South East Technological University (SETU) welcomed members of the EU-CONEXUS Governing Board, External Advisory Board and Management Board to its Cork Road and West Campuses in Waterford from 7โ9 July for a series of strategic meetings that helped shape the future direction of the European University Alliance.
Bringing together Rectors and External Advisors from the Alliance’s nine partner universities, the meetings provided an opportunity for open strategic discussion on EU-CONEXUS’ progress to date, its long-term positioning, and future priorities. The discussions were particularly significant as they took place at the beginning of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
A key element of the programme was engagement with the EU-CONEXUS Student Board, whose members presented feedback and recommendations following their two-day meeting at SETU.
The EU-CONEXUS Student Board met for the second time this academic year in Ireland on 6โ7 July. The meeting brought together student representatives from seven EU-CONEXUS partner universities, alongside the Work Package 12 leader and the Student Board Secretary.
Discussions focused on proposed changes to the Student Board Statute, reviewing progress made to date, identifying opportunities for improvement, exploring new initiatives for student engagement, and agreeing priorities for the months ahead. The Student Board also held its annual meeting with the Governing Board to discuss how both groups could work together to strengthen student participation and engagement across the Alliance.
Hosting these meetings at SETU reflected the University’s ongoing commitment to strengthening European collaboration, supporting innovation in higher education, and ensuring that students remain central to the Alliance’s shared vision for sustainable, internationally connected education.
As part of the programme, delegates visited SETU’s Department of Land Sciences Living Lab in Carriganore, attended a presentation by Dr Kevin Doolin of the Walton Institute, and enjoyed a guided walking tour of Waterford City, experiencing the region’s rich heritage and the historic Viking Triangle.
Renco Baliฤ, student at the University of Zadar and President of the EU-CONEXUS Student Board, said:
“Our Student Board meetings were highly productive and helped us develop a shared set of priorities ahead of our discussions with the Governing Board. I would like to thank the Governing Board members for being so receptive to our ideas and for the constructive feedback they provided. It was also a pleasure to visit Waterford, experience the hospitality of SETU, and learn more about the city’s rich history and the beautiful Mount Congreve Estate.”
Ashkan Dehghan, PhD student at SETU and representative on the EU-CONEXUS Student Board, said:
“Hosting the EU-CONEXUS Annual Meeting at SETU is a reflection of the commitment to strengthening European collaboration and enhancing student-centred involvement, ensuring students remain at the heart of the shared vision for higher education and sustainability.”
Looking ahead, the Governing Board discussed the Alliance’s strategic priorities as it enters its next phase of development. Prof. Dr Artลซras Razbadauskas, Chair of the EU-CONEXUS Governing Board and Rector of Klaipeda University, said:
“As the Alliance enters its next stage of development, our priority is to ensure that EU-CONEXUS continues to deliver long-term value for our universities, regions and Europe. This means regularly monitoring the implementation of our Strategic Plan, strengthening the research dimension by engaging more researchers and exploring funding opportunities beyond Erasmus+, while ensuring that our education remains firmly research-based.
“We also discussed expanding the EU-CONEXUS Challenges by incorporating the social sciences perspective, as well as placing greater emphasis on the active involvement of our associated partners โ particularly ports. Their expertise and engagement are essential if we want to develop innovative, high-impact solutions that respond to the real needs of Europe’s coastal regions and reinforce the long-term sustainability of the Alliance.”
The strategic meetings also highlighted the important role of external stakeholders in shaping the Alliance’s future. David Sinnott, CEO of Port of Waterford and member of the EU-CONEXUS External Advisory Board, said:
“The External Advisory Board brings an important industry perspective to the work of EU-CONEXUS, helping to ensure that the Alliance’s activities remain relevant to the needs of society and the blue economy. Meeting at SETU provided a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas with EU-CONEXUS leaders and students, and to explore how closer collaboration between higher education and industry can help address shared challenges and create opportunities for the future.”
The meetings concluded with a shared commitment to continue strengthening collaboration across the EU-CONEXUS Alliance. Bringing together university leaders, external advisors and student representatives provided an opportunity to reflect on progress, exchange perspectives and agree priorities that will help shape the Alliance’s work in the years ahead.
