More than 170 participants from across Europe gathered at SupBiotech from 28 to 30 October 2026 for the 4th UNIgreen Joint International Centre (JIC) Meeting, one of the Alliance’s most important annual events. Bringing together university leaders, researchers, academic and professional staff, and student representatives from UNIgreen’s ten partner institutions, the meeting served as a key platform for collaboration, strategic planning, and knowledge exchange.
As the operational body of the UNIgreen European University Alliance, the Joint International Centre plays a central role in coordinating activities and advancing the Alliance’s shared mission of promoting excellence in sustainable agriculture, green biotechnology, environmental sciences, and life sciences. Supported by the European Universities Initiative under the Erasmus+ Programme, UNIgreen continues to strengthen cooperation between higher education institutions committed to addressing global sustainability challenges.
Over three days, participants engaged in a comprehensive programme of governance meetings, work package sessions, strategic workshops, student-led initiatives, and networking activities. Discussions focused on key Alliance priorities, including governance and management, quality and impact, joint educational opportunities, student and staff mobility, research and innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainability, digital transformation, and communication and dissemination.
One of the major milestones of the meeting was the formal establishment of the UNIgreen Student Council, marking a significant step forward in strengthening student representation and participation in Alliance governance. During the event, the Council nominated its Interim President and Vice-President, laying the foundations for an active and structured student voice within UNIgreen.
The meeting also highlighted the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of UNIgreen students through the final presentations of the UNIgreen Innovation Challenge. Student teams from across the Alliance presented innovative solutions addressing sustainability-related challenges, demonstrating the impact of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation-driven learning. Teams from France, Portugal, and Spain were recognised for the quality and originality of their projects.
Beyond internal discussions, the event fostered collaboration with other European University Alliances, including CIRCLE U. and YUFE, reinforcing UNIgreen’s commitment to strengthening cooperation throughout the European Higher Education Area. These exchanges provided valuable opportunities to share best practices, explore common challenges, and identify future areas for collaboration.
Hosted by SupBiotech in Villejuif, the meeting concluded with strategic discussions on the future development of UNIgreen+ beyond 2027, confirming the Alliance’s ambition to build an increasingly integrated, innovative, inclusive, and sustainable European University.
With more than 170 participants, 40 student representatives, and all ten partner universities represented, the 2026 Joint International Centre Meeting demonstrated the strength of the UNIgreen community and its shared commitment to transforming higher education through cooperation, innovation, sustainability, and meaningful student engagement.
Credit photo: © Laurent Guichardon.
