U!REKA European University Alliance organizes the annual U!REKA Connects event, where partner universities and U!REKA associate members have the opportunity to meet each other and expand their networks. This year, it is Metropolia’s turn to host the event and welcome approximately 250 guests to Helsinki in May to attend inspiring presentations and discussions, as well as participate in various workshops.
The two-day event, held at the Myllypuro campus, will focus on key U!REKA themes – sustainable development, circular economy, energy transition, and carbon-neutral and smart cities – along with the development of U!REKA’s activities and collaboration.
Before the main Connects event days, an open Educational Forum will take place on Tuesday afternoon, May 20, bringing together teachers and other education professionals from partner universities.
On Friday, May 23, visiting representatives from partner universities will have the opportunity to meet their Metropolia colleagues at other Metropolia campuses.
Register for U!REKA Connects
Registration for the event is now open. We kindly ask participants to register using the same form for both the early-week working group meetings and the official event program. Registration ends on 31.3.2025.
Register for the U!REKA Connects 2025 here
Call for proposals
We invite everyone to make a proposal for a pitch, presentation or workshop in Connects 2025 event. You can submit your proposal via the link below. Proposals must be submitted by the latest 21.3.2025.
We are looking for proposals in four categories. Please check the descriptions below before submitting your proposal
Categories for proposals
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.
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.
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.
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
U!REKA Connects Programme
Tuesday 20th May
- Working meetings for those involved in U!REKA governance bodies and work packages
- Meetings of U!REKA deans & heads of schools and directors in charge of strategic development (on personal invitation)
- 15:00 – 18:00 Educational Forum – 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 (open to all)
Wednesday 21st May
Joint programme for everyone
Theme of the day: European University Alliances and their transformational role for Europe
9:00 – 9:30 Welcome (Riitta Konkola CEO and President of Metropolia UAS, Chair of U!REKA European University. Henri Van de Coevering Student council representative of U!REKA European University. Juhana Vartiainen Mayor, City of Helsinki.)
9:30 – 9:50 Recent EU developments and expectations towards European Universities (Susanne Conze Head of Unit, European Comission, DG EAC.)
9:50 – 10:00 U!REKA framework & contribution to European Education and Research Area (Mona Roman Reserch Director, Metropolia UAS, Lead Coordinator of U!REKA European University.)
10:00 – 10:15 Break
10:15 – 11:00 Panel about the way forward towards joint European degrees, campus and mobility
(John Edwards General Secretary, EURASHE. Sirpa Moitus Counsellor of Evaluation, Finnish Education Evaluation Centre (FINEEC). Marjaana Mäkelä Principal Lecturer, Haaga-Helia UAS and Ulusseys European University. Sakari Heikkilä Project Manager, Digi-Visio, CSC IT Center for Science. Koen Goethals President, HOGENT University of Applied Sciences and Arts, U!REKA European University.)
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
(Thomas Osdoba Senior Advisor, EIT Climate-KIC, Managing Director, NetZeroCities. Geleyn Meijer Rector, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, U!REKA European University. Jan Horák Specialist of Strategic Planning Unit, City of Ostrava. Simon Lindörfer Manager, Europe Direct Relais Rhein-Main, District of Offenbach.)
12:00 – 13:00 Lunch
13:00 – 16:00 Parallel sessions
18:00 – 20:00 Dinner
Thursday 22nd May
Joint programme for everyone
Theme of the day: Best practices in European University Alliances for challenge-based and collaborative learning and innovation
9:00 – 9:20 Welcome to the 2nd day
9:20 – 10:30 Highlights from European University alliances, e.g. lifelong learning, joint degree developments, staff training, U!REKA Exchange concept
10:30 – 10:45 Break
10:45 – 12:00 Highlights about European University RDI activities, e.g. city labs, knowledge-creating community
12:00 – 13:00 Lunch
13:00 – 15:00 Parallel program
15:00 – 16:00 U!REKA awards and closing ceremony
Friday 23rd May
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 changes.