Starting on 1st September, EU-CONEXUS is kicking off the new academic year with a significant leadership milestone. We are pleased and proud to welcome Fernando M. Galán as the Executive Director of EU-CONEXUS.
With the European Universities Initiative entering a more mature phase, this appointment comes at a pivotal moment. As he prepares to chart the alliance’s growth course in the years ahead, Fernando has agreed to share his vision for the future – and a message to the many communities united and supported by EU-CONEXUS.
Could you briefly introduce yourself to the EU-CONEXUS community?
I’m Fernando Galán, originally from Spain, and I have spent the last decade working at the intersection of higher education policy and international cooperation. My background combines experience in European associations, national rectors’ conferences, quality assurance, and, most recently, in developing and leading a European University Alliance. I’m passionate about building bridges across institutions and countries and making the vision of the European Higher Education Area a reality.
What motivated you to take on the role of Executive Director at EU-CONEXUS?
What inspired me was the clear commitment of EU-CONEXUS to addressing global challenges through a strong interdisciplinary and transnational approach. The alliance has shown remarkable cohesion and ambition, and I felt that my experience could add value at a moment when the initiative is maturing and entering a more strategic and sustainable phase.
What makes EU-CONEXUS unique within the European Universities initiative?
EU-CONEXUS has stood out for its clear thematic identity: smart urban coastal sustainability. This focus provides coherence across activities while encouraging multidisciplinary work. The alliance has also managed to integrate institutions with diverse traditions and profiles, and yet foster a strong shared culture and common direction. This balance of unity and diversity is one of its key achievements.
What do you see as the greatest strengths of the EU-CONEXUS alliance?
Its thematic focus, strong student engagement, and genuine institutional commitment from its members are, in my view, its greatest strengths. The alliance has managed to develop concrete joint structures and tools, as well as to develop a real “EU-CONEXUS community” feeling, which will be instrumental for its future impact.
What are your main goals and vision as you step into the role of Executive Director?
My goal is to support EU-CONEXUS in becoming a fully integrated and sustainable European University. This means working towards deepening cooperation, consolidating governance, ensuring long-term funding, and increasing visibility and impact. At the same time, I want to strengthen collaboration with external partners and contribute to shaping European policy by sharing the lessons learned from our journey.
Are there any particular areas you would like to see evolve or expand during your leadership?
I would like to further develop our strategic planning as an alliance. Moreover, I aim to continue supporting the research and innovation dimension, expand outreach to new societal and industrial partners, and support the development of joint academic offers that are attractive, inclusive, and future-orientated. Strengthening internal communication and community-building will also be key.
What role do you think collaboration plays in the success of EU-CONEXUS? How can it unlock new opportunities and multiply the outcomes of different initiatives and shared goals within the alliance?
Collaboration is at the very core of EU-CONEXUS. It transforms isolated efforts into shared successes, builds trust, and multiplies impact. Whether in education, research, or service to society, collaboration allows us to go further and faster together than we ever could alone.
How do you plan to engage with students, staff, and partners across the alliance? Do you see your position primarily as a “big picture“ role, or do you intend to zoom in on the different communities within the alliance as well?
While my role requires a broad strategic overview, I firmly believe in listening closely to the different voices that make up the alliance. I intend to stay connected with students, academic and administrative staff, and external stakeholders through regular visits, open dialogues, and active involvement in key initiatives. EU-CONEXUS is, after all, a community.
Is there a message you would like to share with the EU-CONEXUS community as you step into this new role?
Yes – thank you for the warm welcome and the hard work done so far by current and past colleagues. I’m honoured to join EU-CONEXUS at this exciting moment. Let’s continue to build a European University that is bold, inclusive, and impactful. I look forward to working closely with all of you and to growing together as one strong community.
