate with diplomas recognized by all nine universities in the alliance.
João Mutão, rector of the Polytechnic Institute in Portugal, underscored the importance of investing in a better educational system for a better future. He believes the collaboration will enhance innovation and entrepreneurship across societies.
The Mayor of Štip, Ivan Jordanov, also attended the event, affirming that Štip is an educational center and that the value generated through education is essential for societal development. He expressed his confidence that this collaboration will enable the exchange of knowledge and experiences, contributing to the development of the entire community.
The alliance’s goal is to create a transnational network of higher education institutions that fosters long-term institutional and strategic cooperation based on shared values and principles. This cooperation includes the exchange of knowledge and experiences, joint research, innovation, mobility at all levels, and the development of joint study programs. It aims to promote excellence in science and education, linking the university with the community to fulfill its third mission.
So far, two meetings of the alliance have been held, in Santarém (Portugal) and Brussels (Belgium), focusing on collaboration development and setting future directions. The upcoming meetings at UGD will be the third in the series and will focus on strengthening ties, further networking, and discussing past and ongoing projects within the alliance.
This article was translated using ChatGPT.
