The 3rd SEA-EU Society Hub Conference, titled “University and Society – Creating Value Through Engagement”, brought together researchers, educators and practitioners from across Europe at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Split, on 2–3 July 2026. The two-day event provided a platform for exchanging ideas, showcasing innovative practices and strengthening cooperation between universities and society through education, research and community engagement.
The conference was officially opened by Prof. Zoran Đogaš, Vice-Rector of the University of Split, Prof. Ina Reić Ercegovac, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Assoc. Prof. Ivana Jadrić, the conference’s main organiser. In their opening remarks, they highlighted the importance of universities as drivers of positive societal change and emphasised the role of the SEA-EU Alliance in promoting collaboration, innovation and civic engagement across Europe.
A highlight of the opening programme was the keynote lecture delivered by Prof. Jarosław Jendza from the University of Gdańsk, entitled “From Montessori’s Cosmic Task to Arachnean Ethics: Rethinking Engagement as Interdependence.” His inspiring presentation explored new perspectives on university engagement, encouraging participants to view higher education institutions as interconnected communities capable of generating meaningful social impact.
Throughout the conference, participants attended parallel sessions covering a wide range of topics, including education and student development, service learning, higher education innovation, sustainability, governance and community impact. Researchers from SEA-EU partner universities and numerous international institutions presented examples of innovative teaching methods, student engagement initiatives, social innovation projects, sustainable development practices and collaborations between academia and local communities. The programme fostered lively discussions, networking opportunities and the exchange of best practices among participants from diverse academic disciplines.
The second day focused on interactive workshops, allowing participants to actively explore themes such as participatory budgeting, inclusive universities, service-learning, humanitarian education, environmental protection, sustainable development, cultural engagement and cooperation with socio-economic partners. These workshops reinforced the conference’s central message—that universities play a vital role in addressing societal challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration and active community involvement.
By bringing together experts, educators and stakeholders from across Europe, the 3rd SEA-EU Society Hub Conference once again demonstrated the strength of the SEA-EU Alliance in fostering dialogue, sharing knowledge and developing innovative approaches that connect universities with society. The event concluded with renewed partnerships, fresh ideas and a shared commitment to creating lasting social value through higher education.
