Being SEA-EU Conference in Gdańsk
15 września - 17 września
For the third time by the sea and for the first time in Gdańsk, Being SEA-EU Conference will bring 9 coastal academic communities together. Join us from September 15 to 17 and experience SEA-EU in a nutshell – or, more fittingly, in a seashell.
Charting the SEA-EU Horizon
In both Malta and Cádiz, the Being SEA-EU conference aimed to showcase the diverse research conducted across partner universities. Thanks to events like these and many other, scientists from SEA-EU universities were able to establish numerous collaborations, leading to joint publications, projects, and educational activities, among others.
As the second chapter of our Alliance draws to a close, the 3rd “Being SEA-EU” conference in Gdańsk will be dedicated to showcasing this ecosystem of collaboration, innovation and excellence nurtured over the seven years of SEA-EU. It will provide an opportunity to take a closer look at the Alliance’s research potential, success stories, best practices, and a shared vision for the next phase of its development.
After the abstract call
The call for abstracts for the 3rd Being SEA-EU Conference closed on 30 April 2026. All authors will receive information regarding the outcome of their abstract submission, as well as mobility funding decisions, on 15 June 2026. Following this, final registration will open. Participants whose abstracts are accepted will be asked to confirm their participation and provide additional details.
Authors who submited abstracts will be informed via the conference platform and email whether their university will fund their mobility, as each SEA-EU university decides independently and supports only a limited number of participants. Participants, who will not receive the funding, are responsible for covering their own travel, accommodation, and subsistence costs.
Thematic areas
Unlike previous editions, the 3rd Being SEA-EU conference will accept abstracts aligned with one of five thematic areas specific to the SEA-EU Alliance. Nevertheless, science remains at the core of the conference, so researchers from a wide range of scientific disciplines are invited to submit abstracts aligned with one of the following themes:
European Classroom
This thematic area represents a structural shift in higher education, integrating curricula, pedagogical innovation, and digital solutions across partner universities.
In just a few years, SEA-EU has become a dynamic platform for innovative and truly international educational initiatives.
Hundreds of students have benefited from Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs), microcredentials, Joint Programmes, and other collaborative learning formats.
We invite academic staff to share their experiences, lessons learned, and forward-looking ideas that will help shape the future of the European Classroom.
United in research
Scientists from SEA-EU universities collaborate every single day. Whether through SEA-EU Seed Funds, shared infrastructure, or externally funded projects, one thing is clear: our research communities are becoming increasingly interconnected.
The 3rd Being SEA-EU conference will serve as a platform to showcase the results of numerous fruitful international collaborations, joint publications, and innovative research initiatives.
We warmly invite scientists at all career stages and from all disciplines to contribute to this thematic area and to shed light on the dynamic SEA-EU ecosystem of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
Institutional Transformation
Collaboration across SEA-EU partner universities has sparked innovation at every level — from governance and administration to research and academic support.
Staff Weeks strengthen the skills of academic and administrative staff. Ambitious projects such as Joint Programmes and the SEA-EU Association drive institutional modernization. Working in international teams provides constant exchange of best practices in key areas.
Step by step, these actions are reshaping how our universities operate. Together, they strengthen the infrastructure, modernise skillsets, and integrate SEA-EU into the organizational DNA of each partner.
This thematic area centres around SEA-EU’s institutional transformation potential and surrounding topics. We welcome contributions from experts in management, strategy, infrastructure, and human resources who have helped shape this transformation and researchers interested in the impact of the European Universities on higher education, universities and society.
Sustainability & European Goals
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and European values lie at the heart of SEA-EU. As the evaluation of Agenda 2030 approaches and debates on European identity intensify, these principles have never been more relevant.
From green transition and gender equity initiatives to migration and blue economy observatories, SEA-EU demonstrates its commitment to both sustainable development and shared European principles. At the same time, many impactful projects led by our researchers extend beyond the formal framework of the Alliance, contributing to global and regional challenges.
This thematic area invites contributions exploring the role of SEA-EU universities, cities, ports, and the broader European Universities Initiative in advancing the SDGs and promoting common European values — including the rule of law, freedom, equality, minority rights, and human rights.
What’s Next for SEA-EU?
European University Alliances represent the future of higher education in Europe. By building transnational campuses, enhancing joint research activities and working on automatic for students, SEA-EU is actively involved in building the university of the future.
This thematic area focuses on the next chapter of the Alliance and the evolving landscape of European higher education institutions. It invites discussion on strategic priorities, the current state of universities, long-term sustainability, and the untapped potential for deeper integration.
Join us to reflect, debate, and help chart the SEA-EU horizon.
Being SEA-EU!
If you require additional details please check the Practical Information (FAQ) or the contact sections. The registration for all participants on the Official Being SEA-EU Platform will open on June 15.
But remember — this conference is about more than just science. It is also an opportunity to meet colleagues from across the Alliance, exchange ideas, and build new collaborations.
During the event, participants will be able to take part in a variety of side activities, such as exhibitions, networking events, and city tours.
We hope to see you soon in Gdańsk. In the meantime, enjoy the amazing views of the city, the Baltic Sea, and our University.