The agenda included items such as budget approval and the appointment of new Management Board members and student representatives. This year, themes like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Research and Innovation (R&I), and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) were central to the discussions.
Circle U. joins the Artificial Intelligence revolution
At the General Assembly, a significant milestone was reached: the launch of a new Knowledge Hub on Artificial Intelligence, led by the University of Pisa and the University of Belgrade. This innovative collaboration draws on the strengths of both institutions to advance research, education, and innovation in Artificial Intelligence across Europe.
Prof. Francesco Marcelloni, former Vice Rector for International Cooperation and Relations at UNIPI, who was a strong advocate for the University of Pisa’s membership in Circle U., and Prof. Miroslav Marić, Head of the Department of Computer Science and Informatics at the University of Belgrade, will co-lead the new Knowledge Hub as Academic Directors. In this role, they will shape the development of educational content and the scientific agenda, supporting the alliance's goal to be a front-runner regarding AI in academia.
Prof. Francesco Marcelloni pointed out that the Knowledge Hub on Artificial Intelligence will focus on a multidisciplinary approach, involving all of Circle U.’s thematic areas. Marcelloni also stressed the importance of understanding both the potential and risks Artificial Intelligence brings to our society and promoting good use of it.
The day prior to the General Assembly, Circle U. Rectors and Presidents met with specialists and experts on an invitation from Vice-Chancellor & President, Professor Shitij Kapur, to explore AI’s transformative role in education and its potential to enhance student success.
“King’s College London is delighted to host Circle U.'s General Assembly and meetings, underscoring our deep commitment to this dynamic European alliance. Circle U. contributes to our European strategy by bringing together our community of academics, researchers, and students in a shared mission. As we navigate transformative advancements like generative Artificial Intelligence in education, partnerships like these are essential to fostering accessible, inclusive, and forward-thinking learning environments. Together, we are better equipped to shape a future-ready education system that benefits everyone,” said professor Shitij Kapur, Vice-Chancellor & President at King’s College London.
Conclusion of the ERIA project
With the conclusion of the Empowering Research and Innovation Actions (ERIA) project in October 2024, the General Assembly acknowledged ERIA’s key takeaways and challenges. Looking forward, the General Assembly discussed collaborative research and innovation plans, with Université Paris Cité handing over the R&I leadership to the University of Vienna. This transition includes a new research group, "Fostering Collaboration and Building Capacity in Research," to build on the groundwork laid by the ERIA project.
Finally, the General Assembly approved the ED&I strategy and its implementation plan. Steered by Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, the ED&I strategy is designed to foster an inclusive culture throughout Circle U. It aims to make the alliance a model of inclusive academic excellence, ensuring resilience and adaptability to meet the diverse needs of students and institutions alike.
