Programme

Day 1 – Wednesday, 16 September 2026

Time Future of Higher Education: Bologna Process Researchers’ Conference The Future of Higher Education: Sharing knowledge and supporting implementation for a stronger Bologna Process
08:30 – 09:30 Registration of participants. Welcome coffee
09:30 – 10:00
Plenary Session – Welcome Addresses
Platinum Ballroom, 2nd floor

Moderated by Mr. Adrian Curaj (General Director, UEFISCDI)

  • Mr. Mihai Dimian, Minister of Education and Research, Romania
  • Mr. Dan Perciun – Minister of Education and Research, Republic of Moldova
10:00 – 10:20
Growing momentum: moving towards the Iasi/ Chisinau EHEA Ministerial Conference (2027)
Platinum Ballroom, 2nd floor

Presentation of the state of play regarding the Bologna work programme and inputs for the Ministerial Conference

Presentation by Mr. Horia Onița and Ms. Lilia Parhomenco (EHEA Secretariat)
10:20 – 10:45
The impact of the Bologna Process – key commitments and evolving needs
Platinum Ballroom, 2nd floor
  • Ms. Ligia Deca – author prospective study
10:45 – 10:55 Break
10:55 – 12:15
Introduction to the thematic sessions and presentation of the panels – in parallel rooms

Conference panels – Internationalisation & the Bologna Process (1)
Sala Colorado, 1st floor

Moderators: Laura Rumbley & Ligia Deca

  • 1. Governance of the European Universities Initiative: Innovation through Implementation, Andrew Gunn (University of Manchester)
  • 2. Synergies between the Bologna Process and the European Universities Initiative, Nadia Manzoni (Central European University, Vienna), Daniela Craciun (University of Twente)
  • 3. Trends in Internationalisation Strategy-Making across EHEA Countries, Irina Ferencz (Academic Cooperation Association), Laura Rumbley (European Association for International Education)

Conference panels – Fundamental Values in the EHEA (1)
Sala Florida, 1st floor

Moderator: Sjur Bergan

  • 1. Tensions between the Fundamental Values of Higher Education in the EHEA, Liviu Matei (King’s College London)
  • 2. Anchor Universities as Civic Universities: An Analysis of the Renewed Promise of Anchor Universities in the EHEA, Flora Laszlo (Central European University)
  • 3. Fundamental Values of the EHEA and the European University Alliances: Answers to a New Gambit, Horia-Șerban Onița (University of Bucharest)

Conference panels – AI & Digital Transformation (1)
Sala Arizona, 1st floor

Moderator: Cezar Hâj

  • 1. Interpreting Student AI Competency as a Developmental Continuum: A Data-Driven Framework for Policy and Practice in Higher Education,Luis Manuel Sánchez Ruiz, Sara Sánchez López, Carlos Delgado Caro, Adolfo Núñez Pérez, Santiago Moll López (Universitat Politécnica de València)
  • 2. AI in Teacher Education: Student Perspectives in the Context of a Trilateral Research Project, Dr Elizaveta Firsova-Eckert, Dr Lara Kierot, Lukas Fender (Leibniz University Hannover)
  • 3. Guiding Student Interaction with AI: Towards Structured and Responsible Learning Pathways in Higher Education, Sara Sánchez López, A. Nuñez Pérez, E. Planells Artigot, C. Delgado Caro (Universitat Politécnica de València / ESIC Business School, Spain)

Conference panels – Models, Mechanisms, and Practices in the EHEA (1)
Sala Diamond, mezzanine floor

Moderators: Adrian Curaj and Cosmin Holeab

  • 1. Translating the EHEA principles on social dimension into practice: the Romanian example, Horia-Serban Onita (University of Bucharest), Cezar Mihai Haj (UEFISCDI)
  • 2. To Habilitate or Not: A Comparative Study of Post-PhD Habilitation and Examination Processes across Europe, Pil Maria Saugmann, Nicola Dengo, Karl Edlund, Norbert Bencze, Hannah Schoch (European Council of Doctoral Candidates and Junior Researchers – EURODOC)
  • 3. When Teaching Excellence Competes with Research for Academics’ Attention: Reconciling the EHEA’s and ERA’s Agendas through Academic Practice, Linda Evans (University of Manchester)
Panel: Supporting the implementation of the Bologna Process at national and institutional levels: system-level approaches, peer learning and examples of good practice
Platinum Ballroom, 2nd floor

Moderated by Mr. Michael Gaebel (EUA)

  • 1. Mr. Robert Wagenaar (Bologna expert – Netherlands)
  • 2. Mrs. Helga Posset (BFUG WG on Monitoring Co-chair, Austria)
  • 3. Mrs. Sara Thornton (BFUG representative, France)
  • 4. Mrs. Maryna Mruga (BFUG representative, Ukraine)
  • 5. Mrs. David Flores (DAAD Germany)
12:15 – 12:30 Coffee break
12:30 – 14:00
Conference Panels II

Conference panels – Internationalisation & the Bologna Process (2)
Sala Colorado, 1st floor

