Celebrating 5 Years of Circle U.

On 20 November 2025, the Main Building of the University of Vienna turned into a lively hub of international cooperation and academic exchange. Circle U. marked its fifth anniversary with a celebration that brought together more than two hundred students, researchers, staff members and partners from across Europe. Throughout the afternoon and evening, the programme reflected what Circle U. stands for: interdisciplinarity, openness, innovation and a shared commitment to shaping the future together as a European university alliance.

Doors opened at 13:45, and the ceremonial halls quickly filled with energy and conversation. The Poster Session from 14:00 to 16:00 showcased projects from across the Circle U. partner universities, highlighting innovative and interdisciplinary collaborations led by students, researchers and staff. Among the highlights was the screen-printing station, where participants could imprint Circle U. designs onto their own tote bags or T-shirts. This hands-on activity combined sustainability and creativity, offering guests a memorable keepsake and a way to give old textiles new life. A bustling photo booth added another playful element and captured countless smiling faces. For many students, a particularly meaningful moment came when the Circle U. Ambassadors met in person for the first time. Their gathering deepened connections across universities and set the stage for future cooperation and joint initiatives.

At 16:00, the official ceremony began under the theme “Celebrate Five Years of Circle U.: From Education and Research to Impact.” Rector Sebastian Schütze of the University of Vienna and Julia von Blumenthal, President of Circle U. and Rector of Humboldt University of Berlin, opened the programme. They reflected on the alliance’s achievements and its crucial role in fostering European cooperation between education, research and society. Two keynote lectures followed under the banner “Global Health Meets AI.” Professors Robert Boehm and Joerg Menche linked two of today’s most pressing global challenges, health and artificial intelligence, and showed how interdisciplinary research at the University of Vienna contributes to innovative solutions for a sustainable future. A short musical interlude created an uplifting atmosphere before the PhD Impact Talks began, featuring rapid-fire presentations from doctoral candidates from across the Circle U. alliance. Moderated by Marco Masia, Head of Entrepreneurship at the University of Vienna, the session illustrated how Circle U. supports early career researchers and encourages projects that generate tangible value for society.

Alongside the official programme, many Circle U. work packages used the opportunity to meet in person, exchange ideas and plan upcoming phases of cooperation. For several teams, it was the first face-to-face meeting and a valuable chance to align goals, build trust and energise future projects within the alliance.

The celebration concluded with a reception at 18:15, where guests gathered over delicious food and lively conversation. The relaxed setting encouraged in-depth exchange, spontaneous encounters and renewed enthusiasm for the next chapter of this shared European journey. As the evening drew to a close, one message resonated strongly: Circle U. connects people, disciplines and ideas across borders. The alliance continues to grow, opening new opportunities for students, staff and researchers and underscoring that genuine cooperation begins with personal encounters.

Five years on, Circle U. stands as a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration and commitment. Looking ahead, the partners are excited to build on this momentum and to continue developing Circle U. together in the next five years and beyond.