U!REKA Connects is an annual event, where the U!REKA community and stakeholders can meet and expand their networks. This year, Metropolia has the pleasure of organizing the event in the Helsinki metropolitan area.

See below for more information on the event programme, registration and call for proposals.

We are excited to share this experience with you – a warm welcome to all to Helsinki!

U!REKA Connects 2025 programme*

Tuesday 20 May 2025

Tuesday’s programme includes:

Working meetings for those involved in U!REKA governance bodies and work packages

Meetings of U!REKA deans and heads of schools and directors in charge of strategic development (on personal invitation)

15:00-18:00: Educational Forum open to all | Presentations, workshops, and discussions focusing on the core areas of U!REKA education: staff training, common educational collaborative programs, as well as collaborative micro credentials. Presenting and finalizing the framework for challenge-based collaborative education.

Wednesday 21 May 2025

Joint programme for everyone. Theme of the day: European University Alliances and their transformational role for Europe.

9:00-9:30: Welcome

9:30-9:50: Recent EU developments and expectations towards European Universities

9:50-10:00: U!REKA framework & contribution to European Education and Research Area

10:00-10:15: Break

10:15-11:00: Panel about the way forward towards joint European degrees, campus and mobility

11:00-11:15: Short reflection, activation of the audience

11:15-12:00: Panel discussions about the developments in the EU Mission on Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities, and the importance of University collaboration

12:00-13:00: Lunch

13:00-14:00: Parallel sessions including campus tours and invitation-only meetings

14:00-15:00: Parallel sessions including campus tours and invitation-only meetings

15:00-16:00: Parallel sessions including campus tours and invitation-only meetings

18:00-20:00: Dinner

 

Thursday 22 May 2025

Joint programme for everyone. Theme of the day: Best practices in European University Alliances for challenge-based and collaborative learning and innovation. 

9:00-9:30: Welcome to the 2nd day

9:15-10:30: Best practices in European University Alliances for joint education and services

9:15-10:30: Best practices in European University Alliances for joint RDI activities in European level ecosystem collaboration

10:30-10:45: Break

10:45-12:00: Parallel sessions: Highlights about European University RDI activities, e.g. city labs, knowledge-creating community

12:00-13:00: Lunch

13:00-14:00: Parallel sessions including campus tours and invitation-only meetings

14:00-15:00: Parallel sessions including campus tours and invitation-only meetings

15:00-16:00: U!REKA awards and closing ceremony

 

Friday 23 May 2025

Opportunity to organise further meetings and meet Metropolia colleagues on different campuses.

9:00-12:15: Exploring clean and sustainable solutions innovation hub and collaborative platforms: Workshops/Presentations, discussions on potential project ideas, Myyrmäki campus and technical teaching facilities tour

*The programme is subject to minor changes.

 

Link to event registration:

https://register.metropolia.fi/event/vNDG0

The registration is for those who are involved in or would you like to be part of U!REKA activities.

 

Call for proposals:

We invite everyone to make a proposal for a pitch, presentation or workshop in Connects 2025 event. Your contributions should have the following duration: workshop = 45 minutes, presentation = 20 minutes and pitch 5 = minutes. Please submit your proposal by 21 March 2025 at the latest. You can submit it via the link below.

https://register.metropolia.fi/feedback/101HWqQ4EJ65Ngr

We are looking for proposals in four categories. Please check the descriptions below before submitting your proposal.

1. Collaborative and challenge-based teaching and learning for green and digital transitions or transversal skills
   U!REKA strives to be a lighthouse for collaborative and challenge-based teaching and learning in Europe. We focus on educating professionals who will accelerate the green and digital transitions in our cities for a more sustainable future.
   What are your experiences and ideas for shaping the future-proof urban professionals? Share them under this theme.
2. Co-creation of solutions for climate-neutral and smart cities
   U!REKA’s vision is to create a profound shift towards climate neutral and smart cities. To get there, and to make a sustainable impact, we need solutions that are co-created across disciplines and sectors with multiple stakeholders: students, staff, researchers, external partners and the communities around us.
   This theme invites contributions that focus on co-creation of impactful solutions with multiple stakeholders.
3. Bold innovations for inclusive university services
   In U!REKA, we are committed to creating an open and welcoming environment where all students and staff members are given the support needed to ensure equal opportunities for success. Services play a key role in making sure that everyone can thrive, regardless of their background or circumstance.
   If you work in higher education professional services (such as IT, HR, financial or student services, communications, research support, the library or international office) and have an innovative service concept to share, this theme is for you.
4. U!REKA community voices: Sharing experiences, successes and new development ideas
   This theme is for all of us, because it is us, the people of U!REKA, who make the alliance and the community. Creating a space where everyone’s voice is heard and valued is important for an inclusive U!REKA, so make sure that your voice is heard and listen to the stories of others.
   Under this theme we invite you to share your U!REKA story or experience, or to bring an idea for further development and improvement of our alliance

