The University of Alicante (UA) has assumed the presidency of Transform4Europe (T4EU), a consortium of eleven European universities, during a ceremony held at the University of St. Clement of Ohrid in Sofia, Bulgaria. Amparo Navarro, the rector of UA, takes over from Professor Eliza Stefanova, marking the beginning of a new leadership phase focused on blue and green transformation, regional innovation, and cooperation between universities and their surrounding areas.
The presidency is guided by the motto “Blue and Green Transformation: connecting Europe through regional innovation,” which reflects the commitment to promote innovative and sustainable solutions to significant environmental, economic, and social challenges across Europe. This initiative aligns with the mission of Transform4Europe, which aims to create an integrated and inclusive European university closely linked to regional ecosystems.
Amparo Navarro's vision for cooperation
In her inaugural speech, Navarro emphasised the importance of continuity in leadership and the shared responsibility of European universities in addressing current challenges. “We assume the presidency of Transform4Europe with humility, commitment, and determination. This is not merely a change of leadership but an opportunity to build on previous work and strengthen trust and cooperation among our universities,” she stated.
Navarro also highlighted the role of higher education institutions in fostering a more resilient, connected, and democratic Europe. “European competitiveness, democratic values, and our ability to tackle green and digital transitions depend on knowledge, skills, innovation, and the strength of our societies. Universities not only generate knowledge but also educate citizens capable of understanding complexity, participating, and taking responsibility,” she added.
She stressed the need to align the strengths of each institution with the needs of their respective environments, suggesting that territories could become living laboratories of innovation where universities, public administrations, businesses, and citizens collaborate to develop locally rooted solutions with a European impact.
Commitment to Transform4Europe
Juan Llopis, Director of Institutional Relations and Projects at the University of Alicante, reiterated the institution's commitment to consolidating Transform4Europe within its strategic framework. He outlined measures taken by UA to integrate the alliance into its institutional strategy and structures, supported by its governing bodies and the involvement of the Office of Institutional Project Management in its coordination.
The presidency of Transform4Europe by the University of Alicante represents an opportunity to enhance the visibility and strategic nature of the alliance, promote its engagement within the university community, and strengthen collaboration with regional stakeholders.
Focus on ethical AI and Mediterranean identity
During the Strategic Assembly in Sofia, Rafael Molina, Vice-Rector for Digital Transformation at UA, participated in a roundtable discussion on the ethical use of artificial intelligence in education. This session addressed the challenges posed by the integration of AI into higher education, covering professional ethics and the European regulatory framework.
The University of Alicante approaches its presidency with a Mediterranean identity, drawing on its experience in a region where water, climate, and sustainability significantly impact the landscape, economy, and daily life. The blue dimension will focus on water resilience and the protection of marine and coastal ecosystems, while the green dimension will address climate resilience, biodiversity, and the circular economy, with an eye towards future generations.
Priorities and upcoming events
The UA presidency will revolve around four main priorities: promoting blue and green innovation by connecting research with entrepreneurship; strengthening regional ecosystems through transformation laboratories and partnerships; increasing visibility and consolidating the shared identity of Transform4Europe through tangible results; and placing inclusion, collaboration, and active student participation at the heart of the alliance's initiatives.
Alicante will host significant events during the presidency, including the PhD Conference and Matchmaking Event in June 2027, aimed at pre-doctoral researchers from the universities involved in Transform4Europe, followed by the T4EU Week, Global Partnership Forum, and Strategic Assembly in October 2027.
