From registration to discoveries: Relive our opening day at #EAIE2025!

The wait is over! EAIE Gothenburg 2025 has officially opened its doors to more than 7,000 participants from around the world. The atmosphere at Gothenburg’s Svenska Mässan is electric as the global higher education community comes together for the first of four days of exchange and collaboration. With 250+ sessions, 1,000 organisations, and delegates from 110+ countries, we're all set to build bridges and co-create the future together.This year’s theme, ''GO-create'' embodies just that, guided by collaboration, creativity and innovation, grounded in the belief that we are stronger together. It also invites us to reflect on key questions for our sector: the role of competition, responsibility and ethics in shaping what we do. These ideas are woven into the very fabric of the programme and will guide the conversations in the week ahead.

Here are some standout moments from an unforgettable opening day!

Living the EAIE experience

After a bustling start at our registration desk in the early hours of the morning, our colleagues Jody Hoekstra-Selten (Senior Knowledge Development Officer) and Nicole Kaijser (Manager, Programme and Learning) introduced the world of the EAIE to faces old and new. They warmed up our participants with a three-word storytelling exercise, encouraging everyone to connect, get on board and learn together. Audience members eagerly shared their "tiny stories" with answers such as "I’m new here," "I learned something," and "It all started" , sparking lively conversations among peers. Jody and Nicole then showcased who we are and what we do, highlighting the EAIE’s extensive resources, training portfolio, research agenda and community platform, with many first-time participants gaining valuable insight into opportunities that extend year-round. Nicole closed with a powerful reminder: to embrace the unknown and discover one’s calling. It was the perfect launch to an action-packed day.

Building the future of European-funded programmes

In terms of the programme itself, there are several important innovations this year. Notably, we have worked very closely with the European Commission to design two dedicated sessions, both scheduled on the Tuesday of the conference, focusing on the future of European-funded programmes of high relevance to the EAIE community. The first ''Designing the future - Shaping HE mobility and cooperation actions in Erasmus+ 2028-2030'', brought together speakers Suzanne Conze and Filip Depoele, moderated by Claire Herrmann. With a full house of 500 participants, the session delved into the political context and current challenges of the Erasmus+ programme. Combining live audience polling with a lively 40-minute open discussion, it closed on a highly interactive note. The second, "The future of European higher education and research areas: The case of the Marie Sklodowska Curie actions" reflected on the future of the EU’s research training and cooperation in a broader political context. 

EAIE membership: Creating bonds and the spirit of Fika 

Back at the Community Drop-In Area, board members Tayyeb Shah, Edyta Lachowicz-Santos, and Joanne Pagèze introduced participants to the benefits of becoming an EAIE member. The session opened with Tayyeb inviting participants to share what they hoped to gain during the week, while also outlining the Association’s strategy and goals. Highlights from 2024-2025, including new initiatives around sustainability, were presented, along with practical insights for newcomers on how to make the most of their membership. To spark engagement, the board posed a forward-looking question: "What new tools would you like the EAIE to offer?" prompting creative and thoughtful responses from the audience. Later, current members gathered for a traditional Swedish Fika (afternoon tea), an opportunity to connect with peers and ease into what promised to be a busy and inspiring conference week.

That’s a wrap on Day 1! We launched #EAIE2025 with a dynamic mix of exploration and innovation, all while embracing our theme, Go-create. After reconnecting with familiar faces and welcoming new connections to our community, we end the day inspired, energised and ready for what’s to come. Stay tuned for more daily highlights straight from Sweden’s vibrant west coast.