Come to the University of Twente and join the ECIU Staff Week @UT
Organised by ECIU University and hosted at the University of Twente, the ECIU Staff Week 2026 will take place from 5–9 October. Over five days, we bring together higher education professionals from across Europe to explore the evolving role of European University Alliances as integrated ecosystems. And you can be part of it!
We offer you a unique opportunity to engage with the strategic, operational, and policy dimensions shaping the future of collaboration in European higher education. As European University Alliances continue to develop, they are no longer seen as isolated projects, but as integrated ecosystems that connect education, research, and innovation. This staff week is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of how these ecosystems function, how they are funded, and how they can be sustained and embedded within institutional strategies. By bridging Erasmus+ initiatives with research and innovation frameworks such as Horizon Europe, the programme highlights the importance of cross-pillar collaboration in achieving long-term impact.
The week is specifically tailored for professionals working at the intersection of internationalisation, European education and research & innovation programmes, and institutional strategy. Participants include alliance coordinators and work package leaders, Erasmus+ officers, research support staff, project managers, and policy professionals engaged in European higher education transformation. Whether participants are experienced in alliance work or looking to deepen their involvement, the programme offers valuable insights and practical perspectives
The programme is still very much under development, and we need your input to shape it. During these days, our main goal is to learn from each other. That is why we are looking for success stories and best practices.
👉 Apply now Link to application form
STAFF DAYS PROGRAMME
Overall theme: European University Alliances as integrated ecosystems: from Erasmus+ to research & innovation
DAY 1 – CROSS-ALLIANCE LANDSCAPE & FUTURE DIRECTIONS
Focus: Understanding the European Alliances system
Keynote + presentations on:
- Governance plans in Alliances
- Priorities
- Extension phase plans
Outcome: A common understanding of where alliances stand today and how the landscape is evolving.
DAY 2 – ALLIANCES AS INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEMS: OPERATIONAL REALITIES
Focus: How Alliances function internally
Topics:
- Coordination of education, research & innovation activities
- Integrated mobility systems
- Shared digital infrastructures
- Internal governance and decision-making
Outcome: Participants gain a clear picture of the internal functioning of alliances — processes, structures, and coordination mechanisms.
DAY 3 – FUNDING ARCHITECTURE OF ALLIANCES
Focus: Understanding the Funding landscape
Topics:
- Integration of Erasmus+ & Horizon Europe in Alliances context
- EU instruments (KA2, KA3, MSCA, EIT, etc.)
- National and regional funding schemes
- Alliances with diverse funding portfolios
Outcome: Participants understand the financial architecture that underpins alliances and how different instruments contribute to alliance missions.
DAY 4 – REGIONAL & INNOVATION ECOSYSTEMS
Focus: Connecting Alliances to regional, national, and European innovation spaces
Topics:
- Research–education synergies
- Joint research infrastructures
- Living Labs and innovation ecosystems
- Alliances as regional innovation actors
Outcome: Participants understand how alliances can position themselves as regional innovation engines and build cross‑pillar strategies.
DAY 5 – SUSTAINABLE ALLIANCES – GOVERNANCE, FUNDING AND EMBEDDING
Focus: Long-term sustainability & strategic embedding
Topics:
- Sustainable funding models
- Long-term governance structures
- Institutional integration
- Future policy directions
Outcome: Participants leave with a clear understanding of sustainable governance and funding models for long‑term alliance development.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
📍 Location: University of Twente Campus, The Netherlands
📅 Dates: 5–9 October 2026
🏫 Venue details: To be confirmed
FEES & FUNDING
There is no fee for participating in the ECIU International Staff Week. Accommodation, travel to and from Enschede, and dinner costs must be covered by the participants. Lunch and coffee breaks will be provided by the organisator of the event. Travel and accommodation expenses can be covered through Erasmus+ KA131 Staff Mobility for Training. Please check this option at your home university.
REGISTRATION
Ready to take your alliance work to the next level? Join colleagues from across Europe and become part of the conversation shaping the future of higher education. Apply before July 12.
👉 Apply now Link to application form
👉 Get in touch Flavia Carvalho de Souza
SELECTION PROCEDURE AND TIMELINE
Participants will be informed of the selection results before 24th July.
Selection criteria:
- Participants’ expertise in the field of the topic of this staff training
- Participants’ contribution to the topic of the training
- Participants coming from partner universities, especially from the ECIU Alliance
University of Twente
The Netherlands
At the University of Twente, we are pioneers in fusing technology, science and engineering with social sciences to impact the world around us. We call this ‘high tech human touch’.
Since its founding in 1961, we have been deeply connected with the rich industrial heritage of our region. We participate in ground-breaking, globe-spanning networks and programmes, and maintain lifelong connections with more than 50,000 alumni worldwide. It is a multicultural community of talented, ambitious people that offers students, scientists and educators from around the world the best possible conditions, including an innovative and vibrant campus with world-class facilities.