Moderator: Laura Rumbley

  • 1. Models of Student Mobility, Rachel Brooks (University of Oxford)
  • 2. Exploring the Effects of Internationalisation Policies on International Student Success in Romanian Higher Education, Cristina-Ramona Fit, Mihai Paunescu (National University of Political Studies and Public Administration, Romania)
  • 3. Internationalisation of Higher Education in the Western Balkans: Applying New Institutional Lenses to National Policy Frameworks and Strategic Pathways, Oliana Sula (University ‘Aleksandër Moisiu’ Durrës, Albania)

Panel: Public Responsibility for and of Higher Education: Exploring Tensions between Public Authorities, Higher Education Institutions, and a Culture of Democracy
Sala Florida, 1st floor

Moderator: Sjur Bergan

  • 1. Sjur Bergan (Independent expert)
  • 2. Ligia Deca (National University of Political Studies and Public Administration, Romania)
  • 3. Svein Stølen, Åse Gornitzka (University of Oslo)
  • 4. Daniela Craciun (University of Twente)

Conference panels – AI & Digital Transformation (2) / Models, Mechanisms, and Practices in the EHEA (2)
Sala Arizona, 1st floor

Moderator: Cezar Hâj

  • 1. Inclusive Digital Competence in Teacher Education: Preparing Pre-Service Teachers to Support Children with ASD in the Digital Era, Elena Marin, Florentina-Ionela Lincă (University of Bucharest)
  • 2. The Role and Impact of AI Educational Tools in Albanian Higher Education: A Critical Review of Opportunities and Policy Gaps, Eriona Çela (University of New York Tirana)
  • 3. Design of Democratic Learning through Gamified Pedagogies: Escape Rooms as Agents of Transformation in Teacher Education, Dr Kallia Katsampoxaki-Hodgetts (University of Crete), Elena Marin (University of Bucharest)
  • 4. Role-Playing Pedagogies and Peer-Learning Assessment Pathways to Strengthen Autonomy and Agency in STEM Higher Education, Carlos Delgado Caro, Sara Sánchez López, Adolfo Nuñez Pérez, Santiago Moll López (Universitat Politécnica de València, Spain)
Clearing bottlenecks in implementing Bologna reforms: rationales, solutions, paradigms and communication efforts
Platinum Ballroom, 2nd floor

Moderated by Mr. Romita Iucu (University of Bucharest)

  • Mrs. Maria Kelo (BFUG BICG Co-chair, EUA)
  • Mrs. Daciana Pop (ESU)
  • Mrs. Elena Cîrlan (ENQA)
  • Mr. John Edwards (EURASHE)
  • Mr. Aleksandar Susnjar (E
  • Translating the EHEA principles on social dimension into practice: the Romanian example, Horia-Serban Onita (University of Bucharest), Cezar Mihai Haj (UEFISCDI)
  • QAR)
14:00 – 15:00 Lunch
15:00 – 16:30
Conference Panels III

Conference panels – Models, Mechanisms, and Practices in the EHEA (3)
Sala Arizona, 1st floor

Moderator: Cezar Hâj / Ligia Deca

  • 1. From Principles to Algorithms: Translating Bologna Commitments into Merger and Alliance Decisions in Ukraine’s Higher Education System, Volodymyr Ksienich (PPMI – Public Policy and Management Institute, Lithuania)
  • 2. Fit for the Market? The Reforms to External Quality Assurance Required to Ensure the Global Competitiveness of European Universities, Petri Mäntysaari (Hanken School of Economics)
  • 3. Models of Higher Education as a Heuristic Lens, Liviu Matei (King’s College London)

Panel: The European Degree in transformation: institutional, policy, and educational perspectives
Sala Colorado, 1st floor
  • 1. Maria Kelo (European University Association)
  • 2. Romiță Iucu (FOREU4ALL, CIVIS, University of Bucharest)
  • 3. Laura Howard (SEA-EU Alliance)
  • 4. Daniela Craciun (University of Twente)
  • 5. Alexandru Cartis (University of Bucharest)
  • 6. Nadia Manzoni (Central European University)

Conference panels – Fundamental Values in the EHEA (2)
Sala Florida, 1st floor

Moderator: Sjur Bergan

  • 1. The Role of the ‘Periphery’ in the Development of the ‘Centre’: External Forces Shaping the EHEA, Dr. Iryna Kushnir (Nottingham Trent University), Dr. Elizabeth Eta (University of Helsinki)
  • 2. Academic freedom in the European Higher Education Area and the evidentiary architecture of the first monitoring cycle, Cezar Haj (UEFISCDI)
Supporting implementation: the role of national action plans and thematic peer groups
Platinum Ballroom, 2nd floor

Moderated by Ms. Melanie Rosenbaum (Holy See)

