The Week is an engaging Joint Challenge hosted by the University of Gävle, bringing together participants from across the EU GREEN Alliance to learn, reflect and discuss some of the most important sustainability challenges facing our world today. Over three interactive online sessions, participants will explore current environmental and climate challenges, consider how we arrived at the present situation, and reflect on the opportunities and actions that can contribute to a more sustainable future.
Each session will combine a thought-provoking film with facilitated group discussion, creating a space to exchange perspectives, connect with colleagues from across EU GREEN and consider sustainability from both collective and individual perspectives. Registration covers all three sessions, and registered participants will receive the Zoom link a few days before the first session.
📅 Dates: October 12, 14 & 16, 2026
🕒 Time: 15:00–17:00
💻 Format: Online via Zoom
More information
To get a better understanding of The Week
Please watch the short introductory video below(2 minutes).
The EU GREEN Internationalisation Days 2026 will bring together colleagues from across the Alliance for a week dedicated to collaboration, exchange and joint reflection on internationalisation. Jointly hosted by the University of Évora and the University of Extremadura, the event will provide participants with an opportunity to share experiences, strengthen cooperation and explore common approaches to further developing internationalisation across EU GREEN.
Taking place across Évora and Badajoz, the programme will combine collaborative working sessions with opportunities for networking and informal exchange. By bringing together colleagues from EU GREEN partner universities in a cross-border setting, the Internationalisation Days aim to reinforce connections across the Alliance and identify opportunities for future joint action.
ICOCIMS is an international biomedical student conference held in the charming city of Parma, Italy. It is a fast-growing international platform where future healthcare professionals gather to exchange ideas, present their research, and build professional networks. Organised by students, for students, ICOCIMS welcomes (bio)medical students worldwide, including undergraduate and graduate students in Medicine, Biotechnology, Pharmacy, and related fields. This congress unites participants from diverse academic backgrounds, offering unique opportunities to connect with peers and potential mentors across borders. The rich and dynamic program features keynote lectures by leading experts, oral and poster sessions for students to formally present research, and hands-on workshops to develop scientific and practical skills. Also included are career development sessions, networking events, and social activities designed to foster intercultural exchange and new ideas. Informal moments like coffee breaks are integrated to encourage meaningful dialogue and lasting collaborations. The event’s organization is guided by a professor-led Advisory Board, working in close cooperation with the Organising Committee, fully composed of students.
The 2026 edition of the congress will be held fully in person from November 12th to November 14th, at the Central Building, University of Parma (Strada Università 12, Parma, Italy), and SIM.LAB, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma (Building 27, University Hospital – Viale Antonio Gramsci 14, Parma, Italy) .
Members of the EU GREEN Alliance are invited to submit abstracts by 15 August 2026 using the dedicated online form. Registration for EU GREEN participants (both presenters and attendees) will be open from 15 September to 15 October 2026. Participants who miss this registration period may still register during the general registration phase.
Subject to a minimum of 15 participants from EU GREEN universities, dedicated social and cultural activities will be organised. Otherwise, EU GREEN participants will be welcome to join the activities planned for all conference attendees. Participants are encouraged to choose sustainable travel options, such as rail, bus or carpooling, whenever possible, in line with EU GREEN’s sustainability values.
For further information, please contact general.icocims@unipr.it. Additional information is available on the conference website (icocims.unipr.it) and on the official Instagram page (@icocims).
The EU GREEN Entrepreneurship Festival 2026 will bring together students from the nine universities of the Alliance at the University of Évora for five days dedicated to entrepreneurship, sustainability, innovation, and collaboration. The Festival represents the culmination of an entrepreneurial journey that began with the EU GREEN Innovation Days and continued through a series of workshops designed to help participants transform challenges and opportunities into sustainable business ideas.
During the Festival, 18 selected business ideas – two from each EU GREEN partner university – will be further developed through practical sessions, mentoring, peer exchange, and collaboration with experts from across the Alliance. Participants will have the opportunity to refine their projects and prepare their proposals before presenting them during the Final Pitch, one of the central moments of the programme. The event will also run alongside the EU GREEN Entrepreneurship & Innovation Staff Week, creating further opportunities for exchange between students and university staff.
📅 Dates: November 23–27, 2026
📍 Location: University of Évora, Portugal
Two days of meetings, networking, and collaboration for researchers, PhD students, and groups involved in research and innovation activities.
Save the date!
Two full days dedicated to researchers, knowledge exchange, and showcasing scientific achievements across the EU GREEN alliance. The conference aims to promote interdisciplinary exchanges on sustainability challenges and solutions, welcoming contributions from all disciplines and encouraging dialogue between researchers, doctoral candidates, practitioners, and societal stakeholders.
Additional details will be provided closer to the date.
Be sure to save the date and contact your local team for funding opportunities.
The EU GREEN Early Stage Researchers Conference 2026 will bring together Master’s and PhD researchers from across the Alliance for three days of interdisciplinary exchange, collaboration, and academic development at the Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Sligo Campus, in Ireland.
Under the theme “EU GREEN Research & Sustainability, Insights Across Disciplines”, the conference will provide early-stage researchers with the opportunity to present their work to an international academic audience, receive constructive feedback, and connect with peers and experts from different disciplines and institutions. The event also aims to foster collaboration around sustainability-related research and strengthen the EU GREEN research community.
