Stories

U!REKA European University can help cities in the climate transition. As an alliance of applied universities, U!REKA contributes to the development of specific solutions, based on a multi-stakeholder approach, with focus on education, research, innovation and service to society. That was the main message during the UIREKA workshop at the European Week of Regions and Cities (EWRC) in Brussels (13-15 October), where two projects were presented as good practices of collaboration between universities of applied sciences and cities: one in Ghent, another in Helsinki. In this article, we focus on Ghent.

The rectors of the U!REKA European University, an alliance consisting exclusively of universities of applied sciences, emphasize in a common statement the importance of the application-oriented approach of applied universities, closely connected to companies, organisations, and communities, have become indispensable in a changing society. By flexibly combining expertise and perspectives, students of universities of applied sciences develop innovative solutions to complex business and societal challenges.

Koen Goethals, president of HOGENT, takes over the chairmanship of the U!REKA Steering Committee from Riita Konkola of Metropolia University of Applied Sciences for the next two years.

Despite the war, Ukrainian universities continue to function and try to adapt to the difficult conditions, introducing innovative educational approaches, and strengthening international cooperation. Even during war, Ukraine’s higher education system remains resilient. One of the institutions is Odessa National Economic University, partner of the U!REKA University Alliance. At the start of the new academic year, they are facing another hard period. We asked some lecturers and students how they cope with this.

Frankfurt UAS professor Raul Gschrey discusses ideas, plans and goals for the international teaching platform

The importance of European higher education collaboration was highlighted at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences in Helsinki on 21–22 May. U!REKA Connects, the annual flagship event of the U!REKA University Alliance gathered nearly 400 participants from across Europe.

At U!REKA Connects 2025, people and projects that bring the alliance to life were celebrated with the U!REKA Awards. These recognize exceptional contributions to co-creation, boldness, and inclusion – the core values of U!REKA.

U!REKA European University Alliance and businesses, has been awarded major project funding from the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) Higher Education Institutions (HEI) Initiative. The U!Innovate Project is an important boost to enhance the innovation capacity and entrepreneurial mindset of U!REKA universities and foster collaboration between academia, industry and regional authorities.

Dr. Sam Illingworth from Edinburgh Napier University plays key role at both events

In spring 2025, VSB – Technical University of Ostrava hosted two dynamic academic events that underscored the power of international and interdisciplinary collaboration within the U!REKA alliance.

In a podcast conversation U!REKA members Minna Kaihovirta (Metropolia) and Koen Van Damme (HOGENT) explore how inclusion, co-creation and boldness became the core values of our European University alliance.