FORTHEM: “transforming European academic cooperation into a daily reality for students, teachers, and researchers”
From April 20 to 24, 2026, the University of Opole, current president of the FORTHEM Alliance, hosted a series of major events illustrating the vitality and maturity of European academic cooperation.
Université Bourgogne Europe (UBE), a founding partner of FORTHEM, took an active part and was strongly represented, with the presence of its president, Vincent Thomas, alongside a delegation deeply involved in the FORTHEM Alliance. This delegation notably included Bernhard Altheim, Director of the European Affairs Department; Alex Frame, UBE FORTHEM institutional coordinator; Jocelyne Gerard, Director of Communication for the FORTHEM Alliance; and Helena Jestin, Head of the FORTHEM Office and project coordinator. UBE was also represented by Robinson Daoust, Student Vice-President, and Raphaël Convers, a contractual PhD candidate at the CREGO laboratory, participating in the FORTHEM PhD Network.
A vibrant community of students and early-career researchers
The first days of this European week were dedicated to students and doctoral candidates, key actors in building the university of the future. Gathered in Opole, the FORTHEM Student Council and the Alliance’s doctoral network opened spaces for dialogue and concrete initiatives.
Students advocated for stronger participation in decision-making and for tools promoting mobility and inclusion, such as the AGORA platform and harmonized recognition of ECTS credits. Meanwhile, doctoral candidates officially launched a network dedicated to research and scientific cooperation, aiming to provide a European framework for their careers. UBE, strongly committed to doctoral training and mobility support, backed these initiatives, which reflect the growing momentum of a new generation of European researchers.
A symbolic and cooperative presidency
On April 22, the FORTHEM Presidency meeting took place, marking a central moment of the week. The rectors of the nine partner universities, including Université Bourgogne Europe, reaffirmed their shared vision of an Alliance that endures beyond European funding. Professor Jacek Lipok, Rector of the University of Opole, emphasized that the presidency is not only an honor but also a shared responsibility: to turn European academic cooperation into a daily reality for students, teachers, and researchers.
Universities as actors of scientific diplomacy
On April 23 and 24, the international conference “Bridging Knowledge and Diplomacy” brought together experts and representatives from several European alliances—including EUTOPIA, CIVICA, ATHENA, and FORTHEM. Discussions focused on the role of universities in scientific diplomacy, partnership management, research integrity, and the global challenges facing higher education. For UBE, this meeting highlighted the diplomatic role of science: bringing nations closer through knowledge and academic dialogue.
An alliance rooted locally, open to Europe
Exchanges between delegations, the participation of Opole’s local authorities, and informal moments on campus embodied the philosophy of FORTHEM: a network of European universities rooted in their territories, yet united by a shared vision. Université Bourgogne Europe commends the excellent coordination by its Polish partners and the collective momentum driven by students and doctoral candidates.
An alliance in motion
After seven years of fruitful cooperation, FORTHEM has proven that it is no longer just a funded project, but a genuine European academic community capable of acting together beyond administrative frameworks. UBE will continue to contribute to this ambition by promoting open research, inclusive mobility, and inter-university co-creation.
You can find the full article, including testimonials and highlights, via this link : Forthem | News-Detail