The SCIENTIFIC WRITING CAMP, now in its third edition, brought together early-career researchers from three Czech universities: VSB-TUO, the University of Ostrava, and the Silesian University in Opava. For the first time, the camp featured inter-institutional and interdisciplinary teams, reflecting a shared commitment to breaking down academic silos and building a culture of collaborative science.

Participants worked in small teams over two intensive days to design research project proposals with publication potential. The event was guided by experienced mentors, including Dr. Sam Illingworth of Edinburgh Napier University (ENU), a recognised expert in science communication and interdisciplinary learning – and a valued member of the U!REKA network. His mentorship not only enriched the participants’ experience, but also showcased the real impact of cross-university cooperation within the alliance.

In the same week, VSB-TUO welcomed nearly 90 participants to the first-ever U!REKA Local EduForum, which focused on strengthening local engagement with the alliance’s initiatives.

Dr. Illingworth returned to open the forum with a keynote presentation on ENU’s staff development strategy and the university’s active participation in U!REKA projects. His address highlighted the practical benefits of collaboration, such as co-designed training, shared curricula, and peer learning across institutions.

Building on this, Marcela Maturová from VSB-TUO’s Faculty of Civil Engineering shared examples of how the university leverages its U!REKA membership to advance research, mobility, and innovative teaching. Attendees also learned about:

• Change Drivers: a skills development programme focused on sustainability, digital transformation, and inclusion;

• Blended Intensive Programmes (BIP) and

• Collaborative Online Intensive Learning (COIL) models – introduced by Lenka Heczková and Eva Kovářová from the Faculty of Economics.

Both events illustrate the growing momentum behind U!REKA’s mission: to build an open, connected, and inclusive European higher education area. They also highlight how active member universities like VSB-TUO and ENU are turning shared values into concrete action.

We thank all participants and contributors – and especially Dr. Sam Illingworth – for helping bring the U!REKA vision to life. The next U!REKA EduForum will take place at the annual partner meeting in Helsinki.