In addition to academic sessions, participants will have the opportunity to engage in networking, social, and cultural activities showcasing the West of Ireland. The conference is open to researchers from all EU GREEN partner universities.
To celebrate the International Day for Biodiversity 2026, several EU GREEN universities will organise local activities connected through the BioUNIVERSITY initiative, encouraging students, staff, researchers, and citizens to actively engage with biodiversity on their campuses and surrounding environments.
Through citizen science activities using the iNaturalist platform, participants will contribute to documenting local flora and fauna while learning more about biodiversity, sustainability, and conservation. The initiative highlights how universities can act locally while contributing to a broader international effort to better understand and protect ecosystems.
The programme includes activities hosted by the University of Gävle, the University of Évora, the University of Parma, and Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, ranging from biodiversity walks and BioBlitz events to hands-on campus biodiversity labs. Participants will have the opportunity to explore nature, collaborate with researchers, and contribute directly to citizen science projects.
Activities include:
- University of Évora (Portugal) – BioBlitz Herdade da Mitra
📅 May 15–16, 2026
A 24-hour biodiversity exploration at the University of Évora’s experimental farm. - University of Parma (Italy) – BioUNIVERSITY Lab
📅 May 19, 2026
Students and researchers will document biodiversity on campus using iNaturalist. - Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (Germany) – BioUNIVERSITY Walk
📅 May 22, 2026
A biodiversity walk focused on citizen science and species observation. - University of Gävle (Sweden) – International Day for Biological Diversity
📅 May 27, 2026
Including a presentation on citizen science and biodiversity observation activities using iNaturalist.
Participants are encouraged to join the BioUNIVERSITY project by installing the iNaturalist app, contributing observations, and helping build a shared biodiversity record across EU GREEN campuses. 
collaboration, innovation, and care for the university community. By integrating small but meaningful practices into everyday academic life, we can move towards more balanced, inclusive, and harmonious campuses.
The EU GREEN Alliance proudly marks the International Day of Light (IDL), a UNESCO initiative celebrated annually on May 16th, through the EU GREEN Light Festival: Light for Sustainability, a vibrant, multi‑institutional programme of events across Europe.
Aligned with the 2026 theme, “Light for a Sustainable Future”, the festival showcases the transformative role of light and light‑based technologies in advancing scientific innovation, cultural expression, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through a diverse mix of in‑person and online activities, EU GREEN partner universities invited students, researchers, and communities to explore how light contributes to sustainability, education, and societal wellbeing.
Festival Highlights
University of Évora, Portugal (14–15 May)
Light, Science and Society: From Cultural Heritage to Global Atmospheres
The University of Évora will deliver a multidisciplinary programme combining scientific research, environmental action, and cultural heritage.
Date: 15 May
Time: 10:00 GMT
- “From Light to Actions: How Spectroscopy Saved the Ozone Layer”
A public lecture by Dr. Daniele Bortoli exploring how light-based analysis has supported global environmental protection efforts.
Link to the conference:
https://zoom.us/j/96115289132?pwd=awXKORbVwRNcmPHEfhYLDEMKibeQUa.1
Date: 14 May
Location: Local Public Event in Évora District Court and Library
“Haja Luz!” Public Engagement Programme will take place in Évora, featuring guided tours and talks at the District Court and Library. These sessions will highlight how light-based techniques are used in art analysis, manuscript preservation, early photography, and scientific investigation.
These activities highlight the intersection of science, culture, and society through light‑based innovation.
University of Parma, Italy (21 May)
Illuminating Sustainability: The Future of Optical Networks
The University of Parma will host a high‑level seminar event under the patronage of the IEEE Photonics Society Italy Chapter, exploring the critical role of optical fibre technologies in sustainable communication systems.
Date: 21st May
Time: 10.30-12.30pm (CET)
The programme will feature two expert-led sessions:
- Dominique Chiaroni (Nokia Bell Labs) – Key directions for In-building Sustainable Optical Networks
- Gudrun Gudmundsdottir (Technical University of Denmark) – Toward sustainable data transmission: Environmental impact of a fixed telecommunication network in Sweden 2024
This event will provide participants with valuable insights into how light-based technologies are shaping sustainable digital infrastructure.
To participate, you must register at this link:
Seminars International Day of Light – May 21st
The event is also part of the national Sustainable Development Festival.
University of Oradea, Romania (12–16 May)
SDG Glow‑Up Challenge 2026 – “Light Up the Future”
The University of Oradea will host a creative competition challenging students to transform sustainability concepts into innovative light‑based installations using recycled materials and simple circuitry or digital tools.
Participants will create original artworks representing one of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, submitting a digital project package including:
- A final illuminated image or video
- A short explanation of their concept
- Evidence of sustainable material use
Winning projects will be announced on May 16th and transformed into professional digital campaign materials and showcased in a virtual “Hall of Light” gallery, highlighting student innovation across the EU GREEN Alliance.
Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Ireland
Illuminating Discovery: Research Image Competition
The ATU EU GREEN Team, in collaboration with the ATU Library, will host a Research Image Competition inviting undergraduate, postgraduate, and staff researchers to visually demonstrate how light drives discovery.
Submissions will explore themes such as:
- Light as a scientific tool
- Revealing invisible phenomena
- Natural light and the universe
- Data visualisation through light and colour
Winning images will be announced on 18th May, awarded prizes and featured across EU GREEN and ATU platforms, showcasing the visual power of research.