The SEA-EU Alliance has reinforced its commitment to a strong and engaged leadership during the SEA-EU Rectors’ Meeting in Brussels, held on March 5-6 and hosted by Kiel University (CAU) as the current holder of the rotating presidency. SEA-EU rectors have demonstrated a high level of involvement, actively shaping the strategic direction of the alliance and ensuring its position within the European Higher Education and Research Area.
The meeting, presided over by Ralph Schneider, Vice President of CAU, provided a crucial platform for discussing the future governance of European universities and SEA-EU’s role in international research. The presidency of CAU will conclude in June with the SEA-EU Governance Week in Kiel, a key milestone for the alliance.
SEA-EU’s leadership was strongly represented by its rectors, alongside Marcela Iglesias, SEA-EU General Coordinator, and Fernando Pérez, Director of European Projects and SEA-EU at the University of Cádiz. Their presence underscored the alliance’s determination to reinforce its governance model and long-term sustainability.
The first day of the meeting featured external experts, including representatives from the European Commission, EUTOPIA, and ECIU Alliances, who shared insights into alliance governance models and their role in shaping the future of European higher education.
A major highlight was the discussion on the transformation of research assessment criteria in Europe, with contributions from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research & Innovation, the Leibniz Association, and the University of Gdańsk. This is a crucial issue for SEA-EU as it seeks to expand its impact on the international research landscape.
The second day was dedicated exclusively to SEA-EU members, focusing on the evolution of the alliance’s governance structure, including the potential establishment of a legal entity. SEA-EU rectors showed strong engagement, ensuring they are well-informed by top experts on the critical topics they must decide on. This level of direct involvement is a distinctive strength of SEA-EU, setting it apart from other alliances.
During this session, Marcela Iglesias presented a summary of last week’s Summit of Alliances, providing rectors with a comprehensive overview of ongoing discussions and strategic developments across the European University landscape.
Additionally, rectors worked on concrete proposals, actively contributing to the definition of SEA-EU’s present and future objectives. Their hands-on approach highlights the alliance’s commitment to maintaining an ambitious and forward-thinking governance structure.
The meeting in Brussels reaffirmed SEA-EU’s leading role in European university cooperation, with its rectors driving the alliance’s direction in higher education, mobility, and research. As SEA-EU continues to grow, its strong governance and engaged leadership will be essential in shaping the future of transnational education. The event concluded with a reception where the importance of European policies on marine and maritime research was highlighted—an area of particular relevance to SEA-EU, given its coastal identity and research excellence in these fields.
