UAlg reinforces strategic role during SEA-EU Governing Week in Kiel

UAlg was represented by the Rector, Paulo Águas; Patrícia Pinto, Pro-Rector for the European University of the Seas Alliance; Marleni Azevedo, Head of the Office for International Relations and Mobility; João Vidal, appointed at UAlg for Task 1.3 (Ethics Expert Group); Milene Lança, SEA-EU Technical Manager at UAlg; and Rodrigo Carlos, President of the Students’ Union. The delegation played an active role throughout the programme.

One of the most symbolic moments of the week was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by the Rectors’ Council, committing to the creation of a legal entity for SEA-EU, thereby ensuring the continuity of the Alliance beyond the current European Commission funding. Cooperation agreements were also signed for joint courses developed within the Alliance – the STORM and MIPMAL master’s programmes and the SeaBluE bachelor’s degree – further strengthening academic integration and student mobility.

On the first day, UAlg representatives took part in various strategic meetings, including the Vice-Rectors’ Council, where Pro-Rector Patrícia Pinto presented updates on the engagement of new external partners.

The second day began with the official opening session, featuring welcome addresses from local authorities and Kiel University, followed by strategic updates from SEA-EU’s General Coordinator, Marcela Iglesias. In the afternoon, UAlg participated in the Executive Committee meeting, which discussed topics such as the expansion of mobility (including virtual formats), digitalisation, the development of joint degrees, and new governance structures. Concurrently, the Cities–Ports–Stakeholders workshop was held, sharing best practices in university–city collaboration, with particular focus on the “Science Comes to Town” initiative, which in 2026 will transform urban spaces into science outreach hubs in Brest, Kiel, and Split.

The three-day gathering also marked the beginning of the planning process for SEA-EU 3.0. Progress was presented on the creation of the Joint Research Office and a new system for recognising virtual mobility.

Meanwhile, the Student Council advocated for the organisation of events that enhance the visibility and role of students within SEA-EU.

On the final day, the Governing Board approved the Alliance’s new governance structure and formalised key strategic decisions.

The week concluded with the handover ceremony, during which the University of Naples Parthenope assumed the presidency of the Rectors’ Council and the responsibility for organising the next Governing Week, scheduled for November 2025 in Naples.