  • 1. Ms. Maija Innola (BFUG BICG Co-chair, Finland)
  • 2. Ms Michaela Bohme (BFUG representative, Germany)
  • 3. Mrs. Ivana Radonova (BFUG BICG Co-chair, Bulgaria)
  • 4. Mr. Kyriacos Charalambous (BFUG outgoing Co-chair, Cyprus)
16:30 – 17:00 Coffee break
17:00 – 18:30
Parallel Groups – Presenting the new Bologna tools: looking forward to 2027

Moderated by Mr. Horia Onița (EHEA Secretariat)

  • 1. European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in Higher Education and European Approach for the QA of Joint Programmes – Mrs. Cristina Ghitulica (ENQA)
  • 2. ECTS User’s Guide – Mrs. Camille Odent (European Commission)
  • 3. Action Plan on Internationalisation and Mobility – Mr. Arthur Belle and Mr. David Flores (BFUG WG on Internationalisation and Mobility Co-chairs, Netherlands and Germany)
18:30 Dinner

Day 2 – Thursday, 17 September 2026

Time Future of Higher Education: Bologna Process Researchers’ Conference The Future of Higher Education: Sharing knowledge and supporting implementation for a stronger Bologna Process
08:30 – 09:00 Registration of participants. Welcome coffee
09:00 – 10:00
Vision on the future of higher education. High level intervention from a global perspective
Platinum Ballroom, 2nd floor

Moderated by Ms. Ligia Deca

  • 1. Mr. Jacob Blasius (Global Student Forum)
  • 2. Mrs. Hilligje van’t Land (IAU)
  • 3. Mr. Noah Sobe (UNESCO)
10:00 – 11:30
Digitalisation in higher education: what the EHEA has to decide
Platinum Ballroom, 2nd floor

Moderated by Mr. Cezar Hâj

  • 1. Mr Cezar Hâj (UEFISCDI) – author of the study on digitalization and EHEA, GLOBAL2030 project
  • 2. Ms Kristiana Egle (former OECD) – author of OECD paper on artificial intelligence in higher education
  • 3. Ms Elisa Petrucci (CIMEA, Italy) – Co-chair, Coordination Group on Global Policy Dialogue
  • 4. Mrs Debra Macfarlane (Director of Regulatory Services, QAA)
11:30 – 11:45 Coffee break
11:45 – 13:15
Panel – Common challenges across the globe for the future of higher education. Tailored solutions that work
Platinum Ballroom, 2nd floor

Moderated by Mr. Horia Onița (EHEA Secretariat)

  • 1. Mr. Michael Gaebel (EUA)
  • 2. Mrs. Nicole Font Guedes (Obreal)
  • 3. Mr. Luciano Saso (UNICA Network)
13:15 – 14:30 Lunch
14:30 – 16:00
Responsible internationalization: What does this mean and who is responsible and for what?
Sala Arizona, 1st floor

Moderated by Mr. Giorgio Marinoni (IAU)

Speakers:

  • Andreas Göthenberg (Swedish Foundation for International Cooperation in Research and Higher Education – STINT)
  • Ligia Deca (National University of Political Studies and Public Administration, Romania)

Discussant: Hilligje van ‘t Land (International Association of Universities)

FOHE-BPRC6 – Final remarks
Fundamental values – Synergies between EHEA – EEA – ERA
Platinum Ballroom, 2nd floor

Moderated by Mr. Robin Moberg (Sweden)

  • 1. Mr. Cezar Hâj (BFUG WG on Fundamental Values Co-chair, Romania)
  • 2. Mr. Liviu Matei (Vicepresident of the Governing Council of Magna Charta Observatory)
  • 3. Mr. Andreas Keller (ETUCE)
  • 4. Ms. Camille Odent (European Commission)
  • 5. Ms. Franziska Knogler (ESU)
16:00 – 16:15 Coffee break
16:15 – 17:30
Fulfilling the 2024 Tirana Communique mandate: Future-proofing the Bologna key commitments
Platinum Ballroom, 2nd floor

Moderated by Ms. Liesbeth Hens (BFUG TF Future of Bologna Co-chair, Belgium-Flemish Community)

  • 1. Ms. Baiba Ramina (BFUG TPG A Co-chair, Latvia)
  • 2. Ms. Chiara Finnochietti (BFUG TPG B Co-chair, ENIC-NARIC Bureau President, Italy)
  • 3. Ms. Cristina Ghițulică (ENQA President, former TPG C Co-chair)
  • 4. Ms. Daciana Pop (ESU)
  • 5. Ms. Leila Loupis (UNESCO)
17:30 – 18:15
Final session: Preparing for the 2027 EHEA Ministerial Conference and Global Policy Forum and beyond
Platinum Ballroom, 2nd floor

Moderated by Mr. Adrian Curaj (General Director, UEFISCDI)

  • 1. Ms. Luminița Matei (BFUG Vice-chair)
  • 2. Ms. Siobhán Sleeman (Head of Department of Higher Education in Ireland, BFUG Co-chair)
  • 3. Ms. Neda Zutautaite (incoming BFUG Co-chair, Lithuania)
  • 4. Ms. Adriana Cazacu (Secretary of State, Republic of Moldova)
18:15 Dinner