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.
Register for the U!REKA Connects 2025 here
U!REKA Connects Programme
Tuesday 20 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 21 May
Joint programme for everyone Theme of the day: European University Alliances and their transformational role for Europe
9:00 – 9:30 Welcome
9:30 – 9:50 Recent EU developments and expectations towards European Universities
9:50 – 10:00 U!REKA framework & contribution to European Education and Research Area
10:00 – 10:15 Break
10:15 – 11:00 Panel about the way forward towards joint European degrees, campus and mobility
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
12:00 – 13:00 Lunch
13:00 – 16:00 Parallel sessions
18:00 – 20:00 Dinner
Thursday 22 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 23 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.