ECIU University
Forum 2027
May 19-20th at the University of Twente (The Netherlands)

About The ECIU University Forum 2027
The ECIU University Forum is the annual event that unites the entire ECIU community. It’s the place where learners, teachers, researchers, staff, and societal partners exchange ideas, share experiences and build the future together.
In 2027, under the theme “Entrepreneurial minds, innovative futures” we’ll explore how entrepreneurship can drive real change and innovation, empower people and communities to turn ideas into action and societal impact.
Join us for two inspiring days of connection, collaboration, and co-creation as we shape a future where learning truly makes a difference. The ECIU University Forum is a part of ECIU University activities, co-funded by the European Union. The Forum will take place on 19-20 May at the University of Twente.


ECIU University Forum 2027 will bring together the entire ECIU University community: learners, teachers, societal stakeholders, staff, and researchers.
Please let us know if you are interested in attending as a participant via the call for participants!
Applications are not open yet
If you need support with anything related to the ECIU University Forum, have questions or suggestions, or are interested in collaborating with ECIU University or learning more about the opportunities we offer, please contact us at events@eciu.eu
Where to stay in Enschede
coming soon
How to get to Aveiro
coming soon
Applications for presenting a session within the theme of this year’s ECIU University Forum – Entrepreneurial minds, innovative futures – are now open!
The ECIU University Forum aims to engage its participants in discussions relevant to them – which is why we invite you to contribute. Submit your proposal to facilitate one of the sessions and become part of leading a relevant conversation.
Choose between Session Types
Panel Discussion
Explore a specific topic, bringing together a group of experts with different perspectives.
- Format: A group of experts joins the panel to discuss the chosen topic, as moderated by the session presenter. Each speaker has approx. 10-12 minutes for presenting and the presentations are followed by an interactive discussion with the audience, led by a panel moderator.
- Purpose: Offers diverse perspectives, encourages debate, and creates interaction between panelists and the audience.
- Example (from last year’s theme around innovation): “Innovative Practices in ECIU Teaching and Learning Centres”.
- Duration: 1 hour.
- Speakers: 3 or 4.
Lightning Talk
Share one of ECIU University’s innovation and innovative education-related achievements in a short presentation.
- Format: Short, focused presentations, typically lasting 10-15 minutes and followed by Q&A sessions.
- Purpose: Efficiently and concisely communicates a specific idea, project, or concept, while also sharing your experience from ECIU University activities.
- Example (from a previous theme around innovation): “Wicked Sustainability: Insights into into Developing Localised Projects for Smart Solutions to Sustainable Cities"
- Duration: 15 min max per speaker (3 different lightning talks will be combined to fill a 1 hour session).
- Speakers: maximum 3 per session
Skills Training Session
Are you an expert on a particular topic? Is there something you want to teach the participants? Give a skills training session!
- Format: Highly interactive sessions where participants engage in hands-on activities, training discussions, and exercises aimed to improve certain skills or introduce them to new perspectives.
- Purpose: Focused learning, skill development, and practical application of concepts.
- Example: “Challenge expresso: Live a real experience”.
- Duration: 1 hour
- Speakers: No limit.
(Net)working Session
Do you have an idea you want to make a reality? Invite colleagues to collaborate on developing an ECIU University learning opportunity, a project, or a European project application. For example, you can present your current research subject and find partners both for research and future learning opportunities. Are you facing a problem in your organization or work? This may also be your chance to find a joint solution!
- Format: Interactive sessions where participants engage in hands-on activities, discussions, and exercises.
- Purpose: Networking, connecting with societal stakeholders to co-create ECIU University learning opportunities and encourage collaborations.
- Example: “Building a Climate Network for European Universities”.
- Duration: 1 hour.
- Speakers: No limit.
- If you have any questions contact us using
- the form below
- or via
- events@eciu.eu
The ECIU University Forum is free of charge for all accepted session presenters and participants. If you are selected as a host of a session or participant, mobility grants may be provided by your home institution. Contact your local ECIU University office to inquire about specifics.
Team Impact Award 2027: Share Your ECIU University Impact Story
The ECIU Team Impact Award celebrates teams that have demonstrated exceptional collaboration, creativity, and dedication in addressing real-world ECIU University challenges. It recognises learners, staff, and external stakeholders who have gone above and beyond to develop meaningful, sustainable solutions with a positive impact on communities.
Applications are open until March 31st.
Whether you're a learner, a “teamcher”, a researcher, a stakeholder or staff — all community members who have taken part in an ECIU University Challenge (in the last year) are welcome to apply. Show the whole community the impact you (and your team) have made — and the journey you have taken.
- The winning team (4 persons max) will be invited to attend the ECIU University Forum 2026 in Aveiro, with all travel and accommodation covered.
- In a big upgrade for 2026, the winning team will receive a professionally produced video created by ECIU, to showcase your challenge, your results, and the real-world impact you and your team have made.
- Your story will also be shared on ECIU’s website and social media — giving your work broad visibility.
- You will receive a digital certificate recognising you as Team Impact Award Winner.
The Programme
coming soon
Contact us
We look forward to hearing from you!
For any general inquiries or press-related matters, please feel free to reach out to us.