Hotel information

U!REKA Connects 2025 guests are free to book their preferred accommodation, but to make the journey easier, we have listed a few options below where reservations are available at a discounted rate.

For the Sokos Hotels and Scandic Hotels chains, the U!REKA Connects 2025 production team recommends Sokos Hotel Vaakuna and Scandic Simonkenttä due to their location and convenient transportation connections.

 

Sokos Hotels

Sokos Hotels offers discounted accommodation at Sokos Hotels for May 19-23, 2025 by using the reservation code WORKERY. The reservation code entitles to a 5% discount on the best available daily rates. Room rates include a buffet breakfast, complimentary Wi-Fi, guest sauna (if available), and VAT.

This special offer is valid according to the hotel availability. The number of rooms available with the reservation code is limited. Large events may restrict the availability. The discount code closes automatically when all available rooms with the code have been booked. In this case, you  can book rooms online with best available daily rates or advance purchase rates. Costumer service is ready to help with any questions about our products or services. For urgent inquiries, please contact the sales service by phone. Please quote the promotional code when making a booking.

Reservations:                    Sokos Hotels Sales Service Centre

Telephone:                          +358 300 870 000 / individual room reservations

E-mail:                                 sokos.hotels@sok.fi

Internet:                               www.sokoshotels.fi/en

Reservation code:               WORKERY

Radisson Hotel

Reservations:                    Radisson Hotels Sales Service Centre

Telephone:                          +358 300 870 010 / individual room reservations

E-mail:                                reservations.finland@radissonblu.com

Internet:                              www.radissonhotels.com

Reservation code:               WORKER

Scandic Hotels

Scandic Hotels offers a discount on room reservations at Scandic. Reservations can be easily made through the following link: BOOK WITH SCANDIC.

Through the following link, you can directly book rooms at a discounted rate: https://www.scandichotels.com/?bookingcode=CGRO

You can choose your preferred room type and receive an additional discount when paying for the reservation upon booking. The cancellation policy for individual bookings depends on the chosen booking type. To confirm the reservation, the guest must provide valid credit card information. Rooms are subject to availability and should be booked at least 10 days before arrival.

Scandic Friends members should also check for available loyalty offers.

Telephone:  0200 81800 (charges apply : 0,65€/min + local/min)
Internet: scandichotels.fi

Hotel Finn (**)

Hotel Finn offers a discount code connects25 which is valid from 15-28 May, 2025 and applies to all room types. By applying the discount code, you will receive a -20% discount on a Twin Standard room and a -15% discount on all other room types based on the current pricing for the specified time period. You can make a reservation at a discounted price at: https://hotellifinn.fi/en/home/

Enter the code in the “Promotion code” box in the booking window and click “Search”. After this, the system will show the available room types and discounted prices, with which you can confirm the reservation. There are two different price types available. For flexible reservations, they charge the first night in advance as a reservation fee and if the reservation is canceled 48 hours before the arrival date, the prepayment will be returned to the same payment card. For non-refundable reservations, the hotel will charge the full amount in advance and the reservation cannot be changed or canceled without charge.

Please note that the room rates do not include breakfast, as the hotel does not have a restaurant. However, three cafes in the vicinity of the hotel offer breakfast at a reduced price for hotel guests. Staff will be happy to provide you with more information about this. There is also free coffee and tea at the reception during its opening hours!

Address: Kalevankatu 3 B, 00100 Helsinki

Telephone: +358 9 6844 360

Whatsapp: +358 44 7092 719

Email: info@hotelfinn.com

Contact information U!REKA Connects 2025

tapahtumat@metropolia.fi