From 19 to 21 March, YERUN Leaders, Coordinators, the YERUN Board, and the YERUN Brussels Office gathered in Rijeka for the YERUN Spring General Assembly, kindly hosted by the University of Rijeka.
As YERUN celebrates a milestone year, the gathering provided an ideal opportunity to bring our community together for three days of insightful discussions, collaborative exchanges, and strategic reflection in the vibrant setting of Rijeka.
The General Assembly officially began on the afternoon of 19 March with a warm welcome from Professor Snježana Prijić-Samaržija, Rector of the University of Rijeka. She shared inspiring perspectives on the university’s work and its ambitions for the future. Later in the day, participants had the chance to step outside the meeting room and immerse themselves in the city. A guided tour through Rijeka offered a deeper appreciation of its rich history, stunning coastal views, and dynamic cultural life.
On 20 March, YERUN Leaders and Coordinators came together for a strategic workshop dedicated to shaping the YERUN Strategy 2026–2030. The session, facilitated by Kristof Braekeleire and the YERUN Brussels Office, guided participants through a collective reflection on the network’s strategic direction for the coming years. Discussions focused on the priorities and focus areas for the next four years, the ways in which the work of the YERUN Brussels Office connects with that of its member institutions, and how the Office can further strengthen its support to the network. The workshop also explored how YERUN can continue to grow and evolve in its structure and impact.
Throughout the day, the atmosphere was one of openness and collaboration. The contributions of all participants reflected the shared commitment to reinforcing YERUN’s role as a key player in the European higher education and research landscape.
In addition to the strategy workshop, the YERUN Brussels Office provided updates on the latest policy developments at EU level, offering valuable context for the discussions.
The final day of the General Assembly, 21 March, featured the formal General Assembly meeting, which concluded three days of meaningful dialogue, planning, and exchange. During this important session, participants discussed recent developments in CONNECT by YERUN, including the growing engagement of researchers and the initiative’s potential to foster impactful research collaborations across member institutions. The meeting also provided a moment to reflect on the network’s 10th Anniversary celebrations, review progress to date, and look ahead to the upcoming activities still to come. Further discussions addressed the network’s budget, updates on the work of the Brussels Office, and new initiatives that are helping to drive YERUN’s continued development.
A heartfelt thank you goes to the University of Rijeka, and, in particular, to Rector Snježana Prijić-Samaržija and YERUN Coordinator Nina Premus, for the warm welcome and outstanding organisation. It was a pleasure to be hosted in your city and on your campus.
With renewed energy and shared vision, we now look ahead to our next meetings: gathering in Brussels on 4 and 5 June for the YERUN 10th Anniversary Conference, and the next General Assembly, which will take place from 7 to 9 October 2025 and will be kindly hosted by the University of Cyprus.
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Photocredit: © Tanja Kanazir
