Go-creation takes centre stage on day 3 of #EAIE2025!

The action continues at Svenska Mässan, as day 3 of #EAIE2025 arrived for our participants. From film screenings to painting lessons and even a Rainbow Get-together, Thursday at the conference was a day full of firsts that celebrated the spirit of community in every way. Read ahead to revisit our favourite parts of the day. 

A day filled with colour

The day was off to a warm and welcoming start in the Community Drop-In Area with our very first Rainbow Get-together. Here, participants shared ideas, built connections and exchanged insights on advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion in international education. It was inspiring to see so many join in and make the gathering so special. In the afternoon, the rainbow theme continued, this time in full colour. Participants were able to enjoy a creative painting workshop led by summer school expert and artist Sarah J Ormrod. She guided participants through simple steps to create their own Gothenburg cityscape, demonstrating how art can serve as a tool for self-expression, stress relief and enjoyment. The results were impressive, and the group’s talent truly shone through!

I found it truly meaningful to connect with fellow LGBTQ+ members, coming together not only to get to know one another, but also to share a powerful sense of unity. While acknowledging the common challenges we face today, we also celebrated the inspiring stories and experiences that highlight the positive impact each of us is making in the sector through our work.

- Nicolas Bohorquez (Community Coordinator, The EAIE)

Live from our sustainability hub and exhibition

For the fourth year running, the EAIE Sustainability Hub brought our green goals to life and created a lively space for connection and learning. Located at the heart of the EAIE Exhibition, right beside the EAIE Stand, the hub was buzzing with activity throughout the event. Participants could engage in multiple ways, from joining interactive sustainable talks led by our partners Phi Factory, CANIE and Green Circle Solutions, to testing their knowledge with the waste separation game or committing to the sustainable participant pledge. These activities highlighted practical, inspiring ways to act more sustainably, responsibly, and with circular principles in mind. Our commitment to reducing environmental impact at the sustainability hub was not only clear but deeply felt. As Noreen Lucy of CANIE shared, one of the most uplifting moments was hearing how many participants made the choice to travel to Gothenburg by train and are becoming increasingly aware of EAIE’s sustainability goals. Meanwhile, our EAIE Exhibition was buzzing with energy as visitors brought positivity and excitement to every corner. At our EAIE Stand, many shared glowing feedback about the Midsommar networking event from the night before, while others eagerly lined up to get their EAIE passports stamped and join in the quiz.

Working with EAIE now for the second year in a row has been really inspirational. I must say from the exhibitor profile as well, really fantastic engagement with our carpet calculation tools, and we look forward to creating data and results from this year’s show and comparing with previous results, but using that to drive ongoing momentum.

- David Humphreys (Green Circle Solutions)

Erasmus+ Highlights 

One of the day’s most popular sessions, ''The digital transition in Erasmus+: By the people, for the people'' packed session hall G3. Speakers Daiga Kuzmane (European University Foundation, Luxembourg), Klementyna Kielak (University of Warsaw, Poland), and Afra Schacher Sierra (University of Zurich, Switzerland) reminded the audience that they, too, were a part of the panel. They elaborated on how involving everyone in managing mobility flows to simplifying administration, is vital for building trust. Meanwhile, in session hall K, another Erasmus+-themed session ''From mystery to mastery: Lump-sum management in Erasmus+ cooperation projects'' drew an equally engaged crowd. Klaas Portier and Lotte Laenen (Ghent University, Belgium) together with Liga Kuzmane (European University Foundation, Luxembourg) broke down the lump-sum funding model and asked participants what they needed to tackle it with more confidence. It sparked a lively, hands-on discussion within the roundtables in the room.

We need a little bit of magic. We need to constantly develop with the community. We need good communication that reaches all corners in Europe. 

- Daiga Kuzmane (European University Foundation, Luxembourg)

Debuting our documentary film screenings 

For the very first time, Thursday's programme featured two documentary screenings. The first, Academic Stories from Ukraine, was a powerful reflection of its subject matter and importance. This powerful short documentary shared the extraordinary experiences of Ukrainian students and academics during Russia’s full-scale invasion, revealing their resilience and dedication to education and culture amidst immense challenges. Combining historical testimony with inspirational narratives, the film serves as both a vital record of academic perseverance and a call for international solidarity. The screening opened with a pre-recorded special introduction by director Gianluca Vagnarelli, founder of the Academies4Ukraine support initiative, highlighting the ongoing importance of safeguarding higher education in crisis. The second documentary, The Erasmus Generation, follows a young Italian taking part in a youth exchange in rural Bulgaria, documenting his journey alongside other participants over 10 days. took viewers on the mobility journey of one student, capturing the growth, discoveries and personal transformation that came with the experience. What made it even more special was that the film was created by two young Erasmus+ alumni, whose own life-changing experiences inspired the project, adding a deeply personal touch to this multimedia showcase.

From launching iniatives to lively debates

In our session rooms, the energy was bursting with perspectives. Things kicked off with the panel discussion ''CAPES-Global.edu: Building Brazilian betworks for global academic cooperation.'' Having noticed that more and more organisations use our conference as a platform to launch new reports and initiatives, we decided to take action this year. The session, moderated by our Director for Knowledge Development and Research, Laura Rumbley, introduced CAPES-Global.edu, a major initiative from the Brazilian Federal Government designed to strengthen ties between Brazilian universities, research institutions and international partners. Later, the spotlight turned to one of the most anticipated events of the conference: our annual EAIE debate. This year’s theme, ''Make European Higher Education Great Again'' set the stage for a lively back-and-forth. Moderated by Ellen Wang (Leeds University Business School, UK), the debate featured Soledad Zapiola (Universidad de San Andrés, Argentina) and Herwig Damon (Universität St. Gallen, Switzerland) squaring off against Robert Buttery (FHNW, Switzerland) and Elspeth Jones (Leeds Beckett University, UK). Each speaker had just three minutes to make their case, which kept the pace sharp and entertaining. The result? A thought-provoking exchange filled with laughter, good-natured competition and fresh perspectives—capped off with an engaging Q&A that kept the audience on their toes.

"Science and education are the greatest forces for optimism in a world of such great disruption today."

- Rui Opperman (Brazilian Federal Agency for Support and Evaluation (CAPES), Brazil)

Day 3 at #EAIE2025 showed us just how much energy, creativity and community spirit the conference continues to spark. From inspiring debates and hands-on workshops to powerful films and colourful moments of connection, the day was a reminder that international education thrives on collaboration and shared purpose. As we head into the final day, the momentum is stronger than ever. We can’t wait to see how it all comes together tomorrow.